Running with Zombies

I've been sticking to the training plan so far, and just finished week five.  A while back I posted a short message about a cool running app I saw on Kickstarter.  The Kickstarter funding was successful, and because I helped fund it, I was able to get early access to the app (called Zombies Run!), and access to "season 1" content.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zombie_(fictional)

It integrates well with iPod./iPhone playlists, and when the current mission ends, the app goes into "radio" mode, which simulates a pirate radio station that happens to play the music on your playlist.  

I tried to use it with an audio book, and because I'm using the Audible app, it just starts playing right on top of the book.  This was remedied by pressing the pause button on my headphones when the broadcast started, but was a little awkward.  I think if you have a standard audio book directly on the iPod, it would probably integrate just like the music.

Overall, it has been an absolute blast!  From a solo running app perspective, its lacking a lot right now, but as a running game, it is great!  Currently, I just open RunKeeper in the background, then launch Zombies Run!, and enjoy the story.  At $7.99 its a bit pricey for a game, and since it is lacking in the running app department, I don't recommend purchasing it just yet.  The developer promises RunKeeper integration, interval options, and run distance training programs (5k, 8k, marathon, etc) soon, so once some of these are available, I would highly recommend it.

Training plan

I started my training plan this week.  I found a very gradual 30 week program that fits my running style (lots of walk breaks)

It also starts week one right where I've been running (3 miles or so) so I'm hoping the gradual increase will work well!

http://goo.gl/V7d4o

I registered for the ADT marathon today.

Eeeek!

I ran today with an audiobook instead of random cardio station on Pandora (http://www.pandora.com/stations/play/733319259225910598)

I haven't kept up with Stephen King like I used to, so picked up "11-22-63". Nice start so far! I need to modify Runkeeper to keep its stupid mouth shut though! Really annoying when the "coach" comes on for 5 minute distance updates.

It didn't bother me when listening to mindless "unts-unts-WUBWUBWUB" but now when I'm engaged in a story, Its almost as bad as someone talking in a movie theater.

The running has been going well.  I've been pretty consistent with 5+ mile runs every other day.  I still haven't signed up for a marathon, or adopted a training plan.

I've been enjoying Pandora's new workout genre stations on my iPhone.  I may go back to this station, but enjoying something different for now.

My 8 yr old has been running with me about once a week, and I really enjoy it.  I wish I could run with super-wife more often, I really enjoy that when we get a chance.  Running with someone else has a whole different feel to it, running with a loved one is just plain great.

This has to be the coolest idea for a running app I've ever heard of.  http://kck.st/rf2CRI

Count me in!

Running with the kiddos

The Boys have been running with me the last few times.  Its been a blast!  They both now have "running gear" which includes some shoes, pants and shirt that are like Daddy's.  I noticed that running with someone has a whole different dynamic that's really enjoyable.  My 8 yr. old is a chatter box, so its non-stop talking while running, but I definitely feel different vs. solo running. 

This is the marathon I've been planning on signing up for.  Note the date.  If my beard grows for more than a year, I may trip on it while running.

Another possibility recommended by Ace is the Ft. Collins Marathon.  If I do this one, it means training through the winter, which does not sound appealing to me. 

I ran in Las Vegas.  Sort of.  I was there for a tech conference, and hit the treadmill for 30 mins.  /shudder  This is why I do not want to train through the winter.