taking the steps necessary

As a preface to the following story, while I am not an avid gambler, I do occasion PA’s ‘casinos’ [slot parlors] for a bit of recreation. I have been to each one that is within a 60 mile radius. This is about two trips to one of them.
Back in 2008 January, I visited Philadelphia Park, primarily to see what it was like. I was not too much impressed with it then. I wanted to end the day by going to the grandstand level, where the main part of the horse race wagering was. I elected to climb the stairs. Climbing the stairs up five floors cannot be that difficult. Can it?

I got to the third floor, and was out of breath. I made it to the fifth, and felt my head spinning. Flights of stairs were never this difficult for me in the past, that I remembered. Could I be that far out of shape. This was my provocation for going to the gym. That next week, I was subscribed to the gym. The following week, I was scheduled with a personal trainer.

It has ben now over nine months since I started the gym. While not in great shape, I feel I am in better shape than then. I wanted to climb those stairs again. I gave Phila. Park another chance. After some time on the main casino floor, I found the stairs that lead to the grandstand level. I took them with confidence. I made it up to the top level, winded, but not much winded, and in far better shape than January. It was the only success I has there. And, I was even less impressed with the place than in January. It was enough to cure my ding-ding fever for the day. Still, in one way, by taking the steps necessary, I felt I still walked out of the place a winner.