C25K, Zombie Style

New technology is so intriguing that I’ll even train for a 5K.

Let me explain.  Last week I attended the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce's 49th Annual Recognition Banquet and Scholarship Dinner and bid on an entry fee in the Merrimack Firefighter's 5K + 30 minute massage from Clement Massage.

I actually won! 

I have never participated in a 5K.  I used to run back in high school, but was sidelined by an injury (and that turned out for the best since I joined my friends in the after school theatre group, and let’s just say, it changed my life).  I don't mind exercise; I like the physical and mental benefits when I've made the time to do it.  But I probably prefer classes in Zumba or bellydance or hip hop, something a little more dance-oriented where the moves are constantly changing and I need to pay attention to the instructor.  There’s no time for my mind to wander to my To Do List.   When I'm out for a walk or a jog, my mind wanders to my To Do list, and that's not the most relaxing place to be.

Winning the entry in a 5K was the gentle shove I was looking for.

See, I’ve been trying to find an inexpensive, uncomplicated and measurable activity to replace my defunct gym membership.  And recently, I’ve watched several friends, other busy moms, train and complete 5Ks.  I even had one friend challenge me to participate in a Muddy Buddy race.

I like the idea of a Muddy Buddy but the reality is I'd need to build up to that.

So now I'm committed to a deadline.  But since the Firefighter's 5K is in October, I also registered for the Bobcat Bolt, a local Seacoast 5K/10K slated for June.  There are several websites that offer week-to-week tips for training for a couch to 5K, but I came across an app called Zombies, Run! (available for Apple or Android platforms).  

Worst case scenario, both events are a family walk/fun run event so I can have a back-up plan to walk it. (I'm trying to be sensible and optimistic at the same time!)

I must say, the Zombies, Run! app looks really awesome!  Developed by Six to Start, it’s an inexpensive app at $1.99-3.99.  Running experts have designed the game to move you - Runner 5 - through 8 weeks of training – 40 runs through a game combining a narrative and your own music.  There’s even an online community to track your progress.

This sounds like just the distraction and motivation I need.  And I like zombies.  –I didn’t used to, but Jonathan Maberry’s Rot & Ruin (Benny Imura series) changed my mind.  A multi-tissue read.

So when the snow from this latest storm melts, I’ll pull my sneakers on and try it out...except that I still need to buy some sneakers since mine have not yet turned up…I'm pretty sure that means one of my girls swiped them for gym class… Okay, so add “buy new sneakers” to my To Do List…

If anyone's trained the C25K style, I'd welcome any pointers!