The House of Cards treadmill running game

It’s the end of February, which means two things: 1) you’ve already spent far too much time running on a treadmill this winter, and 2) Netflix is about to destroy your weekend with about 11 hours worth of House of Cards.

Binge-watching television shows doesn’t have to be unhealthy. A typical HoC episode runs about 50 minutes, which is perfect for either an easy effort, or a fun fartlek run.

House of Cards has become such a hit because of its addictive plot, relentless pacing and charming characterizations of political monsters. Here at Canadian Running we don’t condone drinking games, so we’ve cooked up a “running game” you can play on the treadmill while you watch Frank Underwood make D.C. dance like a puppet.

First thing’s first: SPOILER ALERT for seasons one and two

The Rules

Note: if you don’t have a treadmill but want to take on the Underwood Challenge, do 10 seconds of plank, a push-up or a sit-up in place of a 10-second stride.

Run a 10 second stride when:

Frank talks directly to the camera.

When Frank or Claire smoke a cigarette by the window. Double when they share it.

When Frank plays a video game.

When he knocks his ring twice on the desk in the Oval Office.

When Claire calls Frank “Francis.”

You hear the infamous ringtone.

Frank eats ribs.

A text appears on screen.

Frank mentions South Carolina.

Every time someone goes for a run.

When Frank is on the rowing machine.

When Frank wears a tuxedo or is at a ball/gala/party.

When someone is murdered.

The ghost of Frank Russo or Zoe Barnes appears.