Stepping Out, Literally - 2021 Fight for Air Climb

Every step counts. And, this year, those steps happened outside.

The 2021 Iowa Fight for Air Climb, took to the steps at Principal Park in Des Moines. The date was May 15th. The new outdoor venue was perfect, the climbers were ready, and all the necessary COVID protocols were in place. 

So we came, we climbed, and we conquered.

The Fight for Air Climb (more info HERE) is a national event, with numerous local venues, and is affiliated with the American Lung Association. Now in it's 18th year, the Des Moines Climb had always been held indoors, utilizing the stairwells of several tall buildings downtown. Last year, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the event had to go virtual. Since the threat of COVID-19 is still very much a reality, event organizers were able to change the Climb to an outdoor setting for the 2021 Climb. Alas, Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs baseball team, was where it all happened.

This year, instead of scaling several flights of stairs, and then riding the elevators down (before climbing another stairway in a different building), we would be in constant motion on-foot. The start line was at one end of the field, and the climbers then alternated going up one aisle, and then down the next, as they made their way around (and through) the rows of stadium seats.

I'm no stranger to stair-climbing, or to this event. I first took to the stairs in 2013, and I have gone back every year except for 2019 (when I was in DC for the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile) and last year (when I had to do the climb on my own stairway). If you care to read about the previous climbs, here are the recaps --> 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018  (you're welcome).

Anyways, my scheduled climb time was 10:30, and since I live an hour from Des Moines, I didn't need to be on the road before 9:00. So, I did what any self-respecting runner would do and went for a run (just eight miles) prior to leaving town. I pulled into the parking lot around 10:15, giving me ample time to get my race packet and take my time walking to the start line.

With all COVID protocols in place, there weren't the usual crowds of spectators. Usually, a lot of the climbers arrive early, and stay long after climbing, to cheer on the other climbers. Also, it's a treat to see so many groups of fire fighters (in full gear) and law enforcement personal (also in full uniform). But, not this year. We were instructed to wear masks while in the stadium (except for when climbing) and then had to exit afterwards. 

Similar to when we're in the buildings, each person waits in line (this year, all spaced 6-foot apart from each other). The climbers were allowed to "go!" when the person in front of them had cleared the first aisle.

I didn't quite to know what to expect with the stadium version of a climbing event. I thought it would be easier since we'd only essentially be doing one "flight" at a time, then running (or walking) across the top row to the next aisle...only to get a gravitational boost while descending. Then, another run/walk across the bottom row before repeating the process on the next aisle.

           

Actually, this turned out to be more of a challenge than I'd anticipated. Although the upward climbs weren't too long, the descents were tricky. The steps are fairly flat, but they're wide. Trying to "run" down them could be a recipe for disaster if you're not paying attention. In other words, there wasn't any  downtime between flights. 

Since the climbers were well-spaced, though, there weren't any issues with crowded stairs (like there usually would be in the building stairwells). Also, we were going in a one-way direction on the stairs, so if we needed to pass someone, there was ample room (since there was no danger of someone else coming down towards us).

Having run eight miles earlier, and then ridden in a car for the better part of an hour afterwards, my hammies were feeling a bit tired. By the time I made it around the stadium, I'd definitely worked up a good sweat...in a pretty short period of time (just over eight minutes). Since this was my first time climbing a stadium, it was an automatic PR (I know...LOL).

Upon crossing the finish line, we were given a bag (with some additional swag and snacks). It was a bit anti-climatic without any excess finish line fanfare or peeps doling out high-5's, but that's our reality for the time-being.

As for swag, we got unisex tech shirts (which actually have a great fit #NotBoxy), a neck gaiter, and medal. Additional goodies (at packet pick-up) were the drawstring bag, sunglasses, a mask, collapsible water bottle, a koozie and miscellaneous items (lip balm, pens and bandages). Decent haul, if you ask me!

Overall, I was very impressed with how this event was managed. It was a big change climbing 834 outdoor stadium steps (as opposed to over 80 flights of indoor stairways), but it was a fun twist to a favorite event. I think in-person attendance was down, but I know many opted to participate virtually. As of Monday afternoon, the event's fundraising goal of $147,000 was far-surpassed with over $166,000 collected thus far! Side note: all participants are required to raise at least $100, or they are not allowed to climb (most exceed that minimum, though).

It will be interesting to see what happens next year. Whether the Climb returns to an indoor setting, or does a repeat at Principal Park, I know I'll be there.

For information about finding a Fight for Air Climb near you, check out their national site HERE.

Have you ever been enticed to do a stair-climb event? Is there a Fight for Air Climb in your area? Do you know anyone affected by lung disease?

I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

I'm also linking with Debbie, Deborah, Lisa, Laura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup

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