CHALLENGED ACCEPTED

One of the best characters ever...besides Buffy, of course.

Last week, I talked about my super cool (okay, well, I felt freaking super cool) stairs challenge (see post here). I weirdly out of nowhere decided to walk down 15 flights of stairs. I was amazed to hear from people on how they were inspired to maybe take the stairs now or that they already do it. This really is a cheap, burn some freaking calories exercise (not at all easy). At the end of the post, I posted a challenge to myself that I would attempt going up the stairs this week.

CHALLENGE FREAKING ACCEPTED and ACCOMPLISHED! BOOM!

This week, I walked down the 15 flight of stairs Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, but plum forgot on Thursday. So, I knew that I would be doubling up today to make up for that missed exercise. Why not  make one of those the UP direction? I brought my lunch and really had no reason to go downstairs. Right before lunch, I got up from my desk and headed down the stairs...all the way down.

On a side a note, I noticed that the lights dim at the 9th floor. I always forget and think I'm about to pass out until I get to the 7th floor where they go back to full bright.

I got to the bottom and just stood there for a minute resting and basically talking myself in to doing this up thing. I sent Jim a text to tell him that if he doesn't hear from me in an hour, call someone. And then I was on my way...slowly...painfullly...grabbing both handrails to steady myself. I got to the 2nd floor and sent him another text telling him this already hurts.

My breathing was crazy. My face was flushed. My back was dripping with sweat. My heart was beating super fast as what I imagine a hummingbird heartbeat is like. I sent him a text at the 8th floor to tell him I'm over halfway there and then I rested for a couple of minutes. Mainly, I had to catch my breath. I kept on going and going, slowly and slowly.

But then, I finally made it to the 15th floor. Frak Yes! My legs were jelly and I could barely open the door, but I made it. And of course, someone had to stop me to ask a question as I'm white as a ghost, can barely speak over the breathing, and about to die. Typical. I'm finally just now feeling back to normal....somewhat. Although, I haven't tried to stand up yet from my chair.

Beers will be well deserved tonight, that's for sure.

Again, I pose this challenge to you. Get out there and take the stairs. Don't be afraid.

On another side note, I actually had two people at different times join me on the stairwell today, but only for one flight. It was weird to have people in there with me. You know, they could have been zombies. Next time, I will bring a weapon.