Comments on Rani the Brainy: Amman FastWalk new trend - where are you going?

Well, I typed up "Fastwalk" into Google,...

2011-06-14T18:45:43.894+03:00

Well, I typed up "Fastwalk" into Google, so I can know when the next dates are, however, I passed across this article instead.

I honestly have a lot of criticism to give regarding this article. Although I find it very interesting & positive that you'd look into this new activity that has started in Amman...you still managed to destroy the point of the "Fastwalk" with your paragraph on how to manage the "Pros & Cons".
I'll list some things I'd like to address.
1) Alright, so it's a trend, it's a hype, but it's definitely positive from the participant's point of view. How is it showing off? It's people walking! Whether they're doing it to just walk with friends, or because they feel like being a part of something relatively trendy...or for the main reason: EXERCISE!
2) People would freak out if they saw the number of people? How is this is a negative aspect of fastwalk? The people are in their respective houses, and the participants have nothing to do with the fact that they're "freaked out". Instead, let the people understand what this is about.
3) Managing the amount of people?! Politically, this would cause so much trouble, rather than decrease the negativity of the activity. People would have problems with the organizer on why they aren't allowed to participate, & why another person can. Also, have you thought of HOW to bring this about? It's not possible. It's also a way of killing a cultural experience. Why limit? If anything, a great number of organizers should be assigned, as well as leaders so as to be able to deal with a larger number.
4) Do you realize how many people depend on Fastwalks for their daily exercise? Wouldn't you agree that this is a very healthy sport, that doesn't include being limited to a gym & instead, the people of Jordan can get to know it's streets better, & get to know their country more.
5) I personally benefited so much from "Fastwalk-ing".. my friends & I decided to try it out once because we heard it's fun. Without it, I would've lost all athleticism, also, it aids in weight-loss, which, as is commonly known, is a problem many people face. We have all gained some muscle & endurance & also knowledge on our city's streets.
6) PEOPLE ARE HAVING FUN! The fact that it's such a large number contributes when people are walking, no one likes walking within something limited, hence the reason this is even is the streets of Amman!
7) You've done this ...once? You've had all this to say, for going ONCE? Try doing it EVERYTIME the walk is planned. You'll see how much of a benefit this is. People in cars used to stop & ask me if they can join rather than driver around to see the city! It's an attractive activity. It's beneficial.
8) Regarding traffic, I honestly have noticed that they try to avoid crossing busy streets as much as possible. Plus, the participants walk really quickly whilst crossing so as to minimize traffic jams.

Thanks.
-S

whats the name of the group on facebook i actually...

2010-10-24T23:22:03.313+03:00

whats the name of the group on facebook i actually so them tonight and liked the idea :)

Trend or hype or no trend or hype it is a very nic...

2010-03-21T10:21:37.878+02:00

Trend or hype or no trend or hype it is a very nice activity in this dead city. I just love it. I did not join yet cause I do my own trail but it is very invigorating to see homogeneous groups on the streets of amman.

Well rani :) Much to say but will summarize it...

2010-03-14T15:39:30.481+02:00

Well rani :)
Much to say but will summarize it in following points:

1. Fastwalk is a great acitvity for people to di especialy in a very socio-stressfull we are having during the working hours of the day so its great to have some healthy fun activitiy without even paying :)

2. Do agree much that the participation should be 100 by max. also people joining should assure that they dont have a medical problem that will be affected by their FastWalk and also if no. is exceeding 1000 i guess it could be everyday where only small group could join being already registered for that day

Well as for me i went once and unfortunatly we were 1200 that day with a track length of 13 Km !!! yeh too much anyway honestly i dont know if im gonna do it again since i oculd feel the Jordanyian show-off starts to cover it all !!!

Nise post on Amman Fastwalk.

2010-02-23T08:51:40.498+02:00

Nise post on Amman Fastwalk.

Hey dude, Its kind of sad that one of the pros you...

2010-02-22T08:39:55.083+02:00

Hey dude, Its kind of sad that one of the pros you didnt list is that people are simply enjoying themselves and sticking to a fun physical plus social activity. If you've actually been on the walk and didnt feel the sense of calmness and simple momentary enjoyment people felt as they were walking, it just means that your critical jounalistic nature has gotten the best of you. Anyhow your freedom of speach or actually criticism is yours to enjoy.
Just day before yesterday as we were walking, we passed through dair ghbar, the new area, it was very quiet, and it remained hat way as we walked through. The sneakers everyone is wearing and their attempt to concentrate on their breathing and maintaining pace keeps everyone very quiet. I hope u understand how impossible it is to actually gather that many people willingly and safely and with a simple objective for such a happy quiet moment. And by the way, the speed at which we walk keeps us only moments in one single area. Take care of yourself and try to understand the true meaning of this gathering. As for mwaffa2, HE ROCKS!!! (and by the way to the rude anonymous guy: check your mouth before posting cause YOU stunk it all up).

ok rani, it looks tempting, but how can i join th...

2009-12-22T21:20:40.415+02:00

ok rani, it looks tempting, but how can i join the fastwalkers? i really would love to try it, i just wonder how does it work with the ever surprising bumping pavements and sidewalks of amman ????

Oh I can ONLY imagine...a bunch of smelly idiots w...

2009-12-20T18:55:38.817+02:00

Oh I can ONLY imagine...a bunch of smelly idiots walking in the dump that is Amman, Jordan.
Give me a break!

Hi Rani, Great points mentioned up there, i joined...

2009-11-02T12:58:45.811+02:00

Hi Rani,
Great points mentioned up there, i joined the group in Ramadan and im becomming annoyed of the growing numbers there, though i think the creator of the group should be awarded having managed to take Ammanies' mouths from Argileh for couple of hours to do something useful :) back to my point, i was in Shmeisani route last Wednesday and the number of walkers reached 1,000+ ! it was a joke, not to mention kids being there, teenagers coming to just watch and laugh stalling all walkers, i dont think anybody was walking fast because we kept on bumping into each other and getting held back by others,..it was a bit disturbing. The solution is simple and you mentioned it, just divide the groups and get more volunteers to supervise, maybe keep ages in mind because the last thing you want is kids or teenagers talking loud or running infront of you..this should be an organized activity, 10 volunters for each 100 ppl group is enough to control them instead of having to shout YAMEEN / SHMAAAAL all the time :)

Still, i think the group is a lovely concept and well done for the creator :)

Hi Rani, Thanks for the lovely article; I like th...

2009-11-01T22:51:16.279+02:00

Hi Rani,
Thanks for the lovely article; I like the topics you choose... It's all interesting to discuss :-)
I went to the Fastwalk twice; to Al-Rabyeh and to downtown. And I guess the idea is amazing it's nice to have someone forcing you to go out for a serious healthy walk because if it was your friend telling you to do so; you'll end up having dinner somewhere lol.

But as you said controlling it is difficult; specially when most of the participants are joining it just because they think it's "cool" hehe those people are THE MAJOR PROBLEM!! The Organizers should change the whole event and make it exclusive to Diabetics or Obese people.. Or at least categorize the walks so that the number will decrease.

For me, I don't have any problem with the whole thing and I don't see "hidden stuff" lol I think it needs more organization and less careless people.

I totally agree to be honest, specially with the 3...

2009-10-31T16:54:13.208+02:00

I totally agree to be honest, specially with the 3amanjyeh trend following, but not any trend! English named ones, i guess that makes them cool or something, maybe they become "Fay3ean"! :)

As for suggestions, i guess its impossible to control the numbers of people participating in this event now, each week the numbers will increase, but the FastWalk thing will die in two weeks time, the numbers will get back to 50 people max, and the reason is the weather, for example last night at 10:30 PM streets were almost empty and it wasn't that cold but people are afraid of cold weather, i guess maybe because they are not used to cold weather, as you know global warming has brought us rain, snow and cold wind!!!!!!

There is no need to gather this huge amount of people, but think about it as a social event, 80% of the participants are not interested in the sport or the physical activity, they are interested in socializing, that explains why there is people are too dressed for a fast walk...

As for cons, i agree with you, i didnt try it to add more cons.

Keep in mind the hidden agendas :)