5 Running Tips You Can Learn from Plants vs Zombies

Crazy Dave. Sunflowers. Peashooters. Gargataurs.  This childish game and childish concept is so addicting that I keep playing Plants vs Zombies even if I finished the game 4 times already.  I’m still collecting plants for my Zen Garden and growing that Tree of Wisdom to 500ft.  😀

It’s a simple game but one can get lessons from it.  Lessons are not just about playing the game and winning all the levels against the Zombies.  There are important lessons from the game that you can apply in running.  Really.

Ready.  Set.  Plant!

Build them early

Like many strategy games, there is strength in numbers.  The more attackers and defenses you have early in the game, the better your chances of winning.

In running, building mileage is important.  Don’t jump to a longer distance too fast too soon.  The freebies and the medals for marathon are enticing but you need to plan early which race you will join and stick to a training plan.  For a full marathon, experts suggests a 6 months training plan.  For a half marathon, a three month training plan is just right.

Visibility is important at night

I hate the levels in Plants vs Zombies where it is night time.  There is less sunlight to build more plants. There is the fog that prevents you from seeing which lanes the zombies are coming from.  The trick is to get rid of the fog by using the Blover, Plantern and even the Torchwood.

If you run at night, you need to put extra measures to be visible.  You can use reflector stickers or buys running apparel with reflective materials.  A portable night lamp or early warning devices which you can bring will keep your runs safer at night.

The little things can hurt you

If there’s one Zombie I hate the most, it’s the Imp.  These are the small zombies hurdled by the Gargantuar towards you plants at the leftmost side.  It gets killed easily but they are tricky since the attack at the back where there is little firepower.  I failed a few stages because of these irritating creatures.

In running, the little things can hurt you.  They can bring injuries.  Worn out shoes.  Incorrect shoe type.  Using shoes beyond its acceptable mileage.  Innocently increasing mileage more than what is required for the day or week.  Not studying the route before the event.  These are little things that can hurt you.

Plants vs Zombies is a great game maybe because it has lots of possibilities.  I can get back to the game again trying another strategy.  I don’t seem to get enough of killing Zombies.

Running is also exciting because there are so many possibilities when it comes to running.  When you get bored to a certain route, take the other road less travelled.  If you get bored in the treadmill, take the run outside.  If you are bored with the streets, try the trails.  If you are tired of running events in the city, join a race outside the city.  If there is no running route, create one.  Let your feet lead you the way.  Tired of running alone?  Visit the Forums, be a member and meet new running buddies near your area.

Reward yourself

An interesting game play with Plants vs Zombies is getting new plants to be added to your “menu” after completing each stage.  Some are even useless in the next stages.  But the next ones will be rewarding and useful.

Running should not be a burden.  After a great workout, a great race, a great finish, treat yourself.  Have a week break from running.  Maybe just a short slow runs instead.  Pamper yourself with a massage.  Have a cheat day and eat the foods you missed.  Buy something for yourself.

The Baldrunners 100km Club isa great way to motivate yourself to run.  The idea is to keep a log of all your runs.  Once you reach the 100km marks, you treat yourself to something.  After 1,000km, you get a shirt from Baldrunner.  List you names here and Welcome to the Club.  😀