Run Wild Missoula July 2017 Newsletter

One of the most common questions I get, especially at this time of year, is "What's your favorite part about the marathon?" For me, the answer is easy.

I've been running for a looooooong time. Over 38 years now. I've run hundreds of races; been on roads, tracks and trails around the world; and, was fortunate enough to win a race or two. All of my "firsts" (first race, first marathon, first track workout, first trail run, etc.) and personal records are pretty much behind me. I still enjoy getting in my run every day and I'm still passionate about the sport as a whole.

But, after all these years, some of the "magic" is gone. That's why I love the marathon finish line. To witness the emotion and excitement exhibited by our participants reminds me of why I've stuck with this running thing for so long. To see a runner (or walker) shed tears of joy after having finished their first marathon (or half marathon) is powerful. As is seeing the emotion of a runner who used the race to honor the memory of someone close to them. And, it's amazing to witness the excitement of a participant who just qualified for Boston, or set a PR, or accomplished a goal that they thought impossible at some earlier point in their life.

The marathon finish line has become my yearly reality check on what this sport is all about. It rejuvenates my passion for the sport and keeps me excited about being part of Run Wild Missoula. It's also a little bit like having my own little Energizer Bunny - it keeps me going and going and going out there on the roads, tracks and trails.

See you on the roads, tracks and trails.

Tony

Podcasting

We received a recommendation from a club member for Nicole DeBoom's "Run This World" podcast. You can find it on Nicole's webpage at nicoledeboom.com. Nicole was a world class triathlete who now is Founder & CEO of Skirt Sports. Her podcasts are a bit shorter (40 minutes or less) and cover a wide array of topics such as athletics, fitness, entrepreneurship, positivity and more.

Remember - if you have a running related podcast that you enjoy, let us know. We'll review it and if it seems to be a good fit for our membership, we'll pass it along.

Happy podcasting.

Missoula Marathon: July 9

After two years of weather that was cooler and damper than normal, it looks like we'll be returning to more normal summer conditions for the 2017 Missoula Marathon. Excluding the last two years, Marathon Sunday has seen an average low of 54.4° (with 65% humidity), an average Noon temperature of 76.9° (with 32% humidity) and an average high of 90.8° (with 16% humidity). We've had 3 years with high temperatures over 95° (2007, 2012 and 2014).

That's why we've chosen a 6:00 AM start. As the sun just begins to break over Mounts Sentinel and Jumbo, we usually see cool morning temperatures with little to no wind. For participants finishing in 5 hours or less (by 11:00 AM), we typically see temperatures only into the high 60's to low 70's. It may begin to warm up for finishers between 5 and 7.5 hours; but, the hottest part of the day is still usually a couple of hours away.

We're currently in communication with our friends at the National Weather Service to get daily updates on their latest forecast products. We're also working with our Medical Director to identify what, if any, hot weather protocols may need to be considered for race day. At this point, we're expecting pretty typical conditions for the Missoula Marathon - however, we'll continue to provide updates to all participants as we progress through the week and the forecast is dialed in.

We also wanted to share a few warm weather tips for you to consider as we enter race week.
Stay well hydrated this week. Focus on drinks with plenty of electrolytes.
Be sure to pack light colored, breathable clothing for your race day outfit.
Be prepared to alter your race plan and consider a slower paced effort.
Keep your eyes open for emails from the Missoula Marathon and check our Facebook and Instagram posts for regular weather updates throughout the week.

Missoula Marathon: Jeff Galloway

Olympian Jeff Galloway is a motivational speaker, prolific writer, Runner's World columnist, and compassionate coach. Jeff is also a long-term partner with Run Wild Missoula (RWM) in making the Missoula Marathon an extraordinary event with a wide and inclusive reach.

There will be a number of opportunities for the public to meet and hear Jeff during marathon weekend. This will be Jeff's last year with the Missoula Marathon. His current schedule:

Thursday July 6, 6:00-8:00 pm: Short run with Jeff from Big Sky Brewing Company, followed by socializing in the taproom. Free.
Hike the "M" trail with Jeff on Friday, July 7, at 9:00 am. This event is free. Meet at the "M" trailhead on the University of Montana campus. Trailhead parking requires a $3 pass. We will have passes available for sale (cash only) at the time of the hike.
Friday July 7, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm: Jeff will be available to sell and sign books and offer running advice at his expo booth in Caras Park during and after the Beer Run.
Meet Jeff at his expo booth in Caras Park: Saturday, July 8, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Attend Jeff's 3-hour Running School ($99) at the Doubletree Hotel on Saturday, July 8, 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Register online at http://www.jeffgalloway.com/learn/running-schools/. Currently registered Galloway Training Program participants get a 50% discount. For the trainee discount code, email [email protected] with the city name of your training program.
Race Day is Here: Last Day Advice at the Doubletree Hotel on Saturday, July 8, 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Free.
Join Jeff and his wife Barbara to run the Missoula Marathon on Sunday, July 9 at 6:00 am.

Click Here for the Jeff Galloway Missoula Marathon site.

Back of the Pack Bulletin

REMINDER: The Back of the Pack Bulletin can be found at:

h ttps://www.facebook.com/pam.gardiner/

posts/10154642490908483

BOP SOCIAL: There is no scheduled Back of the Pack Social in July. We are planning a Sunday morning run/walk and brunch on August 6. Stay tuned for details as the time nears.

2017 Fall Race Updates

The River City Roots 4-Mile Run will take place on Saturday, August 26th. Due to the temporary closure of the Madison Street footbridge, we'll be running on a new course - but, it should still be fun and fast. We're proud to be able host this run on behalf of the amazing River City Roots Festival. Head over to the RWM website and register today!

Want some incentive to keep up with your training after the Missoula Marathon or Half Marathon? Looking for a course with amazing views? Then the Sweathouse Half Marathon on September 16th (Saturday) will have you covered. This rural course has spectacular views of the Bitterroot Range. Taking place in Victor, it's our only race outside of Missoula. Registration is now open on the RWM website.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 7th. Community Medical Center will once again host the All Women's Diva Day 5K. Our race planning group is working on some fun new elements for this event; and, we hope to be able to announce more details soon!

Alpine Physical Therapy: Tips for High Performance Knees

Every athlete has a weak link. What's your weak link? For many, it is weakness or pain in the knee. After all, the knee acts like a link in the chain between the hip and the ankle and absorbs a lot of strain during daily activities and with the demands of sport. Resultantly, anything that can go wrong, probably will go wrong.

The forces crossing the knee with jumping, pivoting, kicking, and running can be staggering. Injury, pain, weakness, and a general loss of stability in the knee can create a host of problems that can bench an athlete.

Read More Here >>>>>> for actions to take to avoid and treat knee injury by:

Brent Dodge, PT

Alpine Physical Therapy

2965 Stockyard Rd.

Missoula, MT 59808

(406) 541-2606

www.AlpinePTmissoula.com

Member Spotlight: Brian Thrapp

I grew up in Missoula, camping every weekend during the summer, skiing at Marshall during the winter. I left after high school, waiting tables in northern VA for a few years before joining the Navy for six years. I returned to Missoula in 1991 and hope to never move again, unless it is to the Flathead valley.

When did you start running/walking and why?

I attempted to start losing weight by walking with a little running in Bloomsday. The first few years I over did it and ran into feet and lower leg issues shortly afterward, which ended the running until the next spring. Last year I finally managed to prevent injury by focusing on walking and limiting my running/walking to a few events. I joined RWM shortly after struggling in the River City Roots 4 mile run.