This morning, I saved the world from zombies. You're welcome. I did it from my elliptical. Awhile back, a SparkBuddy (can't remember who) told me about an app in development. If you're reading this and it was you, holler; I'd like to thank you. I followed the app's development, patiently stalking and waiting until its release last night. (geek) The app was supposed to be like a run tracker/pedometery thing, fused with a game.

The premise is the world has been overrun by zombies and there are small bases of humans, trying to survive. They send runners out to gather supplies. Every run you take is a mission, and--oh shoot, I'll just tell you about my first mission. Remember, I can only run on an elliptical (neck injury). So, I'm not actually running around the neighborhood, trying to escape zombies. This is probably a good thing, because I think I'd get so caught up in the story, I'd run into a stop sign or something.

After I loaded the app on my iPhone, it took me through a quick tutorial. I loaded a random playlist, put in my earbuds and started running. Keep in mind, you're not looking at your iPhone or iPod while you're running. You kinda need to watch where you're going, especially if you're running outside! You're just listening to the story unfold.


tutorial screenshots


more tutorial shots

Immediately, I'm immersed in the mission. I hear sound effects and people talking to me. I'm in a helicopter, surveying the area. I don't want to give too many spoiler alerts. Let's just say that I end up on the ground. A zombie herd has been spotted and I have to run to a nearby tower/base for safety. I hear the thump, thump, thump of bass and then-- "There's a fire starting in my heart." Adele? Oh yeah, I forgot this thing actually has a playlist. Somehow, "Rolling in the Deep" seems to work with a zombie apocalypse. I keep running. Somewhere along the way, I pick a broken cellphone, some batteries and a sports bra. Okay... Suddenly, the radio operator breaks in to tell me that I'm going to run by a hospital and I need to stop and scavenge for supplies. If I show up at the base empty-handed, they might not let me in. No hard feelings. These are tough times. Cue "Good Life" by One Republic. Ha ha. I make it to the hospital, which has a group of zombies milling around in the parking lot. I'm supposed to pick up as much stuff as possible and hurry out of there. I speed up. Bruno Mars starts singing "Runaway Baby." I'd laugh, but I'm trying to breathe. Oh, I just picked up some antibiotics, first aid kits, underwear and a can of Spam. And another sports bra. Guess this is going to be a recurring theme. I'm in and out of the hospital, lickity split and heading towards the base. Suddenly, a zombie breaks away from the herd and starts to chase me. I can hear it breathing. This is Zombie Interval Training. I run as fast as I can. I get to the edge of the base. Somebody starts spraying gunfire, to cover me, as I near the gates. Cue Lady Gaga and "Edge of Glory." I kid you not. I made it in the gates. Mission completed.


Stuff I picked up and my base after I unloaded all the sports bras (lol)

Holy moly, that was FUN! I have a larger than life imagination. If something manages to harness that and make exercise fun, then I'm sold. That's why I hoop. And I guess, I can add running from zombies to my list. This little app made me step up my game. I usually run about 2200 strides in a 30 min. run. This time, I did a little over 3000. I had to go outside and walk up and down our street, to cool down. I'm not trying to sell the app or anything. I mean, it's not like I work for them. I just thought some of you might find this interesting. Right now, it's only available for the iPhone/iPod Touch, but they're coming out with an Android version this spring. And yeah, it's a pricey app--$8. But, I figure if it helps me burn off the next 20 lbs., it's worth eight bucks. There's a little language in it, but nothing too drastic. Anyway, I just thought I'd share the fun. Can't wait to see what tomorrow's mission will be.



fyi--Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 5.0 or later.
Here's a link to their page with a nifty video.
https://www.zombiesrunga
me.com/