six minutes, twenty-six seconds
6mins 26sec
6:26
these numbers are so easy to type, a matter of flicking my fingers on the right keys. but to complete 30 storeys with a 12kg pack within 6:26 was hell.
you start fast, maintain your speed and find that extra burst of energy at the end to sprint/stumble up the last steps. all the while your chest feels like it’s going to burst from the panting, and your eyes play tricks on you about the floor you’re at.
alternatively, you can also achieve 6:26 by attaching an accelerator device to your back as you climb. today, mine came in the form of lihui tagging at my heels.
With the team, Esther went on to climb and summit mountains in far-flung corners of the world, including Mt Aylmer (2,699m) in New Zealand; Mera Peak (6,476m) in Nepal; Er Feng (5,276m) in China; Mustagh Ata (7,546m) in Central Asia, and Mt Everest (8,850m) in Nepal.