Running Wild | November 2019
Run Wild Missoula Executive Director: Fall, Glorious Fall
I love the fall from a running perspective. Comfortable temperatures. The changing colors. And running opportunities abound. It’s such a great time to enjoy the sport and your club.

We rolled into fall with the Diva Day 5K on September 21st – celebrating the strong, powerful, and independent women of Western Montana. That was followed up by RWM helping out on the 28th at the 3,000 runner strong Mountain West Cross Country Classic (High School).

And then there was October. RWM had a presence at the University of Montana home cross country meet on the 4th and at the Race For The Cure on the 12th. We also provided race management services for the City High School Cross Country meet on the 15th. On the 19th RWM presented the 24th Annual Pumpkin Run with over 300 runners of all ages and abilities. I provided announcing services for the State Cross Country meet on the 26th; and, we closed out the month with a Beer Run on the 30th.  

For November, we’ll have a big presence (44 runners) at the Montana Cup on the 2nd, followed by the Mount Jumbo Elk Ramble on the 3rd. (And the Virtual Elk Ramble running through the 10th.) The BOP Social takes place on the 17th and the November Beer Run on the 20th. We’ll also have a presentation on bone and tendon injuries (from a runner’s perspective) on the 19th. And, the month wraps up on the 28th with the calorie-buster Turkey Day 8K & 3K Family Fun Run.

Add in the Group Runs, Buddy Runs, Classes and other member benefits and you can really get your monies worth from your Run Wild Missoula membership in the fall.  

For me, it’s just another reminder of the good work that we do here at RWM. Promoting and supporting running and walking for people of all ages and abilities. Encouraging a fit, active and healthy lifestyle. Providing an opportunity for people to be part of a positive, supportive community.  

I’ve had a professional career that has provided me the opportunity to work in the public sector, private sector and the nonprofit world. Most of my career too often dealt with complaints, anger and frustration. But in dealing with the running community, it’s about joy, achievement and inclusion. That’s why I feel so strongly that I have one of the best jobs around. I get to be surrounded by all of you each and every day; and, that’s pretty special.

See you on the roads, tracks and trails.
Tony
24th Running of The Pumpkins
Even with the threat of drizzle and wind, 299 participants finished this year’s Pumpkin Run 5k and uncounted numbers finished the 400 meter kids’ run on October 19! Fortunately, the rain held off until after noon and we even got the race equipment put away dry.

I would like to thank all the volunteers and sponsors that make this an exceptional event each year. This year’s sponsors include The Runners Edge, Caffé Dolce, The Good Food Store, Plonk, Nourishing Cultures, Tamarack Brewing and Jakers.

Angela Rohzon, coming in 199th place, was this year’s overall winner. Spend that $50.00 certificate at Runners Edge wisely-- maybe some fun running gear. It takes talent and incredible counting skills to win this race. In most races, the overall winner is arbitrarily set at the first one to cover the specified distance and remain on course (pretty easy to know if you’re winning). At The Pumpkin Run, the overall winner is carefully computed based on prime numbers, diameter of vegetables and other information gathered by secret agents, zombies, ghouls, and ex-high school distance athletes. So winning this race is raised to whole new levels of complexity.

A lot of research on next year’s winners has been gathered in cooperation with Calvin, Hobbs and a January 21, 1979 DeLorian. We actually have a video record of the 2020 finish and the race to win was a three way photo finish. More information to come later. Hope to see you in 2020 at the 25th Running of the Pumpkins.

Benjamin Schmidt, Race Director
Member Spotlight: Elizabeth Wasserman
Where are you from? What brought you to Missoula?

I’m from Monroe, NY, a town a little bit north of New York City. I came to Montana for the first time in June of 2018; it was love at first sight. I came to Missoula that same year to participate in the Half Marathon and that’s where I was introduced to the Missoula running community and RWM. I returned to Montana in June of 2019 and decided to stay. Now, I work for Run Wild Missoula as the Program Coordinator. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else!




Do you know someone f rom our Run Wild Missoula community that we should get to know better?  Click Here to Nominate
T uesday Track: Winter Schedule
The weather is starting to change and so are the Tuesday Track meetups.

Beginning November 5th, Tuesday Track will meet at the Run Wild Missoula basement offices. Coach Courtney Babcock will go over the workout with the group and runners will head out onto the Milwaukee Trail or other location to complete the workout on their own.

Tuesday Track is a great way to get your speed workout in  (no matter your speed!) Take advantage of these great workouts led by Courtney Babcock, a former Olympic athlete; and other experienced athletes.

Track workouts are  FREE to our members! Stay motivated through the winter and join us each Tuesday for a great workout!

Interested in learning more about our Group Runs and Training Groups? Click Here
7th Annual Mountain Running Film Festival: November 16th
Come on down to the Wilma Theater for the 7th Annual Mountain Running Film Festival! This end-of-season party celebrates the trails that connect the outdoor community to the wild lands and open spaces so abundant in Montana. Join us for an evening of spectacular trail running film capturing the lure and indescribable sensation of venturing deep into the wild.

This year’s selections include both feature films and shorts set in stunning locations throughout the Rocky Mountains, with several shot right here in Montana. Expect to see familiar faces as local filmmakers and members of the Montana running community grace the big screen.

Date: Saturday, November 16th
When: Doors open at 7PM, show starts at 8PM
Where: Wilma Theater
Tickets at $13 in advance and $16 at the door

Interested in attending this event? Click Here
Strength and Conditioning Strategies for Runners: Addressing Risk for Bone and Tendon Overuse Injuries
Please join RWM and Speakers Evie Tate, SPT, CSCS, Maddie Tight, SPT, CSCS, & Rich Willy, PT, PhD of the University of Montana Running Lab on Tuesday, November 19th from 6PM-7PM . Our Speakers will teach attendees why and how to incorporate a simple and effective strength and conditioning program into a running program.

Disclaimer: This workshop is not designed to diagnose or treat injuries and is not intended as medical advice.

Run Wild Missoula will provide pizza, snacks, and beverages!

This event is free and open to the public. Run Wild Missoula Membership is not required. Please click Here to learn more.
2019 Parade of Lights: December 7th
Ring in the holiday season with Run Wild Missoula!

Once again, we are putting together a group to proudly represent Run Wild Missoula at the 2019 Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 7th.

Meet us at Run Wild Missoula at 4:15PM to layer up & warm up with hot cocoa and holiday cookies. We will leave RWM and head to the parade start at 5:00 PM. Or, you can meet us at the parade start; please arrive by 5:30 PM.

Please RSVP Here. This event is free.

Interested in learning more? Click Here
Upcoming Races at Run Wild Missoula
How are your tallies coming along for the 2019 Racemakers & Run Wilder challenges? Mark your calendars for these upcoming summer and fall events!
Close out the RWM Racing Year on  Thursday, November 28th . Get some fresh air and exercise before feasting on a Thanksgiving meal!  The Turkey Day 8K and 3K Family Fun Run courses travel along the Riverfront and Milwaukee Trails, with short distances on a few Missoula city streets. The first 900 pre-registered 8K participants will receive a custom designed winter hat from BOCO. The 3K is free, untimed, and great for kids and families!

Registration is NOW OPEN, Click Here to Register

Give back this holiday season, Click Here to Volunteer

Start the New Year out on the right foot! Join Run Wild Missoula on Wednesday, January 1st for the Resolution Run 5k !

Registration for this popular race opens on Thursday, November 14th @ 8:00 AM . This family friendly and walker friendly event only costs $5.

All participants will receive chip timing, 2020 Resolution Run Ceramic Soup Bowl, warm soup to put in your bowl, & a "No Peak Envelope" with their race bib. Each envelope contains a prize (from socks to apparel to shoes), but you can't peak! You must bring the SEALED envelope to the Runner's Edge during the month of January; and, with the purchase of any item, you will receive your prize!

Start 2020 by getting outdoors and being active!

BONUS: This race will count towards Run Wild Missoula members' 2019 and 2020  Racemaker's 7 Races for a Goodie  tally!

Interested in learning more? Click Here
BOP Social: November
Sunday, November 17th

2:00PM:  Meet at the Park n Ride on Lower Grant Creek Road (by the Town Pump)
      
Run or walk out & back on the Grant Creek Bike Path

3:00PM:  Convene at Mackenzie River Pizza North Side for social connection after your run or walk. We will order off the menu .

Last Wednesday Beer Run: Double Front Chicken
Last Wednesday Beer Run • November 20
Please note that this event is one week early due to Thanksgiving


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.
"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?
Take Advantage of your Member Benefits
Remember to use your R un Wild Missoula Membership ID at local businesses around town to receive discounts & freebies .

"How do I print my Membership ID card?" Click HERE to learn how

"Where can I receive discounts?" Click HERE to view a listing of local businesses
RWM Club Miles
It's hard to believe we're through 10 months of the year! Here are the updated running statistics for our club through October 31st, 2019:

  • So far, we have run 113,424.96 miles in 2019
  • As a club, we are averaging 373.12 miles per day
  • 151 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 .
Membership Benefits
Run Wild Missoula Information
Run Wild Missoula | 406.544.7073 | info@runwildmissoula.org | www.runwildmissoula.org
Unsubscribing from this email will not eliminate you from receiving emails about volunteer opportunities.