The Walk > Words from Our Walkers


Featured Walker: Zhixiang



Zhixiang is currently an undergraduate in Singapore Management University. Zhixiang conquered his first Let's Take A Walk 100km ExtremeWalk in 2008. In 2007, he had to stop his walk after the 70km mark. This year, he is back again for the 100km ExtremeWalk for the third time with his walking buddies, Dee's Band of Brothers.

Hear from the energetic lad as he shares his thoughts...

1) This is your third attempt to conquer the 100km walk. What motivates you to come back?

First, I simply enjoyed the walks. I have done it twice and the experiences that I gained were unique and great. Taking part in the walk is a great way to challenge myself physically and mentally. Secondly and more importantly, I'm walking for the cause I believe in - to help the beneficiaries. For me, the physical challenge of the 100km ExtremeWalk would last 30-odd hours or so, but this is nothing compared to the trials and tribulations that sometimes confront the underprivileged youth. Although I do not have direct contact with youth at Boys' Town, I feel very inspired to do my part to support this walk.

2) Can you share your challenges and thoughts when you completed your walk in 2008 and when you had to call it a stop halfway in 2009?

In 2008, I was pretty confident that I could finish the walk without much trouble. I was of course proven wrong. Walking for the first 50km was pretty much a breeze. However, when I neared the sixth and seventh checkpoints, the fatigue and pain really kicked in. The night walk was the toughest as everyone was quiet and tired. We had to stick to each other to keep ourselves motivated. For the last 20 to 30km, we had only one goal in mind - to finish the walk, no matter what. That day after the walk, I literally had to climb back to my bed after my shower as I was completely worn out after the long endurance walk. On the flip side, the experiences that I endured and the friendships that I have forged were worth the pain and the hard work. With the same conviction, I signed up for the walk again in 2009. I was more mentally prepared for the Let's Take A Walk 2009. However, the unexpected heavy rain and insufficient rest at night made the walk very gruelling at times. I had to give up at the seventh checkpoint as the pain on my legs were too unbearable to endure. Though I felt disappointed, I knew that that was the best effort I could give and I was comforted by that.

3) How did you convince your friends to join you in the 100km Powerwalk?

This time round, I have one first-time walker, two second-time walkers and two buddies who have participated in Let's Take A Walk 2010 three times with me since 2008. To be frank, I did not do anything to convince them. I just said that I was going to take part in this year's Let's Take A Walk and I guess that they are self-motivated and decided to give themselves the personal challenge to conquer 100km ExtremeWalk again.