As animal power is exhausted exactly in proportion to the time during which it is acting, as well as in proportion to the intensity of force exerted, there may often be a great saving of it by doing work quickly, although with a little more exertion during the time.
Suppose two men of equal weight to ascend the same stair, one of whom takes only a minute to reach the top, and the other takes four minutes, it will cost the first little more than a fourth part of the fatigue which it costs the second, because the exhaustion is in proportion to the time during which the muscles are acting.
The quick mover may have exerted perhaps one-twentieth more force in the first instant to give his body the greater velocity, which was afterwards continued, but the slow supported his load four times as long.--An Old Almanac
Thoughts
A blur of motion: Imagine feet pounding rhythmically on the steps, thighs pumping in powerful strides. Arms pump in counterpoint, generating momentum and keeping balance. The runner's face is focused, determined, with a hint of exertion. Hair might fly around their head, and breath might come in short bursts.
The sound of effort: The runner's footfalls create a steady, accelerating beat against the stairs. The sound of their breathing might be a huffing exhale with each step, or a sharp intake of air at the top of each flight.
The feeling of exertion: The muscles in the legs burn pleasantly with lactic acid buildup. The heart pounds in their chest, and lungs work hard to keep up with the demand for oxygen.
The perspective: Depending on the viewpoint, you could see the runner from below, looking up at their determined form as they ascend. Or, you could be following them from behind, the stairs blurring beneath their feet. If you're looking down from above, you might see the runner's changing silhouette against the backdrop of the stairs.
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