Members of the media - including yours truly - got a chance to rappel the side of the Crystal City Hilton on Thursday afternoon.

That's 15 stories. 250 feet. And did I mention it was hotter than Hades outside?

Special Olympics Virginia organized the "Over the Edge" rappel event and will continue through Friday evening. Nearly 60 people have signed up to step off the rooftop of the high-rise hotel. They've helped raise more than $47,000 for the cause.

I won't lie. Leaning back off the edge of a hotel wasn't easy. It seemed unnatural, dangerous and, quite frankly, terrifying. I wore a helmet camera during my descent and used that exact word - terrifying - several times over the course of about five minutes to describe how I felt.

I didn't get the purpose behind the rappel until I was finished. It's supposed to be scary - just as scary as it probably is for Special Olympians to compete in their events. And when I was finished, I felt brave and I was proud of myself for going the distance. I'm sure participating in the Special Olympics elicits a similar response.

It was a fun afternoon. For more information about the Special Olympics Virginia, or to donate, visit www.specialolympicsva.org.