Interview: Qian Yun, walker

Why do you choose Panda Guy as your username?
Because I have chest hair.

Why do you walk?
I’d like to experience the feeling of challenging my limits. Honestly, this is a very pratical way for me to challenge myself. I’m saving money to buy an apartment in Shanghai right now, I don't have extra money to do other extreme sports.

When did you start "extreme walking"? How long did you walk the first time? And why did you start?
March this year, I walked 10 km from home to Nanqiao. I think I might have had relationship problems at that time. I wanted to go out and breathe fresh air to clear my head up. On the other hand, I always like to go out and take photographs. (Interested parties can view Qian Yun’s photos on his blog here, here and here -- he's got some pretty good stuff!)

Why did you choose Line 1 this time?
It was a convenient thought, since I use Line 1 to go to the office every day.

Are there any interesting experiences that happened during your walking?
Ha. I can’t think of any now. I think as long as you enjoy the experience and enjoy life, the best is always the next time.

Why did you post a thread to announce this plan? Do you want attention?
It was a continuous action since I posted threads about my previous walks, too. I also want to share my feelings with other people. I found that many people empathize with me this time by signing up for the event. Also, I think more or less, everyone has a desire to show off a bit sometimes.

Will you have anyone join you for this walk?
I didn’t have any company before, but now I have 26 people signed up for this one. I hope I can keep the number below 30.

Are there many people and media getting in touch with you for this event? How does this affect your life?
Yes, many. Some blamed me for not including them in this event since I couldn't have a lot of people with me, which I just ignored. I can't please everyone. I'm actually a low-key person. I'd like to get to know more friends and enjoy the process of the challenge myself. I don't like a lot of attention -- I'm always looking for a peaceful life.

Have you ever thought of walking for charity? Or find someone to sponsor you?
Yes, I will if it's just for charity. But I won't do for personal benefit. I think it's a question of pride and moral integrity.

Do your friends, colleagues, family, girlfriend know about your walking habits? What do they think about it?
Of course they know. My family told me to be careful, while my friends are being very supportive.

Forrest Gump -- any comparison?
I’m not as great as he is. I’m just an ordinary person. But maybe one day I will become a nomad when I’m left alone.

Did you ever want to give up in the past walking experiences?
Of course.

Have you done any special training for your walks?
No.

What's your next plan?
My biggest wish is to walk along Suzhou Creek to Taihu.

Any tips to our readers who want to join you? Any special equipment they need to take?
Water and a decisive heart. And the following comes from my own experience:

• A pair of good walking shoes -- not too heavy, but wearable.
• You have to bring enough water. We are walking in the city this time so it’s easy to get water.
• Hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun.
• Other stuff, such as an umbrella, depends on the weather condition. Last time, the first half day was all rain, and the rest was burning sun.

Do you still think you will organize another walking event?
Maybe, it depends on if I'm capable to run this kind of event. I think it's fine as long as I try my best.

Panda Guy can be reached on MSN (qianyun@suaee.com) or his blog (in Chinese). For current info about the walk, click here (in Chinese).