Howdy folks,
I saw a lot of people working their tails off this morning and it was very impressive. All that work you’ve put in over the summer was on full display this morning. Since we’ve spent most of the summer at the Stadium, it’s easy to forget how badass the RG stairs are.
Let’s break it these stairs down and talk strategy
There are three main sections to the stairs.
Lower section: This section has the lowest grade and is where you start your journey. The base level, is the single step. It requires a lot of work. I prefer to go with more speed up this section and run them. However, you need to go at least double stepping up these if you’re running. As someone who is part of the short club, I gain more speed by double stepping them than if I were to triple step them. Yes, triple stepping is possible. It’s a long stride, but it can be done.
Small flat section: This is the flat section with the few steps in the middle. Personally, I go easy here. Running and walking are also solid options.
Middle Section: This is the meanest part of all. The steep, long middle section. This is a battle. If you boldly try to double step, you’ll likely reach a point about halfway through where your legs will scream at you. Most people change to single stepping at this point. Single stepping the entire thing is just as hard. It’s a lot of upward motion and lots of climbing. None of it is easy. You can clearly feel the difference from the lower section because here, you feel like your body is moving up as opposed to forward. Maybe the worst part of it all is that you don’t really see where it ends. And once you do get to the end, you see that there’s still more to go.
Upper Section: The home stretch…. or is it? By this point, your legs are completely dead and burning and you are faced with the realization that there are still more steps to go. You take a quick second on the platform to catch your breath and then try to muster up the energy to keep going. You’re either running or walking at this point, double stepping or single stepping. It’s just a matter of making it to the top and not letting your mind tell you to slow your pace.
The Loop: You finally made it to the top. There are three main strategies here which go back to your entire approach. Go hard up the stairs and recover during the loop, or go steady throughout, or slower up the stairs and harder on the loop. Personally, I prefer to go hard up, and recover on the loop. The most important part of this entire loop is the high five. Now, the high five technique is key. How far from the hand do you jump? Is it a reach, or a jump up and high five? Do you do a little hop, or a big jump? How much hand do you high five? Is it entire hand? Just the fingers? The whole pinky finger? Just the tip? Do you say anything to the constable? Lots to consider here.
Down: Is your down section a run? Do you risk the double step? Does it feel like you’re bouncing? Are you too worried about falling? Personally, I go a bit slower here and look out at the amazing view. After all, that’s the best part! The light from the LRT bridge and the High Level Bridge over the river is unreal.
Shoutout to Holly and Seumas for crushing 28:19 Day.
Upcoming Schedule:
Friday – Walterdale Hill
Monday – Sunrise 6k – Meet at south west corner of 109th Street and River Valley Road.
Wednesday – Commonwealth Stadium
Find the good, Nadim.
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