Running Wild | March 2021
Run Wild Missoula Interim Executive Director:
Interest vs. Commitment
I recently finished reading Alexi Pappas’ book “Bravey.”  While there are so many relatable nuggets of gold throughout the book (yes, I recommend everyone read it), there was a specific piece at the end of the book that really resonated with me.  It is the idea of interest versus commitment.

“To be committed is to be dead set on achieving your goal no matter how much tedious work it takes.  If you aren’t committed, then you’re only interested.  Someone who is interested will dedicate some time and energy to a goal, but not enough to make it happen no matter what.” (pg 290)
 
I spent May 2019 through April 2020 “interested” in fixing my plantar fasciitis issues.  I thought I was doing whatever it took to rehab and come back stronger.  I was doing calf raises and balance/mobility work (because I also sprained my ankle in Sept 2019), and making a conscious choice to slowly return to running.  I would feel good for a few weeks and then have another setback.

I was finally frustrated enough to take this injury seriously.  If I ever wanted to return to the type of training I was doing previously, I needed to commit to the work required.  Instead of doing prescribed exercises a few times each week (sporadically), I am now stretching my calves every.single.day, wearing better shoes, and being more consistent with cross training.  No longer am I simply interested in having healthy feet, but I am committed and have made this part of my daily routine.  And, I am happy to report I have not experienced any plantar fasciitis symptoms in several months.

This concept of interest versus commitment can be applied to any and all parts of your life.  I just chose to share a running related part of my life, because we are a running club…  However, I can think of several times where I thought I was “committed” to something, but when things got too hard, I realized I was just “interested” and walked away.  And that’s ok!

I encourage you to take some time to think about what you are (or could be) committed to versus what is only of interest.  Are you ready to commit to training for a half marathon, instead of simply signing up and then suffering through to the finish line?  What about committing to volunteering more in the Missoula community, because you love it here and not just because it fulfills a requirement or checks a box?

Run wild, run free –
Ashley

Please note, that I am not saying what I am doing is a cure-all for plantar fasciitis.  If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, there are plenty of great resources in town and I strongly encourage you to seek them out before it gets too unbearable!
Member Spotlight: Crystal White Shield
This month’s member spotlight features Crystal White Shield, who grew up in Northglenn, Colorado but is originally from Apache Y, Oklahoma. She is an enrolled tribal citizen of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. She also represents the Kiowa Tribe, also from Oklahoma. After she officially moved to Missoula 2013 with her kids, she went on to receive her bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) at the University of Montana. Aside from spending some time in Browning on and off throughout the years, Missoula is home for Crystal and her family.


Our member spotlight format has taken on a different shape. We really value our members and want to highlight who they are both as people in our membership and also in the community. We hope that you enjoy getting to know each other as much as we do!
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.
Missoula Spring Road Training Class
The traditional Missoula Marathon Training class is back with a twist! This spring, we are excited to add additional distance options to the training class for those looking for structure in training with guidance from a coach. This is a great class to take whether you are a first-timer or repeat runner looking to successfully train for and complete an event during the Missoula Marathon weekend, or have other events to tackle on your calendar!

The class has started but registration is still open!

For more information and to register, click here.
Missoula Half Marathon Walking Class

If you're looking for a low impact way to train for and successfully complete the Missoula Half Marathon on June 27, 2021, and also develop a network of fun, knowledgeable, encouraging folks of all shapes, sizes, and ages, then this is the class for you! The class starts virtually and will potentially move to in-person later in the spring. Registration is open and the class will start on March 13th, 2021.

For more information and to register, click here.
Upcoming Races with Run Wild Missoula
Run for the Luck of It!
March 13th, 2021
We are excited to offer our first in-person race in 2021. Join us as we kick off spring racing with Run for the Luck of It! This year we are offering a 7 mile in-person option and a 5K virtual option. The 7 mile in-person event will be capped at 200 participants. The race is on March 13th. Registration for both events closes Wednesday, March 10th at noon.

For more information and to register, click here.
Run for Missoula | Golden Gallop
March 15-21
The March installment of the Run for Missoula Virtual Race Series is the Golden Gallop. This 10K run or walk starts on March 15th and ends on March 21st. Funds from this race will benefit the Meals on Wheels Program at Missoula Aging Services. This program provides homebound older adults who are unable to shop or cook for themselves a healthy meal, which empowers them to live safely and independently in their own homes. Registration will close on March 14th, 2021.

For more information and to register, click here.
Stay tuned for April racing opportunities!
RWM Club Miles
So far in 2021, we have collectively walked or ran 14,453 miles and we are only a few months into the new year!

Interested in logging your miles for 2021? RWM Members who run or walk over 1200 or 2000 miles in one year will receive a Run Wild Missoula customized gift. Even if you didn't run or walk over 1200 miles, we still encourage you to post your miles! We love to see how much activity our club really does.

To sign up, go to the RWM club page on RunSignup and click on Mileage Club on the lefthand side. You will need to enter your information into the form and the platform should recognize you as a member if youv'e already claimed you RWM account. Once you've completed the sign up process, you can return to the Mileage Club page and submit your results under the Results tab.


For more information about Mileage Club, click here.

If you have any questions, email Sally, sallyh@runwildmissoula.org
Racemakers & Run Wilder

Are you ready to be a Racemaker?! Racemakers are Run Wild Missoula members who participate in 7 or more Run Wild Missoula races throughout the year. Virtual races do count towards your racemaker tally. All you have to do is keep your membership current and run or walk at least seven of our races in 2021! New members must become members by March 13th at 11:59pm to be eligible.

For more information on Racemakers, click here.

Want to go the extra mile? Members who complete at least 12 Run Wild Missoula races will receive FREE entry to any of the 2022 Missoula Marathon weekend events; in addition to a Racemaker goodie. To be eligible for Run Wilder you MUST be a current RWM member. New members must become members by March 15th at 11:59pm to be eligible

For more information on Run Wilder, click here.

For questions regarding Racemakers and Run Wilder, email Sally, sallyh@runwildmissoula.org
Around Town
The Sentinel Hill Climb

Be part of Missoula's longest running trail race with Runner's Edge! With 2,000 feet of elevation gain in only a 1.5 miles, this course is short, steep, and ends on the proud summit of Mount Sentinel. Participants will receive a 2021 Hill Climb mug and a scoop of Big Dipper Ice Cream. There will be an in-person and a virtual option. The race will be held on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021. Registration is open.

 For more information and to register, click here.
Run for Spring Run
Run for Spring is a virtual rundraiser for Spring House Resource, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting students and educators across the seven school districts on the Flathead Reservation. Run or walk anywhere, anytime from March 1-20. You can pick your distance of a 5K or 10K. The first 200 to register will get a t-shirt. Registration ends March 20th, 2021.

For more information and to register, click here.
Membership Benefits
Run Wild Missoula Information
Run Wild Missoula | 406.544.7073 | info@runwildmissoula.org | www.runwildmissoula.org
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