[Interview] Call me an Oxfam Trailwalker master

You only live once, why not take on Oxfam Trailwalker challenge 3 times! 

  Q. Is there a special reason why you’re taking part for the 3rd time?
Kim Taek-yun: Team Hakuna Matata is very much interested in trekking. We even took part in a nationwide trek that went on from Spring of 2015 until Summer of 2016. So when we found out about Oxfam Trailwalker, and how participants from around the world shared excitement and joy while saving lives through charitable activities, we just couldn’t resist. And once was never enough.

Chung Yi-hwa: A friend of mine sent me a link in 2017 and asked if I’d be interested. It was a very exciting moment, learning about this wonderful program. I pushed myself to work on the fundraising aspects of the project. Friends asked me why do I put myself into such situations, as it can be a challenging work. I don’t have an answer but I feel the need to take part and do my best. And here I am again.

 

Q. What’s your expectation for this, the 3rd Oxfam Trailwalker?
Kim Taek-yun: I hope the locals can be more involved. It should be a festive event. The residents have been hit hard by the Gangwondo Wildfires. So we hope this event can help promote the beauty of the area and help revive the local economy. Oxfam Trailwalker is held in various countries, but I sincerely hope more can be done to promote the beauty of Korea to foreigners through the courses we travel through.

Chung Yi-hwa: The past events were held in Gurye, Jeollanam-do Province. So it’s exciting to hold it in Gangwon-do for a change. I’m also curious about the new 100km course. I’m grateful to be a part of it. This is the highlight of this phase of my life. I hope more people can learn about what a wonderful experience it is. Give it a try and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

 
Q. Any message for first timers?
Kim Taek-yun: Take your time, pace yourself and train gradually. Then you should have no trouble at all. Think of it as a fun and festive event for you and your team. Then you will be smiling all the way, and reach the finish line in no time. Oxfam Trailwalker isn’t about beating the competition or setting records. It’s about crossing the finish line together!

Chung Yi-hwa: Practice and train regularly. Then you will improve significantly. But don’t push yourself too hard too soon while preparing for the event. You must rest well too. It should be fun experience, not a challenge to push yourself to the limit. I’m training regularly with my team on 20km courses. That’s how we prepare to make sure we have what it takes to complete the course!