Run Wild Missoula February 2019 Newsletter

Running Wild | February 2019

Run Wild Missoula Executive Director: Of Service And Support

It's the last day of January and I've been stumped as to a topic for this month's newsletter. Then I had the opportunity to attend the memorial service for devoted Run Wild Missoula member Joe Bischof. Joe was one of the first members that I met when I came on board as Executive Director. He was recovering from surgery and had not yet returned to running. Instead, he introduced himself and let me know that he was available to help out when and where needed.

As I learned more about Joe, it became obvious that this was not a one-off offer just because he was recovering from his procedure. No, Joe was all about service. He served on education boards. He spent time as the executive director of the Poverello Center and also served in various capacities with Mountain Home Montana, Ronald McDonald House, the Montana Innocence Project, Saint Luke Healthcare's Foundation; and, of course, Run Wild Missoula (together with his wife Joël). If you would like to learn more about Joe, his obituary can be found HERE.

We live in a time where divisiveness, selfishness, bullying, and belittling are far too common. It's very easy to go down the black hole of blame and anger. Or, we can choose Joe's example and follow the path of service, support, and understanding.

I feel that Run Wild Missoula has an important role in our community - we provide the support and resources for people to use running and walking as part of a fit, active, and healthy lifestyle. And, I'm incredibly proud of how our members support one another - regardless of pace, experience level, race, age, or gender. It's why I enjoy my job so immensely - I get to be surrounded by positive, supportive people each and every day.

But, demonstrating those attributes when we're with our running "family" isn't enough. I was reminded at Joe's memorial that we need to serve and support our entire community. When you're at home with your family. When you're at church or place of worship. When you're at the grocery store or out to dinner. When you're walking downtown between meetings. Join service clubs. Volunteer with nonprofits. Pay it forward. We have opportunities every day to lift one another up and give back to our community.

I challenge all of our members to be more like Joe in the service to others. Doing so will give you a sense of satisfaction and self worth; and, it helps to lift up our entire community.

In the meantime, keep on running and walking and I'll see you out on the roads, tracks and trails.

Tony

Member Spotlight: RWM Board of Directors

Run Wild Missoula is a 501(c)(3) organization - as such, we are governed by a Board of Directors. On January 25th they conducted their annual election of officers. Click on the link below to learn more about these club members who volunteer their time to lead our community of runners and walkers.

Learn More About Our Board of Directors Here

Do you know someone from our Run Wild Missoula community that we should get to know better? Click Here to Nominate

Missoula Marathon Training Classes

Making the move up from the half to the full marathon, and not sure how best to prepare for the added distance? First ever half marathon? Looking for some camaraderie and support during your long runs? In search of a group with whom you can share your suffering? We have just the thing for you!

Sign up now for Run Wild Missoula's Marathon & Half Marathon Training Class . This 17-week program is great if you're a first-timer or a repeat runner looking to successfuly train for and complete the Missoula Marathon or Half Marathon, on Sunday, June 30th . Run Wild Missoula has offered this class since the Missoula Marathon began, to great attendance and success. This year, Courtney Babcock and Tony Banovich will be returning as the coaches.

Class begins Sunday, March 3rd!

For more information about the Missoula Marathon Training Class and to register, Click Here !

Looking for other Missoula Marathon Training Classes? Click on the class name below to learn more and to register:

Congratulations 2018 Racemakers

Racemaker [noun]: A Run Wild Missoula member who participates in 7 or more Run Wild Missoula races throughout the calendar year.

Racemakers - they make our races happen! We are thrilled to reward our racemakers who go the extra mile (truly!) with a goodie! This year, we had over 100 members complete 7 or more RWM races - they will receive a full zip hoodie (pictured).

Are you ready to become a Racemaker in 2019? Simply join us for at least 7 of our races! The Missoula Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K count, too. For a full list of our races for a goodie and to see the list of 2018 Racemakers, login to your Run Wild Missoula account and head over to the Racemaker page ( click here ).

Don't forget about our NEW Run Wilder challenge! Complete 11 Run Wild Missoula road races in 2019 and receive free entry to one of the 2020 Missoula Marathon weekend events - click here for more details.

Special thanks to our Results Manager, Stacy Jakob, for maintaining our Racemaker list in 2018!

199,167.87 Miles

What does it take to make it into the 1200 or 2000 Mile Club each year? Strictly by the numbers, an average of 23 miles per week will put you in the 1200 mile club ; 38.5 miles per week gets you into the 2000 mile club .

We had 199 Run Wild Missoula members record all or some of their 2018 mileage in our database:

28 members ran more than 2000 miles in 2018

104 members ran more than 1200 miles in 2018

The 2000 Mile Club ran 65,313.12 miles - that's an average of 2,252.18 miles per person

The 1200 Mile Club ran 108,171.23 miles - that's an average of 1,423.31 miles per person

173,484.35 total miles by members in the 1200/2000 Mile Club

199,167.87 total miles by members who recorded any milage

We will be sending an email to all 1200/2000 Mile Club members when their gift has arrived at the Run Wild Missoula office - keep an eye on your inbox!

Feeling inspired to be part of the 1200/2000 Mile Club in 2019?? It's not too late! Simply log your miles throughout the year - this can be done daily or weekly.

Find out more information about the 1200/2000 Mile Club by clicking here .

Galloway Half Marathon Training Class

Are you new to running? Are you returning to running after some time off? Have you been injury-prone? Is a half marathon on your bucket list?

Run Wild Missoula offers Jeff Galloway's trademarked run-walk-run training programs. They are designed for you; check them out.

The 19-week half marathon class starts on Sunday, February 17th. For more information, head to the class page, or email Pam and Teresa, [email protected] .

Spring Races at Run Wild Missoula

How are your tallies coming along for the 2019 7 Races for a Goodie & Run Wilder challenges? Check out these spring races to add a few more to your list!

Run for the Luck of It! 7 Mile & 5K: March 16

What better way to kick off St. Patty's Day than with a few hundred of your best running friends!?! Join us on Saturday, March 16th and Run for the Luck of It!

We will be returning to Bonner Park this year! The 5K will run through the University District. The 7 Mile will take advantage of the beautiful trails we have along the Clark Fork River. Don't forget to bring along your little leprechauns - we have a 400-meter kid's dash, too. Stick around after the race for our block party!

Be sure to dress in your best St. Patty's Day get-up. We will have prizes for the best costume on race day! We will also have awards for the top three overall winners of the 5K and 7 Mile, as well as the top age group winners.

For more information and registration, Click Here

Run for the Trees 10K, 5K, & 1 Mile Fun Run: April 20

Join Run Wild Missoula and Missoula Parks & Recreation for the 27th annual Run for the Trees on Saturday, April 20th at Silver Park! We will celebrate Missoula's Urban Forest with a 10K, 5K, and 1 mile fun run for kids of all ages. All 10K and 5K participants will receive a speciality tea blend from Lake Missoula Tea Company, a tree sapling (courtesy the Good Food Store), chip timing, and more!

We can't think of a better way to spend a spring morning in Missoula than running and walking around our urban forest. Registration opens on Thursday, February 14th.

For more information and registration, Click Here

February BOP Social: February 23

Saturday, February 23 • Great Burn Brewing

3:00 PM: Meet at Great Burn Brewing and run/walk on the Bitterroot Branch trail

4:00 PM: Convene in the upstairs party room at Great Burn for potluck and socializing. Purchase beverages from Great Burn, bring snacks to share.

They're Back! We have replenished the supply of BOP Buffs. Free for newbies (available only at BOP socials.) $5.00 for anyone who has already received a free one.

Questions? Email BOP Leader, Pam G ardiner

Last Wednesday Beer Run: GILD

Last Wednesday Beer Run • February 27th

Our February beer run will take place at GILD Brewing , 515 S Higgins Ave. This will be our first ever beer run at GILD. GILD has incredible beer, a good selection of wine, and a menu full of gourmet tacos and other delicacies. GILD is located on the Hip Strip in the old Crystal Theater building.

A 3 and 5 mile course will be offered. Our beer runs are open to everyone - Run Wild Missoula membership is not required. As outlined in our " Rules of the Run ," for safety reasons, we ask that dogs are not present during the Beer Run.

"5 Miles to Beer Thirty" - The monthly beer run is a casual fun run/walk open to all runners and all abilities. Each month a 3 and 5 mile route is offered at a different brewery location on the last Wednesday of the month, and at the end is a social gathering with libations and food. What could be a better way to end the month?