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FAQ
1. WHAT IS A STAIR CLIMB?
A stair Climb is a unique event testing ones physical strength, stamina and lung power. On February 25, 2012, hundreds of people will take to the inside staircase of the One Financial Plaza building in Providence. In 20 second intervals, participants will race the clock and climb to the top, the 29th floor. Participants vary in athletic ability and can climb as fast or as slow as they want. The stair climb event is a great team building activity for corporate teams, a super way to get in shape for the New Year and a nice way for a family wanting to honor a loved one who has been affected by lung disease. While the stair climb is a race, it is also a fundraiser for the American Lung Association. There is a $35 registration fee and a $100 fundraising minimum. There is a water stop on the 15th floor. An after party is being hosted by McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon immediately after the climb where food and drinks can be purchased. There, racing and fundraising awards will be presented to our top individuals and teams.
2. HOW DO I TRAIN/PREPARE
Stair Climbing: Training Tips & Tools
For additional info, please see the training manual and tips on the event info page.
You can practice and train anywhere there are stairs. It is very important not to start out too hard. What seems like an easy pace can bring you to your knees after 7 or so flights. There will be one practice climb at One Financial Plaza for registered participants (time and date TBA). One Financial Plaza will not allow people to practice in the stairs.
You may want to walk to the height of a building before you even think about jogging or running. Many people will find that a pretty good workout in itself.
As a sprint workout, you could run up 5 flights full speed, and as recovery walk back down 3 flights. This is a great way to stretch out in at shorter building. For every sprint you do you gain two floors. Thus a 10-story building would yield 5 sprints followed by full recovery by taking the elevator back down.
By now you are wondering what is the fastest way to climb stairs, single step or double step? Should I be using my arms as well as my legs by grabbing the handrails? It takes personal experience by each individual to decide what technique works best for you.
The workouts should increase about 10% per week, with a recovery week every 4th or 5th week. After the rest week you should pickup somewhere in the middle of the last 4 or 5-week cycle.
A couple tips for speed are to spend as little time as possible on the landing and most importantly, don't start out to fast. If you can only touch the landing with one foot instead of two you will save a second on each floor. One technique is to try and hit the landing with your outside foot and get right back on the next step with your inside foot. If the flight has an even number of stairs it may be necessary to double step one step per landing.
Remember to gradually increase your duration and/or intensity. Make sure you have a good set of running shoes, and watch out for shin splint and/or knee injuries. And, make sure you are cleared medically to attempt workouts such as these prior to completing them.
3. IS IT A RACE?
The stair climb is a race. You will be assigned a start time and a bib number. You can race the clock to get to the top as fast or as slow as you want. Participants range in athletic ability.
4. WHAT IS THE AGE MINIMUM TO CLIMB?
The age minimum for Peak the Plaza is 13 years old. For special requests, contact Elise Kerrigan at ekerrigan@lungne.org
5. HOW MANY FLOORS/FLIGHTS/STAIRS ARE THERE?
The building has 29 floors which is 58 flights and 595 stairs.
6. WHAT TIME DOES THE EVENT START?
9:00am - Non Firefighters
1:00pm - Firefighters
7. WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Participants should plan to arrive 45-30 minutes before their assigned start time. Not earlier as the lobby cannot accommodate you.
8. WHEN CAN I GET MY START TIME?
You will receive your start time 1 day before the climb day. It will be e-mailed to you and it will be posted on the Peak the Plaza website.
9. WHERE CAN I PARK?
Free Parking is available. Please visit the directions page for more information.
10. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
You should wear comfortable clothes that you would normally wear to work out in: shorts, tank top, socks and good running shoes/sneakers. As the stairwell is inside, it may be warm so dress light.
11. WHAT DO I DO WITH MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS/IS THERE A BAG CHECK?
There is limited storage. It may be a good idea for you leave pocketbooks and items of value locked in the trunk of your car as we do have a locked facility for personal belongings. Extra clothes such as jackets and boots can be left unattended while you climb and you can retrieve them once you finish. Please note we will not be responsible for anything that is lost or stolen.
12. WILL I BE TIMED?
Yes, you will be assigned a wristlet that has a timing chip inside. Once you start, you will want to swipe your wristlet over the mat which will record your start time.
13. WHERE CAN I GET MY RESULTS?
Timing results will be posted at McFadden’s Saloon soon after the last participant has finished. Racing results will also be posted on the climb website.
14. DOES EVERYONE GO UP THE STAIRS AT ONCE?
Climbers will take to the stairs one at a time in 20 second intervals. You will need to climb in bib number order at your pre-assigned start time. The non-firefighters will climb in the morning. Firefighters will climb beginning at 1pm.
15. WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO PASS SOMEONE?
It is OK to pass someone, please be courteous and let someone know you are coming. A slower climber should move to the outside and let the faster climber by on the inside.
16. CAN I CLIMB WITH MY TEAM?
Yes, you can climb with your team but all members would have to register as climbing at the same pace. If you register as wanting to be an elite climber and the rest of your team wants to walk or vise versa, you will not be climbing together. For more information, please see the description for an elite climber on the website.
17. WILL THERE BE WATER?
Yes, a water stop will be located on the 15th floor. Water will also be available at the top on the 29th floor.
18. WHERE ARE THE BATHROOMS?
Bathrooms will be located on the 15th floor and there is one bathroom at the top on the 29th floor. Restroom facilities will be for participants only.
19. WHAT IF I NEED TO STOP?
There is a rest stop on the 15th floor if you need to stop to use the restroom or want water. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the stairwell. If you need to stop before reaching the 15th floor or before reaching the 29th floor, tell a volunteer and they will communicate with event staff and will let you out on the closest floor with an elevator.
20. WHAT IF I NEED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE?
There will be medical volunteers on-site during the climb. If you need help, tell a volunteer in the stairwell to reach the emergency medical staff.
21. CAN I WEAR MY IPOD/HEADPHONES?
It is not encouraged so you can hear anyone coming behind you and for your own safety.
22. CAN I CARRY WATER WITH ME WHILE I CLIMB?
No, we ask that you do not carry water while you climb. Not only is there chance for water to spill causing a slippery course for others, you may want to keep your hands free to use the hand rails during your climb.
23. CAN MY FAMILY/FRIENDS MEET ME AT THE TOP?
NO, there is very limited space at the top of the building. Climbers will be taking the elevator down as soon as they finish where you can meet up with them back in the lobby.
24. WHERE CAN I SEE PICTURES FROM THE EVENT?
Any photos taken during the event will be posted to the climb website within the month following the date of the event.
25. WHERE WILL THE AWARDS BE?
Awards will be done at McFadden’s Saloon during the after party immediately following the climb. Non firefighters will finish around noon and an awards ceremony will happen soon after that last climber. Firefighters will finish around 3pm and an awards ceremony will be conducted after that last climber. McFadden’s is located at 52 Pine Street.
26. WHERE CAN I HAND IN DONATIONS?
Donations can be handed in the day of the climb when you register. You can also ask supporters to donate to you on-line and you can mail donations to our office.
27. CAN I GET A RECEIPT FOR MY DONORS?
Yes, just ask us.
28. WHEN DO I HAVE TO RAISE THE $100 BY?
The $100 minimum is due on climb day and should be turned in at registration prior to getting your bib number and wristlet.
29. WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO TURN IN ALL FUNDRAISING MONEY TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR PRIZES?
To be eligible for incentive prizes, all fundraising money should be received in our office by March 16th. Donations can be made on-line via the climb site or you can mail them to ALA, 260 West Exchange Street, Suite 102B, Providence, RI 02903
30. I AM VOLUNTEERING, WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE AND WHERE SHOULD I GO?
Your volunteer task will be assigned to you prior to climb day. We will contact you via e-mail or phone a few days before the event and will let you know what time to arrive. For a 9:00am start time, volunteers will typically be asked to arrive by 7:30am. You will be asked to register at volunteer check-in.
31. FIREFIGHTERS???
Please see the Fire Fighter tab regarding the rules and regulations regarding the uniform that must be worn to be in competition contention. Firefighters do not need to be on air during the climb, however the face mask must be attached to the uniform.
