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JB Matheson

WWF Climb for Nature x CN Tower

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$150


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My Updates

The Hardest Part of Training is Doing Nothing

Wednesday 29th Apr

There is a specific kind of anxiety that sets in exactly 72 hours before a major event.

In my world, "doing" is my default setting. I am a creature of early morning HIIT sessions, Level 15 intervals, and the disciplined 32-bar musical phrasing that keeps my feet moving when my lungs want to quit. I’ve spent months building a high-performance engine for the WWF CN Tower Climb this Saturday.

And now, my training plan is telling me to shut the engine off.

Today’s workout felt like a joke. A ten-minute warm-up, one solitary 30-second burst of speed, and a cool-down. I walked out of the gym feeling like I had cheated. My "athlete brain" is screaming at me to go back in, to do one more set, to prove that I’m ready. It tells me that if I’m not exhausted, I’m not preparing.

But I’m learning that the Taper isn’t a vacation; it’s a tactical maneuver.

In music, the rests between the notes are what create the rhythm. Right now, I am creating my own "recovery rhythm." I’m letting the micro-tears heal and the central nervous system settle.

If you see me out walking the next couple of days, I’m not just commuting. I’m doing an "active flush." If I’m sitting still, I’m not being lazy; I’m "polishing the engine."

The work is done. The fundraising is in the bank. The gear is packed. Now comes the real test of discipline: trusting that the "me" who did the work months ago is the "me" who will show up at 6:30 AM this Saturday.

Back to the Base: Lessons from the Stairs

Tuesday 28th Apr

In just a few days, I’ll be standing at the base of the CN Tower, looking up at 1,776 steps.

Returning to this climb feels different this year. When I first took on this challenge, it was all about the "newness" of the experience and the physical hurdle of the climb itself. This time around, the novelty has shifted into a deeper appreciation for the process.

I’ve spent the last few months finding a rhythm in my training, but as Saturday approaches, I’m realizing that the physical preparation is only half the story. The real growth has been in the mental game—learning how to stay present during those long training intervals and finding a quiet discipline in the routine.

More than anything, I’m struck by a sense of gratitude. Whether it’s the encouragement from friends and family or the collective energy of everyone supporting the World Wildlife Fund, it’s a reminder that while the climb is individual, we aren’t doing it alone.

My goal for Saturday? To stay focused, enjoy the atmosphere, and appreciate every step that leads to that view at the top.

The Rhythm of the Climb

Monday 27th Apr

With May 2nd fast approaching, I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about the upcoming WWF CN Tower climb. While most people focus on the spectacular view waiting at the top, I’m find myself bracing for the real story that happens somewhere in the middle of those 1,776 steps.

There is a very specific mental shift I’m looking forward to—that moment a few dozen flights in where the pre-climb adrenaline fades. You’re left with nothing but the rhythm of your own breathing and the steady, repetitive beat of your feet on concrete. It becomes surprisingly meditative. In that stairwell, the world gets very small; you stop worrying about the flight numbers and focus entirely on the next three steps, searching for that "zen" state where the burn in your lungs just becomes background noise.

It’s a massive physical challenge, of course, but it’s that quiet, gritty mental discipline that I find most rewarding. The view from the top will be a great reward, but I’m ready to embrace the focus of the climb itself.

I am counting the days until May 2nd!

My Drummer Brain is My Secret Weapon

Saturday 25th Apr

With the CN Tower Climb just a week away, everyone asks about my leg strength. But honestly? My legs are just the roadies; the real headliner is my internal metronome.

Last year, I was just happy to reach the top without needing a search-and-rescue team. This year, I’m chasing a new record time, and I’m doing it by "playing" the stairs. You see, being a lifelong drummer means my brain is permanently hardwired into 8 and 16-bar measures. While other climbers are focused on the burning in their quads, I’ll be busy subdividing the 1,776 steps into a very long, very vertical drum fill.

Is it slightly ridiculous to treat a 144-story concrete shaft like a stadium solo? Probably. Does it help me stay in "the pocket" when my lungs start questioning my life choices? Absolutely. If you see a guy on the left-hand side of the stairwell looking intensely focused on a beat only he can hear (and maybe occasionally "air drumming" on a handrail), that’s just me maintaining my tempo.

The "gear" is tuned, my workout taper starts tomorrow, and I’m ready to see if a steady 4/4 beat can carry me to a new personal best. To quote James Brown, "Give the drummer some!"

From Paper Maché to 1,776 Steps

Friday 24th Apr
They say first impressions last a lifetime, and for me, that impression was a 553-meter concrete needle.

When the CN Tower opened, I was a Grade 5 student in Winnipeg and, frankly, obsessed. While other kids were doing projects on volcanoes or moldy bread, I spent my weeks covered in paper maché, clear plastic, and pipe cleaners, building my own scale model. It even featured a flashing red light and a revolving restaurant—though, in my architectural debut, the motor turned so fast the diners would’ve needed a legal waiver just to eat their salad.

Looking at this old photo of ten-year-old me standing proudly next to that lopsided tower, I can’t help but laugh. I never imagined that decades later, the CN Tower would still be my favorite structure in Toronto, or that I’d be preparing to climb the "real thing."

On May 2nd, I’m trading my wooden dowels for running shoes to take on those 1,776 steps. It feels like a fitting tribute to that kid from Winnipeg. I might not be as lightweight as my paper maché model anymore, but I’m definitely more determined than ever to reach the top!

The 32-Bar Sprint

Wednesday 22nd Apr
We’ve all been there: you’re in the middle of a high-intensity interval, your lungs are searching for oxygen, and your legs feel like they’ve been filled with lead. You look at the gym clock, certain that at least thirty seconds have passed, only to find the digital display cruelly informing you that it’s only been four.

In those moments, time doesn't just slow down; it feels like it’s actively working against you.

Lately, I’ve stopped looking at the clock. As a lifelong drummer, I’ve spent decades internalizing the structure of rhythm, and I’ve discovered that my best training tool isn't a stopwatch—it’s a time signature.

Mapping the Climb

My current "sprint" phase on the stairmill is set to Level 15, which translates to roughly 126 steps per minute. For a musician, that’s not just a speed; it’s a tempo. At 126 BPM, a one-minute work interval is almost exactly 32 bars of music in 4/4 time. 

Instead of fighting the seconds, I start the "song" in my head. I break the minute down into four 8-bar phrases:

Bars 1-8: The Intro. Establishing the groove and the arm swing.

Bars 9-16: The Verse. Settling into the effort.

Bars 17-24: The Bridge. This is where the "oxygen debt" usually starts to demand payment.

Bars 25-32: The Final Chorus. Pushing through to the resolution.

Trusting the Rhythm

When I’m hands-free and moving in sync, my arms and legs coordinate naturally to the beat. I find that if I focus on the "resolution" of the phrase rather than the ticking of a clock, the "time dilation" effect disappears. I’m not waiting for a machine to tell me I’m done; I’m waiting for the music to finish.

This week has been a challenge physically—a recent blood donation has made my "oxygen delivery trucks" a little less efficient than usual—but the rhythm doesn't change. Even when the legs feel heavy, the internal metronome stays "in the pocket."

On May 2nd, when I’m facing the concrete reality of the CN Tower’s 1,776 steps, I won't be thinking about the height. I’ll just be looking for the next 8-bar phrase.

The 'Blood, Sweat, and... More Sweat' Report

Tuesday 21st Apr
Good morning, everyone! Today’s training session was brought to you by the letter "G" for Gravity—and boy, did I feel every bit of it.

If you’ve been following along, you know I’m ten days out from the CN Tower climb. After donating blood last Saturday (my eleventh time!), I thought I’d be a superhero today and jump right back into my Level 15 HIIT sprints. My brain said, "Let’s go!" but my legs responded with a very firm, "Absolutely not."

I went in aiming for seven intervals. I managed three before my legs turned into overcooked spaghetti and my breathing sounded like a steam engine going uphill. I tried to bargain with myself, took a five-minute "contemplation of my life choices" break, and went back for one more sprint before officially waving the white flag.

The reality? My red blood cells are currently at a staff meeting discussing how to rebuild, and they didn't appreciate being asked to run a marathon. But hey, a 30-minute "smart pivot" to a slower pace is still 30 minutes closer to my goal.

I’m currently recovering on the couch, which is the one HIIT phase I’m truly an expert at.

Lessons from the Tower Runners

Monday 20th Apr
The CN Tower climb is just around the corner on May 2nd, and I’ve been deep in the archives of professional Tower Runners to see how the pros do it. While my HIIT sessions on the stairmill are one thing, vertical racing is a whole different beast. After hours of research, I’m bringing three specific tactics to the concrete:

The Double-Step: Being tall finally pays off! Taking two steps at a time feels natural for me, and it avoids those awkward, momentum-killing "stutter steps" you get when hitting every single tread.

The Inside Track: I’ll be passing on the right. Pivoting around the inside of the stairwell turn is the shortest path to the top. Those saved seconds add up when you’re climbing 144 flights!

The "Human 4WD" Approach: Turns out, using the handrails isn't cheating—it’s essential. Pulling with my arms while pushing with my legs adds that extra gear of power.

I’m back to high-intensity intervals tomorrow. I donated blood last Saturday, so we’ll see if my oxygen levels are ready to play catch-up with my ambition!

Discovering Tower Running

Sunday 19th Apr
I’ve spent months on the stairmill training for my CN Tower climb, but I recently discovered I’m part of a global subculture: Tower Running. This isn’t just a workout; it’s an intense sport where "Vertical Athletes" race up the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, from the Empire State Building to the Eiffel Tower.

In my deep dive into videos and articles, I’ve found that Tower Racers are a unique breed. They possess incredible cardiovascular efficiency and a specific type of mental grit. Interestingly, I’ve learned a lot of pro tips that I plan to apply to my own ascent on May 2nd.

Discovering this community has transformed my perspective. Whether I’m doing a steady 89-spm "bridge" session or pushing through 126-spm intervals, I now see myself as a racer in training.

Coming Up Next: I’ve identified three specific technical secrets from the pros that I’m bringing to my own training. I’ll be testing these "Tower Racer" techniques during my next few sessions to see if they are the key to smashing my personal best.

A breakthrough day!

Saturday 18th Apr
Today was one of those days where everything just clicked! I decided to push my intensity on the stairmill, hitting Level 15 for my work intervals. I was surprised to find that 126 steps per minute actually felt more like my "natural" pace (though those last few seconds definitely burned)!

After the stairs, I tackled a 30-minute run on the treadmill. Even though a different gym’s equipment felt a bit faster than I’m used to, I found my groove and finished strong. I topped it all off with a 60-minute walk from Front Street up to Bloor (and I made it inside before the rain came down).

It was a demanding day, especially since it was followed by my scheduled blood donation at Canadian Blood Services, but hitting all my goal feels incredible. Now, it’s all about hydration and some well-earned rest. Onward to the climb!

Finding My Rhythm

Friday 17th Apr
Finding the right rhythm is everything! I wanted to share a quick update on my training journey for the big climb. My first attempt at a new workout routine didn't quite go as planned. In fact, it was a bit of a "fail," and during the moment, it felt like the goal was slipping away.

But I’m a big believer in beginnings. Instead of letting it stop me, I headed back to the drawing board to tweak the plan. I adjusted the intervals to a 1:2 ratio, and today was a total success! I even experimented with a new "ball-of-foot" technique at Level 14 that felt amazing. 

It’s a reminder to me that progress isn't a straight line. Sometimes you just need to re-calibrate, find your tempo, and try again. Two weeks to go, and I’m feeling stronger than ever!

Leveling Up for the CN Tower!

Thursday 16th Apr
With the big climb just a little over two weeks away, it’s time to shift gears. I’ve spent the last few months building a solid endurance base on the stairmill, but hitting  my 15-minute goal means pushing into a new intensity zone.

Starting tomorrow, I’m moving from steady-state sessions to high-intensity intervals. The mission: hit 120 steps per minute to bank that 15:00 finish! Most importantly, I’m sticking to my "hands-free" rule. No leaning on the monitors or gripping the rails—I want my legs doing 100% of the work so I’m truly "Tower Ready."

It’s going to be a sweaty, breathless push to the peak, but I’m ready to see what these legs can do when the pressure is on. Let the two-week countdown begin!

Why I Step Up

Wednesday 15th Apr
To me, the WWF CN Tower Climb is about more than just a fitness milestone. It’s a vital effort to protect wildlife and the habitats they call home. Every dollar raised and every flight of stairs conquered supports:
Restoring Nature: Helping to reverse the decline of wildlife species.
Climate Action: Funding nature-based solutions to combat the climate crisis.
Community Impact: Bringing people together for a shared, sustainable future.

The climb is fast approaching this May, and there is room for everyone on those stairs. 

If you aren't climbing this year, you can still be a part of the impact by supporting the cause through a donation. Let’s see what we can achieve when we take it one step at a time.

144 Floors for a Living Planet

Tuesday 14th Apr
There is a specific kind of quiet that settles in when you’re standing at the base of the CN Tower looking up. You know there are 1,776 steps between you and the top, and every one of them is going to present a challenge.

Training for an vertical challenge like this isn't just about cardio; it’s about mental endurance. Whether it's the rhythmic grind of the stairmill or hitting the pavement to build up leg strength, the preparation is where the climb really begins. Yesterday I notched up my stairmill speed to push myself. I think I'll do that more and more frequently over the next couple of weeks heading to my actual climb date of May 2nd.

Pushing for a personal best is a great motivator, but the real reward happens at the top—not just the view of Toronto, but the collective feeling of accomplishment with hundreds of other climbers.

What was I thinking?!

Monday 13th Apr

I’ve been hitting the stairmill almost every single day, and today I actually notched the speed up even higher than usual. When I’m in that rhythm, I feel incredibly proud and confident that I can smash my 15-minute goal—maybe even exceed it.

But honestly? Some nights the insecurities creep in. I’m not into competing against other people, but being my own rival is exhausting. I start wondering if I set the bar way too high this time. Is 15 minutes a realistic target, or am I just setting myself up for a public lung-burning reality check? It’s a constant mental tug-of-war between "I've got this" and "What was I thinking?" Still, pushing past that doubt is part of the climb, right? One step at a time, I suppose. It's just me versus the Tower now.

My Training Days

Sunday 12th Apr
Training for the WWF CN Tower climb is as much a mental game as a physical one. I’ve found that the secret to tackling those 1,776 steps is actually… not thinking about them! 

When I’m on the stairmill, I try to let my mind wander. Whenever I’m catching up on the news or just daydreaming, the time flies. I’ll suddenly "snap back" to reality and realize I’m significantly closer to the finish line than I thought. 

The stairmill is my steady partner; its constant speed is a blessing and a curse. For starters, it won’t let me slack off, which keeps my pace in check. However, it won't let me do a speed burst without making ajustments. With the big day approaching, I know adrenaline and nerves will definitely be there in the stairwell. My hope is that the extra energy helps me push for a faster time rather than throwing off my rhythm.

Alright - back to my training.

Thoughts from the Stairs

Saturday 11th Apr

The big climb is almost here! When you're tackling 1,776 steps, your brain starts doing some pretty strange things to distract you from the quad-burn. Here are three random thoughts likely to bounce around the stairwell:

  1. "Is it possible to develop a personal relationship with a concrete step?" By flight 80, you and Step #942 are basically best friends. You’ve shared sweat, tears, and a very intense three seconds together.

  2. "I wonder if I could have trained by just living in a lighthouse." It seemed like a niche lifestyle choice before, but now it feels like a missed tactical opportunity.

  3. "Why did I choose the stairs when elevators literally exist?" The ultimate existential crisis that hits right around the mid-point.

If you’re looking for me, I’ll be the one searching for a cold drink and a very long nap!

Climbing Toward a New Goal

Friday 10th Apr
With the WWF CN Tower Climb just around the corner, I wanted to share a quick update on how my training is progressing.

Lately, my "home away from home" has been the gym’s stairmill. I’ve been hitting 30-minute sessions consistently, averaging between 2,400 and 2,500 steps each time. It’s a pace that feels comfortable yet appropriately challenging—the kind of burn that lets you know you’re working! My ultimate goal is to reach the top in 15 minutes, and these sessions are making that target feel more attainable every day.

On the weekends, I like to mix things up to keep the momentum going. I’ve been incorporating strength training to build up my legs and spending some time on the treadmill to keep my cardio endurance sharp. For an event like this, building that heart-health "engine" is just as vital as leg strength.

It’s a lot of sweat, but I’m feeling ready.

The Fine Line Between Grit and Grace

Wednesday 8th Apr
Hey, everyone! 

I had a bit of a scare recently after twisting my knee. My first thought was immediately, "There goes the CN Tower climb." I was pretty worried that all those months of training on the stair mill were about to go down the drain.

Thankfully, it turned out to be just a minor tweak. I forced myself to take a few days off, and I’m happy that things are finally back to normal. Still, the experience got me thinking about the balance between discipline and listening to your body. We all want to push ourselves to hit those personal bests, but being too hard on yourself can sometimes set you back further than a rest day ever would. 

I’m back at it now, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle those 1,776 steps. See you at the top!

Injury!

Monday 6th Apr
Oh no! I think I twisted my knee! It’s a bit uncomfortable going up the stairs, but I don’t think it’s serious.
But, what if this happens the day before the climb? Ugh… as if I didn’t have ENOUGH to worry about 😬

Stepping Towards the Sky

Sunday 5th Apr
The countdown to the WWF CN Tower climb is officially on. I’ve been hitting the stair mill at the gym and feel positive that I will complete the task, but I’ll admit the pre-climb jitters are starting to kick in. I’m wondering if I might have been a bit ambitious with my newest goal.

I’ve set my sights on breaking the 15-minute barrier this time around. Now that the event is around the corner, that number feels a lot more daunting than it did during my first training session. Is it an impossible goal? Maybe. But even with a bit of trepidation, I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.

Whether I hit that 14:59 or just make it to the top with a smile, I can't wait to give it my best shot.

1,776 Steps and a Racing Heart 🏙️🏃‍♂️

Saturday 4th Apr
I’ve officially set my sights on the May CN Tower climb, and I’m chasing a specific number: 14:59. My first time up the concrete stairs was 17:38—a result I was proud of—but this year, I wanted to push the limit.

Lately, though, the "limit" is pushing back. Some days, 15 minutes feels like a totally reasonable target; other days, it feels like I'm trying to outrun a freight train. Am I being overly ambitious? Maybe. But I think I’m just hitting that pre-event head game where the stairs look steeper than they actually are.

Training on the stair mill is one thing, but the energy of the event and that final push to the top is another. Whether I hit 14:59 or 16:00, the goal is to keep climbing.

Has anyone else ever set a goal that totally spooked them? How did you handle the mid-training jitters?

Storming the Tower - Take 2! 🧗‍♂️

Friday 3rd Apr
So, I’m officially taking the WWF-Canada CN Tower Climb again!

Last year was my first time ever attempting those 1,776 steps. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I managed to hit the top in 17 minutes and 38 seconds. Since I was a total rookie, that became my official benchmark.

This year, I want to do better. I’ve set my sights on a major milestone: breaking the 15-minute mark. ⏱️

Shaving over two and a half minutes off my time feels like a tall order (yeah, that's a pun), but I’m ready for the challenge and I want to push my limits for a good cause. 

I’ll see you at the top! 🗼✨

I Will Do It!

Wednesday 1st Apr
Hey everyone!
I am going to climb the CN Tower for the second year in a row!
(No, this isn’t an April Fools message…)

Thank you to my Sponsors

$188.89

Tara Tucker-matheson

Good luck for surpassing your time from last year - I know you can do it!

$106.77

Jb Matheson

$78.35

Sandra Kellogg

We are very proud of you Bruce! Good luck beating your previous time.

$54.12

Kaitlin Kellogg

Good luck Uncle Bruce! We’re cheering you on! Love, Penny, Kaitlin and Nick

$27.54

Leslie Yat Tung Wong

Have a great climb!

$27.54

Gabby + Ryan Kellogg

Amazing!!! Cheering you on from Savannah!!!!