Tomorrow is Halloween and, even though I don’t really celebrate it, I thought this would be a good oppportunity to break pattern and post about why we really put in all the hours pounding pavement: the zombie apocalypse.
Some of you may have seen the guest post I wrote on Zombie Command back in June, in which I introduced the idea of being able to run as a basic necessity when the zombie uprising starts. If you’ve seen ‘Zombieland’ and remember rule 1 (cardio) you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Ally carves his name into Ichabod the pumpkin
While, in fact, the ability to run isn’t limited to zombies (and likewise – zombie survival isn’t limited to being able to run), it’s certainly an important point. One can’t be complacent in thinking that all zombies are going to be slow and stupid. As I mentioned in the article for Zombie Command:
“While purists may argue the unlikelihood of a ’28 Days Later’ style infection in which the victims still have good motor control and coordination (aka, the Running Zombie), failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Who can forget Robert Carlyle’s Don running from the house 10 minutes into ’28 Weeks Later’ with dozens of infected sprinting behind him? The best escape plan can fail. Be prepared to up and run when you need to.”
While my article for Zombie Command was designed to convince people that already had elaborate ‘bug out’ plans to start running, you guys already know how to run. Instead, we’ll stick with 3 zombie survival basics.
Aim for the head: Whether you have a cricket bat or a shotgun, this is the general universal rule for stopping a zombie. Removing the head or destroying the brain will stop a zombie permanently, but taking a limb off could slow it down.
Have a plan: Being prepared is probably your best weapon. You might want to avoid largely populated areas, which for most people probably means travelling out of towns and cities. Know your destination, the route, and what you need to take. Have backup plans, which might include defending where you are in the eventuality that you’re unable to travel.
Stay alive: There’s a lot to take into consideration, and a lot of it can’t be planned for. Don’t assume anything and get as much information as you can. Be disciplined, don’t take risks, be prepared to run!
The best defence is...running away
Obviously, I can’t cover everything now, I’d be here all afternoon and I’m already late for archery :-) There’s a vast array of information out there if you’re interested. Yes, you could watch ‘Night of the Living Dead’ again, but for good solid advice I’d recommend Max Barry’s ‘Zombie Survival Guide’, which I first read in 2004, and the follow up ‘World War Z’.
To celebrate Halloween and this being my 99th post (and because I found I still had some lurking under my desk) I’m giving away a Running from Zombies sticker to the first 3 people to comment on this post. Happy Halloween, and remember: Don’t be an easy meal.
