Trail Bait

We are often asked the rhetorical question, “Why would I run unless I’m being chased?”

Normally, we would take the opportunity to explain all of the amazing benefits of running. But as of today, we’ve readjusted our mindset. We’re ready to run for our lives.

We just registered for the first ever zombie-infested 5K obstacle course race. For 3.1 miles, we will try to escape from the running undead while navigating a series of 12 obstacles at a secluded campground. We may not succeed in protecting our brains, but we’re all invited to a sweet after party where survivors and the infected can mingle.

Run For Your Lives will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 in Darlington, MD. We are totally pumped for this race. The reason for our excitement is twofold:

1)     We are die-hard fans of zombie films (well, mostly Aaron – but Monica really likes The Walking Dead!)

2)    We are running with four friends as a team. Our name? Trail Bait.

We’re in the process of coming up with a zombie-proof training plan to keep us one step ahead of the undead. We plan to go on at least one group run per week that includes lots of obstacles and climbing. Aaron recommends some runs along the Potomac Heritage Trail, full of some really nasty cliffhangers and white-knuckle rock crawling. He takes zombie defense training very seriously.

Two of the lovely ladies we are running with are close friends who ran their first 5K together in May. We asked Katie Harding and Valeria Villarroel a few questions about why they’re ready to be Trail Bait.  

Why do you want to run for your lives this October?

KH: I am not the biggest fan of exercising, so anything that changes things up and makes it more interesting, I'm all for it! Plus, it includes one of my favorite things: zombie movies. I mean, how could I not do it?

VV: I'm not one for running. In fact, I only think that you should run if you're chasing something or being chased. Running isn't my first choice when it comes to fun physical activities but doing the Run For Your Lives event fits in perfectly with when running is appropriate. I also like that it's not just a 5K run, but a 5K obstacle course. I'm not the most athletic person in the world, but I love obstacle courses and boot camps and cross-training because it really makes my body push itself to do things that it's not used to.

You ran your first 5K a few months ago. How did that experience affect your interest in future races? Or your interest in running in general?

KH: After the race, we started talking to a couple ladies who had also just finished. One of them told us that the other had lost over 150 pounds in the course of a year and is now a running fiend. This lady had just so happened to be the runner who was just a bit out of reach in front of me the entire race. The whole time I was focused on her pink tank top, willing myself to run faster to catch her. I didn't, but I'm certain that she helped me run a bit faster. Hearing her story was inspiring and energized both Valeria and myself.

Do you have any goals for this race, other than to avoid being eaten?

VV: My goal for this race is to push myself on the obstacle courses. That's really what I'm the most excited about. I'll be able to really get into the race, since this time around, I don't think I'll be bringing along my iPhone with my workout music on there – just pure fear and adrenaline.  

What are you looking forward to most about this race (camaraderie, a good challenge, getting into better shape, feeling like you're in an episode of The Walking Dead, etc.)? 

KH: My ultimate motivation is that I suppose I am technically now on the "white dress diet,” but really, I am just looking forward to having a fun time with friends. It's convenient that this just so happens to double as exercise.

VV: I've struggled with my weight loss my entire life, and a big part of that has been not only controlling my food, but also getting into an exercise routine. I'm looking forward to challenging my body and my stamina to get into better shape. It may not mean weight loss, but it'll mean more confidence about what I can do.  I also fully plan a night of zombie viewing the night before complete with zombie-filled food – blood pudding anyone?

Whether or not we end up as zombie snacks or survive race-day uninfected, we’re looking forward to the camaraderie of group training on trails and race day!

Please keep us posted about what autumn races you’re gearing up for. We would love to hear from you! 

Please feel free to e-mail us at monica.boland@gmail.com or sharkdoctor1@hotmail.com.