Run Wild Missoula October 2017 Newsletter

I write this less than 48 hours after the horrific shooting in Las Vegas. The coverage by traditional and digital media has been relentless. Add to that the incessant sound bites about crime, brutality, racism, poverty, confrontation and divisiveness and it can seem as though all is lost. Inherently we know it's not - but sometimes it can be hard to see the light though the darkness.

In spite of what we see on TV, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, I know there is good amongst us. Why? Because I get to see it every day in my role at Run Wild Missoula. Volunteers giving their time to help with events. Participants who donate above and beyond their entry fees to help meet the needs of our community. Club members working towards a healthier, happier lifestyle.

Everyone knows of Jeff Galloway for his run-walk-run program. Another message that Jeff regularly speaks about is the positive emotional value of running and walking. When we run and walk, all kinds of positive brain circuits get turned on. Among the most basic is that the accomplishment of a good run or walk can boost the spirit. When we repeat that pattern (through regular running and walking), we begin to feel better about ourselves. As we feel better about ourselves, we can begin to show empathy, support and compassion towards others. We're then less likely to spew hatred and vitriol about our fellow man.

How many times have you been at a "major" sporting event and witnessed spectators (and sometimes athletes and coaches) yelling at opposing fans, officials and competitors? Now think about if you've seen that same behavior at a road or trail race....................I doubt that you have. (I've been in this sport for over 35 years and have seen it just a couple of times.) As a rule, runners and walkers tend to be supportive and encouraging. We work to lift each other up rather than tearing down. We tend to recognize that regardless of pace, we're all working towards doing the best that we can. It's one of the reasons that I'm so passionate about running. Our sport tends to bring out so many positive attributes. Encouragement. Support. Camaraderie. Compassion. Generosity. Respect.

I'm not so naïve as to think that running can cure all the world's ills; but, can't it be a start? Just like a run, everything begins with a first step. If we set the example, we can hope that others will follow our lead. With enough of us following a positive path, perhaps the darkness will begin to fade.

Go for a run. Do good. Be kind. Give Back.

In the meantime, I'll see you on the roads, tracks and trails.

Tony

Treasure State Trail Series

The final races of the Treasure State Trail Series are right around the corner. The 11 race series is being organized by Montana Trail Crew (and their parent organization Run Wild Missoula) and includes races from all around Montana.

The first 10 races in the series have taken place, and the current series standings are posted here. Sara Boughner of Missoula leads the women; and, Nico Composto (also of Missoula) leads the men. Results current through the John Colter Run (9/16)

The final race of the series is the Mount Jumbo Elk Ramble on Saturday, November 4th. We'll be celebrating the end of the series here in Missoula at the Mountain Running Film Festival - more information coming soon!

BOP Buddy Run-Walk-Runs: October 29

For many years, Galloway marathon and half marathon run-walk-runners have been meeting for informal buddy runs in the months between formal classes. Those runs typically meet at 8:00 am Sundays and 6:00 pm Tuesdays behind the Runner's Edge, and 6:00 pm Thursdays at Currents parking lot (McCormick Park).

Later this month, we are encouraging graduates of the inaugural Get In Shape! class to join in the fun. We will provide a two-month training plan and post weekly maps to the Run Walk Run Wild Facebook group. The plan will build miles toward the Turkey Day 8K and will further increase to 6 miles before the end of the year. This schedule will help those who want to start Galloway marathon training in January prepare for that program.

These buddy runs are open to Run Wild Missoula members free of charge. We welcome not only Get in Shape grads, but also past Galloway alums who want to re-connect, and folks who want to try run-walk-run® for the first time.

The emphasis is on welcome and informality. Questions? Email Back -of-the-Pack Leader, Pam Gardiner

Pumpkin Run, Elk Ramble, & Turkey Day

Our 22nd Annual Pumpkin Run and Kid's Dash is a fun way to spend a Sunday in the fall! This year's courses will run along the Riverfront South and Milwaukee Trails. The Pumpkin Run is our most budget friendly race at just $15 for the 5K, and $4 for the Kid's Dash! Don't forget, the overall winner of this year's race is 222nd place! Proceeds from this year's race will go towards energy efficiency measures at the new Missoula Public Library. For more information about the races and to register, click HERE !

Run Wild Missoula is pleased to announce that the Mount Jumbo Elk Ramble 15K Trail Race is back for 2017! Race registration is capped at 300 participants, and has filled for 2017. Still want to be part of race day?? There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer! Email Race Director, Jess, for more information.

Join us at the Turkey Day 8K & 3K Family Fun Run and get in some fresh air and exercise before feasting on a Thanksgiving meal! The Turkey Day 3K Family Fun Run is free for all ages! It is untimed and noncompetitive - perfect for kids and families. The 8K, includes a knit winter hat for all paid participants and allows you to burn off a few more pre-meal calories! For more information about the races and to register, HERE !

October BOP Social: October 14

Saturday, October 14

3:00 pm: Run-walk Lee Metcalf Refuge: Meet at the main (river trailhead) parking lot on Wildfowl Lane. We will run and/or walk 2-4 miles on the road and/or trails.

4:00 pm: Meet at WildWood Brewing Co (4018 US Hwy 93 N, Stevensville) for potluck snacks (bring something to share)

Directions: WildWood is on the east side US Hwy 93, south of Les Schwab Tire Center and north of the Stevensville Cutoff Road traffic light. It is set back from the highway and the sign is small, so sometimes it takes a few tries to find it. Don't give up! It's worth the effort.

NEW Back of the Packers! Come to the social and get your free BOP bandanna.

Many thanks to Joël Bischof for hosting this month.

Pam Gardiner, Leader BOP

Member Spotlight: Jesse Carnes

Where are you from? What brought you to Missoula or kept you here?

I grew up in Colville, Washington, which is a small town north of Spokane. I came to Missoula to attend the University in 2004. I chose Missoula because of the active outdoor community and its reputation as a progressive, forward-thinking bunch of people. I graduated from UM with a BFA in Fine Arts with an emphasis in photography, so naturally I found a job I love at a local bike shop. Here we are almost a decade later, and I have no plans to go anywhere. Plus, if I leave, I hear that I have to do 24 hours of Sentinel laps, which sounds hard, so I'm staying.

When did you start running and why?

To be honest I am not quite sure. The house I grew up in was bordered on all sides by a wildlife refuge, and as a kid, running around in the woods was just what we did. The first race I remember running was on the beach in Florida, while visiting my grandparents. It was probably half a mile long, barefoot. I was probably 8 or 9 years old. My little sister beat me, and it took me a while to let go of the resulting grudge.