Zombies, Run!

I’ll admit this now…I’m not a runner. I’m top heavy, just hit the big 4-0 this year and I think my knees will be the first to crumble. So when I see a bunch of posts all over my Facebook feed from a fitness running app replicating being chased by Zombies, I got a bit saddened. This sounded like fun! I also bet it’d be really motivating! It’s also NERDY, which is so ME! It turns out…it IS right for me. The nerdy non-runner.

Zombies, Run! is free to download for iOS & Android and includes the first 4 missions. Players act as the character “Runner 5” through a series of missions, during which they run and listen to various audio narrations to uncover the story. While running, the player collects supplies such as ammunition, medicine and batteries, which can be used to build and expand their base. The app can record the distance, time, pace, and calories burned on each mission through the use of the phone’s GPS or accelerometer. You can also listen to the music they provide or use your own external audio app.

But here’s the kicker, you can toggle off the ‘chase’ option. Thus making it perfect for a walk with the dog, walking to work etc. or if you’re one of those crazy people that like the thrill of the chase, toggle the ‘chase’ option on and you’ll be prompted to run faster for a short period of time when zombie hordes are close. Be careful though, in this mode you could be caught by zombies and lose your supplies, or even fail the mission.

The idea first came about when British writer Naomi Alderman was attending a running class. During the class, the instructor asked attendees why they wanted to run, and one answered, “I want to be able to out run the zombie horde.” Part of the success of the game was due to a Kickstarter in 2011 that brought in five times what was expected, a total of $72,627 from 3464 backers.

Since the game came out in 2012, Zombies Run! creators Naomi Alderman and Rebecca Levene continue to develop & publish the game through Six to Start with over 1 million players. The app has 23 missions for season 1 and season 2, 60 missions for season 3 and season 4 has 16 missions so far with a new one being released each week. They haven’t stopped. There are a ton of updates due to be implemented for 2015 including continued auto-sharing to Twitter/Facebook, the ability to edit & delete run logs and tons of tweaking and correcting of the current game.

I’ve just completed my free missions and have moved on to actually buying the game. I don’t generally like to pay for apps, especially if I can just take advantage of one that is free. I’ve used a ton of other fitness trackers and none have been as fun and motivating as this one, and it’s NERDY! Not to mention, all the stories are read by Brits, who doesn’t love that accent? Now if they’d only connect to My Fitness Pal I’d be set….