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RUN WILD MISSOULA INFORMATION
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Run Wild Missoula Executive Director: Turn, Turn, Turn
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by Tony Banovich, Executive Director
Before we go any further - just remember, I'm only the messenger. Okay, with that qualifier out of the way, here goes. Fall is just around the corner. I know, I know - we're still seeing temperatures into the 80's and 90's; wildfires are still burning away throughout Montana; and, it's light outside on our commute to and from work. How can summer possibly be over?
But, hey - it really shouldn't be that big of a surprise. As I write this, school has started for MCPS and UM. The first weekend of high school football is in the books and the first Griz kickoff is just a couple of days away. Bird and bow hunting seasons kick off any day now. And, the Autumnal Equinox is on September 22nd. Yup.........the summer of 2016 is pretty much in the books. Not sure where it went; but, I can definitely see it starting to fade away in the rear view mirror.
But, as summer comes to an end, we enter one of the best times of the year to be a runner. Temperatures start to cool - in fact, it won't be long before the mornings are downright chilly - giving us some ideal running conditions for most of September and October. We'll get the pleasure of seeing the trees, shrubs and bushes paint the hillsides and creek bottoms in shades of yellow, orange, gold and red. And, the thrill of hearing an elk bugle while we run along the Rattlesnake trails.
It also means a virtual cornucopia of race opportunities. Between now and Thanksgiving Day, Run Wild Missoula has 5 events - the Sweathouse Half Marathon, Missoula All Women's Diva Day 5K, Pumpkin Run, Mount Jumbo Elk Ramble 15K and Turkey Day 8K and 3K Family Fun Run. That's pretty much something for everybody. Races on roads and trails. Distances short and long. Fun and Festive. Family Friendly. Run, Walk or Jog your way through as many fall events as you can - with 5 events remaining, it should be easy enough to become a Racemaker and get a goodie for having completed 7 RWM races in 2016!
We also have multiple training classes and group runs underway including Beginning Runner 101, Beginning Trail Running, Intermediate Trail Running, Yoga For Runners, CORE Class, Tuesday Track and Saturday Breakfast Club. This is the time of year where we can truly meet our mission of promoting and supporting running and walking for people of all ages and abilities; and, we hope that you'll join us as we work to promote a fit, active and healthy lifestyle for our members. To learn more about any of our races, classes or member benefits, just log onto the website at
www.runwildmissoula.org
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So, enjoy the last days of summer. But, be prepared to take full advantage of the "golden" days of fall. And, as always, look for me out there on the roads, tracks and trails.
Tony
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| Back of the Pack Run/Social: September 24 |
 Join the Run Wild Missoula Back of the Pack running group for a social at 3:00 p.m. on September 24 at the Milltown State Park in East Missoula. Here's the whole line up of events for the day -- come for all or part of the day and celebrate the new trail underpass, lend a helping hand with the Clark River Floodplain recovery, learn about and enjoy this great State Park in our neighborhood.
9:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. -- Ride Your Park. Leaves Free Cycles for the Milltown State Park Overlook.
10:30 a.m. to 12 noon - Volunteer work on the Clark Fork River floodplain (tree planting, weeding)
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- Community @ the Confluence (information booths (various clubs and agencies), burger stand, kids events (Bird Sleuths), guided tours, live music (Vigelands), guest speakers -- invited: Chuck Bartlebaugh of Be Bear Aware and Germaine White of the CSKT Natural Resource Dept.
3:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.-- Run Wild Missoula Back of the Pack Social -- All Runners Welcome!!! 2-4 mile run, routes will include new trail segments
Run followed by light snack potluck.
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| 21st Annual Pumpkin Run: October 15 |
 The 21st annual Pumpkin Run will be Saturday, October 15th at Silver Park near the Osprey Baseball Stadium. Race day registration will start at 8:45 am, the 400 meter kids 12 and under run will start at 9:45 am, and the 5K will start around 10:09 am. Race day registration cost is $17 for the 5K and $4 for the kids 400 meter run. For more race details and to save a few dollars please pre-register by clicking HERE.
Proceeds from the Pumpkin Run will help fund a solar panel project at Council Groves Apartments off 3rd Street. Council Grove Apartments are low-income housing governed by a Board of Directors whose members come from sponsoring groups such as the Knights of Columbus and the Secular Franciscans. The project will help reduce the energy cost so that money can be freed up for other tenant benefits and the project will be used as an educational opportunity about energy consumption.
A new sponsor for this year's event is the Missoula Federal Credit Union. Thanks also to the sponsors who have supported this event year after year; Montana Ace Hardware, The Runners Edge, The Good Food Store and The Book Exchange. On behalf of the Pumpkin Run, please frequent these businesses and feel free to thank them for their support.
Now to the most important part of the race: who is the overall winner? Since last year's overall winner place did not have the integer 7 in it, the overall winner for 2016 will be 147th. Not a whole lot of logic in this choice, but there is a bit of chaos theory in there somehow.
We have added new age categories this year, so more prizes to go around.
Hope to see you in October! If you wish to volunteer at packet pick-up Saturday morning or be a course sweeper, please contact Ben Schmidt by clicking HERE.
Benjamin Schmidt, Race Director
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| Member Spotlight: Darren Bayer |
 Positive.
Inclusive. Runner. Friend to All. One meeting with Darren Bayer and you'll find his enthusiasm for running, and fellow runners, contagious.
"
He could easily be one of the most positive people I'
ve met,
" noted fellow runner, and RWM member, Jamie Swartz.
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 In 2011, I was overweight, out of shape, and not very happy with where I was in life. My weight had risen to 300 pounds, I was depressed and feeling a little lost.
A friend encouraged me to pursue running, and we began with a ½ mile walk. Although she was training for the Missoula Marathon, she stuck with me to show that it all begins one step at a time. On October 8, 2011, I completed my first Diva Day. It was amazing seeing all shapes, sizes and abilities of participants. I will never forget the joy I felt in my heart as I crossed the finish line. I was hooked.
I was encouraged by my friend to join Run Wild Missoula and the Galloway Program in 2012, but I left after 4 weeks. I still participated in a number of 5Ks and did my first half marathon that year.
In 2013, 2014, and 2015 I continued on my own, using the run-walk method, and lost 100 lbs. But I felt that, if I was to achieve my goal of completing a full marathon, I needed a little extra help and once again signed up for Galloway training. This time I made every Sunday except one. I was blessed to be teamed up with a group of women who were always encouraging and nonjudgmental, and with whom I formed tight bonds. They are my "Run Buds".
Four AM came early on Sunday July 10, the day of the Missoula Marathon. It was finally here and I felt prepared for the challenge due to my training and my friends. When I crossed the finish line after 26.2 miles, I was smiling and knew I could do anything with the right training and a great support network.
Life is funny sometimes. I started running because I wanted to change my outer self and at the same time I was not realizing how much I was changing my inner self.
Joël Bischof
RWM Member
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Support Grizzly Cross Country
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 As a rule, cross country doesn't get "the love" of other fall sports. Football is clearly the king, and volleyball and soccer tend to get far more recognition than the harriers. That's true at the high school level; and, it's also the case at the collegiate level. The University of Montana men's and women's cross country (i.e. XC) teams are filled with talented student-athletes. But, they don't get the same level of support and recognition as most of the other Grizzly athletic programs. As runners ourselves, we have the ability to change that around a bit.
First, Griz XC will be hosting a home meet on Friday, September 30th. It is expected that races will start at 9:00 AM, with the start and finish in the UM recreation fields (just east of Dornblaser Track). Teams expected to participate include UM, MSU, Gonzaga, Idaho, Carrol College, MSU-Billngs, College of Idaho and University of Great Fallls. Come out, cheer on the Griz, and watch some excellent collegiate XC competition. Make some noise and show the student-athletes and the university that the Missoula running community supports their program.
Second, the UM Homecoming Hustle 5K will be held on Saturday, October 1st at 9:45 AM. The run immediately precedes the homecoming parade, runs through Washington-Grizzly stadium and finishes with a tailgate celebration. While not a RWM event, UM is offering a $3 discount on race entry to RWM members. More information and registration can be found
HERE
. Proceeds from the race go towards the Grizzly Track & Field and Cross Country programs.
Finally, donate to the Grizzly Track & Field and Cross Country programs and get a chance to wind one of two great football packages. (I know, it is ironic that tickets to football games are prizes for an XC program!?!?!) First prize is a package to a Seattle Seahawks Monday Night Football game; and, second prize is a package to a Griz home game in November. Just go to the RWM store and click on the Grizzly T&F Donate To Win option.
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Around Town
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Nitty Gritty Relay and a Half, September 10
, Red Lodge Mountain,
Register using IAMathlete or visit Headwaters Events on facebook. For all races:
Contact: Kristen Hollum,
[email protected]
,
406.425.0964
Canine Classic at the Resort at Paws Up, September 25, Greenough, MT. Half marathon, 5 mile and fun run. Dogs encouraged to participate. Benefit Western Montana Humane Society. www.myhswm.org/events/canine-classic
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Run Wild,
Chris Everett, Running Wild Newsletter Editor
P.S. Unsubscribing to this email won't eliminate you from receiving emails about volunteer opportunities.
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