The provided reference suggests that zombies would likely not be able to run effectively due to their decaying bodies.
Zombie Movement Limitations
While popular culture often depicts zombies as fast, sprinting hordes, the reality, based on the reference, paints a different picture:
- Lack of Coordination: Rotting flesh and muscle degradation would severely impact coordination, making complex movements like running difficult.
- Dexterity Issues: The lack of fine motor skills and body control means that actions requiring agility and balance, such as sprinting, would be extremely challenging.
- Stair Climbing and Obstacles: The reference states that fleeing up stairs or climbing are effective escape strategies against zombies. This implies they are not agile enough to easily navigate such obstacles, including running at high speeds.
Impact on Zombie Lore
This information allows us to assess some zombie-related scenarios:
- Zombie Hordes: While a large group of slow-moving zombies might still pose a threat, they would be less of a danger if they are unable to run.
- Escape Strategies: Using simple obstacles or going to elevated positions becomes a viable escape plan.
- Survival: Knowledge of a zombie's limitations would help to strategize and potentially stay alive.
In essence, based on the physical limitations of a decaying body, running for zombies would be a considerable challenge, limiting their speed and making them less of an immediate threat. They might be able to shamble quickly but not run in the way we understand it.