Run Wild Missoula September 2017 Newsletter

Anyone who has been a race director knows that one of the biggest challenges can be securing enough volunteers to properly conduct the event. At many events, there aren't quite enough bodies to fully "staff" all the course monitor positions, clean up needs, and more. Now, don't get me wrong. We have some amazing volunteers at Run Wild Missoula, and we're so grateful for their efforts. But, many times we see similar faces volunteering at multiple races throughout the year.

With over 1,500 members, we have a large enough "pool" so that it should be relatively easy to find sufficient volunteers to staff an event. And, we should be able to do so without relying on the same folks over and over.

Why are volunteers so important? Course monitors help provide a safe environment for runners out there on city streets. They also help make sure to keep runners on the correct course. Volunteers help distribute tee shirts, assist with late registration, man aid stations, hand out medals, set out post-race snacks, set up start and finish lines, "sweep" the back of the race, and so much more. In reality, the participant experience is directly related to the work done by our volunteers.

You might be wondering what it is that's prompting me to bring this topic to the forefront. Well, we're entering out busiest time of the year (outside of marathon week). We have 5 races between now and Thanksgiving, in addition to our member meeting. With all that activity, there will be lots of calls for volunteers from race directors and RWM staff. So, as we approach a hectic fall of race activity, we ask that you heed "the call".

You'll find that being a volunteer can be extremely rewarding. It will also give you a better appreciation for the efforts necessary to put on a successful race. (Next time you're running a race, be sure to thank the volunteers!!) So, I ask of you - give back to your club by volunteering at one or two events every year.

See you on the roads, tracks and trails (and start line, and finish line, and registration table, and..........)

Tony

RWM Yoga For Runners

September is National Yoga Month, and Run Wild Missoula is proud to have offered Yoga For Runners classes to its members for over 11 years. Runners are often hesitant to try yoga; their most common fear is that they are not flexible enough. In spite of Yoga for Runners being advertised for runners, no prior level of flexibility or yoga experience is necessary. Yoga is suitable for any age, body type and physical condition, and those who are active and therefore the stiffest have the most to gain.

Running can lead to injury because of its repetitive movement in the same plane (forward and backward), which often results in imbalances in the body. Yoga involves all muscles in a variety of planes which helps restore balance and symmetry to the body, making it the perfect complement to running. Runners are often drawn to yoga to improve flexibility or help deal with injury. Yoga stretches muscles that are tight, which in turn increases the range of motion in related joints. Increased flexibility also decreases stiffness which results in ease of movement and reduces aches and pains. Yoga is an excellent exercise for active recovery from longer, physically demanding runs.

Running is excellent for strengthening the muscles in the lower body, whereas a balanced yoga practice focuses on building core and upper body strength as well. A strong core and upper body helps improve posture and running form, which results in less fatigue and impact on the lower body and a reduced risk of injury. Whereas many forms of exercise can deplete the body of its energy stores, yoga focuses on deep breathing which oxygenates the blood and helps create more energy in the body. This leaves the body and mind feeling energized and restored.

Tuesday Lunch Yoga

12:15-1:00pm

September 12th-December 5th

Thursday Evening Yoga

6:00-7:00pm

September 14th-December 7th

For more information check out our Yoga for Runners class information at www.runwildmissoula.org or email Missy with specific questions at [email protected]. A huge thank you to the Runners Edge for the use of their space!

Missy Adams is a Certified Personal Trainer and Yoga Instructor, and has been teaching Yoga for Runners since 2006.

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Missy Adams

Run Yoga Missoula

400 North Avenue East

Missoula, MT 59801

406.396.5636

Treasure State Trail Series

Races 6 and 7 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.

Races still to take place include:

Big Bear Stampede 9K, Gardiner, 9/9/17

John Colter Run 12K, Three Forks, 9/16/17

The Nitty Gritty Half Marathon, Red Lodge, 9/16/17

Chasing Squirrels #3 (6.1K), Great Falls, 9/23/17

Whitefish Trail Legacy Run Half Marathon, Whitefish, 10/1/17

Elk Ramble 15K, Missoula, 11/4/17

The first 5 races in the series have taken place and the current series standings are posted here - http://www.montanatrailcrew.com/2017/01/mtcs-treasure-state-trail-series.html. Amy Friedman of Missoula leads the women; and, Nico Compsto (also of Missoula) leads the men.

Get out and try some of these races and see how you stack up in the Treasure State Trail Series. We'll be celebrating the end of the series here in Missoula as part of the Mount Jumbo Elk Ramble.

Beginner Running 101 Class: September 6

Beginning Running 101 instructors (Kelsi, Spring & Miranda), have been described as the best thing to happen to Missoula's new runner community. Without Running 101 and the coaches' encouraging spirit, many runners report they wouldn't be the runners they are today. The coaches are back for their 7th year and ready to introduce a new group of runners to the RWM community. This is truly a beginner's class, so don't be intimidated. Pace doesn't matter - all you need is the willingness to take that first step. You'll start by mixing walking with running. Gradually the run segments will increase and you'll find yourself running further than you maybe ever thought possible! One past participant who went on to complete her first half marathon 8 months later described the class as the gateway to running excellence. The class kicks off on September 6th.

Join us for a fun training program. For more information and to register, click HERE !

September BOP Social: September 23

Saturday September 23

3:00 pm

Meet at upper parking lot, Pattee Canyon Rec area. Several options will be available to run/walk/hike in the area

Potluck will follow at an open area adjacent to parking (BYOB and snacks to share)

Directions: Starting at the intersection of Pattee Canyon Drive and South Higgins, travel 4.2 miles up Pattee Canyon Drive to the parking lot. Go past the Crazy Canyon Trailhead and the picnic area. Click HERE for details and a map.

Thanks to Anne Stone for hosting this event in a new (to us) location!

Pam Gardiner, Leader BOP

Sweathouse Half Marathon and Diva Day: September 16 and October 7

Want some incentive to keep up with your training after the Missoula Marathon or Half Marathon? Looking for a course with amazing views? Then the Sweathouse Half Marathon on September 16th (Saturday) will have you covered. This rural course has spectacular views of the Bitterroot Range. Taking place in Victor, it's our only race outside of Missoula. Registration is now open on the RWM website. Click HERE!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 7th. Community Medical Center will once again host the All Women's Diva Day 5K. NEW this year - all participants will receive a finisher's medal! Don't forget about the post-race awards for individuals and team, including most generations (team) and best dressed (individual)! Registration is now open on our website. Click HERE.

Pumpkin Run: October 22

The 22nd Pumpkin Run

by Run Wild Missoula

Proceeds Fund Missoula Library Energy Efficiency Project

Missoula's 22nd Pumpkin Run will be Sunday, October 22nd at Silver Park next to the Ogren Park Allegiance Field Baseball Stadium. Race-day registration will start at 9:00 a.m. $17 for the 5K, and $4 for the 12 and under 400-meter run). The 400-meter run will start at 10:00 a.m. and the 5K starts at 10:22 a.m. For more race details, and to save a little money for pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, please pre-register online by clicking here.

If you have not caught on already, the theme this year is 22. October 22nd was also the only day I could find in midish October with no conflicts; so that worked out spectacularly. Consequently, the overall Pumpkin Run winner will be the runner that comes in 222nd place. Perhaps a prize involving 22 is in order. I will have to think on that puzzle a bit more.

Proceeds from this year's event will go towards energy efficiency measures at the new Missoula Public Library. The library will have a sustainable design and include children services, internet access, meeting places, community space, and a museum. Combined with the Children's Museum of Missoula and the University of Montana specrUM Discovery Area, this all under one roof library learning center will provide a community focal point that serves everyone in Missoula.

Click HERE for information and registration!

Hope to see you in October!

Benjamin Schmidt, Race Director

Member Spotlight: Sally Canata

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

I grew up in Seattle and came to Missoula via Alaska. I lived out of a backpack for 6 years and was a tour guide in Alaska and Mexico. I met my husband in Alaska where the odds are good but the goods are odd and he came here to go to school. Missoula has wonderful trails, great music, and little traffic - a great place to live and raise kids.

When did you start running and why?

I started running in middle school. I took a class called Outdoor Fitness and the teacher Fran Call gave us all sorts of challenges. I ran my first Ultra with her (29 miles from Seattle to Tacoma via Vashon Island). Fran also led a self-supported bike trip from Seattle to Glacier National Park. I broke my leg skiing in my 20's and didn't really run again until my 40's.