Reviewing the “Zombies, Run! 5k Training” app
During the period of time from March to June, Americans were trying their hardest to entertain themselves while simultaneously enriching their lives as best as they could. The pandemic along with the lock down left people to their own devices and so much time on their hand. What more to do than to browse their phones for new apps, games and things to entertain themselves?
During this time, a running training app began to boom on TikTok due to their unique approach and the way that they motivate their users. This app was called “Zombies, Run!”
When first downloading the application, you can already see that the creators have given the users some choices. They could either download the original app and go on many adventures within the app, or they could take a journey for higher training with the app that allows them to train for a 5k.
I downloaded the 5k one initially and was able to trial run (literally) for the first three weeks. The first day, I was introduced to the story that would follow me throughout this journey. All I had to do was pop my headphones in, and click on the “The Story Begins” module and listen to the sound of action in my ear.
After the first day, it went into the three week trial. These “weeks” were three days of similar workouts to get the user accustomed to the style of running. The characters within the story remind the listener, after every workout, to take a break for a day or so and to come back to do the next workout later. So, the three workouts seem to be perfect for a week.
After the third week, the other workout modules are locked unless the runner pays for the subscription. When clicking to pay, it is only 5.99 a month, and access to all the other apps created by the same developers such as the original “Zombies, Run!” and even “The Walk” which allows a different pace for each type of workout. It is definitely worth the price, and the experiences are so immersive, that no one would dare stop after the third week.
Even with all the action, there were periods of time when the voice actors wouldn’t speak in order to let the runner focus on their running. During this time, the runner can connect to any exterior listening app they may have such as Apple Music or Spotify. Doing this is super easy, as it asks to connect to the listener’s music before the run is even started. When the story is ready to continue, the app will lower the volume of the music and continue, and when it is done, the volume of the music will go back to the way it was.
The story is super immersive and creative with it being set during a zombie apocalypse with the listener being a newcomer trying to train to become what they call a “runner” in order to go out and get supplies. By putting listeners in this sort of environment, although completely made up, it can really motivate them to do their best. Thinking that they have an obligation to their camp and even running from a horde of zombies every now and then is good enough motivation to anyone.
The applications offered by the developer “Six to Start” in their “Zombies, Run!” series really helped a lot of people stay motivated during times where no one felt like doing much of anything. By working towards a big goal and knowing that there was something to look forward to, it was easy to shake off that funk that everyone was in during this period of time. It felt like I was truly accomplishing something after every run.
