Emma Young

I’m probably one of the worst runners you’ll meet. No, I’m not being humble. A few weeks ago instead of tackling my trusty elliptical at the gym, I followed my roommate into the 30 degree weather because she promised me, “Don’t worry, I’m a terrible jogger as well.” Ha. Either she was lying or I’m that horrible, because in the last two block sprint I was ready to fall to the ground and lie there crying, “Erin! Don’t stop, just go on without me!” I didn’t, but by the end I was stumbling around on a street corner while my roommate was stretching her arms above her head and barely panting. Embarrassing.

5.6.TW

The experience reminded me of the overwhelming difference between running on a machine and running outside in a park or on the street. I love the elliptical – it’s less pressure on your joints, it’s convenient, and it keeps me in good enough shape. But, a lot of people want more than that – they have goals of improving their mile time or running a marathon, and for that kind of serious training you have to really go running, whether it be outside or at least on a treadmill.

So, much chagrined after my initial attempt to dive back into the workout world, I turned to my other roommate, trying to figure out how on earth someone could stay motivated if he/she was just starting out in this crazy life of fitness training. She showed me what I now believe to be one of the best mobile apps on my iPhone. It provided a quick and effective answer: imminent danger (not real danger, of course. Just the virtual kind that comes with having to save the sparse remnants of human civilization.)

The app Zombies, Run! provides a post-apocalyptic scenario, where (you guessed it) zombies have obliterated almost all of the human race. But you (“Runner 5,” as you’re titled) have managed to make contact with a base of fellow survivors, and they act as your narration (the premise being that they can monitor your position and surroundings). The app tracks your pace, distance, time, and calories burned either through GPS location (which is more accurate but less convenient) or through the movement of your phone, if you hold it (this allows you to use the app on a treadmill). The survival base sends you on various missions, where you have to collect supplies like medicine, ammunition, and other necessities to defeat the zombie hordes.

But the most important aspect, of course, is the chase. While you’re out exploring, the zombies are also on the prowl. The survival base alerts you when they’re near, so you have to increase your speed to escape them – or else you could lose your supplies or even your life (which seems to me like a great incentive to run faster). In addition to all of this, Zombies, Run! syncs with whatever music you want to listen to (if you’re like me and need every distraction possible, it’s a game-changer) so you can run to the sounds of your “Get Pumped” playlist and the occasional interruption when there’s a notification of impending doom. I consider it the best mobile app for fitness (oh, and believe me, I’ve done my first-hand research), especially for someone starting out, because it piles one life-threatening motivational tool on another.

The app has two seasons, which combined provide over 100 different missions. In addition, there’s a “5K training” app, “ideal for beginners,” as stated on their website -www.zombiesrungame.com. The training provides the same premise, but adds structure by creating an eight-week training program with various workouts, slowly increasing in intensity. On top of all of these features, you can link with various services online such as mapping your run or reading.

Zombies, Run! immerses you in a video-game-like setting, which allows for a motivated run, a distracting scenario, and more pride when you finish your workout (not only are you burning calories and getting fit, but you’re preserving the last of human civilization).

The summer’s coming up, and I know we’re aware of the need to get back in shape (or stay in shape, in which case good for you – I admire your persistence) for the warmer weather. This seasonal shift also means you can finally exercise outdoors again, so kick off the summer by kicking some zombie butt! (And if you ever feel like you’re a terrible runner, just remember that somewhere out there I’m passing out on the sidewalk and being eaten by zombies. You gotta start somewhere.)

 

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