Run Wild Missoula March 2016 Newsletter

The calendar may say otherwise; but, I'm pretty comfortable saying that spring has fully arrived to the Missoula area. Why would I make that claim? Well, the Buttercups are out. Margie Menendez reports sightings of Bitterroot on the slopes of Mt. Sentinel. I saw a few Daffodils poking up in front of a house in the Rattlesnake. Anders Brooker has switched from long pants to shorts. I saw the first slackline of the year on the University Oval. And, there are a gazillion people out running, walking, biking and hiking on The Kim, the "M" Trail and Mt. Sentinel.

As I noted in the member newsletter at this same time last year, spring is a magical season for most. A time of rebirth, renewal and rejuvenation. It's that time of year when we shake off winter's "Dark & Drearies" and once again begin to take full advantage of the outdoor environment.

It's also the time to get ready for spring and summer racing. Regardless of your preference - road, tracks or trails - things really seem to get going as we roll into spring. It's time to rejuvenate our souls and our soles (and our cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems; but, those terms don't seem to roll of the tongue quite as lyrically) - so, get those shoes on, get outside and reawaken your spirit.

In order to help you along your fitness path, Run Wild Missoula again has lots and lots (and lots) of activities to help you meet all of your running and walking goals. We'll do our best to give you a flavor for all of our activities in the listing below; but, remember to regularly check our website, Facebook page, and weekly member emails to stay up to date on all the club happenings.

Here's to a healthy and active Spring for one and all; and, don't forget to look for me out there on Missoula's roads, tracks and trails.

Tony Banovich

Executive Director, Run Wild Missoula

Race Director, Missoula Marathon

Welcome Breanne Ender to Run Wild Missoula

We're thrilled to have Breanne Ender join the Run Wild Missoula team. Her primary roles will be in race operations; managing our social media program; and, assisting with day to day club operations.

A native of western Washington, Bre came to Missoula to attend the University of Montana and has fully immersed herself in the Missoula lifestyle. She comes to Run Wild Missoula after serving the Humane Society of Montana in the roles of Volunteer Coordinator and Development Coordinator. Previous to that, she was co-owner of Main Street Pilates Studio.

A RWM member since 2010, Bre is looking forward to conquering The Rut 28K in 2016. When not working and running, she and her family are always up for their next travel adventure.

Next time you're by the office or at a RWM event, be sure to stop by and give Bre a big RWM welcome.

Subaru Of Missoula Returns To The Missoula Marathon

We're pleased to announce that Subaru of Missoula will return as the Title Sponsor for the 2016 Missoula Marathon. Subaru's and Western Montana are like peas & carrots; Forrest & Jennie; and, huckleberries & pancakes - they just go together!

And, there's no question that the Missoula Marathon is THE best event in the known universe. Combine Subaru of Missoula with the Missoula Marathon and you have a partnership that is bound to make the 10th Annual Missoula Marathon the best one yet.

To learn more about Subaru Of Missoula, go HERE.

Run Wild Missoula: Ready, Set, Go, Go, Go

by Tony Banovich, Executive Director

Wow, have we got a lot going on during March and as we roll into April and May!

The Galloway Half-Marathon Training Class started Sunday, February, 28th. But, don't worry, it's not too late to register. Click here for more information and to sign up.

The Run Wild Missoula Marathon & Half Marathon Training Class kicks off on Sunday, May 20th. Click here for the marathon and the half marathon class information and registration. The class will once again be coached by Anders Brooker and will provide guidance for runners at all levels.

The Walking Training Class for the Missoula Marathon & Half Marathon will return this year. Class starts on Saturday, March 19th, and will prepare you for walking your way through the marathon or half marathon distance. More information and registration can be found Here.

We're partnering with Runner's Edge to provide a new Spring Trail Running Class. This class will focus on intermediate and advanced trail runners who want to be successful in their spring trail racing. Although this class is full, if it proves to be successful, we will be considering summer and fall sessions.

Registration is also open for the BOP Spring Trail Running Class! We still have a few details to work out, but keep your eyes open for announcements about our traditional trail classes for Intermediate runners, as well.

Tuesday Track has returned to the UM track at Dornblaser Stadium. We'll meet at 5:30 PM on March 8th; but, with the advent of Daylight Savings Time, Tuesday Track will return to 6:00 PM beginning March 15th.

If you're looking for ways to take your running to the next level, you'll definitely want to attend the Eat & Run series at the Good Food Store. This year's theme is Inspiration and Motivation. Club member Roger Lewis will speak on Thursday, March 17th the ways in which walking, hiking and the fellowship of Run Wild Missoula helped him recover from a debilitating illness. More info can be found Here.

And, if you're looking to go to Bloomsday, we'll make the travel arrangements easy. Just sign up for the Bloomsday Bus and leave the travel and packet pick-up worries to us. Sign up by clicking here.

And, of course we can't forget the Beer Run from Great Burn Brewing on March 30th; our Saturday morning breakfast runs; and, the RWM yoga and core classes.

Everyone. Covered. Boom!

March BOP Social: March 12

By Pam Gardiner, Leader of the Back (of the Pack)

Saturday March 12

3:00 pm (run/walk), 430 pm (social)

Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge & Wildwood Brewing Company

Meet at the river trail parking lot for run or walk in the refuge. Directions:Take Hwy 93 south from Missoula to traffic signal at Stevensville Cutoff Road (Hwy 269). Left on 269 to Eastside Hwy (203). Left on 203 to Wildfowl Lane. Left on Wildfowl Lane to the large Refuge trailhead parking lot on the left.

Social afterward, about 430 pm, at Wildwood Brewing Company. Bring a snack to share. Directions: Wildwood is located on the east side of Hwy 93 between the Les Schwab tire shop and the Stevensville Cutoff Road. The sign to the brewery is small and easy to miss. If you are heading toward Missoula from Stevi and pass Les Schwab, you have gone too far.

Many thanks to Sue and Glenn Burwick for setting up this annual favorite BOP social event in the Bitterroot Valley.

Run For The Luck Of It : March 13

By Jen von Sehlen, Race Director

Seven Lucky Years: the Run for the Luck of It! is turning 7!

Times flies when you're having fun! I can't believe we've been putting on the Run for Luck of It for seven lucky years now. As the volunteer race director for this race since its inception, it brings a smile to face when I think about all of good times we've shared each race day. Watching people at all different levels in their fitness cross that finish line, being entertained by the crazy and creative costumes folks don each year and taking it all in as participants sip beer, warm up with stew and socialize with friends and family - race day is my happy place! No matter if it's been a beautiful sunny day or cloudy and breezy, I feel like I've found that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow when I see everyone having a good time. On Sunday, March 13th, join me in downtown Missoula for the seventh running of one of Run Wild Missoula's most festive races. And, in case you need to be reminded again, here are seven reasons you won't want to miss the Run for the Luck of It!:

Super Schwag! - All 5K and 7-Mile race participants receive a custom Sauce Frosty. A Frosty is a versatile neck gaiter that can also be worn as a headband or hat. Sauce is based in Bozeman, MT and the Frosties are proudly made in the USA!
Great Post Race Beverages and Food - enjoy one FREE beer (for those 21 and older and who wish to imbibe) and hot stew to warm you up! Water, Gatorade and other snacks will also be available.
Free Kids' Dash! - Sign up your little Leprechaun to participate in this fun 400 meter dash! Kids receive special prizes and Big Dipper Ice Cream!
Live Entertainment! - It wouldn't be the Run for the Luck of It! without the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band getting your heart pumpin' and your feet-a-thumpin'!
Top Finisher Prizes! - The top three finishers, male and female, in seven age groups in both races will receive a fun prize!
Costume Contest! - Yep, it's back! Get crazy, get creative! Fun prizes await those who make the effort to entertain the masses with their imaginative costumes (but keep it in the G to PG-13 range - this is a family event after all!)
Awesome Volunteers! - We get the best volunteers for this race. So, from packet pickup to course monitors directing you which way to go, you'll be well taken care of!

Full race details as well as the link to online registration can be found HERE. Have questions? Get in touch with the race director at [email protected]

Run For The Luck Of It: Volunteers Needed

Have a little spare time coming up on Sunday, March 13th? Have a burning desire to give back to your running club? We need volunteers for the Run for the Luck It! Volunteers are the heartbeat of RWM's races and this one is no exception! We need a lot of awesome people to pull off a fun event. We only need a few more volunteers on Saturday, March 12th (the day before the race), but still need a lot of help on race day, Sunday March 13th. In particular, we need course monitors and have some gaps in help with set up, food service, etc. We also need aid station volunteers - this is a fun way to give back to your club and enjoy the parade of runners. To volunteer, email [email protected]. Thank you!

Spring Forward: Daylight Savings Time

Don't forget, Daylight Savings Time starts this coming weekend (March 12th). Set you're clocks forward 1 Hour when you go to bed Saturday night. If you don't, then you'll miss the Run For The Luck Of It on Sunday, and you'll be sad.

Around Town

Corvallis Green Run 5K, Corvallis, March 19

9:00 a.m. at Community Events Center. sites.google.com/a/corvallis.k12,mt.us/cms5k or click here to register

Diploma Dash Walk/Run 5K, Missoula, March 26

9:00 a.m. Van Buren footbridge. Benefit for UM Staff Senate scholarships. https://www.umt.edu/staffsenate/5k-diploma-dash/5K-diploma-dash-registration.php or click here

Buttercup Run, Arlee High School, April 2

10:00 a.m., 1 mile, 5K, 10K Walk or Run, Half Marathon. Benefit Arlee High School scholarships. https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/Arlee/ButtercupRun or http://buttercuprun.org

Bitterroot Runoff, Lolo, April 30

5 mile and 10 mile, 9:00 a.m. Click here for registration or see Runner's Edge website.

2016 Trail Rail Run, June 18, Northern Pacific & Milwaukee Railroad Trail between Mullan, ID and St. Regis, MT. Website: www.trailrailrun.com;

Red Lodge Races:

Beartooth Run, July 9 on US212 between the east and west summits,

5k or 10k, Register using IAMathlete or visit Headwaters Events on facebook.

Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities, September 3 downtown in Lions Park,2 Mile Walk, 5k, 10k, Register by visiting Fun Run for Charities on Facebook.

Nitty Gritty Relay and a Half, September 10, Red Lodge Mountain, Register using IAMathlete or visit Headwaters Events on facebook. For all races: Contact: Kristen Hollum, [email protected], 406.425.0964

Run Wild,

Chris Everett, Running Wild Newsletter Editor

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Missoula Marathon has a Facebook page too!