NSV...with pictures AND ZOMBIES!!!

I am proud to say that I've lost about 50lbs from my highest weight in the last couple of years (most of it here on myfitnesspal) and plan to lose another 20lbs more. But today's post is more about what I can do with this new, healthier body. I tend to lose it very slowly, and I do best with real-world accountability/motivation. So, I decided to start running with C25k (even though I've never been an athlete, let alone a runner). Since then, I've completed two charity 5k fun runs, and my ultimate goal is to do a Disney half-marathon in the next couple of years.

BUT LAST WEEKEND, I completed a much more gory event.... Run For Your Lives: A zombie-infested 5k obstacle course.
http://www.runforyourlives.com/

I've never done ANYTHING like this before (including the obstacle component), and I liked that I finally found a nerdy-girl-friendly challenge that included both cardio and stength (I am not quite yet Tough Mudder material, lol). So I started lifting weights and I did 3 weeks of boot camp prior to this event.
Some parts below will be modified from my blog post, which you can read for more details about the event itself:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/celticcateyes/view/run-for-your-lives-zombie-infested-5k-obstacle-course-437553

Event summary: 5k (3.1 mile) course containing 12 man-made obstacles infested with volunteers dressed as zombies (with professional make-up). Participants run in waves that start at each half hour. Each participant wears a belt with bright-colored flags (e.g. flag football) that represent their health. As participants run through the course, zombies will reach out to take the flags. No other physical contact is allowed between zombie and participant. If you lose all your flags, you are ‘infected’ and can still finish the course, but aren't eligible for timed prizes.

PICTURE TIME!!!

At the starting line:


The last stretch of obstacles:


The finish line:



Overall, I had a ton of fun at the event. I really enjoyed the obstacles (much more than I thought I would), as they were tough but not impossible. The zombie component created a whole new dimension of excitement! The other participants were amazingly friendly and helpful (besides a few jerks and cheaters). Some of the zombies were great actors and really contributed to the overall experience (thank you zombie volunteers!).

As part of my NSV, I learned not to be afraid of obstacle courses or mud, and that there is always new ways to push my fitness levels. I woke up yesterday morning, covered in scrapes and bruises, sore from head to toe. I definitely know where I can improve my performance in this event, as I totally want to do this event AGAIN next year!!!