They came and won, but, as they emphasize, the 34 floors turned out to be a great challenge, which probably surprised many debutants. In the Olivia Business Centre Residents’ Cup, organized for the second time, the only sure thing was the great emotions that accompanied the 3-person teams both on the route and on the podium of the Star Challenge. “The most important thing is that our success ignites other teams. Just look at us – we had a lot of fun and together we had the opportunity to help blind children from Sobieszewo – Ariadna, Jan and Jakub, competitors of the AirHelp relay race, which was second to none this year, unanimously sum up the race.

Such a relay team was a well-thought-out way to win AirHelp?

Jan: A company’s top-secret recipe for success (laughs). Seriously, it was our debut. Similarly individually, because none of us has ever taken part in a race up the stairs. From the viewer’s perspective, it looks completely different than when it happens at the start. Excitement and cool experience guaranteed!

What convinced you to participate?

Ariadna: I really like running in the mountains, so I treated the stairs in Olivia Star as the best substitute (laughs). And with a pretty good result, because I covered 34 floors in 6 minutes.

Jan: I was 6:40 a.m.

Jakub: I succeeded in 4:59.

Did you have a common training plan and strategy?

Ariadna: In my case, the Star Challenge turned out to be a test for what I do every day. I regularly run and train in the gym 6 days a week, so it seemed to me that this base would be enough for a race. On the other hand, I admit that I didn’t really know what it was like – I was making my debut on the stairs, so my predictions were purely theoretical. I think that many runners don’t treat the stair race as a typical element of the season for which they always have a plan. Of course, it’s different in the case of professional towerrunners, but they came to Olivia to compete with each other.

Jan: It was very similar with me – I took part in the Star Challenge spontaneously, knowing that systematic running 2 times a week is a significant element that will allow you to finish the competition.

Jakub: I’m classically. In the spring and summer I ran much more, and I treated the autumn as a time to rest. As a result, I started a bit on the march, rather at the peak of detraining (laughs).

On the march, having the best time!

Jakub: I’ve been working on my fitness for the last few years and it turned out that my form allowed me to achieve a very decent time.

A cup unlike any other surprised you?

Jakub: It’s very original!

Jakub: I have to admit that he is very creative! When I looked at it just before the start, at first glance it seemed to be an art installation. It didn’t occur to me at all that this is the trophy we are fighting for, because looking at the cups we were wondering where the one for the Residents was (laughs). It wasn’t until we received the award that we found out how amazing it is, how unique it is, and how much artistic value it has. We are very proud to be standing at the focal point of the reception at AirHelp!

Were there moments of doubt along the way? On which floor did the crisis appear?

Jakub: No, there wasn’t a moment when I felt it was better to let go.

Jan: On the 6th floor, I realized that I had to go for a fast walk, otherwise I wouldn’t survive. When I made my debut in running up the stairs, I had no idea that it was a different kind of effort than on the flat. The division is demanding, and the lack of planning of the entire route quickly makes itself felt. I didn’t know that professionals start with brisk walking and gradually move to running. It seemed so obvious to me that if you run, you run!

The finish line seemed very high?

Jan: Reality versus imagination (laughs). It doesn’t matter if we count the stairs and floors if we don’t know how the body will react. Around the 6th floor, I felt that it was not easy – when running in the stairwell you have to breathe completely differently and be aware that there is no air circulation here, which causes very quick fatigue of hypoxic muscles.

Jakub: I was glad that there were handrails. I saw how they were supported by the competitors who started in front of me. It turned out that the best towerrunners know how to use their hands.

Have you fallen in love with towerrunning?

Ariadna: If there is a possibility to start next year, I’m applying now! A fantastic adventure.

Jakub: I don’t know! If there was an opportunity, probably yes, but to completely put stair running as a sporting goal, probably not.

Did it take you a long time to persuade to participate in the Residents’ Cup?

Ariadne: When I heard that we could start, I said, great, let’s do it!

Jan: Me too!

Jakub: When our captain approached me and asked if I would run, I immediately replied why not! The initiative is very fine, and with a charitable purpose, so what more do you need?

Do you promise to defend your title?

Ariadne: We’ll try!

Jan: If there is such a possibility, why not! The most important thing is that our success ignites the next teams that will take part in the competition. Just look at us – we had a great time, together we had the opportunity to help children from Sobieszewo, and the title of the best relay race. A bomb for me!

Interviewed by Dagmara Rybicka, Olivia Business Centre