Running Wild | October 2021
Run Wild Missoula Executive Director: Comfortably Uncomfortable
As I grew as a runner and competitor, one of the unique bits of training that stuck with me and flowed into my professional and personal life was the concept of being comfortably uncomfortable.

In running terms, this was an exercise to build confidence, showing myself that I could handle a certain pace for a long time… even if it felt like a struggle or hard effort. Practicing this effort over and over,
gradually improving and ingraining that I could indeed hold on and click off the miles on tired legs. All the while enjoying the uncomfortableness because I believed I could keep going.

That’s how I would describe my first month here on the job. Comfortably uncomfortable. From getting lost (and a little creeped out) in the Montana Building where our equipment is housed to presenting the annual meeting to members on my seventh day on the job, I have quickly been challenged in all the best ways possible.

Four weeks in, I’m by no means a pro… but I can tell you where the safety pins are stored and how to set
up a 25-foot finish line arch. Change and progress are uncomfortable. But having the courage to recognize and move though it, practice it, embrace it …dare I admit, it’s all quite fun and exciting. And I look forward to this feeling for a long while as I work though the many facets of this club.There are so many wonderful and big things happening with the club right now from a booming beginner running class, a successful opening registration weekend for Missoula Marathon, return to in-person racing and a new staff member to be announced soon. I relish to share them all with you. I can’t thank the members and volunteers enough for the support and positivity as I tackle this new role. Your encouragement and well wishes are like giant cowbells ringing in the back of my mind, helping me put one foot in front of the next proceeding comfortably uncomfortable.

Enjoy every step!
Trisha
RWM Seeking Board Members
Run Wild Missoula is seeking new members for our Board of Directors. The ideal candidates should be passionate about the sport of running and walking; the active, fit lifestyle that is part of Missoula’s culture; and making meaningful contributions to our community. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 27th, 2021.

More information about The Board Member Position can be found here.
Member Spotlight: Sam Gilbertson
This month’s member spotlight features Sam Gilbertson. Sam is a newer Run Wild Missoula member and a relatively new face in Missoula. He moved here for graduate school at the University of Montana and he wasted little time getting involved with our running community. The story of how Sam got into running is a familiar one, and is a great reminder that we all had to start somewhere and oftentimes that means not liking running at all in the beginning.

Member Spotlight Nomination Form
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
Missoula Marathon
Registration for the Missoula Marathon weekend of events is now live and is scheduled to take place June 24th – 26th, with the Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon running on Sunday, June 26th. Lace em up and join us for 2022!

For more information & to register, click here.
BOP Run-Walk Social • October 17th
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, October 17th at Maclay Flats at 2:00 PM.

BOP Runs/Walks have returned on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, click here.

Stay up to date about BOP Socials by joining the Run Walk Run Wild Facebook group or subscribing to the Monthly BOP bulletin by emailing backofpack@runwildmissoula.org.
Skeleton Skedaddle & Pumpkin Plod • October 24th
Different name, same race! Enjoy fall family fun with Run Wild Missoula and UM's Physical Therapy Student Association at the Skeleton Skedaddle 5K & Kids Pumpkin Plod! Join us at Silver Park on Sunday, October 24th.

For more information & to register, click here.
Last Wednesday Beer Run • October 27th
Join us at Bayern Brewing Oktoberfest on Wednesday, October 27th for our Last Wednesday Beer Run! Conflux has an extensive food and drink menu as well as patio seating!

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.

Questions? Please contact our Chancellor of Libations
BOP 10th Birthday Bash • November 21st
The BOP is turning 10 this year and we want to celebrate with all of YOU!

Please meet us at Great Burn Brewing on Sunday, November 21st for run/walk followed by a birthday celebration. All you need to bring is a potluck item to share and yourself. Cupcakes, beer, and door prizes will be provided by Run Wild Missoula!

More information can be found here.
RWM Club Miles
So far this year, we have collectively walked or ran 93,190 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.

If you have any questions, email Sally, sallyh@runwildmissoula.org
Around Town
Big River Run, October 16th, Moise, MT
Membership Benefits
Run Wild Missoula Information
Run Wild Missoula | 406.544.7073 | info@runwildmissoula.org | www.runwildmissoula.org
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