John Smiley's Stair Climbing Tips...for more detail, check out the book.

#1. For practice, the most important thing is to climb stairs.
#2. If you can't find real stairs to train on, many climbers will tell you to train as if you are training for a 5K race.
#3 Keep your training interesting
#4 Form a team and train together
#5. You will have trouble forming a team.
#6. Do something every day
#7 Find a building and walk to the top
#8. It will be next to impossible for you to find a high rise to practice in
#9. Look for a Support Group
#10. Always warm up before you climb.
#11. Wear comfortable shoes
#12. Find your natural rhythm and pace
#13. Avoid starting out too fast
#14. Oxygen Debt is normal---don't panic
#15. On Climb Day, be confident
#16. Visualize
#17. Have fun
#18. I love to sweat
#19. Skip the water stops during the climb
#20. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
#21. Avoid alcohol before the climb
#22. Watch what you eat
#23. When you train on stairs, consider 'skipping' every other step, at least in the beginning of your climb.
#24. One way or other, I don't feel good on my climb until my heart gets pumping.
#25. Don't climb alone in stairways.
#26. Forget the elevator
#27. 30 minutes of running produces the same workout as 15 minutes of Stair Climbing.
#28. Check with your doctor before embarking on a training program.
#29. It hurts during the climb. I want to stop.
#30. There's a demon the 13th floor
#31. Climb Day is a mental exercise
#32. Stair Climbing is easier on your joints than walking
#33. Whatever you do, don't climb down stairs.
#34. You will cough in the stairway.
#35. Most Commercial Buildings have 20 steps per floor (with a landing in between.)
#36. Some climbs are 'turn to your left' and some climbs are 'turn to your right' as you ascend the stairs.
#37. Your legs will burn
#38. Handrails?
#39. Single step or double step?
#40. Dress light
#41. Wash your hands after the race
#42. You will be out of breath just about the entire time
#43. If you practice in a tall building's fire escape, be prepared to get locked in
#44. What are the chances of getting permission to climb in a high rise?
#45. Always take the elevator down
#46. Find a friend who lives in a high rise
#47. Form a team with someone who lives or works in a high rise
#48. StairMaster? Stair Mill?
#49. What about Outside Public Stairs?
#50. If you use a StairMaster, don't pay attention to the 'stairs climbed' read out.
#51. Don't wear sweats or hats when you practice or when you climb 'for real', unless you're outside.
#52. To train, or not train, with weights
#53. Most organized Stair Climbs are held in fire escapes.
#54. Some organized Stair Climbs are in stadiums
#55. Prior to your actual climb, you may want to run several times around the block.
#56. It's possible you may want to pass someone
#57. It's possible you will be passed
#58. There may be floor numbers on the doors at each floor you pass. Don't look at them.
#59. Just about all organized Stair Climbs have a staggered start, not a gang start.
#60. Organized Stair Climbs are primarily fund raising events, not athletic events.
#61. Carbo-loading is not necessary.
#62. There's no truth in the statement, "No pain, no gain"
#63. If your legs are sore the day after a workout, it doesn't necessarily mean you should rest.
#64. Can't climb yourself? Consider being a Virtual Climber
#65. While you're waiting in line to climb on Climb Day, don't drink too much water.
#66. Maintain a daily diary/log
#67. Enter a Stair Climb!
#68.You may never feel ready enough
#69. Most likely, you will need to Fund Raise!
#70. When you finish, you will think it's one of the best things you've ever done