“ The lessons you learn translate directly to life . I ’ ve been able to use that ability to push through my limits in my relationships and in my career ,” Alston said . “ It ’ s made me a better friend , a better boyfriend , a better worker .”
In addition to more than a decade ’ s worth of life lessons , Alston has racked up his share of accolades through competitive stair climbing . In February , he conquered 1,000 steps at Orlando ’ s Exploria Stadium in a brisk six minutes , four seconds and set a course record in the process .
That ’ s only the tip of a career iceberg that consists of nearly 60 course records at towerrunning events throughout the United States and Canada . In 2017 , he received the keys to the city for breaking a 32-year-old record at a stair-climbing event in Niagara Falls . To date , he has competed in more than 100 races — the equivalent of 87,000 steps .
The sport offers yet another benefit : it commonly generates funds for worthy causes in the form of entry fees and other fund-raising proceeds . For example , the American Lung Association organizes Fight For Air Climbs at sports venues throughout the country , including Alston ’ s record-breaking outing in Orlando earlier this year .
“ It ’ s a win-win ,” he said . “ I get to go in and challenge myself , but my entry fee goes toward making someone ’ s life a little better .”
What has become a way of life for the Chattanooga resident began as a way to cross-train as a collegiate track and field athlete specializing in the 400-meter hurdles . Running up and down stadium steps didn ’ t quite land him on the U . S . Olympic team as he had hoped , but it did lead to his first competitive stair-climbing event — taking on the 25-story Bank of America tower in Orlando in 2010 .
To train for that climb , Alston did reps of the stairs in the six-story parking garage at his mother ’ s workplace , completing the structure in fewer than 20 seconds .
“ I thought I would kill that 25-story building ,” he said , chuckling at the recollection . “ But the joke was on me . I blew up on the 18th floor and struggled the rest of the way .”
14 | ADVENTHEALTH . COM | SUMMER 2022