The original Zombies, Run! [appprice url="http://appshopper.com/healthcare-fitness/zombies-run"] has been free since 2015, and if you’ve never tried it and have any interest in running, you really should. Instead of how a lot of running apps will just have you running and walking based on timed intervals with chimes and maybe some voiceover to tell you what to do next, Zombies, Run! does basically the same thing but it’s cleverly disguised through an in-game narrative where you’re running around inside of a zombie apocalypse. It’s hard to really capture in a trailer, but check this one out to get an idea of what it’s like:
While Zombies, Run! is more of a general workout app, Zombies, Run! 5K Training is a targeted training app with the goal of getting you running a 5K in 8 weeks. (Similar to the bazillion Couch to 5K programs out there.) The idea behind a Couch to 5K program is gradually advancing time splits. On the first day you’ll be mostly walking with a few short bursts of running, and before long you’re primarily running, taking a few breaks walking, then eventually just running non-stop. If you stick with a Couch to 5K program, the progress you see feels a little magical.
Personally, what always makes me eventually get bored of these different running programs is it’s hard for me to find things interesting enough to listen to while running that it distracts me from the fact that I’m running for 30 minutes plus. The way Zombies, Run and Zombies, Run! 5K Training attack this problem is by structuring workouts with gameplay elements and an evolving storyline. So you’re not just running to fill in a checkmark for that day’s workout, you’re running to find out what happens next in the world of Zombies, Run!.
A 2.0 update just hit for the Zombies, Run! 5K Training app, which primarily rejiggers how you pay for it. Now, you can give it a download, and try out the first three weeks of the program totally for free. The end of week three, from experience with these 5K trainers, is when the rubber starts to meet the road when it comes to feeling like you’re making progress. I’d be super surprised if you make it three weeks in Zombies, Run! 5K Training that you wouldn’t flip out the four bucks to keep going.
Anyway, Zombies, Run! is super cool, and if this is the first time you’ve heard of it, definitely give it a look. The original is a great all-around workout app and the 5K trainer has a more focused goal. Both are now free, so, decide what direction you want to go and give it a shot.
