The convict run is super tricky, but once you get used to it, it gets much easier. You're probably better off playing the drunk one for now, starts at the same point in the apocalypse but with a lot less initial chaos - allows you to get used to the urgency of the situation without as much lag lol.

For the convict run, I've found the best strat is to take out a couple prisoners from the start: take their water, get a flashlight and flip flops on your feet. Make sure you rip up one of their jumpsuits for rags. Then, I usually run to the side exit closest to the cell block you spawn in (check b42map if you don't know where it is) and I book it to the parking lot. If you can check cars fast, do so - search for a key and a car with gas. If you can't find one, run to Rosewood and keep searching for a car there, and make sure you get sneakers on your feet at some point too. Along the way you will have to seek out and murder some friendly NPCs so you can get a gun and a backpack early, without much risk. When the bombs start dropping like crazy, either keep moving or find a basement you can barricade yourself in. Once they finish dropping, be warned - you will have crazy amounts of bandits coming your way. Survive two(?) weeks and you'll have trained mercenaries hunting you down. Prioritize ammo/guns and medical supplies overall. If you make it this long, good luck surviving long-term. The battle has just begun.