Here’s my dilema. My office is on the 3rd floor of a 4 story building and I take stairs 99% of the time. In an average day I go up and down the stairs 3-4 (all 3 Floors) times. I have been avoiding elevators for years if it’s any less than 5 floors.
Some days, after hard workouts or big weeks I am struggling to make it up the stairs but can’t bring myself to to take the elevator for a measly 3 floors. Last year when tapering for an A race I took the elevator and all my co-workers were in shock.
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hat do you guys do/think? Should I avoid the stairs altogether and start taking the elevator?
I’d say stick with the stairs. I used to do the same thing for my 4th floor office. I found it was a nice way to stretch the legs during the day. I found sitting in a chair all day worse.
I work on the 3rd floor and I take the stairs up almost every morning. I don’t really consider it part of my fitness routine, it’s just quicker than the elevator.
However, taking the stairs every morning turns out to be a pretty good barometer of how my training is going. The better shape I am in, the more appealing the trip up the stairs becomes. Then, if my thighs burn after the 3 flights, I know I need to at least take a look at whether I am pushing a bit too hard on my rides or runs. If I just can’t bare the thought of opening the door to the stairwell, maybe its time to work in a day off from training. And, those few times when I have fallen off the training wagon for a few weeks, its usuallly the shock of having to catch my breath after a quick trip up 3 flights that gets me back to training ASAP.
Think of it this way; if a fire ever sweeps through your office building, you’ll be the only one who knows where the stairs are. You can either be a hero and lead everyone to safety or laugh as you pass them waiting for the elevator.
Your second job and hobby is that of an endurance athlete. While not training you should rest as much as possible. Always take the elevator! Park as close as you can to the mall doors. Sit as much as possible. Only exceptions should be playing with the kids or significant other. Let the chubbies be in shock as they trudge up and down the stairs with their burgers & diet cokes.
There is nothing funnier than seeing someone pick up their gym bag, go in the car, change, walk for 30 minutes on a treadmill, shower, drive back to the office, and take the elevator. I see someone in our office do that everyday.
They could have accomplished the same “1 - hour workout” in half the time by going for a walk outside.
