Run Wild Missoula Executive Director: Taking the Next Step
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By now, you may have seen a notice or two that we’re growing the team at Run Wild Missoula with the addition of a Program Coordinator position. I wanted to take a minute to let you know more about why we’ve decided to add to our staff and what that means to the club.
In essence, RWM is much like a small business. Instead of a traditional retail or service business, our products and services are events and experiences for the Missoula area running and walking community. (In the form of races, group runs, social events, training classes and more.) And, like any small business, there is always the delicate balance of how, if or when to grow the services/products that we provide.
I’m very proud of the volume and quality of services and programs that the Run Wild Missoula staff produce each year. Right now, that staff is comprised of myself as a full-time executive director; Ashley Cossairt as a full-time operations coordinator; and, Dara Rouse as a part-time bookkeeper. (And, of course, we have an amazing group of volunteers who help us with races and other activities throughout the year.) We consistently produce high-quality events, with multiple activities taking place pretty much every week of the year.
The RWM board of directors and myself conducted a strategic planning session in early March of this year. While reviewing the status of the organization, we concurred that we had reached a point in the club’s maturation (we’ll be 13 years old in October) where we needed to be prepared to take the next step in the scope, breadth and depth of services that we provide to our members and the local running and walking community. Part of that strategy involves the addition of an employee to the RWM staff. So, what’s the value of adding to our team and how will that help us meet our mission of supporting and promoting walking and running for people of all ages and abilities?
- We love to produce races and would love to consider ways to expand the offerings that we provide to the community. But, with our current staff, we’ve reached a limit as to how many races that we can produce (and still meet our quality and runner experience standards).
- We’d also like to look at ways that we can expand the member benefits that we provide (such as business discounts, group runs, social activities, speakers/lecturers, etc.). But, again, we have limits on improving and expanding members’ services at current staff levels.
- With the existing set of races and programs, our staff regularly is called upon to work early mornings, evenings and weekends. While we don’t mind working hard, there is a point where the workload is no longer sustainable and we run the risk of losing good employees.
- I believe that we do a good job of communicating with our members, race participants and class members. But, we know that we can do even better; and, the new staff member will be tasked with raising the bar on our communication efforts.
- While we’ve twice been named The BibRave 100’s Best Marathon In The U.S., there is always room to improve. We’d love to see our half marathon grow in numbers and be able to have better sponsor activation.
The driving force in this decision is the fact that the board of directors wants to avoid a slide into mediocrity. An additional staff member will allow us to consider ways in which we can be innovative and flexible in how we provide services to our members and produce events. The addition of staff will also allow us to better consider long-term strategies that will keep the club (and the club’s events) from stagnating and make us a better, stronger organization.
I hope that this gives you some insight behind why we’ll be growing our team. But, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at
tonyb@ruwnwildmissoula.org.
Until next month, I’ll be looking for the next great employee out on the roads, tracks and trails.
Tony
BTW - if you are interested in the position, or know of someone who might be, click
HERE for the application details. The application period is open through 7:00 PM, Friday, May 10th.
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Member Spotlight: The Wild Horse Crew
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Where are you from? What brought you to Western Montana?
All three of us currently live in Plains. Lisa came from the Conrad area and moved to Plains with her husband who works for Northwestern Energy. Suzy has lived in Plains since she was young and Shannon moved to Plains from Michigan when she was 10. Suzy and Shannon went to school together starting in 5th grade. Suzy and Lisa worked together for several years.
Do you know someone from our Run Wild Missoula community that we should get to know better?
Click Here to Nominate
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Upcoming Races at Run Wild Missoula
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How are your tallies coming along for the 2019
Racemakers
&
Run Wilder
challenges? Check out these spring races to add a few more to your list!
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Sweathouse Half Marathon: May 11
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Take advantage of the opportunity to leave the Missoula and head down the Bitterroot for low-key half marathon in Victor, while still receiving all the amenities of a Run Wild Missoula race! The course is a scenic, looping route on both dirt roads and blacktop. Runners and walkers are invited to enjoy the beauty of the Bitterroot Range on Saturday, May 11th. This is one of Run Wild Missoula's most scenic runs.
This is a cupless event. Participants will be provided with a HydraPak Speed Cup or have the option to use their own hydration device(s). By going cupless, we estimate that we might save almost 1,000 paper cups from being tossed in the landfill.
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Pengelly Double & Single Dips: June 1
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Run Wild Missoula will kick off summer trail racing with this classic on Saturday, June 1st.
Although the coveted and challenging
Double Dip has filled
, there is still room on the
waitlist
! Adding your name to the list is easy - simply login to your RunSignUp account and click "Join Wait List" for the Double Dip. The waitlist will close on Sunday, May 12th.
The Single Dip is probably the toughest first mile of a 10K - climbing your way up the M Trail to the Sentinel Fire Road. From there, it's smooth sailing with beautiful views of Missoula! This is a great event to try out trail racing; or, if you are looking for a more challenging 10K.
Of course, we can always use
volunteers
- they are truly who keep our races running every year! Please email our Race Director,
Jamie
, if you are interested in helping out on race day!
This is a cupless event. Participants will be provided with a HydraPak Speed Cup or have the option to use their own hydration device(s). By going cupless, we estimate that we might save almost 1,000 paper cups from being tossed in the landfill.
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Missoula Marathon Weekend: June 28-30
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Run Wild Missoula's biggest event of the year is just around the corner! Be part of the weekend by volunteering some of your time - it takes hundreds of volunteers from our community to make the event as successful as it is. There are several opportunities throughout the weekend, and during the week before and after the big event:
- Course Monitors
- Packet Pick Up
- Expo Ambassadors
- Course Clean Up (Pre- and Post-Race)
- Aid Stations
- Recycling Management
- Merchandise Sales
- And, so much more!
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Global Running Day: June 5th
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Join Run Wild Missoula on Wednesday, June 5th at 6:00 PM to celebrate our running community. We will have 3-mile, 4-mile, 5-mile, and 8-mile route options available. After the run, meet back in the alley for pizza and beer! RSVP coming soon (via Facebook).
Global Running Day
is a worldwide celebration of running that encourages everyone to get moving. It doesn’t matter how fast you run or how far you go—what’s important is that you take part, and how you do it is up to you. Run a lap around your block, take your dog for a long walk, or call your friends for a pick-up game in the park. The important thing is that you have fun being active—and you inspire others to join you.
Run Wild Missoula membership is not required. Please, no dogs.
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Adventures Across the Pond: May 13th
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Dear RWM members,
This March I hiked part of the St. James trail in northern Spain. Since several of you have asked me about my experience, I will give a short presentation on Monday, May 13th, 2019 at 6:00 PM in the basement of Runner's Edge. I will also include a second short talk about another long distance hike I did in Europe; from Munich, Germany, to Venice, Italy, across the Alps. I thought this might interest some of you as well. I will share some of my pictures (promise, only a few!)
, talk about my trip preparations, and experiences. In the end, I would love to answer any of your questions.
Hope to see you there,
Silke
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May & June BOP Socials: MIA
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May and June are the two months that we take a break from socials. We're a little busy with training, weddings, graduation, and more. Keep an eye out for our July social!
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Bonus Beer Run: Garden City BrewFest
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Bonus Beer Run • May 4
Back by popular demand will be our special
Garden City BrewFest Beer Run
, in conjunction with the 27th annual festival. Participate in the 3 or 5 mile run, then hang out at the BrewFest to listen to the live music and sample some of the the top beers from throughout Montana and the West. The run and BrewFest are free for all to enjoy, however the price to taste the beer/wine/cider is $20, which includes one 7-ounce commemorative glass & five drink tokens. Additional tokens are available at 2 tokens for $3.
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.
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Last Wednesday Beer Run: Lolo Peak Brewing Company
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Last Wednesday Beer Run • May 29
Our May beer run will take place at
Lolo Peak Brewing Company
. Our only beer run outside of Missoula - Lolo Peak Brewing offers great beer and food, and awesome outdoor seating to hangout post-run!
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.
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"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?
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Spring has sprung! Have you been tracking your miles?? Here are the updated running statistics for our club through April 30, 2019:
- So far, we have run 38,373.01 miles in 2019
- As a club, we are averaging 320 miles per day
- 126 of our members have recorded some or all of their miles in our database
Are you 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, weekly, or monthly. At the end of the year, we will award the Mile Club members with a gift!
Find out more information about the 1200/2000 Mile Club by
clicking here
.
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Treasure State Trail Series Race
Treasure State Trail Series Race
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Run Wild Missoula Information
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CONNECT WITH RUN WILD MISSOULA
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THE MISSOULA MARATHON IS ON SOCIAL MEDIA, TOO!
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