Jan 8, 2006

Jael Young: Walk Culture Defined(tm)

In a recent interview with adventure company executive Jael Young, we learned her take on the walking community and our quest to define walk culture. Here are some notes.

Q: What is walk culture to you? What is the walking community?
A: You’re bringing to my attention, in a conscious way, the fact that there is a walking community. People who walk for wellness might be different from people who engage in jogging or running. One delineation may be a certain level of emphasis on the physical or, even, physical capability. For example, racewalking is more related to a running culture that’s more physically driven. I get a sense that the walking culture is a bit more holistic, serving the purpose of exercise but also with an emphasis on taking in your surroundings and, in a way, invigorating the spirit.

Q: Can you give an example of what you mean by 'holistic' walk culture?
A: When I go for walks on the river it’s for the purpose of exercise but it’s also to be near the river. I get out of the house, I feel like I’m actually away from the city, and before I had the baby, my river walk delivered the side benefit of being therapeutic. I live in a neighborhood where, if you walk instead of jog, you can see different types of houses, get ideas for landscaping, and enjoy a park. When I jog, it's different--it’s basically driven by wanting to stay in shape and maintain a certain aerobic level.

Q: Do you think there’s a culture or community of people who think and feel the way you do about walking?
A: I think so. Among the other people I see walking along the river, it seems like they’re enjoying the same experience. Also, I know that there are people who walk because they’re incapable of jogging and that’s their sole reason for being out there. One of my role models is my grandmother who, in her eighties, goes on daily walks. It’s a ritual she’s had all of her life that now seems to be embedded in me.

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