Running Wild | October 2020
Run Wild Missoula Executive Director: What Are We Here For?
What Are We Here For?

That was the question that was asked by Kevin Rutherford, CEO of Nuun Hydration, during a webinar that I recently attended (digitally of course). He asked if we as an industry are just here just for the races or do our events and activities have a bigger social value.

He argued that we should, in fact, have a larger role in our communities - and I would agree wholeheartedly with that position. Through our efforts, Run Wild Missoula provides opportunities for people (of all ages and abilities), to use running and walking as a means to overcome the negative effects of the sedentary lifestyle that seems to be all too prevalent. To fight back against obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and such. To reduce stress and improve mental health.

During this strange time of COVID, that’s exactly why we’ve worked so hard to continue to produce virtual races and challenges, training classes/sessions, and, yes, in-person events. I believe that it is our responsibility as a club, to continue to provide these races and events. Why? To provide the hope to our members and the Missoula community that they can achieve the positive health and emotional outcomes provided by walking and running.

So please, continue to take a part in our club produced races, challenges, events and activities. Invite your friends, family, co-workers, and colleagues to join you - or to take part on their own. Think about the Missoula Mile on October 11th. Or the remainder of our Run For Missoula virtual events. And, keep your eyes out for our upcoming winter and spring events.

I challenge all of you as club members to help bring the hope of better health to the Missoula community. Lead by example and show that regular exercise, including running and walking, is an amazing, proactive way to feel better physically and emotionally.

As I work to take good care of myself, I’ll see you on the roads, tracks and trails.

Tony
Member Spotlight: Member Meeting Award Winners
This month’s Member Spotlight features the winners from the Run Wild Missoula's Annual Member Meeting (that took place digitally on September 16th). However, this year’s awards look a bit different thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. With few in-person races and volunteer opportunities, we decided to make things a little more interesting. We are pleased to recognize 10 members for their athletic achievements, quarantine fun, and dedication to Run Wild Missoula.

Member Spotlight Nomination Form
Do you know someone from our Run Wild Missoula community that we should get to know better? With 1,600-plus members, we have a wealth of talent, passion, expertise, inspiration, and enthusiasm for running and walking among us.

Maybe it is someone who has been inspirational to you, achieved an insurmountable goal, demonstrated a courage to start (or re-start!), or clearly exemplifies the club's core values. Perhaps there is another reason?

If so, we'd like to hear from you! Simply complete the form on the Run Wild Missoula website.

Running & Walking Opportunities With Soft Landing Missoula
We’ve recently been visiting with Soft Landing Missoula about ways in which RWM can provide resources and opportunities to the local refugee community. They have identified two individual who are looking for exercise partners.

The first is a woman in her 50's who is looking for walking partners. She is at high risk of contracting COVID; but, is comfortable if all parties wear a mask. She is an advanced beginner in English as a second language - she is easy to hang out with, but there may be some minor communication challenges. She lives in the area of Hickory and S. 1st Street West. The best times for her to walk are Saturdays and Sundays after 10:00 AM.

Second is a young man in his early 20's. He is active in soccer and runner and is looking for someone to show him some fun places to run around Missoula - for up to an hour at a time. Not sure of his training pace; but, he appears to be reasonably fit from his soccer training. He lives near the hip strip and he is looking for running partners for morning runs on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays. He is advanced conversational in English.

If you have the ability and desire to connect with these individuals to run or walk, please email me at tonyb@runwildmissoula.org and I’ll direct you to appropriate party at Soft Landing Missoula. This could be a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and to show these individuals how welcoming Missoula can be.
Beginner Running 102
This class starts with a distance of 4 miles and works up to 6 miles. Your pace doesn’t matter. Your goal will be to complete a 10K run, and our goal will be to inspire you to continue running as part of a fit, active, and healthy lifestyle. Once this class is over, you’ll find yourself running further than you ever thought possible! 

Class will start on Saturday, October 24th at 8:30 AM and continues until the Autumn Amble Virtual Race in mid-November – with the opportunity to do the run in a group setting on Saturday, November 21st . 

Participation in Beginner Running 101 is not required to participate in Beginner Running 102. This is a great class if you are looking for a group to run with.

What you get:
  • Leadership, coaching & advice;
  • Comprehensive Training Program to complete a 10K;
  • Twice weekly group runs (Wednesdays at 6:00 PM and Saturdays at 8:30 AM);
  • Entry into RWM’s November Autumn Amble Virtual Race;
  • Other fun people to train with; and
  • Inspiration, motivation & FUN!

Registration will open on Thursday, October 8th at 8 AM. Class is limited to 22 participants.
Learn more about Beginner Running 102 HERE
2021 Missoula Marathon
Registration is now open for the 15th annual Missoula Marathon weekend of events! Ranked as one of the Top 10 Best Weekend Experiences by the BibRave 100, race weekend is scheduled to take place June 25 - 27. Both in-person and virtual race options are available.

For all of the details, click here.

There is also NEW Missoula Marathon merchandise available! Check it out here.
RWM In-Person Race Opportunity
Missoula Mile • October 11
We hope you're excited for the return of the Missoula Mile on Sunday, October 11th! First ever track mile? No problem! Chasing an old PR? That’s cool too! Whatever your reason, no matter your speed, this in-person track event is bound to be epic.

Each heat will have up to 15 participants and will be based on your predicted/projected finish time. So, you will be in small groups with participants of a similar pace.

What other precautions do we have in place to keep participants, volunteers, and race staff safe? Check them out here.


We are also in need of volunteers! Click here to see the variety of tasks available.
Run for Missoula Virtual Race Series
Wicked Wander • October 12 - 18
Funds will be used to assist Physical Therapy students with opportunities to enhance their educational experience.

Cost: $15

Distance: 3.1 Miles / 5K
Week to Complete: October 12th through 18th

Autumn Amble • November 16 - 22
Funds will be used to help Missoula community members in need during the holiday season.

Cost: $15

Distance: 6.2 Miles / 10K
Strava Route Coming November 2nd
Week to Complete: November 16th through 22nd

Around Town
Tutu Trot, 9/28 - 10/4, Virtual Race

YMCA Riverbank Run, 10/3, Virtual Race

CASA Superhero 5K & Kids Dash, 10/3 - 10/4, Virtual Race

2020 Mog Mile, 10/3, Virtual Race

Race for the Cure, 10/10, Virtual Race
RWM Club Miles
Here are the updated running statistics for our club through September 30th, 2020:

  • So far, we have run 42,505 miles in 2020
  • As a club, we are averaging 155 miles per day
  • 146 of our members have recorded some or all of their miles in our database

It's not too late to upload your miles for 2020! Make sure you input running mileage for 2020 before January 20th, 2021 to be eligible for your mileage club gift. Click HERE to log your miles.

Find out more information about the 1200/2000 Mile Club by clicking here.
Membership Benefits
Run Wild Missoula Information
Run Wild Missoula | 406.544.7073 | info@runwildmissoula.org | www.runwildmissoula.org
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