Koening

Ms. Koening pays $130 a year in membership dues to ISA and a local chapter of ISA, and estimates that most climbing competitions cost about $75 to enter.

Go Climb a Tree, It Seriously Works Your Trunk Jen Murphy 2011

The Diet Ms. Koening tries to eat food grown locally, including fruits and vegetables from her garden.

Go Climb a Tree, It Seriously Works Your Trunk Jen Murphy 2011

"You're locking the rope between your feet, standing and inch-worming your way up." says Ms. Koening.

Go Climb a Tree, It Seriously Works Your Trunk Jen Murphy 2011

In addition to climbing, Ms. Koening focuses on workouts that strengthen her core, or on plyometrics that help her agility and speed.

Go Climb a Tree, It Seriously Works Your Trunk Jen Murphy 2011

Ms. Koening says it's important to buy boots that have flat soles.

Go Climb a Tree, It Seriously Works Your Trunk Jen Murphy 2011

Ann Koening, 38, can often be spotted on her lunch break climbing her favorite white oak tree outside her office building.

Go Climb a Tree, It Seriously Works Your Trunk Jen Murphy 2011

The group's front man, Ezra Koening, recorded Paul Simon's "Papa Hobo."

HUFFPOST HILL - Defense Spending Up Despite Drawdown Eliot Nelson 2011

The group's front man, Ezra Koening, recorded Paul Simon's "Papa Hobo."

HUFFPOST HILL - Defense Spending Up Despite Drawdown Eliot Nelson 2011

Ms. Koening is an urban forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation in Jefferson.

Go Climb a Tree, It Seriously Works Your Trunk Jen Murphy 2011

Speed Climb : "This is what you did as a kid climbing a tree," says Ms. Koening.

Go Climb a Tree, It Seriously Works Your Trunk Jen Murphy 2011