Running Wild | February 2021
Run Wild Missoula Interim Executive Director: Invest in Rest
As we close in on one year of pandemic life and are in the middle of our wintering season, it seems like a good time to reflect on our body’s need for rest.

We might think that we need to take advantage of the mild winter we have been experiencing and spend as much time outdoors as possible.  How long are we going to have ice-free trails and dry roads this winter?!  Or if you enjoy snow sports, you are likely putting in a few hours of driving to get to a snowier destination for a few more hours of recreation before driving a few hours home (sounds like a long day).

Have we taken the time to consider rest?  Winter is a time of hibernation and rest for most of the animal kingdom.  To slow down and recuperate after an exhilarating summer of adventures that flowed into fall and seems to have continued into all the way into February.   As our bodies follow the flow of the seasons, they likely anticipated an upcoming restful time as fall wound down and we transitioned to winter.  

Now, I’m not saying we should drop everything to take naps every day (as nice as that might be), and skip our joyous outdoor activities.  What I am saying is maybe we should think about the rest our body was anticipating in the cold and dark months, but isn’t necessarily receiving.  It’s all about balance and taking care of yourself.  Find the time to rest now, so come spring and summer you will be ready to continue exploring all that Montana has to offer.

Run wild, run free –
Ashley
Membership Migration

Last week we migrated our membership platform over to RunSignup. This includes membership information, discounts, Racemakers, Run Wilder, and Mileage Club. Everything else can still be found on our Run Wild Missoula website. Thank you all for your patience during the move. Here are some helpful tips on how to claim your account, merge existing RunSignup accounts, and how to log your miles for Mileage Club. Please refer to these helpful links and if you have any problems contact Ashley or Sally.

Claiming your Run Wild Missoula membership:

Merging existing accounts:
  • If you happen to have duplicate profiles created under the same account, or if you would like to switch the primary user of the account, then the Consolidate Accounts option will allow you to do this.
  • Video & Instructions: Consolidate Accounts

Mileage Club:
  • As part of the transition, we were unable to roll over current Mileage Club data onto RunSignup. We apologize for the inconvience, you will need to re-enter your mileage. Mileage Club looks a little different on RunSignup. We've put together an instructional video on how to set up your Mileage Club account AND then log your miles. Staff can still access your previously logged mileage on the back end of our Run Wild Missoula website, if you'd like that information please email Sally.
  • Video: How to set up account & log miles
Member Spotlight: Brenna Cassidy
Where are you from? What brought you to Missoula?

I am originally from northern IL, but have been in the west for quite a while! I worked in Yellowstone National Park studying wildlife while working on my bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin and moved out there full time after graduating. After some years, I felt the itch to go back to school and I got the opportunity to join UM’s incredible wildlife biology graduate program.

Do you have a running or race motto? If so, what is it and why?

Years ago, I was pretty nervous before my first half marathon, I hadn’t trained for it at all (whoops!). I didn’t know anyone there but met a few people as we were headed towards the starting line. I vividly remember a tall, extremely fit man with long plaited blonde hair, wearing a kilt, looking at me and saying “Races are like mullets, business in the front, and party in the back.” I will NEVER forget that phrase and we happily ran together solidly in the middle of the pack that whole race!

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!

Registration will open on February 11th and the class is set to begin on February 28th.

For more information, click here.
Upcoming Virtual Races with Run Wild Missoula
Run for Missoula | Hearty Hustle
February 15-21
The February installment of the Run for Missoula Virtual Race Series is the Hearty Hustle. This 8K run or walk starts on February 15th and ends on February 21st. Funds from this race will benefit the summer enrichment program at Watson Children's Shelter. The summer enrichment program is an 11 week fun fill program full of physical and educational activities that help inspire adventure and exploration. Registration will close on February 14th, 2021.

For more information and to register, click here.
2021 Virtual Snow Joke Half Marathon
February 27 & 28
Registration for the 2021 virtual Snow Joke Half Marathon is now open! The Snow Joke has traditionally been an in-person half marathon, but it has transitioned to a virtual event for 2021 to keep everyone active while staying socially distanced. Even though this event won't be in person, you still get to run 13.1 blazing fast, freezing cold miles. You will have until March 2nd to upload your results!

For more information and to register, click here.
RWM Club Miles
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 2020
Racemakers are Run Wild Missoula members who participate in 7 or more Run Wild Missoula race throughout the year. Despite the challenges in 2020, we had 122 of our members run or walk at least seven races. Racemakers this year will receive a custom hoodie with all the races listed from 2020 to reward them for literally going the extra mile!

Are you ready to be a Racemaker?! 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 11:59pm to be eligible.

For more information on Racemakers, click here.

For questions regarding Racemakers, email Sally, sallyh@runwildmissoula.org
Around Town
Great North American Relay (G.N.A.R)
Join Runner's Edge in their virtual 7 day, 17,500-mile journey from Alaska to Patagonia traversing the entirety of North and South America. Every mile counts in this virtual event, no matter if you walk, run, or hike. The event starts on March 1st and ends on March 7th, 2021. Registration opens on February 16th.

For more information, 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!

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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