I’m getting stronger, running my longest distance yet (3.28 miles). Now its time to work on those negative thoughts with a fun, new app that combines storytelling and 5K training. Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhoto.net and Sura Nualpradid.

Maybe I felt guilty about eating that ice cream this weekend. Or there was some residual stress from my husband’s hospital stay. Whatever the reason, after a short warm up walk, I ran 3.28 miles Monday. That’s more than a 5k baby!

During the run, my greatest challenge was mental not physical. As I hit the 1.5-mile mark, I started telling myself “I need to stop.” I felt physically great and my legs were strong. For some reason “I need to stop” became a mantra on endless loop in my head. Ugh!

How do I breakout of this? This isn’t a problem during my spin class or my 6+ mile walks. When I’m on the elliptical machine, I always want to push myself to go longer, faster. But when it comes to running, that annoying thought pops into my head repeatedly.

Zombies To The Rescue
My playlists sort of help, or at least snaps me out of the negativity for a while. But that little nagging voice always crawls back into my head. Clearly I need something more drastic. Anything to take my mind off of the fact I’m running. My husband suggested I try a podcast.

I love the idea. After all I love listening to the Serial podcast (I’m on episode 4) during my walks or cycling. But when it comes to running I prefer music. My playlists set my pace and I work harder. While podcasts and audio books are great for my other workouts, it feels awkward listening to them during my runs.

I need an app that combines music and story. So tomorrow I’m trying out Zombies, Run! 5K Training.

It’s an 8-week training/adventure program that combines storytelling with my custom playlists. It turns my schedule runs into entertainment rather than exercise. It syncs with Runkeeper, a new app I’m using to track my runs (I’ve finally outgrown Map My Walk). Bonus!

Fitness & Adventure – A Winning Combo!
As a big fan of The Walking Dead, and most things zombie-related, I’m looking forward to the app. I know it’s more about exercise than zombies. But I love the idea of combining story with my workouts. I think we’ll see more fitness apps that combine gameplay and storytelling to create an adventure. The Wiifit was the first generation. Now apps like Zombie, Run! or The Walk are taking it to a new level. It’s a great way to get people moving.

I love working out. But there are days where it is a chore or outright boring. I’m hopeful these fitness apps, like audio books and podcasts, make time (and negative thoughts) disappear, especially when I’m hitting the pavement.