Run Wild Missoula Interim Executive Director:
Falling Short Doesn't Mean Failing
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Did you catch any of the USATF Olympic Track and Field Trials that took place in Eugene, OR, June 18-27? As a newer spectator and participant in the sport of running, I couldn’t help but feel swept up in the excitement of the Trials. There were so many new athletes who made the Olympic Team for the first time, and others who made their 5th (fifth!?!) team!
All of the excitement tends to overshadow the stories of the near misses. Imagine placing 4th in a race, just missing out on making the team. Or, knowing that your best just isn’t good enough.
The Trials inspired me to think about my own running accomplishments, and moments where I have fallen short. I like the phrase “falling short” instead of the word “failing” - it allows you to accept loss with dignity while still being able to feel your feelings of disappointment. Just this past weekend, I jumped in on a workout with a friend. I honestly thought, “oh this will be no problem, but the last mile might be hard…” Turns out I couldn’t even make it through the first two miles (of 6) and had to bail. Sometimes, it’s just not your day (your week, your month, or even your yeeeaarrrrr).
“Falling short doesn’t mean failing” can apply to everything in life. To be honest, lately I have felt like I am “falling short.” I am checking the boxes of things that need to be completed, but am unable to be creative and try new things because I simply do not have the mental capacity at the moment. However, I continue to rely on running. It is my outlet to destress, sometimes my alone time, a time in which I can push my own limits. The Trials reinvigorated my own desire to start training harder again after two years of injury and needing some time away. I have some big goals for races this Fall, and even if I fall short, I will know I didn’t fail.
Run wild, run free –
Ashley
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Member Spotlight: Ginny Elkins |
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This month’s member spotlight features Ginny Elkins. Ginny was born and raised in Missoula. Even though she is not a huckleberry aficionado, her roots run deep in Montana. She joined Run Wild Missoula in November of 2017 and the Club has played an integral role in her life ever since. When Ginny is not participating in local events, she is helping out behind the scenes to ensure local running and walking events run smoothly.
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!
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Member Spotlight Nomination Form |
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Do you know someone from our Run Wild Missoula community that we should get to know better? With over 1,400 members, we have a wealth of talent, passion, expertise, inspiration, and enthusiasm for running and walking among us. Click Here to Nominate
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The Roots Run is a 4 mile fun run and is part of the Annual River City Roots Festival. The run will take place on Saturday, August 28th. Participants will receive an under Armour Short Sleeve Technical Tee provided by Bob Wards, Chip Timing, and More! Participants 21 and over also receive a Roots Festival drink cup, wristband, and one free drink ticket ($10 value)!
For more information and to register, click here.
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Run Wild Missoula Group Runs |
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As Summer ramps up and we emerge from the pandemic, we are excited for the return of group runs! Our Saturday Group Run has been in action for over 10 years now. This group run meets in the alley behind Runner's Edge at 8:00 AM on Saturday mornings and offers an array of distances led by Tim Mosbacher.
Recently, we added two more group runs for those who need some mid-week motivation. Wednesday Wild Miles are currently led by RWM Staff with a 6:00 AM option and a 6:00 PM option. Both runs meet at the pavilion at Greenough Park off of Monroe Street (second parking lot) and run for about an hour. All paces and abilites are welcome, these are no drop group runs!
For more information, click here.
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MTC Stewardship Opportunity • July 15th |
Join Montana Trail Crew in partnership with Friends of the M Trail to help restore one of Missoula's most iconic trails, the M Trail. Our next day of stewardship will be on Thursday, July 15th from 4:30 PM -to 7:00 PM. No prior experience is necessary and all are welcome. Stewardship days are limited to 10 volunteers and free. We ask that you please RSVP so that we know how many tools to bring.
For more information & to sign up, click here.
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Last Wednesday Beer Run • July 28th |
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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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BOP Run-Walk Social • July 18th |
BOP Run - Walk Socials are back! Run Wild Missoula welcomes runners and walkers at any pace. We make that welcome even more inviting with activities aimed at the Back of the Pack (BOP) Our program is always evolving, reflecting the interests of members. BOP Socials are a great way to meet other runners and walkers in our community of all paces!
The next BOP Social will be on Sunday, July 18th at Bonner Park at 10:00 AM
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Fall Events with Run Wild Missoula |
We have a busy fall schedule coming up and we want to make sure you save the dates on your calendars!
- Saturday, August 28th: Roots Run
- Wednesday, September 15th: Annual Meeting of Members
- Saturday, September 25th: Diva Day
- Sunday, October 24th: Pumpkin Run
- Saturday, November 6th: Mount Jumbo Elk Ramble
- Thursday, November 25th: Turkey Day
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So far this year, we have collectively walked or ran 64,166 miles!
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. The deadline to register for the Mileage Club was Wednesday, June 30th.
For more information about Mileage Club, click here.
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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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