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"I know that physically, I'm really good," said Mr. Mezick, who links of london sale never attempted the race before. "But I know that there's going to be a lot of pain involved." That much is certain. The anaerobic nature of climbing stairs means that the lactic acid builds up in the runners' legs almost immediately. And the burn that comes with it does not subside until after the finish line. It makes tailoring a specific training regimen absolutely essential -- Mr. Mezick said that he felt his usual distance running and triathlon preparations would only get him valentines Day bracelets  ready for the Empire State Building. So most competitors combine cardio work with training on any set of stairs they can find. Roy Lamendola, for instance, mixes daily runs with spin classes, 40-minute sessions on a step mill and the 16 stories of the New York Design Center on Lexington Avenue. When he ventures into the stairwell for a couple of quick repetitions through the 16 flights, he begins with a long warm-up, going up one floor and then down two. Then he tackles the whole set, smiling at anyone he passes. At the age of 73, Mr. Lamendola will be among the oldest runners in the field when he takes on the stairs for a fifth time, Links of London A Charm in memory of his brother. Though he came to endurance events late in life, he is now an avid triathlete and has run nine marathons. He first took on the Empire State Building five years ago and has returned every year since. "It was grueling," he said, recalling his first run-up. "Actually, probably harder Links of London Two Hearts Charm Red a marathon, even though it's a short distance.