Jumping stilts (Powerisers or Air Trekkers) to run from zombies

I was surfing through YouTube a few days ago when I ran into videos of jumping stilts from Powerisers and Air Trekkers. Immediately, it hit me that these would be so useful and cool in a zombie attack. These jumping stilts, when used right, could add a new dimension in manueverability when trying to outrun a horde of undeads.


Image source: DC Power Stilts via Flickr

See this short 3 min video and you'll understand. I believe that the main guy is using Powerisers stilts:



Jumping over stairs, fences, and other typical city obstacles would be impossible or energy draining for many of us, including well-conditioned athletes. But the guy from the video seems to do it effortlessly.


Image source: Weirder the Better via Flickr

And it's not just for navigating city terrain. The video below is a man running around with an Air Trekker or Powerisers jumping stilts in a landscape suitable for off-roading, i.e. motorbikes, buggies, 4WDs, and such.



I can't pin down the fastest speed a human can achieve while wearing a pair of jumping stilts. The claims I've seen are around 17 mph (27 kph). Usain Bolt can reach a top speed of 27.79 mph.

Not a lot of video clips are out there on practical use of jumping stilts, at least not yet. But here's a funny one on how to use jumping stilts to rob a bank. Of course, I don't condone robbing a bank or committing any criminal acts with these, but what's interesting from the video is the concept of how one could outrun and outmanuever live human chasers. Slow zombies should be much easier to get away from.



Obviously there's a learning curve as shown by the following video.



There are also weight limits. For example, the Air-Trekker Jumping Stilts CZ90 Adult Edition is rated for 197-218 lbs (89-99 kg). And the Poweriser Jumping Stilt Advanced is rated for 198-266 lbs (90-120 kg).

Hence, from Season 2 of The Walking Dead, Shane should be able to use a pair of these, while Otis would have been shit out of luck.


Image source: ap. via Flickr

I would like to see Glenn running around Atlanta with a pair of jumping stilts and getting away from zombies to safety. He's the right character for something like these.

Zombie App for Iphone. Caution: Must be a runner to use!

Image source: comunklam via Flickr

Time to get in shape before it's too late. Good cardio conditioning comes in very handy during a zombie apocalypse. Remember that good cardio training does not necessarily mean that you have to be the fastest runner to get away from the horde of zombies.

You only need to be faster than the slowest guy from your bunch.

So get to it. The Zombies, Run! app ought to help with your training.

See below for an except of the article and the link:

Welcome to the new world of running apps. While smartphone-toting runners have long used apps like Nike+ and RunKeeper, which track your runs using GPS and offer training plans, three different apps have recently helped me get out of a running rut.

The first app is a new one called Cruise Control, which adjusts the tempo of the songs in your iTunes library to help you speed up the pace. The second app I’ve been using is called Zombies, Run! It intermittently puts the sounds of snarling zombies into your ear to make you run faster. And lastly, there’s WalkJogRun, which helps you find creative running routes in your local neighborhood, shared by other users.

read more: Three Running Apps to Shake Up Your Routine - Lauren Goode - Product Reviews - AllThingsD

What to scavenge in a pharmacy to survive a zombie plague?

Image source: The Local East Village via Flickr

This is one of those questions that rarely comes to mind in cases of disasters much less a zombie apocalypse. Perhaps it's because we don't normally think about scavenging (or looting) in our day-to-day lives. In an emergency, we are taught to stay put and let the authorities such as police and firemen do their jobs. But in a zombie apocalypse, the structure for such authorities may not exist and could be one of the first to fall.

So let's think out of the box and prioritize our actions as if the government and authorities (FEMA, police, National Guards, military, firemen) would not be around to save us.

In this post, let's think about medicine that we could use when trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. Sure we all have first aid kits at home. But those can only go so far. Just like Rick, Glen, and company from The Walking Dead, you'll have to scavenge for medicine at an abandoned pharmacy.

1. Iodine. This is a multi-purpose medicine that can be used as antispetic and topical treat of open wounds. Additionally, it could treat water for drinking in absence of your ability to boil (Source). In this sense, iodine is just like bleach.

2. Pain medication. Things like ibuprofen and such. Expect to get hurt from exertion since you're pushing yourself to stay alive. Muscle strains, headaches, back aches, menstrual cramps and other maladies are not going away. Also, you're chances of catching a fever or cold will increase and we've all used Tylenol and Anacin to remedy that. Stronger pain meds such as oxycodone and morphin are out there too and could be very useful. In a zombie apocalypse, no one is guarding them behind the counter, so stock up, but use carefully. Better yet, find ways to train on how to use them properly.

3. Multi-vitamins. Chances are, you're body will not be eating healthy in a disaster like a zombie plague, so you'll have to find a way to stay healthy. In my day-to-day life and since I'm getting older, I use multi-vitamins for nutritional supplement. The same thing is necessary to survive in a zombie apocalypse.

4. Pregnancy test kit, abortion pills, plan B pills, prenatal vitamins. I saw this in The Walking Dead and it makes sense to keep it in mind. Men and women will hump each other given a chance. Might as well face that fact and be ready.

5. Soap. In a zombie apocalypse, infection from the zombie virus is not the only danger. Dirty wounds, general unsanitary conditions, and dirty hands while eating can cause bacterial infection which could lead to serious sickness or even death.

6. Gauze, tape, and bandaid. Can't be too safe. These are handy when someone needs patching up.

Those are just the basic ones. I'm sure loading up on non-perishable food and water is a good idea.

Canada vs. Zombies

Image source: therouterguy via Flickr

It's official (or near official).  Zombies aren't welcome in Canada.  Zero-tolerance is their policy.

In a bizarre exchange in a place known for bizarre exchanges, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird told the House of Commons Wednesday that “Canada will never be a safe haven for zombies.”

“I want to assure this member and all Canadians that I am dead-icated to ensuring that this never happens,” Baird said.

Baird was responding to a question from NDP MP Pat Martin (who else, really?) who asked if Canada is working with the U.S. to ensure that its citizens don’t suffer from a case of the zombie apocalypse.

John Baird promises to keep Canadians safe from zombies | Canadian Politics | Canada | News | National Post