Infected

Today I’m bringing Runner Girl back to the land of the living.  Today is all about zombies, obstacles, and pure adrenaline.  If you’re up for a unique and frightening thrill, keep reading...

The team awakened Saturday morning entirely human and by 7 am the infection had consumed us...zombies we were.  Professional makeup stylists mass produced the half dead via airbrushes, powders, latex, and artificial blood. Artists transformed hundreds of us, even ripping, tearing, and shredding clothing...into a gruesome squad of the undead. The stumbler crew appeared entirely contaminated; the chasers, barely alive. Our assignment in this creepy, obstacle-filled course...simple enough for even the mindless...to cause hundreds of racers to “run for their lives.”

The eight of us were lucky to limp and stagger upon the most wooded, swampy area of the 5k trail.  We hid decaying bodies behind and even climbed trees, anticipating the next wave of fearful runners.  And we were hungry.  A vivacious zombie horde...we cornered, blocked, and chased; runners twice my size and fully male, didn’t hesitate to slap, scratch, and push this zombie girl;  but I was keenly aware of only one thing...capturing any of the three red flags (lives) attached at their waists...and the eccentric in me took over...in those few moments...it was a powerful rush of emotion and competition and excitement and strength.  Deadly zombie warriors we stood united...sending them into knee-deep, murky waters, the bare ground from which we had come, or with nowhere to go at all.

At race end, we celebrated a heaping pile of red, lifeless flags, a race metal rightly engraved, “Infected,” and the satisfaction of effectively spreading our deadly disease.

If you’re needing a change from your usual Saturday morning routine or all those other fun runs, the zombie life is just a registration away...www.runforyourlives.com...will be one that your immortal mind will never forget.  Registrants are also able to participate as both runner and zombie.  Hope to see you there on the terrrifying and tainted trail!