A Healthy Perspective

When you are trying to become a healthier person, setting specific goals can be helpful.

In preparation for my ultimate goal of participating in a half marathon next summer, last weekend I joined in the Walking Deadwood Zombie 5k – my very first official 5k.

My training process was fairly simple: I started running. I used an app on my phone to measure out blocks of time for walking and running and gradually increased the time I spent running over the time I spent walking.

Last weekend, race day finally arrived, and we loaded up the van with our passel of crazy competitors and headed to Deadwood.

Since this was a Zombie 5K, at the start of the race we were given belts with three flags attached with Velcro. The zombies try to steal your flags as you run or walk the 5k.

If you make it to the finish line with at least one still attached then you are considered a survivor.

Otherwise you are considered dead.

When you are trying to get involved with fitness activities it is helpful to incorporate your participation into the things you do with your friends.

I was lucky enough to fight off the hordes of the undead with an awesome groups of friends.

While none of us “survived” the race with flags intact (I lost my two of my flags to a zombiefied Thor and the last to a very stubborn young zombie girl) I can’t say I’ve ever had more fun dying.

While my initial plan of running the 3.1 mile distance was impeded by a burgeoning cold, I did run the last 500 yards to the finish line.

Crossing the finish line was great, I can’t wait to run my next 5k and then to complete a half marathon!

This race taught me a number of things. Things don’t go as planned, but that doesn’t mean you quit. Avoid zombie Thor, no matter how cute he was when he was alive. Finally, be fit with your friends.

That’s always more fun!