Registration will begin in November for the 2nd Annual Jeff Galloway Run/Walk/Run Marathon/Half Marathon Training Program. Over 60 RWM’ers participated in 2011 and 3 of 6 RWM Inspirational Runners of the Year were Gallowayans. Goals of the program are to prevent injury, reduce fatigue, speed recovery and have a life!...while training for a long distance event.
Participants will receive a year’s subscription to Runner’s World, a t-shirt, a very nice finishers medal and (for new participants) Galloway’s Training Programs, a comprehensive manual that answers any question one might have about training for a half or full marathon.
Pace Group Leaders will be provided (Galloway’s motto is to “leave no Gallowayan behind”), as well as seminars on running form, nutrition, proper gear, injury prevention/rehab and cross training.
Jeff Galloway will be in Missoula January 16-19 to kick off the program, promote the Missoula Marathon/Half Marathon and to conduct a 3-hour running school. He and wife Barbara will return in July to run the event again.
Cost is $99 ($125 for non-members). Co-Directors are Pam Gardiner and John Pitcairn.
Go Gallowayans!
~John Pitcairn, Runner’s Edge
Monday, November 28, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
M Trail Work Day a Huge Success!
RWM and Friends of the M Trail co-sponsored a work day on the M Trail on Oct 22nd. About 25 people attended and made a full day of the event while we installed a new stair structure on the 6th switchback. We also brushed over erosive side trails, pulled knapweed and planted plugs of native wildflowers and grasses.
Our attendees were UM students, volunteers from the community (and as far away as Whitefish), local Cub Scouts and parents, and of course RWM folks looking for the hardcore cardio/upper body workout! Under the supervision of UM senior Jon Paulson, the heavy timbers and half ton of gravel carried up the hill were transformed into a sturdy and attractive non-eroding staircase. This is the most recent of about 7 total step structures that have been built on the M Trail through cooperation with UM Natural Areas Program, Friends of the M Trail, UM Student Guild of Society for Ecological Restoration and RWM.
The stair structures are necessary to slow down the rapid erosion taking place at the switchbacks under the feet of up to 1000 hikers EACH DAY. It takes a village to maintain a mountain- especially one that is so heavily loved as Mt Sentinel.
We were pretty bold about asking passersby to carry things up the trail! About 50 or more good natured hikers agreed to carry a bucket of gravel up to the 6th switchback. That’s just the kind of community we live it: everyone’s happy to lend a hand.
Pizza lunch was provided by RWM and the Pizza Pipeline. Great Harvest Bread also donated a huge bag of cinnamon bread to get us going early in the morning. The weather was beautiful, the project successful, and we expect our efforts contributed to many more decades of happy M Trail running for all! See you other there next time (April 2012).
~Marilyn Marler, UM Natural Areas Specialist
Our attendees were UM students, volunteers from the community (and as far away as Whitefish), local Cub Scouts and parents, and of course RWM folks looking for the hardcore cardio/upper body workout! Under the supervision of UM senior Jon Paulson, the heavy timbers and half ton of gravel carried up the hill were transformed into a sturdy and attractive non-eroding staircase. This is the most recent of about 7 total step structures that have been built on the M Trail through cooperation with UM Natural Areas Program, Friends of the M Trail, UM Student Guild of Society for Ecological Restoration and RWM.
The stair structures are necessary to slow down the rapid erosion taking place at the switchbacks under the feet of up to 1000 hikers EACH DAY. It takes a village to maintain a mountain- especially one that is so heavily loved as Mt Sentinel.
We were pretty bold about asking passersby to carry things up the trail! About 50 or more good natured hikers agreed to carry a bucket of gravel up to the 6th switchback. That’s just the kind of community we live it: everyone’s happy to lend a hand.
Pizza lunch was provided by RWM and the Pizza Pipeline. Great Harvest Bread also donated a huge bag of cinnamon bread to get us going early in the morning. The weather was beautiful, the project successful, and we expect our efforts contributed to many more decades of happy M Trail running for all! See you other there next time (April 2012).
~Marilyn Marler, UM Natural Areas Specialist
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Upcoming Beer Runs
Official Fall Greetings from the Chancellor of Libations.
As much as it pains me I, the Chancellor of Libations, must apologize to the legions of Beer Runners. Yes I am down on my knees begging forgiveness for selecting a meeting place that had scheduled an EMERGENCY that required a full scale evacuation and the assistance of the Missoula City Fire Department. But rest assured that in the future I will endeavor to ensure that our Beer Runs will never suffer another scheduling conflict of this nature.
Still we managed to have an unprecedented Beer Run, somewhere between 70 and 80 of us descended upon the Draught Works on a cool but beautiful fall evening. We charged off in a great mass heading into the North side neighborhoods laying siege to the streets. In spite of our best efforts at stealth running we managed to draw cheers and waves from the many adoring
residents as we wound our way to the cemeteries. I encountered a true life first when a couple girls ran along with us for a couple blocks.
If you get a chance please take a moment to thank the folks at the city cemetery for staying open a bit late to allow our hoard to enjoy our tour of the historic Missoula City Cemetery. and it was a beautiful evening to enjoy the tour with all the fall leaves.
Another highlight for me was the first hundred yards or so of the Catholic Cemetery, as we turned through the gate a deep golden orange blanket of leaves carpeted the road leading to the far corner, and I loved the crunch and swish of the leaves under my clomping feet, but a few of our fellow Beer Runners mentioned that they were more concerned about the leaves hiding potholes and tank traps.
I am a bit embarrassed to admit this but I have our next three Beer Runs planned, well I have the meeting locations selected:
November 30th we will make our second annual pilgrimage to home of the greatest fried chicken in Missoula when we descend upon Double Front Chicken for our poultry fest.
December 28th we will again head to the South side of Missoula to tour the Griswold neighborhoods, this year we will meet at Desperados on Russell.
January we will give the Draught Works a second chance to experience our presence. I can't wait to see what "emergency" they come up with this time to leave us standing on their doorstep.
Until then have a great Thanksgiving.
~Pat Cross, Chancellor of Libations
As much as it pains me I, the Chancellor of Libations, must apologize to the legions of Beer Runners. Yes I am down on my knees begging forgiveness for selecting a meeting place that had scheduled an EMERGENCY that required a full scale evacuation and the assistance of the Missoula City Fire Department. But rest assured that in the future I will endeavor to ensure that our Beer Runs will never suffer another scheduling conflict of this nature.
Still we managed to have an unprecedented Beer Run, somewhere between 70 and 80 of us descended upon the Draught Works on a cool but beautiful fall evening. We charged off in a great mass heading into the North side neighborhoods laying siege to the streets. In spite of our best efforts at stealth running we managed to draw cheers and waves from the many adoring
residents as we wound our way to the cemeteries. I encountered a true life first when a couple girls ran along with us for a couple blocks.
If you get a chance please take a moment to thank the folks at the city cemetery for staying open a bit late to allow our hoard to enjoy our tour of the historic Missoula City Cemetery. and it was a beautiful evening to enjoy the tour with all the fall leaves.
Another highlight for me was the first hundred yards or so of the Catholic Cemetery, as we turned through the gate a deep golden orange blanket of leaves carpeted the road leading to the far corner, and I loved the crunch and swish of the leaves under my clomping feet, but a few of our fellow Beer Runners mentioned that they were more concerned about the leaves hiding potholes and tank traps.
I am a bit embarrassed to admit this but I have our next three Beer Runs planned, well I have the meeting locations selected:
November 30th we will make our second annual pilgrimage to home of the greatest fried chicken in Missoula when we descend upon Double Front Chicken for our poultry fest.
December 28th we will again head to the South side of Missoula to tour the Griswold neighborhoods, this year we will meet at Desperados on Russell.
January we will give the Draught Works a second chance to experience our presence. I can't wait to see what "emergency" they come up with this time to leave us standing on their doorstep.
Until then have a great Thanksgiving.
~Pat Cross, Chancellor of Libations
Monday, November 14, 2011
View From The Back
I run because I can…..I run “for the health of it!”
The “spark” of my running inspiration came from my daughter-in-law, Maggie. She said, “I’m going to run the Missoula Marathon, you should do it, too.” I doubted myself and my ability to do it, so I just forgot about it…..so I thought! That challenge to run lay there, in the back of my mind growing into a “bucket list” desire to achieve that level of fitness. I have always strived for fitness and good health, staying active and attempting to watch my diet. That became especially true after going through surgery for cancer three years ago. It now became a consuming desire to take better care of my body, and ease my restless mind.
When the opportunity to hear Jeff Galloway speak in Missoula arose, I jumped at it! His talk so inspired me and made me KNOW I could attain this level of fitness. I COULD run a marathon! With his guidance, and the guidance from his trained group leaders the journey began!
I wavered a bit after those first training sessions. I remember our first run! We were told to “Go out, and run down Higgins Avenue to about Strand, run a block, walk a block. WHEW! I thought I would not make it back to the Runner’s Edge, there in the winter cold, snow and ice. Yikes! For nearly a week my leg muscles let me know they did not like this new endeavor; I could barely hobble up the steps into my house!
But, as days/weeks/months flew past, awesome friendships were formed, runner’s muscles developed, running routines were forged and memories of dark, icy mornings were a joy to look back on.
Six months later, the exhilarating, and awe-inspiring joy of crossing that finish line after 26.2 miles was mind boggling! It left me, well…..left me ready for the next challenge. Jeff Galloway’s program and the Run Wild Missoula BOP program have truly become wonderful additions to my life!
~Suzanne Burwick
Being an Athlete is
a state of mind
which is not bound by age,
performance or
place in the running pack.
~Jeff Galloway
The “spark” of my running inspiration came from my daughter-in-law, Maggie. She said, “I’m going to run the Missoula Marathon, you should do it, too.” I doubted myself and my ability to do it, so I just forgot about it…..so I thought! That challenge to run lay there, in the back of my mind growing into a “bucket list” desire to achieve that level of fitness. I have always strived for fitness and good health, staying active and attempting to watch my diet. That became especially true after going through surgery for cancer three years ago. It now became a consuming desire to take better care of my body, and ease my restless mind.
When the opportunity to hear Jeff Galloway speak in Missoula arose, I jumped at it! His talk so inspired me and made me KNOW I could attain this level of fitness. I COULD run a marathon! With his guidance, and the guidance from his trained group leaders the journey began!
I wavered a bit after those first training sessions. I remember our first run! We were told to “Go out, and run down Higgins Avenue to about Strand, run a block, walk a block. WHEW! I thought I would not make it back to the Runner’s Edge, there in the winter cold, snow and ice. Yikes! For nearly a week my leg muscles let me know they did not like this new endeavor; I could barely hobble up the steps into my house!
But, as days/weeks/months flew past, awesome friendships were formed, runner’s muscles developed, running routines were forged and memories of dark, icy mornings were a joy to look back on.
Six months later, the exhilarating, and awe-inspiring joy of crossing that finish line after 26.2 miles was mind boggling! It left me, well…..left me ready for the next challenge. Jeff Galloway’s program and the Run Wild Missoula BOP program have truly become wonderful additions to my life!
~Suzanne Burwick
Being an Athlete is
a state of mind
which is not bound by age,
performance or
place in the running pack.
~Jeff Galloway
Friday, October 21, 2011
2012 Missoula Marathon registration opens tonight with early registration savings!
Registration for the 2012 Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon opens tonight! From 10pm MST until midnight you can get a super-duper early bird registration deal and save an extra $15 on marathon registration or $10 on half marathon registration when compared to the regular early registration period that begins at midnight. Register between 10pm and midnight tonight and save big! The link is: http://www.missoulamarathon.org/
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Missoula Wins Runner Friendly Community Designation
Missoula is one of a handful of runner friendly communities in the nation, according to a recent 5-year designation bestowed by the Road Runners Club of America, a national distance running organization. Run Wild Missoula announced at its Annual Meeting of Members last night that Missoula has been awarded the Runner Friendly Community designation.
Missoula met the program’s criteria, which includes community infrastructure, community support, and local government support for running. Missoula has an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment; a proven track record that organizations and businesses work together to promote running as a healthy exercise and sport; and there are positive relationships between the running community and local government.
Run Wild Missoula applied for the designation five months ago, which included creating a You Tube video (http://www.youtube.com/user/MissoulaMarathonFilm?blend=8&ob=5#p/u/0/8Jrini80VGw), filling out a lengthy application and getting letters of support from race directors, business owners and government officials.
“In 2010, after the Missoula Marathon won the award for the Best Overall Marathon in the country from Runner’s World magazine, the event doubled in size, bringing thousands of runners, walkers, and spectators to the community,” Mayor John Engen wrote in his letter of support. “A study on the economic impact of the event and found that it pumped $1.3 million into the economy.”
The goals of the Runner Friendly Community program are to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout as runner-friendly and to provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner friendly communities. Runner friendly communities can increase the quality of life, improve physical activity for residents as outlined in the National Physical Activity Plan, and provide for increased economic impact for the community.
While runners do not require a lot of expensive equipment, there are several ways that local communities can invest to ensure that running is safe, affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for anyone that wants to run.
Other communities that won the designation include Allen Park, MI; Carson City, NV; Decatur, IL; Knoxville, TN; Lawrence, KS; Lynchburg, VA; Reading, PA; Salem, MA; and The Woodlands, TX. Learn more about the program included detailed information about these and other Runner Friendly Communities at http://www.rrca.org/programs/runner-friendly-community/
About Run Wild Missoula: Run Wild Missoula is the non-profit running club which organizes the Missoula Marathon and a dozen other annual races, several training programs, seminars, social events and clinics. For more information visit www.runwildmissoula.org.
About the Road Runners Club of America: The mission of the RRCA is to promote the development and growth of running clubs and running events throughout the country and to support the common interests of runners of all abilities during all stages in life. Through the RRCA, we provide a national infrastructure for the development of adult and youth running clubs and events that have boomed into a robust sporting activity.
Missoula met the program’s criteria, which includes community infrastructure, community support, and local government support for running. Missoula has an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment; a proven track record that organizations and businesses work together to promote running as a healthy exercise and sport; and there are positive relationships between the running community and local government.
Run Wild Missoula applied for the designation five months ago, which included creating a You Tube video (http://www.youtube.com/user/MissoulaMarathonFilm?blend=8&ob=5#p/u/0/8Jrini80VGw), filling out a lengthy application and getting letters of support from race directors, business owners and government officials.
“In 2010, after the Missoula Marathon won the award for the Best Overall Marathon in the country from Runner’s World magazine, the event doubled in size, bringing thousands of runners, walkers, and spectators to the community,” Mayor John Engen wrote in his letter of support. “A study on the economic impact of the event and found that it pumped $1.3 million into the economy.”
The goals of the Runner Friendly Community program are to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout as runner-friendly and to provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner friendly communities. Runner friendly communities can increase the quality of life, improve physical activity for residents as outlined in the National Physical Activity Plan, and provide for increased economic impact for the community.
While runners do not require a lot of expensive equipment, there are several ways that local communities can invest to ensure that running is safe, affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for anyone that wants to run.
Other communities that won the designation include Allen Park, MI; Carson City, NV; Decatur, IL; Knoxville, TN; Lawrence, KS; Lynchburg, VA; Reading, PA; Salem, MA; and The Woodlands, TX. Learn more about the program included detailed information about these and other Runner Friendly Communities at http://www.rrca.org/programs/runner-friendly-community/
About Run Wild Missoula: Run Wild Missoula is the non-profit running club which organizes the Missoula Marathon and a dozen other annual races, several training programs, seminars, social events and clinics. For more information visit www.runwildmissoula.org.
About the Road Runners Club of America: The mission of the RRCA is to promote the development and growth of running clubs and running events throughout the country and to support the common interests of runners of all abilities during all stages in life. Through the RRCA, we provide a national infrastructure for the development of adult and youth running clubs and events that have boomed into a robust sporting activity.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Bitterroot Running Group Invites Missoulians to Head South
I joined Run Wild Missoula because, after 15 years of running solitude, I wanted to find some folks to run with. Through RWM I have met many runners and made some good friends. But I haven’t been able to actually run with them very often. We talk about running and plan runs, and the volunteer work is a good thing, but it’s still work, and in any case I am no fan of committees.
The thing is, I live in Stevensville and work in Corvallis. An after-work run in Missoula just isn’t practical, and on weekends the last thing I want to do is drive to Missoula when the options for running in the Bitterroot are so much better: miles of rolling dirt roads with breathtaking views of the Bitterroots and Sapphires. And the trails?Enough to last a lifetime.
Someone, I used to think, should organize some runs in the Bitterroot. Eva Dunn-Froebig apparently had the same idea; at the very least, she is the one who asked if I was interested in being that someone who would organize a Bitterroot Running Group. I said, sure; how hard could it be? Pick a course, announce a time, see who shows up. If I feel like it, mark some turns. Or not; whenever I am in charge of a run, I figure less is more: less organization, less planning, less traffic, less worry. I get all the organizing I need as the Registration Director for the Missoula Marathon. When it’s time to run, I just want to play.
Since March, that’s what a few of us down in the Bitterroot have been doing: running the back roads and trails on Sunday mornings. Recently at Bass Creek, we found (and rescued) one injured red crossbill, found two robins’ eggs, and saw thousands of wildflowers: arrow leaf balsam root, lupine, wild hyacinth, penstemon, and other wildflowers whose names I would not know if a botanist from Florence wasn’t with us. In early April we ran through a snow storm in the Lone Rock area, and we’ve toured Sunset Bench east of Stevensville, cruised up and down Chaffin Lane in Corvallis, run on the east side of Hamilton, and discovered some lovely and lightly-traveled roads on the west side of US 93 between Stevi and Victor.
After years of heading to Missoula for RWM events, or wishing I had the time, I reckon it’s time to invite Missoulians to the Bitterroot. The dates and times for the Bitterroot runs will start appearing in the weekly email newsletter, and I welcome queries at vic.mortimer@gmail.com. The runs always start from a place where toilets are available, and you’ll get a chance to discover the shopping pleasures of the valley. Why, just in Stevensville we have Charbonneau’s Chocolate, the Morningstar Café, and, as a reminder that this is indeed the Bitterroot, an ammo outlet store. Really. We don’t joke about ammo.
So, consider joining us for our next run: Sunday, July 24, in Stevensville. We’ll meet at the southwest corner of the Super 1 just off US 93 and head south on rolling dirt back roads beside lovely meadows at the foot of the Bitterroots. The run is out and back, so distances of anywhere from 4 to 15 miles are available; I’m planning on 8 – 10 miles as I get ready for the Sweathouse Half Marathon in early September.
~ Vic Mortimer
The thing is, I live in Stevensville and work in Corvallis. An after-work run in Missoula just isn’t practical, and on weekends the last thing I want to do is drive to Missoula when the options for running in the Bitterroot are so much better: miles of rolling dirt roads with breathtaking views of the Bitterroots and Sapphires. And the trails?Enough to last a lifetime.
Someone, I used to think, should organize some runs in the Bitterroot. Eva Dunn-Froebig apparently had the same idea; at the very least, she is the one who asked if I was interested in being that someone who would organize a Bitterroot Running Group. I said, sure; how hard could it be? Pick a course, announce a time, see who shows up. If I feel like it, mark some turns. Or not; whenever I am in charge of a run, I figure less is more: less organization, less planning, less traffic, less worry. I get all the organizing I need as the Registration Director for the Missoula Marathon. When it’s time to run, I just want to play.
Since March, that’s what a few of us down in the Bitterroot have been doing: running the back roads and trails on Sunday mornings. Recently at Bass Creek, we found (and rescued) one injured red crossbill, found two robins’ eggs, and saw thousands of wildflowers: arrow leaf balsam root, lupine, wild hyacinth, penstemon, and other wildflowers whose names I would not know if a botanist from Florence wasn’t with us. In early April we ran through a snow storm in the Lone Rock area, and we’ve toured Sunset Bench east of Stevensville, cruised up and down Chaffin Lane in Corvallis, run on the east side of Hamilton, and discovered some lovely and lightly-traveled roads on the west side of US 93 between Stevi and Victor.
After years of heading to Missoula for RWM events, or wishing I had the time, I reckon it’s time to invite Missoulians to the Bitterroot. The dates and times for the Bitterroot runs will start appearing in the weekly email newsletter, and I welcome queries at vic.mortimer@gmail.com. The runs always start from a place where toilets are available, and you’ll get a chance to discover the shopping pleasures of the valley. Why, just in Stevensville we have Charbonneau’s Chocolate, the Morningstar Café, and, as a reminder that this is indeed the Bitterroot, an ammo outlet store. Really. We don’t joke about ammo.
So, consider joining us for our next run: Sunday, July 24, in Stevensville. We’ll meet at the southwest corner of the Super 1 just off US 93 and head south on rolling dirt back roads beside lovely meadows at the foot of the Bitterroots. The run is out and back, so distances of anywhere from 4 to 15 miles are available; I’m planning on 8 – 10 miles as I get ready for the Sweathouse Half Marathon in early September.
~ Vic Mortimer
Friday, July 8, 2011
Jeff and Barbara Galloway to Participate in Missoula Marathon
The Missoula Marathon is delighted to host Jeff and Barbara Galloway over Marathon weekend. Jeff will participate in the special marathon beer run from the Badlander tonight at 6pm. He will have a booth at the expo on Saturday from 8am to 3pm, joined by members of the Galloway marathon training class who are excited by the chance to share their experience. The Galloways will also run the marathon on Sunday.
As a special highlight, on Saturday Jeff will present his well-respected 3-hour Running School ($99) at the Wilma, starting at 3:00 pm. The Running School provides a unique opportunity for those who would like to spend time in personal discussion with Jeff about his trademarked run-walk-run program, race strategy and recovery, motivation, injury prevention, nutrition, and other topics drawn from a lifetime of running and coaching. Jeff is particularly passionate about introducing new runners to the sport and to helping established runners pursue their passion for a lifetime, injury-free. Visit http://www.runwildmissoula.org/index.php/ID/fbaef555/item/jeff-galloway-s-running-school/fuseaction/rwm.clubActivities.htm for more information.
Pam Gardiner, Leader of the Back, Run Wild Missoula
As a special highlight, on Saturday Jeff will present his well-respected 3-hour Running School ($99) at the Wilma, starting at 3:00 pm. The Running School provides a unique opportunity for those who would like to spend time in personal discussion with Jeff about his trademarked run-walk-run program, race strategy and recovery, motivation, injury prevention, nutrition, and other topics drawn from a lifetime of running and coaching. Jeff is particularly passionate about introducing new runners to the sport and to helping established runners pursue their passion for a lifetime, injury-free. Visit http://www.runwildmissoula.org/index.php/ID/fbaef555/item/jeff-galloway-s-running-school/fuseaction/rwm.clubActivities.htm for more information.
Pam Gardiner, Leader of the Back, Run Wild Missoula
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Missoula Kid's Marathon
It has come to our attention that more than one local media source has misreported the starting time, date and/or location of the Missoula Kid's Marathon. Here is the real scoop:The Missoula Kid's Marathon starts at 10am, Saturday, July 9 on the Riverfront Trail in front of the Boone & Crockett Club.
For more information, please visit the Missoula Kid's Marathon website.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Missoula Marathon Photos
Our official race photographer, RacePhotos.net (a division of Referee Photo), will once again be covering the course and finish line with more than 15 photographers.
There are 2 special photo offers you won't want to miss.....the best deal in all of Montana!
"DOWNLOAD ALL YOUR PHOTOS" - download a full-resolution copy of every photo that is taken of you!
This is a $69.95 value offered again at the very special price of only $25. This offer is only good through race day! You may register for this opportunity at the Race Expo in Caras Pavilion during packet pickup at the RacePhotos booth.....you can't miss them! AND, the deal gets better.....everyone registered to download all their photos will receive a FREE 5x7 print of their choice of their race photo! They've never offered this before.
PLUS
"FREE PHOTO" - the Missoula Marathon is the original home of the FREE PHOTO....be sure to have your photo taken with your shiny, new medal at our Victory Stand just past the finish line on the right hand side of Higgins Street....then make your way to Caras Pavilion to the RacePhotos booth where they will print your photo on the spot! They will have 4 printers running that are capable of a photo every 20 seconds! This is the 3rd year for this world-famous opportunity which has been over-the-top popular.
There are 2 special photo offers you won't want to miss.....the best deal in all of Montana!
"DOWNLOAD ALL YOUR PHOTOS" - download a full-resolution copy of every photo that is taken of you!
This is a $69.95 value offered again at the very special price of only $25. This offer is only good through race day! You may register for this opportunity at the Race Expo in Caras Pavilion during packet pickup at the RacePhotos booth.....you can't miss them! AND, the deal gets better.....everyone registered to download all their photos will receive a FREE 5x7 print of their choice of their race photo! They've never offered this before.
PLUS
"FREE PHOTO" - the Missoula Marathon is the original home of the FREE PHOTO....be sure to have your photo taken with your shiny, new medal at our Victory Stand just past the finish line on the right hand side of Higgins Street....then make your way to Caras Pavilion to the RacePhotos booth where they will print your photo on the spot! They will have 4 printers running that are capable of a photo every 20 seconds! This is the 3rd year for this world-famous opportunity which has been over-the-top popular.
Missoula Youth Homes – Missoula Marathon
In August I will be celebrating my 20th year at The Attention Home, the Youth Homes’ shelter for youth in Missoula. During that time over 3000 youth have come through our doors. I consider it a privilege to have worked with so many amazing kids, families and coworkers. Deciding to run the Missoula Marathon to honor them makes sense for many reasons. While the work we do brings many rewards, it can also be a challenge; exercise has been my main stress management tool. I also feel that the challenges a marathon brings mirrors in many ways the challenges I see working with kids.
Many members of Run Wild will be joining me in running the Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon in support of the Youth Homes. They use the stories of the kids to inspire them during training and during the race and raise money to support The Youth Homes. You can check out all their pages by going to: www.firstgiving.com/youthhomes and clicking on the Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon link on the right side of the page. There are some amazing and inspiring stories there.
When I started at the Youth Homes my first feelings were ones of sadness at the stories I heard, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, poverty, mental illness and the mental and psychological effect of generations of substance abuse. All of the kids were affected by these, most of them by more than one, and some of them by all. However what I quickly became more affected by is the effort and strength the kids show as they try to move forward each day.
I have completed marathons, and many other endurance events, however I have always been well prepared, had all the tools I needed to be successful, and only entered events in which I felt prepared to succeed. As an endurance athlete, however unaccomplished, I recognize the need for proper training, technique, and support. Many of the youth at the Youth Homes run the marathon that is life without many of the things needed for success. As they run the race they don’t experience cheers of encouragement and physical support. Instead, either directly or indirectly, they often hear that even if they try, they will never make it, that they are not good enough or worth the effort, and that they might as well settle for less or just give up. Sometimes the very people who should be providing the most support and encouragement instead add to the heavy burden the kids are already carrying and give them things which hamper their performance.
What is remarkable is not the challenges they face but their ability to move forward. Runners know what happens when the body is asked to do things it is not ready to do; it develops coping mechanisms. If a muscle is strained, or too weak, other parts of the body make up the difference. In the end the determined runner moves forward, but the result is poor technique, lack of effective growth, further injury, and never full potential. The kids I have worked with have managed to perform amazing tasks despite their challenges, but they deserve support.
Anyone that has been at the edge of their ability, running uphill, carrying extra weight , with no water, no food, against the wind, with miles to go, and thinking only of stopping knows the feelings that lead kids to want to just end it. When you see others effortlessly cruising by, with all the support they need, you know where the feeling to lash out or cheat and take a short cut comes from. In these situations the short term sense of well being that the use of drugs and alcohol bring is understandable.
The Attention Home serves as an aid station on the road, where encouragement and support is given. There is a belief they can do it, the expectations are high; they are shown that they are definitely worth the effort. Maybe some of the unnecessary load can be abandoned. Connections can be made to helpful resources. Many times kids leave the Attention Home with their challenges just as great, but they have had the rest and have learned the difference good support and encouragement can bring. Hopefully they will be more likely to stop at the next aid station, believe more in themselves and will know better what will help and hurt them in the long run.
The Youth Homes does a great job of supporting kids and does an equally good job of supporting runners who run in honor of the kids. This year we were given a nice hat, running shirt, and our entry fee for the race for being part of the team. If you’re not “Running 4 Kids” this year, I hope you will be inspired by the pages on www.firstgiving.com/youthhomes and join us next year.
~ Craig Kruegar, Program Director, Shirley Miller Attention Home, Youth Homes
Many members of Run Wild will be joining me in running the Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon in support of the Youth Homes. They use the stories of the kids to inspire them during training and during the race and raise money to support The Youth Homes. You can check out all their pages by going to: www.firstgiving.com/youthhomes and clicking on the Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon link on the right side of the page. There are some amazing and inspiring stories there.
When I started at the Youth Homes my first feelings were ones of sadness at the stories I heard, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, poverty, mental illness and the mental and psychological effect of generations of substance abuse. All of the kids were affected by these, most of them by more than one, and some of them by all. However what I quickly became more affected by is the effort and strength the kids show as they try to move forward each day.
I have completed marathons, and many other endurance events, however I have always been well prepared, had all the tools I needed to be successful, and only entered events in which I felt prepared to succeed. As an endurance athlete, however unaccomplished, I recognize the need for proper training, technique, and support. Many of the youth at the Youth Homes run the marathon that is life without many of the things needed for success. As they run the race they don’t experience cheers of encouragement and physical support. Instead, either directly or indirectly, they often hear that even if they try, they will never make it, that they are not good enough or worth the effort, and that they might as well settle for less or just give up. Sometimes the very people who should be providing the most support and encouragement instead add to the heavy burden the kids are already carrying and give them things which hamper their performance.
What is remarkable is not the challenges they face but their ability to move forward. Runners know what happens when the body is asked to do things it is not ready to do; it develops coping mechanisms. If a muscle is strained, or too weak, other parts of the body make up the difference. In the end the determined runner moves forward, but the result is poor technique, lack of effective growth, further injury, and never full potential. The kids I have worked with have managed to perform amazing tasks despite their challenges, but they deserve support.
Anyone that has been at the edge of their ability, running uphill, carrying extra weight , with no water, no food, against the wind, with miles to go, and thinking only of stopping knows the feelings that lead kids to want to just end it. When you see others effortlessly cruising by, with all the support they need, you know where the feeling to lash out or cheat and take a short cut comes from. In these situations the short term sense of well being that the use of drugs and alcohol bring is understandable.
The Attention Home serves as an aid station on the road, where encouragement and support is given. There is a belief they can do it, the expectations are high; they are shown that they are definitely worth the effort. Maybe some of the unnecessary load can be abandoned. Connections can be made to helpful resources. Many times kids leave the Attention Home with their challenges just as great, but they have had the rest and have learned the difference good support and encouragement can bring. Hopefully they will be more likely to stop at the next aid station, believe more in themselves and will know better what will help and hurt them in the long run.
The Youth Homes does a great job of supporting kids and does an equally good job of supporting runners who run in honor of the kids. This year we were given a nice hat, running shirt, and our entry fee for the race for being part of the team. If you’re not “Running 4 Kids” this year, I hope you will be inspired by the pages on www.firstgiving.com/youthhomes and join us next year.
~ Craig Kruegar, Program Director, Shirley Miller Attention Home, Youth Homes
A Glimpse at Who Is Training for the Missoula Marathon
Close to 450 people are registered for the running, walking and run/walk classes to train for the Missoula Marathon. That’s a lot of people to get to know. We thought it would be fun to get to know some of them and find out why they are training for the Missoula Marathon or Half Marathon.
Name: Barbara Kennedy
Age: 68
Occupation: Business Consultant - Missoula Job Service
Training Class: Walking
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? This will be my first time walking a half marathon.
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? I was motivated to do this when I joined the RWM Personnel Committee and met the other people and recognized how much they enjoyed it. My husband and I were interested in participating in something to get us out of our recliners ;-) so we decided this would be a fun and healthy activity. We've always been active with different activities, running, walking, biking, canoeing, etc. and want to stay that way!
What is your race goal? My goal is to participate and finish the 1/2 marathon, remain healthy and stay active for many more years!
Name: Daniel Hathaway
Age: 28
Profession: Teller at MFCU
Training Class: Running
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? It'll be my first Marathon.
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? I'm on the Run4Kids team and it's included as part of our sign up. I trained off and on with the class last year and it was great. I knew I'd need to really try to make every class to survive the full. It's been awesome and I've made some great new running buddies!
What is your race goal? I saw online somewhere that the average male finishing time is 4:32 so that's what I've been shooting for but, honestly I'll be happy with just being on my feet when I get to the finish line.
Name: Gina Brown
Age: 43
Training Class: Running
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? This will be my first half marathon!
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? My friend Bethany encouraged me to sign up and I really felt like it would be a great thing to do to prepare for my first half marathon! I have had the best time and have learned so much from this class! I can't wait to sign up for it again next year!
What is your race goal? I use a Garmin so my race goal for my Garmin is 2 1/2 hours, my published time will probably be closer to 3 hours because I have Type 1 diabetes which requires me to stop at the aid stations to check my blood sugar. My real goal however is not a time goal, my real goal is to run the whole thing, and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna accomplish that! Can't Wait!!!!
Name: Donna Bennett
Age: 65
Profession: Retired
Training Class: Galloway
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? First Marathon
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? Started running last year. My goal is to run forever and the Galloway program will let me do this.
What is your race goal? To finish.
~ Eva Dunn-Froebig
Name: Barbara Kennedy
Age: 68
Occupation: Business Consultant - Missoula Job Service
Training Class: Walking
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? This will be my first time walking a half marathon.
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? I was motivated to do this when I joined the RWM Personnel Committee and met the other people and recognized how much they enjoyed it. My husband and I were interested in participating in something to get us out of our recliners ;-) so we decided this would be a fun and healthy activity. We've always been active with different activities, running, walking, biking, canoeing, etc. and want to stay that way!
What is your race goal? My goal is to participate and finish the 1/2 marathon, remain healthy and stay active for many more years!
Name: Daniel Hathaway
Age: 28
Profession: Teller at MFCU
Training Class: Running
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? It'll be my first Marathon.
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? I'm on the Run4Kids team and it's included as part of our sign up. I trained off and on with the class last year and it was great. I knew I'd need to really try to make every class to survive the full. It's been awesome and I've made some great new running buddies!
What is your race goal? I saw online somewhere that the average male finishing time is 4:32 so that's what I've been shooting for but, honestly I'll be happy with just being on my feet when I get to the finish line.
Name: Gina Brown
Age: 43
Training Class: Running
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? This will be my first half marathon!
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? My friend Bethany encouraged me to sign up and I really felt like it would be a great thing to do to prepare for my first half marathon! I have had the best time and have learned so much from this class! I can't wait to sign up for it again next year!
What is your race goal? I use a Garmin so my race goal for my Garmin is 2 1/2 hours, my published time will probably be closer to 3 hours because I have Type 1 diabetes which requires me to stop at the aid stations to check my blood sugar. My real goal however is not a time goal, my real goal is to run the whole thing, and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna accomplish that! Can't Wait!!!!
Name: Donna Bennett
Age: 65
Profession: Retired
Training Class: Galloway
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? First Marathon
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? Started running last year. My goal is to run forever and the Galloway program will let me do this.
What is your race goal? To finish.
~ Eva Dunn-Froebig
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
View from the Back: Run-Walk-Running in Missoula
As the Missoula Marathon and Half approach, a hardy group of Missoulians is slowly and surely building toward those goals. Inspired by Jeff Galloway’s presentation at the Wilma in January, the Galloway training class has been meeting on Sundays and Wednesdays ever since.
Many members of the class were “fresh off the couch” when they began training on those snowy, icy, windy, dark days of winter. Some were new to running. Some had tried other marathon training programs and had fallen short of their goals. Some had a history of injury and wanted to explore Galloway’s low-mileage, low-intensity endurance training. Ages in the group ranged from 10 to well over 60 years of age. Many (though surely not all) would qualify for the Back of the Pack.
While building toward 13.1 or 26.2, the training class has used Galloway’s trademarked run-walk-run approach to distance. Trainees follow in cycles ranging from 20 seconds walk/60 seconds run to 4 minutes walk/1 minute run, depending on their current best pace at a mile’s distance. Although faster members can choose a higher run-walk ratio, Galloway insists that “there is no such thing as too slow for the long run.” He separates speed workouts from endurance training, and encourages ambitious competitors to add walk breaks on the long runs.
Since midwinter, long runs for the Galloway class have grown from 2 or 4 miles (half or full) to 13 or 26 miles three weeks before the race. As mileage increases, the recovery between long ones grows from one week to three. The basic Galloway midweek program calls for just two maintenance workouts of 15-45 minutes each. The structure of the program calls for building endurance slowly, with minimum weekly mileage and physical impact.
While most Galloway trainees in the Missoula class aim “to finish” their goal distance, a few also want to improve their time in the marathon or half. The Galloway program adds speed work to midweek and short-mileage weekends. It also calls for completing a final run of 14 or 29 miles, exceeding the target race distance to provide additional endurance in support of speed.
Jeff Galloway is a hero at the Back of the Pack. He is also a hero with competitive runners who are willing to try something different to build speed while reducing their likelihood of injury. You can “run-walk-run” wild!
Galloway will be in Missoula July 10 to run-walk-run the Missoula Marathon. He will also offer a 3-hour Running School on July 9, 3-6 pm at the Wilma. The cost is $99. You can register for the Running School at Jeff’s website. (The following link takes you directly to the order form) http://www.jeffgalloway.com/store/index.php/running-schools/running-school-class-jeff-galloway.html
~Pam Gardiner, Leader of the Back, backofpack@runwildmissoula.org
Many members of the class were “fresh off the couch” when they began training on those snowy, icy, windy, dark days of winter. Some were new to running. Some had tried other marathon training programs and had fallen short of their goals. Some had a history of injury and wanted to explore Galloway’s low-mileage, low-intensity endurance training. Ages in the group ranged from 10 to well over 60 years of age. Many (though surely not all) would qualify for the Back of the Pack.
While building toward 13.1 or 26.2, the training class has used Galloway’s trademarked run-walk-run approach to distance. Trainees follow in cycles ranging from 20 seconds walk/60 seconds run to 4 minutes walk/1 minute run, depending on their current best pace at a mile’s distance. Although faster members can choose a higher run-walk ratio, Galloway insists that “there is no such thing as too slow for the long run.” He separates speed workouts from endurance training, and encourages ambitious competitors to add walk breaks on the long runs.
Since midwinter, long runs for the Galloway class have grown from 2 or 4 miles (half or full) to 13 or 26 miles three weeks before the race. As mileage increases, the recovery between long ones grows from one week to three. The basic Galloway midweek program calls for just two maintenance workouts of 15-45 minutes each. The structure of the program calls for building endurance slowly, with minimum weekly mileage and physical impact.
While most Galloway trainees in the Missoula class aim “to finish” their goal distance, a few also want to improve their time in the marathon or half. The Galloway program adds speed work to midweek and short-mileage weekends. It also calls for completing a final run of 14 or 29 miles, exceeding the target race distance to provide additional endurance in support of speed.
Jeff Galloway is a hero at the Back of the Pack. He is also a hero with competitive runners who are willing to try something different to build speed while reducing their likelihood of injury. You can “run-walk-run” wild!
Galloway will be in Missoula July 10 to run-walk-run the Missoula Marathon. He will also offer a 3-hour Running School on July 9, 3-6 pm at the Wilma. The cost is $99. You can register for the Running School at Jeff’s website. (The following link takes you directly to the order form) http://www.jeffgalloway.com/store/index.php/running-schools/running-school-class-jeff-galloway.html
~Pam Gardiner, Leader of the Back, backofpack@runwildmissoula.org
Monday, June 27, 2011
Hellgate Village 5K
Saturday, July 9, 5 p.m., Caras Park, the site of the Missoula Marathon Expo
Download the registration form or register online now. Questions or want to volunteer? Email Race Director Carol Brooker.Want to be a part of the excitement of the Missoula Marathon, but don't want to train for and run the marathon or half marathon? Perhaps you are in town to watch a family member and want to participate in a family friendly fun run?
The Hellgate Village 5K starts and finishes at Caras Park, the site of the Missoula Marathon Expo. The course travels along the Clark Fork River on paved and gravel trails. Race proceeds benefit the Missoula Alzheimer's Support Group in honor of Anne Hayes, long time member and supporter of Run Wild Missoula.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Help needed for Missoula Marathon course cleanup
Saturday, June 25, 7:30 a.m. - meet at Peak Health & Wellness, corner of Blue Mountain Rd and Highway 93
The Missoula Marathon is in two weeks and we'd like to present the course in the best possible way to all the runners and the supporters flocking into our beautiful city, coming from all 50 states, Canada, and at least a dozen other countries from all over the world. Let's show pride in our event and our state! This is a great opportunity to give back. Please bring: yourself, your family, friends, neighbors, gloves, heavy trash bags, and a positive, can-do attitude for only an hour or two. Also, try to wear something bright for safety!
The Missoula Marathon is in two weeks and we'd like to present the course in the best possible way to all the runners and the supporters flocking into our beautiful city, coming from all 50 states, Canada, and at least a dozen other countries from all over the world. Let's show pride in our event and our state! This is a great opportunity to give back. Please bring: yourself, your family, friends, neighbors, gloves, heavy trash bags, and a positive, can-do attitude for only an hour or two. Also, try to wear something bright for safety!
A Glimpse at Who Is Training for the Missoula Marathon
Close to 450 people are registered for the running, walking and run/walk classes to train for the Missoula Marathon. That’s a lot of people to get to know. We thought it would be fun to get to know some of them and find out why they are training for the Missoula Marathon or Half Marathon.
Name: Hillary Ogg
Age: 32
Profession: Research & Business Development Specialist/Mom to 2 Boys
Training Class: Running
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? Nope - my first 1/2 was the Seattle in 2007 (so.many.hills.)
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? I've basically taken the last three years off from running with any consistency- I had my two boys (one in '08 and one in '10) - was on bedrest for the end of my last pregnancy - had foot surgery - and needed something to get me back in the game, to keep me in line and keep me honest! I wanted to get back into running without getting injured and figured this class would be great to follow for mileage, as well as any questions I had along the way. A few of my friends and I put together our own running club in '03, Girls Gone Running: Best of the West, and three of us decided to do the training class together. We have a few other friends who are training for the Missoula Half in Seattle and Billings, as well. The class has been great for our friendships (both here and long-distance) and our exercise goals.
What is your race goal? My race goal is to finish under 2 hours 10 minutes.
Do you plan to do another marathon or half marathon? I have a secret dream (not so secret anymore) of doing either the New York City Marathon or the Paris Marathon in the next few years (say, within 5 years). I figure if I'm going to do a marathon, I want it to be somewhere I want to visit - good ol' multi-tasking.
Name: Barbara Riley
Age: 58
Profession: business co-owner; fitness instructor (dance)
Training Class: Walking
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? Yes, the first.
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? Following the blog of Kimberly Dredger last year... and wanting to achieve weight loss and fitness from an activity I enjoyed but seemed to have some physical problems with when done on my own. I knew from Kimberly's experience that we would learn how to "walk" correctly and would have lots of support in reaching any goal. I also was looking for an activity my husband and I could do together anywhere, such as while traveling.
What is your race goal? To complete the half-marathon in 3.5 hours and without injury.
Do you plan to do another marathon or half marathon? Yes, already planning another half-marathon in the fall with family members in Georgia.
Name: Suzanne Tilleman
Age: 39, turning 40 in July
Profession: Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Montana
Training Class: Running
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? It is my second half marathon. I did my first in February. I am pretty new to regular running.
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? My running buddy, she is always encouraging me to run.
What is your race goal? To run the entire length.
Do you plan to do another marathon or half marathon? Yes.
~Eva Dunn-Froebig
Name: Hillary Ogg
Age: 32
Profession: Research & Business Development Specialist/Mom to 2 Boys
Training Class: Running
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? Nope - my first 1/2 was the Seattle in 2007 (so.many.hills.)
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? I've basically taken the last three years off from running with any consistency- I had my two boys (one in '08 and one in '10) - was on bedrest for the end of my last pregnancy - had foot surgery - and needed something to get me back in the game, to keep me in line and keep me honest! I wanted to get back into running without getting injured and figured this class would be great to follow for mileage, as well as any questions I had along the way. A few of my friends and I put together our own running club in '03, Girls Gone Running: Best of the West, and three of us decided to do the training class together. We have a few other friends who are training for the Missoula Half in Seattle and Billings, as well. The class has been great for our friendships (both here and long-distance) and our exercise goals.
What is your race goal? My race goal is to finish under 2 hours 10 minutes.
Do you plan to do another marathon or half marathon? I have a secret dream (not so secret anymore) of doing either the New York City Marathon or the Paris Marathon in the next few years (say, within 5 years). I figure if I'm going to do a marathon, I want it to be somewhere I want to visit - good ol' multi-tasking.
Name: Barbara Riley
Age: 58
Profession: business co-owner; fitness instructor (dance)
Training Class: Walking
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? Yes, the first.
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? Following the blog of Kimberly Dredger last year... and wanting to achieve weight loss and fitness from an activity I enjoyed but seemed to have some physical problems with when done on my own. I knew from Kimberly's experience that we would learn how to "walk" correctly and would have lots of support in reaching any goal. I also was looking for an activity my husband and I could do together anywhere, such as while traveling.
What is your race goal? To complete the half-marathon in 3.5 hours and without injury.
Do you plan to do another marathon or half marathon? Yes, already planning another half-marathon in the fall with family members in Georgia.
Name: Suzanne Tilleman
Age: 39, turning 40 in July
Profession: Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Montana
Training Class: Running
Will this be your first marathon / half marathon? It is my second half marathon. I did my first in February. I am pretty new to regular running.
What motivated you to sign up for the training class? My running buddy, she is always encouraging me to run.
What is your race goal? To run the entire length.
Do you plan to do another marathon or half marathon? Yes.
~Eva Dunn-Froebig
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Run Wild Missoula Member Profiles: Bob Taylor
Name: Bob Taylor
Age: 45
Place of birth: Missoula
Occupation: Driver for Coca Cola
What are your short-term running and long term running goals? Short-term, I just want to get back into running after not running all winter. Long-term, I want to complete the Missoula Marathon and the Pengally Double dip without injuries and continue on from there. I want to run the New York City Marathon someday.
Your favorite meal before or after a race? I try to eat normally. I do like to have spaghetti or some kind of pasta the night before, but I can make a case for just about any kind of healthy food. In the morning before the race I eat what I always eat: A small bowl of cereal, yogurt, juice and maybe toast with Nutella on it and, of course, at least three cups of coffee.
What is your favorite song and does it or any other play in your mind as you run? I don’t have a favorite. Usually the last song I hear on the radio or cd will stick in my head as I run. I’ve been to Bloomsday quite a few times over the years and the theme from Rocky near the end always choked me up.
What keeps you running on a bad run day? The running group. Lately I have relied on the scheduled group run to keep me going. There have been times in my running when I didn’t need any external motivation at all, but right now I do. No matter how I feel, or how bad the weather, I am always happy I made the decision to run with the training group.Runners are the nicest and most authentic people I know. I love that you can run up next to just about any runner and have something to talk about. There is always common ground. Almost anything goes. If you are running next to a male or female who is continually blowing snot rockets you can talk about that if you want. I had a nice conversation about that very subject at last Sunday’s run. It is difficult to be in a bad mood when you’re running. Even if I am, I find that I have usually run it out of my system by the time I complete the run.
I am addicted to: running shoes.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to Terry Stekly the newsletter begins a new series on member profiles. We hope that you will enjoy getting to know Run Wild Missoula members and we encourage you to say “hi” to them next time your paths cross.
Age: 45
Place of birth: Missoula
Occupation: Driver for Coca Cola
What are your short-term running and long term running goals? Short-term, I just want to get back into running after not running all winter. Long-term, I want to complete the Missoula Marathon and the Pengally Double dip without injuries and continue on from there. I want to run the New York City Marathon someday.
Your favorite meal before or after a race? I try to eat normally. I do like to have spaghetti or some kind of pasta the night before, but I can make a case for just about any kind of healthy food. In the morning before the race I eat what I always eat: A small bowl of cereal, yogurt, juice and maybe toast with Nutella on it and, of course, at least three cups of coffee.
What is your favorite song and does it or any other play in your mind as you run? I don’t have a favorite. Usually the last song I hear on the radio or cd will stick in my head as I run. I’ve been to Bloomsday quite a few times over the years and the theme from Rocky near the end always choked me up.
What keeps you running on a bad run day? The running group. Lately I have relied on the scheduled group run to keep me going. There have been times in my running when I didn’t need any external motivation at all, but right now I do. No matter how I feel, or how bad the weather, I am always happy I made the decision to run with the training group.Runners are the nicest and most authentic people I know. I love that you can run up next to just about any runner and have something to talk about. There is always common ground. Almost anything goes. If you are running next to a male or female who is continually blowing snot rockets you can talk about that if you want. I had a nice conversation about that very subject at last Sunday’s run. It is difficult to be in a bad mood when you’re running. Even if I am, I find that I have usually run it out of my system by the time I complete the run.
I am addicted to: running shoes.
Editor’s Note: Thanks to Terry Stekly the newsletter begins a new series on member profiles. We hope that you will enjoy getting to know Run Wild Missoula members and we encourage you to say “hi” to them next time your paths cross.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon, May 15
The annual Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) convention always combines their conference with a running event to give attendees a chance to get a little competitive running in during their trip. That was the case with the recent conference in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The conference was timed just before the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon, organized by the same people who put on the Marine Corps Marathon in October. They tout the Historic Half as a course that “covers a wide variety of scenic locations from parks, streets and neighborhoods to monuments, Civil War battlefields, museums and the Rappahannock River with entertainment all along the way.”
I had only run one half marathon and two full marathons so I was a little reluctant to sign up for the event. It was tempting to register for the 5K (my favorite distance) but I didn’t want to seem like a wuss to my fellow RRCA convention attendees. Plus, how often do Montanans get the chance to run a half marathon? We only have a few in the state and one in Missoula. Six weeks ago when I signed up for the race the longest run I had done since last summer was 9 miles. I attempted an 11 mile run a few days after registering and strained a muscle in my calf. My physical therapist gave me the “do not run” speech and told me to give it 1 ½ - 3 weeks. That set me back even further. I did manage to get a 10 mile run in two weeks before the event, making me feel a little better about being unprepared.
The three days before the race were spent traveling, networking and attending workshops on very little sleep. Plus, they fed us rich fatty food, including a lot of beef—which I never usually eat—and gave us drink tickets each night to indulge in beer or wine. I don’t have the willpower to not eat good food and use up drink tickets to taste local wine and beer. Our agenda was packed: Upon arriving Fredericksburg we had activities scheduled from 5 a.m. runs to dinners that went until 10 p.m. I didn’t want to miss out on the 5 a.m. runs on historic battlefields even though in Montana it was 3 a.m. By Sunday, I was glad that I had because I got to run through some beautiful historic sites and I got and run with some new people, many of whom are leaders in their running clubs—and I was little more prepared to once again get up at 5 a.m. for the Historic Half.
That morning, I groggily got out of bed, had my coffee, banana and bagel and took the bus to the start, which was in the parking lot of a major shopping center outside of the Expo Center. It didn’t have much character, but it could accommodate 9,000 runners. (In its fourth year it has grown from 3,000 to 9,000 runners.) The music was already pumping and their celebrity runner Drew Carey (his first half) was trying to get the participants excited.
I checked my bag, used the porta potty, took a last drink of water and headed to the 1:45-2 hour finish section, not really knowing what to expect for my finish time. Drew Carey made some final strained motivational announcements with a hint of nervousness and unknowing in his voice. The gun went off and about 45 seconds later I crossed the starting line. The first mile was spent dodging in and out of people who were blocking me in. At about the 2nd mile I had reached a rhythm and the runners had spread out a little. I moved along, feeling the humidity more than I liked. I felt pretty good for a while, but by the 10k mark I wondered how I was going to keep it up. We reached the town of Fredericksburg and ran through the historic streets. Although there were a lot of great volunteers on the course I was surprised at how little the community came out to cheer on the runners. There were some people in front of the houses cheering us on and generously handing out lemonade, licorice and gummy bears. Since I run without a watch or an MP3 player I tried to make small talk with other runners. I met mostly locals during the run, including a carefree young man who was running while bouncing a tennis ball while he maintained an 8-minute per mile pace. I asked him if he was training for something that involved bouncing a tennis ball and he said he found it a few miles back and though it would be fun to bounce it.
Just like the Marine Corps Marathon, the half is well-organized largely because of the hundreds of marines who line the course at the water stops, entertainment and cheering sections. They soften a little compared to their usual demeanor with cheers of “lookin’ strong,” “almost there,” and “nice job” in addition to a lot of high fives. At each aid station I took a cup of water, sipped it and poured the rest of it over my head. Even though it was in the 50s the humidity made my face feel hot and flushed. It reminded me of how I felt after high school track practice in upstate New York where it’s also quite humid in May. The majority of the runners wore capri running tights and some even wore long tights and long sleeves. I wore as little as possible—a tank and shorts.
After running through Fredericksburg and right by my hotel, where I was tempted to stop, we ran along the beautiful Rappahannock River. I started thinking to myself, “I’m in the homestretch, only about a 5K to go” and “I love 5Ks, this is going to be fine.” But it was not fine. The last 5K was mostly uphill. I slowed down and everyone started passing me. I thought, “I’m from Montana. We are surrounded by mountains, why can’t I run Virginia hills and why are these city eastern folk passing me?” I was disappointed in myself, but I thought of it as good training for the Pengelly Double Dip and realized that I needed to run a lot more hills when I returned to Missoula.
I was also glad I didn’t drive the course before I ran it. I started to have a vague memory of someone telling me at dinner the night before that there was a 6% incline on the course. Sometimes being ignorant is an advantage. The steep hills finally came to an end and the incline turned gradual. We ran over the I-95 overpass, which is where I remembered the 1-mile mark. “Oh good, I can run one more mile, I think,” I told myself. I caught up with the guy with the tennis ball, who had passed me on the hill. We ran together for a bit until he stopped and said he was going to wait for his brother who was running his first half marathon.
Finally, I could see the finish line. I sped up a little, but realized I still had about 500 meters left to go. I could see the people lining the finish area, then the race clock, which said 1:43. I was pleasantly surprised as I was hoping to finish around 1:50. Not wearing a watch and being ignorant worked for me again. Once I made the mistake in a 5K to ask a runner the time at the 2 mile point. When she told me I told myself I was going too fast and slowed down. If I hadn’t known I probably would have ran faster.
The finish area was lined with more Marines handing out bagels, pretzels, bananas, bottled water and other treats. I headed straight to the gear bag tent and got my bag with my long-sleeved shirt and water bottle immediately. Then I redeemed my beer ticket even though it wasn’t even 9 a.m. yet (and 7 a.m. in Montana). A beer after a race tastes great no matter what time of day. I was back at the finish area in 5 minutes to watch the other runners. Looking around I was surprised at how few people it seemed there were, but we were in a large box-store parking lot.
As I sipped my beer I watched the runners coming through the finish line. Everyone was going wild cheering for the people who were just breaking two hours. There was a lot of commotion all of a sudden and I realized Drew Carey had come through the finish line. I later found out he had finished his first half marathon in 1:57. Not bad for a first half, but I was secretly glad that I had beat him.
~ Eva Dunn-Froebig
I had only run one half marathon and two full marathons so I was a little reluctant to sign up for the event. It was tempting to register for the 5K (my favorite distance) but I didn’t want to seem like a wuss to my fellow RRCA convention attendees. Plus, how often do Montanans get the chance to run a half marathon? We only have a few in the state and one in Missoula. Six weeks ago when I signed up for the race the longest run I had done since last summer was 9 miles. I attempted an 11 mile run a few days after registering and strained a muscle in my calf. My physical therapist gave me the “do not run” speech and told me to give it 1 ½ - 3 weeks. That set me back even further. I did manage to get a 10 mile run in two weeks before the event, making me feel a little better about being unprepared.
The three days before the race were spent traveling, networking and attending workshops on very little sleep. Plus, they fed us rich fatty food, including a lot of beef—which I never usually eat—and gave us drink tickets each night to indulge in beer or wine. I don’t have the willpower to not eat good food and use up drink tickets to taste local wine and beer. Our agenda was packed: Upon arriving Fredericksburg we had activities scheduled from 5 a.m. runs to dinners that went until 10 p.m. I didn’t want to miss out on the 5 a.m. runs on historic battlefields even though in Montana it was 3 a.m. By Sunday, I was glad that I had because I got to run through some beautiful historic sites and I got and run with some new people, many of whom are leaders in their running clubs—and I was little more prepared to once again get up at 5 a.m. for the Historic Half.
That morning, I groggily got out of bed, had my coffee, banana and bagel and took the bus to the start, which was in the parking lot of a major shopping center outside of the Expo Center. It didn’t have much character, but it could accommodate 9,000 runners. (In its fourth year it has grown from 3,000 to 9,000 runners.) The music was already pumping and their celebrity runner Drew Carey (his first half) was trying to get the participants excited.
I checked my bag, used the porta potty, took a last drink of water and headed to the 1:45-2 hour finish section, not really knowing what to expect for my finish time. Drew Carey made some final strained motivational announcements with a hint of nervousness and unknowing in his voice. The gun went off and about 45 seconds later I crossed the starting line. The first mile was spent dodging in and out of people who were blocking me in. At about the 2nd mile I had reached a rhythm and the runners had spread out a little. I moved along, feeling the humidity more than I liked. I felt pretty good for a while, but by the 10k mark I wondered how I was going to keep it up. We reached the town of Fredericksburg and ran through the historic streets. Although there were a lot of great volunteers on the course I was surprised at how little the community came out to cheer on the runners. There were some people in front of the houses cheering us on and generously handing out lemonade, licorice and gummy bears. Since I run without a watch or an MP3 player I tried to make small talk with other runners. I met mostly locals during the run, including a carefree young man who was running while bouncing a tennis ball while he maintained an 8-minute per mile pace. I asked him if he was training for something that involved bouncing a tennis ball and he said he found it a few miles back and though it would be fun to bounce it.
Just like the Marine Corps Marathon, the half is well-organized largely because of the hundreds of marines who line the course at the water stops, entertainment and cheering sections. They soften a little compared to their usual demeanor with cheers of “lookin’ strong,” “almost there,” and “nice job” in addition to a lot of high fives. At each aid station I took a cup of water, sipped it and poured the rest of it over my head. Even though it was in the 50s the humidity made my face feel hot and flushed. It reminded me of how I felt after high school track practice in upstate New York where it’s also quite humid in May. The majority of the runners wore capri running tights and some even wore long tights and long sleeves. I wore as little as possible—a tank and shorts.
After running through Fredericksburg and right by my hotel, where I was tempted to stop, we ran along the beautiful Rappahannock River. I started thinking to myself, “I’m in the homestretch, only about a 5K to go” and “I love 5Ks, this is going to be fine.” But it was not fine. The last 5K was mostly uphill. I slowed down and everyone started passing me. I thought, “I’m from Montana. We are surrounded by mountains, why can’t I run Virginia hills and why are these city eastern folk passing me?” I was disappointed in myself, but I thought of it as good training for the Pengelly Double Dip and realized that I needed to run a lot more hills when I returned to Missoula.
I was also glad I didn’t drive the course before I ran it. I started to have a vague memory of someone telling me at dinner the night before that there was a 6% incline on the course. Sometimes being ignorant is an advantage. The steep hills finally came to an end and the incline turned gradual. We ran over the I-95 overpass, which is where I remembered the 1-mile mark. “Oh good, I can run one more mile, I think,” I told myself. I caught up with the guy with the tennis ball, who had passed me on the hill. We ran together for a bit until he stopped and said he was going to wait for his brother who was running his first half marathon.
Finally, I could see the finish line. I sped up a little, but realized I still had about 500 meters left to go. I could see the people lining the finish area, then the race clock, which said 1:43. I was pleasantly surprised as I was hoping to finish around 1:50. Not wearing a watch and being ignorant worked for me again. Once I made the mistake in a 5K to ask a runner the time at the 2 mile point. When she told me I told myself I was going too fast and slowed down. If I hadn’t known I probably would have ran faster.
The finish area was lined with more Marines handing out bagels, pretzels, bananas, bottled water and other treats. I headed straight to the gear bag tent and got my bag with my long-sleeved shirt and water bottle immediately. Then I redeemed my beer ticket even though it wasn’t even 9 a.m. yet (and 7 a.m. in Montana). A beer after a race tastes great no matter what time of day. I was back at the finish area in 5 minutes to watch the other runners. Looking around I was surprised at how few people it seemed there were, but we were in a large box-store parking lot.
As I sipped my beer I watched the runners coming through the finish line. Everyone was going wild cheering for the people who were just breaking two hours. There was a lot of commotion all of a sudden and I realized Drew Carey had come through the finish line. I later found out he had finished his first half marathon in 1:57. Not bad for a first half, but I was secretly glad that I had beat him.
~ Eva Dunn-Froebig
Friday, June 17, 2011
Riding the Bloomsday Bus
First , a little history. I started riding the Bloomsday bus with my sister Carol Hedges in 1989. We had no expectations for the race except it was a 12K. And we could ride the bus to Spokane and back in one day. That first year I think there were over 58,000 runners. Yes, that is the right amount of 0s. The city of Spokane is so supportive of this race. It is amazing! Businesses sign up for water stations and they are 100 feet long, sometimes on both sides of the street. There are live bands along the way playing music from hard rock to polka. A couple years Elvis sang to us. This year there was a young lady singing a sultry song in a formal dress. People line the street cheering you on, playing music and spraying hoses on the hot days. As you round the corner for the run downhill to the finish line, “Chariots of Fire” is playing loudly on the stereo. Anyhow, we were hooked. We rode the bus every year after that until ’94, that was the last bus.
We, individually without sponsors, tried to get a bus going by hanging fliers but we could never get enough people to sign up. So Carol started driving the two of us over in ’97, giving up a whole weekend and staying in a motel/hotel and then driving back tired. But we didn’t want to give up the Bloomsday experience, so every year we made the trip. In ’08, we pitched the idea of a bus to RWM and they committed to three years of bus trips. The first year there were 5 of us on a Beachliner. The second year there were 7 of us on a YMCA bus. Last year there were 20 of us on two YMCA buses. Three years were up and we hadn’t filled a Beachliner yet.
Thank you RWM for extending it one more year. On May 1, 2011, 46 people got on the BloomsdayBeachliner to Spokane. Not everyone was a runner, we had two volunteers and one supporter. Of the rest, some were serious runners, some were walkers, some were first timers and some were experienced Bloomies. Each one of them was one of a little over 56,000 people moving over the streets of Spokane listening to bands and recorded music; having their pictures taken with the vulture on Doomsday Hill; being cheered on by citizens of Spokane; and rounding the corner and down the hill to the finish line. Only finishers get the T-shirt!
As hostesses, it is our sincere hope that everyone had a positive experience riding the bus. And also that you enjoyed the Bloomsday experience, too. We heard comments like “I love this bus,” “let’s do this again next year,” and “let’s try to fill two buses next year.” I hope we fill the buses for a long time into the future.
~ Bonnie Fergerson
We, individually without sponsors, tried to get a bus going by hanging fliers but we could never get enough people to sign up. So Carol started driving the two of us over in ’97, giving up a whole weekend and staying in a motel/hotel and then driving back tired. But we didn’t want to give up the Bloomsday experience, so every year we made the trip. In ’08, we pitched the idea of a bus to RWM and they committed to three years of bus trips. The first year there were 5 of us on a Beachliner. The second year there were 7 of us on a YMCA bus. Last year there were 20 of us on two YMCA buses. Three years were up and we hadn’t filled a Beachliner yet.
Thank you RWM for extending it one more year. On May 1, 2011, 46 people got on the BloomsdayBeachliner to Spokane. Not everyone was a runner, we had two volunteers and one supporter. Of the rest, some were serious runners, some were walkers, some were first timers and some were experienced Bloomies. Each one of them was one of a little over 56,000 people moving over the streets of Spokane listening to bands and recorded music; having their pictures taken with the vulture on Doomsday Hill; being cheered on by citizens of Spokane; and rounding the corner and down the hill to the finish line. Only finishers get the T-shirt!
As hostesses, it is our sincere hope that everyone had a positive experience riding the bus. And also that you enjoyed the Bloomsday experience, too. We heard comments like “I love this bus,” “let’s do this again next year,” and “let’s try to fill two buses next year.” I hope we fill the buses for a long time into the future.
~ Bonnie Fergerson
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Missoula Marathon Beer Run
Missoula Marathon Beer Run
07/08/2011
Friday, July 8, 6 p.m., Badlander, 135 West Broadway St.
Introducing a special edition Beer Run two days before the Missoula Marathon! This is a chance to show out-of-town Missoula Marathon participants a good time and to allow local runners/walkers to share our special community. The Badlander will generously offer drink specials on local micro-brews.
Run Wild Missoula's regular monthly Beer Runs are on the last Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at a different tavern or brewery. The group run of about 5 miles will be posted at the meeting place. If you’re not a beer drinker, we’ll make sure the establishment has other beverages (including non-alcoholic) available so you can join in the fun. Questions? Email Chancellor of Libations Pat Cross.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
View from the Back
In over 25 years of running, I had not run with someone else more than a dozen or so times. Not that I preferred running solo; this was more due to a lack of opportunity than anything else. Living in rural districts, there were no running partners available. A few times I ran with a family member, but in all my many races, I ran by myself. The starts always made me envious for it seemed that nearly everyone else was with someone, sharing the nervous tension so delightful at the start, while I was left with nothing more engaging than watching the seconds tick down. I am by myself, alone in a crowd. Standing in the midst of such excitement, I felt apart from the community of runners.
Last year I resolved to join our local running club. I thought it was a way to motivate my running which had become more and more a chore. I knew that there would be few opportunities to join in sponsored activities as my wife and I have a small ranch and feeding chores complicated any trips to town. Nevertheless, I hoped to participate occasionally and meet other runners. Purely by chance, I found myself writing for the Back of the Pack. Coincidentally, I had injured myself and my rehabilitation included easy running with lots of walk breaks. A BOP run was scheduled relatively close to where I live and I promised myself that I would attend.
And so I finally came to meet other runners from this group. I ran with a lovely woman with whom I had a delightful conversation. Afterwards, we gathered to share our stories and life experiences over a pot luck of snacks and beverages, some fortified, I might add.
A friendlier group, one would not chance upon. Our ages ranged from young to old, but to a one, our outlook on life was ageless. We enjoyed each other’s company and I felt that here was a group that I would enjoy being a part of.
Much has been made recently about the importance of social interactions as one ages. The stimulation of talking and engaging in enjoyable physical activities with others is a life invigorating tonic that can’t be underestimated. I think these runners understand this very well, that running gives many rewards – physical, mental and social. That is wisdom that we can all live and run by.
~Walt Max
Last year I resolved to join our local running club. I thought it was a way to motivate my running which had become more and more a chore. I knew that there would be few opportunities to join in sponsored activities as my wife and I have a small ranch and feeding chores complicated any trips to town. Nevertheless, I hoped to participate occasionally and meet other runners. Purely by chance, I found myself writing for the Back of the Pack. Coincidentally, I had injured myself and my rehabilitation included easy running with lots of walk breaks. A BOP run was scheduled relatively close to where I live and I promised myself that I would attend.
And so I finally came to meet other runners from this group. I ran with a lovely woman with whom I had a delightful conversation. Afterwards, we gathered to share our stories and life experiences over a pot luck of snacks and beverages, some fortified, I might add.
A friendlier group, one would not chance upon. Our ages ranged from young to old, but to a one, our outlook on life was ageless. We enjoyed each other’s company and I felt that here was a group that I would enjoy being a part of.
Much has been made recently about the importance of social interactions as one ages. The stimulation of talking and engaging in enjoyable physical activities with others is a life invigorating tonic that can’t be underestimated. I think these runners understand this very well, that running gives many rewards – physical, mental and social. That is wisdom that we can all live and run by.
~Walt Max
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Death: The Ultimate Finish Line [by a Missoula Half-Marathon runner]
Death: The Ultimate Finish Line
Written by: Katie Barrett-Stevens
Death can make you do funny things… like make you in to a runner. My husband’s brother Nathan and his best friend Bryan were killed on the Sphinx Mountain in Madison County, Montana in 2004. It is a formidable looking mountain, maybe because it looks exactly as it sounds.
Nate and Bryan were active outdoorsmen.
They ran, they hiked, they climbed, you name it they did it. And then one day it all stopped. And all of us close to them felt that feeling… it just stopped. They were no longer running, they were no longer hiking, they were no longer climbing. Yet, we were all still here. What could we do? Nathan had run the Penticton Peach City Marathon for his 21st birthday. I remember thinking he was crazy, and the crazy part was he took it easy and managed a 3:33 time. After he died in October, we were all searching for ways to best honor these two young men. Fall turned in to winter, and winter was soon going to be spring, the time when we should be celebrating both Nate and Bryan’s birthdays. Then it came, my answer… Penticton was the same weekend that Nathan would have been turning 26. My husband and I had two very small children and lived three states away from family. Training for a marathon just wasn’t going to happen, but Penticton gave an option for a half marathon. It felt so right, so Nate, I signed up right away.
The words from 2 Timothy carried me across the finish line, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. I was shocked as I looked at the time and it read 2:10:34! I did it, I made my goal of a 2:10 race and I did it with Nate. About this time my dad had called to tell me that he was in the hospital with congestive heart failure and pancreatitis. Things were not good, but they weren’t so bad either. The heart condition was irreversible, but the pancreatitis was, if he quit drinking. We played this don’t ask don’t tell game for a long time, until dad came to me and said that he hadn’t quit drinking or smoking, and that his last appointment with his cardiologist showed an aneurysm, in his aorta. My husband and now three small children had moved back closer to Missoula in 2007; we made it to Hayden, Idaho. Which was perfect for my dad as the only surgeon on the west side of the states that performed surgeries for aortic abdominal aneurysms was in Spokane. Dad asked if I would come with him.
The conclusion, Dad had a 30% chance of making it off the table alive with the health problems compounding the danger of opening his aorta. If he did survive the surgery he had a 3-6 month recovery period. The doctor told us if the aneurysm did rupture he would bleed out in 4 minutes, it would be painless. We waited 6 months to decide. The decision was let’s take what we can get. He opted no on the surgery.
March 21, 2010 I got the phone call I had been dreading, my dad’s aneurysm had burst and he had died.
Death makes you do funny things, like deciding to keep training for the Missoula ½ Marathon. It took me more than a month to get back on my feet. Not to mention between the two races I had completed, I had another child, and put on 50 pounds. I made my decision to finish my training late one night looking through all my dad’s pictures.
He was 57 years old, I realized (I had just turned 28) that half his life was already over at my age. I made a promise to my husband, my children, and myself. I would not meet my ultimate finish line because of choices I made to make myself unhealthy. If I were needed on the other side it certainly wouldn’t be because of me. So I carried Nate and Dad with me across another finish line, and smiled when I looked to my left and saw my husband finishing Missoula next to me in 2:17!
Death can make you do funny things, like running to the next finish line, and ending the day knowing that if the ultimate one comes tomorrow, at least I did my best today.
Written by: Katie Barrett-Stevens
Death can make you do funny things… like make you in to a runner. My husband’s brother Nathan and his best friend Bryan were killed on the Sphinx Mountain in Madison County, Montana in 2004. It is a formidable looking mountain, maybe because it looks exactly as it sounds.
Nate and Bryan were active outdoorsmen.
They ran, they hiked, they climbed, you name it they did it. And then one day it all stopped. And all of us close to them felt that feeling… it just stopped. They were no longer running, they were no longer hiking, they were no longer climbing. Yet, we were all still here. What could we do? Nathan had run the Penticton Peach City Marathon for his 21st birthday. I remember thinking he was crazy, and the crazy part was he took it easy and managed a 3:33 time. After he died in October, we were all searching for ways to best honor these two young men. Fall turned in to winter, and winter was soon going to be spring, the time when we should be celebrating both Nate and Bryan’s birthdays. Then it came, my answer… Penticton was the same weekend that Nathan would have been turning 26. My husband and I had two very small children and lived three states away from family. Training for a marathon just wasn’t going to happen, but Penticton gave an option for a half marathon. It felt so right, so Nate, I signed up right away.The words from 2 Timothy carried me across the finish line, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. I was shocked as I looked at the time and it read 2:10:34! I did it, I made my goal of a 2:10 race and I did it with Nate. About this time my dad had called to tell me that he was in the hospital with congestive heart failure and pancreatitis. Things were not good, but they weren’t so bad either. The heart condition was irreversible, but the pancreatitis was, if he quit drinking. We played this don’t ask don’t tell game for a long time, until dad came to me and said that he hadn’t quit drinking or smoking, and that his last appointment with his cardiologist showed an aneurysm, in his aorta. My husband and now three small children had moved back closer to Missoula in 2007; we made it to Hayden, Idaho. Which was perfect for my dad as the only surgeon on the west side of the states that performed surgeries for aortic abdominal aneurysms was in Spokane. Dad asked if I would come with him.
The conclusion, Dad had a 30% chance of making it off the table alive with the health problems compounding the danger of opening his aorta. If he did survive the surgery he had a 3-6 month recovery period. The doctor told us if the aneurysm did rupture he would bleed out in 4 minutes, it would be painless. We waited 6 months to decide. The decision was let’s take what we can get. He opted no on the surgery.
March 21, 2010 I got the phone call I had been dreading, my dad’s aneurysm had burst and he had died.
Death makes you do funny things, like deciding to keep training for the Missoula ½ Marathon. It took me more than a month to get back on my feet. Not to mention between the two races I had completed, I had another child, and put on 50 pounds. I made my decision to finish my training late one night looking through all my dad’s pictures.
He was 57 years old, I realized (I had just turned 28) that half his life was already over at my age. I made a promise to my husband, my children, and myself. I would not meet my ultimate finish line because of choices I made to make myself unhealthy. If I were needed on the other side it certainly wouldn’t be because of me. So I carried Nate and Dad with me across another finish line, and smiled when I looked to my left and saw my husband finishing Missoula next to me in 2:17!
Death can make you do funny things, like running to the next finish line, and ending the day knowing that if the ultimate one comes tomorrow, at least I did my best today.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Missoula Marathon Registrations
After a flurry of online registrations and a flood of paper forms on May 15 - the deadline to register for the cheapest rates - I am predicting that 1,500 people will sign up for the marathon and 2,500 for the half marathon.
Well, "prediction" is a bit strong. "Guess" is more like it.
I do know that my database has someone from every state except Rhode Island; perhaps someone from RI is in the large stack of forms I have to work through.
Lots of Canadians have signed up (43, so far), and a couple of runners from Switzerland. The first US Territory to be represented at themarathon is Puerto Rico. We also have runners with addresses in Hong Kong, Scotland, Italy, Belgium, Korea, and Iraq.
Interestingly, there are people from towns with the same name but indifferent states: Victor, Montana and Victor, New York. Clinton is an especially popular city name: Montana, Tennessee, Iowa, and California.
Yep, paying attention to trivia like that is what keeps me awake at nights.
~ Vic Mortimer, Missoula Marathon Registration Director
Well, "prediction" is a bit strong. "Guess" is more like it.
I do know that my database has someone from every state except Rhode Island; perhaps someone from RI is in the large stack of forms I have to work through.
Lots of Canadians have signed up (43, so far), and a couple of runners from Switzerland. The first US Territory to be represented at themarathon is Puerto Rico. We also have runners with addresses in Hong Kong, Scotland, Italy, Belgium, Korea, and Iraq.
Interestingly, there are people from towns with the same name but indifferent states: Victor, Montana and Victor, New York. Clinton is an especially popular city name: Montana, Tennessee, Iowa, and California.
Yep, paying attention to trivia like that is what keeps me awake at nights.
~ Vic Mortimer, Missoula Marathon Registration Director
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Missoula Marathon Relay
Are you ready to do the Missoula Marathon? No? What? You aren't quite sure you want to run 26 miles? Not even 13? Well believe it or not, you can still participate and not have to run the full marathon come race day. Gather three friends, family members, or your gullible co-workers and create a marathon relay team! The relay consists of four legs (8.5 miles, 8.2 miles, 5.6 miles, 3.9 miles). Questions? Contact Relay Director Meg Lerch at meg@runwildmissoula.org.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Missoula Marathon: Better…. Then bigger
Bigger is not always better. But as the Missoula Marathon Race Director, I hope we can be both. We may not be a being a bigger race this year, but we hope to be better.
This time last June, race registration was up a few hundred people over this year. Not bad considering we had just been named the Best Overall Marathon by Runner’s World. Our goal this year… to put on an even better race and remind people why we are the best. No matter what your profession or passion, the goal is always to better, right? This might be hard to believe, being 5’8’’ and growing up in rural Montana, but I was somewhat of a basketball fan when I was young. When I say “somewhat” I mean my room was covered in wall-to-wall posters of Michael Jordan (along with runners like Jim Ryun & Steve Prefontaine). When Jordan was asked when he would retire from the game he replied, “When I stop improving”! We could easily decide that the Missoula Marathon is a great event and we are just going to keep doing what we do. But we’re not ready to stop improving yet.
A few improvements you’ll see this year:
• Race shirts that have a better fit and nicer material
• Great finisher medals (you will be hard up to find a better medal, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise)
• A professional course company to help make the course safer for participants
• More visible mile markers
Run Wild Missoula is not only financially helping the Missoula Marathon become a better race, but has invested countless hours in hopes of making it the best marathon yet! I hope when you cross the line on July 10th you will agree!
~ Anders Brooker, Missoula Marathon Race Director
This time last June, race registration was up a few hundred people over this year. Not bad considering we had just been named the Best Overall Marathon by Runner’s World. Our goal this year… to put on an even better race and remind people why we are the best. No matter what your profession or passion, the goal is always to better, right? This might be hard to believe, being 5’8’’ and growing up in rural Montana, but I was somewhat of a basketball fan when I was young. When I say “somewhat” I mean my room was covered in wall-to-wall posters of Michael Jordan (along with runners like Jim Ryun & Steve Prefontaine). When Jordan was asked when he would retire from the game he replied, “When I stop improving”! We could easily decide that the Missoula Marathon is a great event and we are just going to keep doing what we do. But we’re not ready to stop improving yet.
A few improvements you’ll see this year:
• Race shirts that have a better fit and nicer material
• Great finisher medals (you will be hard up to find a better medal, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise)
• A professional course company to help make the course safer for participants
• More visible mile markers
Run Wild Missoula is not only financially helping the Missoula Marathon become a better race, but has invested countless hours in hopes of making it the best marathon yet! I hope when you cross the line on July 10th you will agree!
~ Anders Brooker, Missoula Marathon Race Director
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon are six weeks away. I realized this with horror the other day when I looked at the calendar. You, no doubt, have been training your patootie off in preparation. I, however, have not.
My springtime training schedule had to be altered due to an unfortunate misunderstanding with gravity earlier this year. I thought I'd be fine, though, because I'm doing the half and not the full, and because the incident occured five months before the race, which would allow me adequate time to heal. Right?
I've recently been able to start ramping up my mileage, by which I mean I've been able to get up to five miles once a week - and I've been pretty happy with that, until I looked at the calendar the other day. Six weeks left!
Maybe you haven't been training either - maybe you've been busy, or maybe you just recently decided to run the marathon, or maybe you thought it was still March like I did. Well, at this point, perhaps you should consider doing the half rather than the full. I looked up six-week marathon training programs online for you but Google thought I meant sixteen-week marathon training programs. A search for a six-week half marathon training program might not yield such sarcastic results.
Regardless of where you are in your training program, good luck! There's still six whole weeks left!
My springtime training schedule had to be altered due to an unfortunate misunderstanding with gravity earlier this year. I thought I'd be fine, though, because I'm doing the half and not the full, and because the incident occured five months before the race, which would allow me adequate time to heal. Right?
I've recently been able to start ramping up my mileage, by which I mean I've been able to get up to five miles once a week - and I've been pretty happy with that, until I looked at the calendar the other day. Six weeks left!
Maybe you haven't been training either - maybe you've been busy, or maybe you just recently decided to run the marathon, or maybe you thought it was still March like I did. Well, at this point, perhaps you should consider doing the half rather than the full. I looked up six-week marathon training programs online for you but Google thought I meant sixteen-week marathon training programs. A search for a six-week half marathon training program might not yield such sarcastic results.
Regardless of where you are in your training program, good luck! There's still six whole weeks left!
Kelsi Camp
Friday, May 20, 2011
Run Wild Missoula Member Profiles: Maureen Lympus & Pam Estill
This RWM Member Profile highlights running partners Maureen Lympus and Pam Estill at the Run for the Trees
Occupations: Dental Hygienist (M) and Clinical Nurse Manager (P)
Personality: Extrovert (M) and Introvert (P)
How long have you been running partners? We met last spring at the RWM/Momentum Trail Running Class.
What made you pair up? We have very similar speeds. On some days, I am able to push Maureen and on others, she pushes me.
What do you want out of running? I want to run and race hopefully into my 80’s. (M) To be strong and fit, both mentally and physically. Running is what keeps me sane. (P)
Who are your heroes? The women that are still running like Ethel, and the women that are so darn fast.(M) A local hero is Lindsay Corbin; I envy her strength, endurance, and speed. A life hero- I don’t know, there are many. I admire people with integrity and perseverance (P)
What one word or sentence sums you up as partners in running? Synchronicity
Editor’s Note: Thanks to Terry Stekly the newsletter begins a new series on member profiles. We hope that you will enjoy getting to know Run Wild Missoula members and we encourage you to say “hi” to them next time your paths cross.
Occupations: Dental Hygienist (M) and Clinical Nurse Manager (P)
Personality: Extrovert (M) and Introvert (P)
How long have you been running partners? We met last spring at the RWM/Momentum Trail Running Class.
What made you pair up? We have very similar speeds. On some days, I am able to push Maureen and on others, she pushes me.
What do you want out of running? I want to run and race hopefully into my 80’s. (M) To be strong and fit, both mentally and physically. Running is what keeps me sane. (P)
Who are your heroes? The women that are still running like Ethel, and the women that are so darn fast.(M) A local hero is Lindsay Corbin; I envy her strength, endurance, and speed. A life hero- I don’t know, there are many. I admire people with integrity and perseverance (P)
What one word or sentence sums you up as partners in running? Synchronicity
Editor’s Note: Thanks to Terry Stekly the newsletter begins a new series on member profiles. We hope that you will enjoy getting to know Run Wild Missoula members and we encourage you to say “hi” to them next time your paths cross.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
View from the Back - I Respect the Marathon
“The early mornings. The countless miles…. Somewhere along the line, the marathon became less of a competitive sport and more of a line item on a bucket list… next time you're toeing the line, respect the marathon”
The above is a portion of an advertisement that ran in various running magazines. The ad made me feel like I should be ashamed of my running. I put in countless miles, but yes, I could do better. I could run harder. Did I check off completing a marathon as a line item on my bucket list? Yes, absolutely. Should I be ashamed it took me over five hours? Should faster runners look down their nose at me?
I look more like a Shotputter, than a runner. To have a runner’s build I would have to lose forty pounds. But my body serves me well for sports I love. I love to downhill ski. I love to ride my mule. I love to ride bikes.
There are many things I’m more suited for than running. Do I love running? No. So why continue? Because I believe exercise is important. I think everyone should be respected for moving. I think completing a marathon, in 5, 6 or even 7 hours, is a huge accomplishment. Most people have never walked 26 miles in a day! I believe making the decision to exercise on a regular, recurring basis should be celebrated.
I run/walk because mentally that keeps me moving. Running helps me sleep at night. Running helps keep my weight down. Running keeps me in shape for the things I do love. So why train for a marathon or half? It is motivates me. You can’t fake a marathon. Thank you every marathon that is open for 7 hours. Thanks to the marathons that encourage all runners!
~Nancy Rusho
The above is a portion of an advertisement that ran in various running magazines. The ad made me feel like I should be ashamed of my running. I put in countless miles, but yes, I could do better. I could run harder. Did I check off completing a marathon as a line item on my bucket list? Yes, absolutely. Should I be ashamed it took me over five hours? Should faster runners look down their nose at me?
I look more like a Shotputter, than a runner. To have a runner’s build I would have to lose forty pounds. But my body serves me well for sports I love. I love to downhill ski. I love to ride my mule. I love to ride bikes.
There are many things I’m more suited for than running. Do I love running? No. So why continue? Because I believe exercise is important. I think everyone should be respected for moving. I think completing a marathon, in 5, 6 or even 7 hours, is a huge accomplishment. Most people have never walked 26 miles in a day! I believe making the decision to exercise on a regular, recurring basis should be celebrated.
I run/walk because mentally that keeps me moving. Running helps me sleep at night. Running helps keep my weight down. Running keeps me in shape for the things I do love. So why train for a marathon or half? It is motivates me. You can’t fake a marathon. Thank you every marathon that is open for 7 hours. Thanks to the marathons that encourage all runners!
~Nancy Rusho
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Participants Wanted for Heat Acclimatization Study
I am working with a graduate student (Brianna Lui) on a heat acclimatization study this summer looking at seasonal changes in heat acclimatization.
Specifically, we are interested in the degree of seasonal acclimatization in wildland firefighters; however, we would like to compare their adaptations to seasonal acclimatization in regular, everyday people (Males only) in Missoula (ie. People that are not hanging out by a fire all summer long).
For the purpose of the study, we're calling these people "recreationally active individuals." Basically, it's anyone who may work throughout the week, and exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week, but not more than about 10 hours of structured exercise per week - an example of "structured training" could be training for 1-2 hours of cycling/mountain biking/etc. per day.
We will do a maximal aerobic test and body fat test this month (May) and in August or September, as well as an exercise protocol in the lab one day this month (May) and one day in September; these times follow the summer seasonal changes as well as the wildland firefigthers seasonal occupation.
There will be a total of 4 visits: including a pre- AND post- summer maximal aerobic test (VO2 max) and body fat test (visits 1 and 4)!
The exercise protocol - visits 2 and 3 (once in May and once in August or September):
A walk for 1-hour at 50% of your maximal aerobic capacity in the environmental chamber at 110ËšF and 25% humidity on a treadmill. We will be collecting heart rate, core temperature, and skin temperature, so sensors will be used.
We will pay you about $100 for a total of approx. 5 hours of your time!
Let us know if you are interested and we can get you scheduled right away.
Please use reply all so that both Bri and I get the message.
Thanks,
Brent Ruby
brent.ruby@mso.umt.edu
Brianna Lui
brianna.lui@gmail.com
Specifically, we are interested in the degree of seasonal acclimatization in wildland firefighters; however, we would like to compare their adaptations to seasonal acclimatization in regular, everyday people (Males only) in Missoula (ie. People that are not hanging out by a fire all summer long).
For the purpose of the study, we're calling these people "recreationally active individuals." Basically, it's anyone who may work throughout the week, and exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week, but not more than about 10 hours of structured exercise per week - an example of "structured training" could be training for 1-2 hours of cycling/mountain biking/etc. per day.
We will do a maximal aerobic test and body fat test this month (May) and in August or September, as well as an exercise protocol in the lab one day this month (May) and one day in September; these times follow the summer seasonal changes as well as the wildland firefigthers seasonal occupation.
There will be a total of 4 visits: including a pre- AND post- summer maximal aerobic test (VO2 max) and body fat test (visits 1 and 4)!
The exercise protocol - visits 2 and 3 (once in May and once in August or September):
A walk for 1-hour at 50% of your maximal aerobic capacity in the environmental chamber at 110ËšF and 25% humidity on a treadmill. We will be collecting heart rate, core temperature, and skin temperature, so sensors will be used.
We will pay you about $100 for a total of approx. 5 hours of your time!
Let us know if you are interested and we can get you scheduled right away.
Please use reply all so that both Bri and I get the message.
Thanks,
Brent Ruby
brent.ruby@mso.umt.edu
Brianna Lui
brianna.lui@gmail.com
Monday, May 16, 2011
Back of the Pack is Up and Running (at whatever pace)
The Back of the Pack (BOP) had a social and organization meeting March 21. The following ideas and action items emerged from that meeting:
EVENTS: BOP will hold monthly fun run/walks at different locations around the community. Events will be hosted by BOPers from the neighborhood; food and drink arrangements will vary.
• Our first event, April 22 at Maclay Flats, was hosted by Lisa Boothe, Randy Frazier, Rachelle McPhee, and Donna Bennett. About 20 people gathered for a 3-4 mile run or walk and socialized afterward over a potluck of colorful snacks.
• Our next event will be May 20, 7pm, Frenchtown Pond State Park. Hosts are Kevin and Carol Drake.
• Hosts have stepped forward and dates will soon be set for events in June (the Bitterroot), July (the Rattlesnake), and August (Bonner).
BUDDY LOCATOR: Sue Falsey set up a survey and sorted the results of our initial efforts to match interested BOPers by pace, schedule, and neighborhood. Results will be posted as a link from the BOP page on the Run Wild website.
BANDANNAS: BOPers would like to meet one another at group events. We decided on a bright green bandanna, which can be affixed and displayed in any number of ways. We have found a supplier, and are looking for sponsors so that bandannas can be provided free of charge.
CHEERLEADERS: Marathoners at the Back of the Pack are used to tired volunteers, depleted food supplies, and a general sense of missing the party at the end of a race. The BOP is organizing a special force of volunteers for the Missoula Marathon this year. We will provide fresh, enthusiastic cheerleaders at key aid stations and the finish line, and will make a point of providing fresh food that doesn’t look like dregs from the day before.
VIEW FROM THE BACK: Watch for articles aimed at slower runners and walkers in each monthly issue of Running Wild.
LAST BEST FINISHER: Last Best Finisher Awards were presented for the first time at the SuperFUNd Run on April 16. For a description of the award, see
http://www.runwildmissoula.org/index.php/fuseaction/about.finalFinisher.htm .
If you are interested in becoming involved with the BOP, drop me a note at backofpack@ruwildmissoula.org.
~Pam Gardiner, Leader of the Back
EVENTS: BOP will hold monthly fun run/walks at different locations around the community. Events will be hosted by BOPers from the neighborhood; food and drink arrangements will vary.
• Our first event, April 22 at Maclay Flats, was hosted by Lisa Boothe, Randy Frazier, Rachelle McPhee, and Donna Bennett. About 20 people gathered for a 3-4 mile run or walk and socialized afterward over a potluck of colorful snacks.
• Our next event will be May 20, 7pm, Frenchtown Pond State Park. Hosts are Kevin and Carol Drake.
• Hosts have stepped forward and dates will soon be set for events in June (the Bitterroot), July (the Rattlesnake), and August (Bonner).
BUDDY LOCATOR: Sue Falsey set up a survey and sorted the results of our initial efforts to match interested BOPers by pace, schedule, and neighborhood. Results will be posted as a link from the BOP page on the Run Wild website.
BANDANNAS: BOPers would like to meet one another at group events. We decided on a bright green bandanna, which can be affixed and displayed in any number of ways. We have found a supplier, and are looking for sponsors so that bandannas can be provided free of charge.
CHEERLEADERS: Marathoners at the Back of the Pack are used to tired volunteers, depleted food supplies, and a general sense of missing the party at the end of a race. The BOP is organizing a special force of volunteers for the Missoula Marathon this year. We will provide fresh, enthusiastic cheerleaders at key aid stations and the finish line, and will make a point of providing fresh food that doesn’t look like dregs from the day before.
VIEW FROM THE BACK: Watch for articles aimed at slower runners and walkers in each monthly issue of Running Wild.
LAST BEST FINISHER: Last Best Finisher Awards were presented for the first time at the SuperFUNd Run on April 16. For a description of the award, see
http://www.runwildmissoula.org/index.php/fuseaction/about.finalFinisher.htm .
If you are interested in becoming involved with the BOP, drop me a note at backofpack@ruwildmissoula.org.
~Pam Gardiner, Leader of the Back
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Paris Marathon
On April 10, 2011 I completed the 35th edition Marathon de Paris. The actual journey began a week earlier. My husband Eivind and I flew into London on April 2nd. After traveling for more than twenty hours we finally reached our hotel. It was 12:00 p.m. London time. We were tired and my ankles were swollen. I knew if I laid down I would be out for the count and would miss the entire day. At 2:00 p.m. we decided to go for a short run to shake out our legs. Our hotel was directly across the street from Hyde Park. There are several amazing running paths. We did run but it wasn’t easy. The air was muggy and my legs felt like Jell-O. I was glad I had more than a week before the marathon. In London we did a lot of sightseeing and a lot of walking.
It was unusually warm weather and it only rained for a few hours on our second day. Eivind and I ran on three separate runs in Hyde Park. We spent several days in London and then took the
We arrived in Paris on Wednesday. The marathon was on Sunday. Once we got to the hotel the first thing I wanted to do was to check out the starting location of the marathon. The race started at Le Arc de Triumph on the Champs E’lysee, which was less than a mile from our hotel. My first glimpse of the Arc de Triumph was breathtaking! I couldn’t believe that in three days I would be running in the Paris Marathon. Over the next couple of days Eivind and I were typical tourists walking around Paris and taking pictures of everything.
The marathon expo was open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The recommendation was to come early to avoid the long lines. I wanted to make sure that I had everything I needed for the race so I was at the expo Thursday afternoon. One thing that was different was that a medical release signed by a doctor was required before you were given your race packet. It could be mailed in ahead of time or brought with you. I had mailed mine the month before but I still needed to be check in. Once the medical certificate was verified I proceeded to the next stop, race packet pickup. I gave them my race number. They gave me my race packet. It was official! Race number 27063, Danelle Gjetmundsen, was registered for the Paris Marathon. As we made our way through the expo I found a booth that was handing out pace bracelets. I picked one up for my estimated time goal. It wasn’t until later when I actually looked through the bag that I noticed this pace bracelet would be of no help to me. It was in kilometers! With my race number in hand I could relax. Time to enjoy Paris.
We spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday sightseeing. I was able to get some short runs in around the city. There was also a small park across the street from our hotel. During one of these runs Eivind and I were wearing our Missoula, Montana Grizzly Triathlon shirts. A lady who was running with her dog came up from behind us and said “I just had to say hello. I am from Bozeman.” What a small world. On Thursday and Friday we spent a lot of time walking around the city. Saturday however I knew I needed to stay off my feet as much as possible. We used the public transportation system to get to and from our destinations. We got back to the hotel early, had a nice spaghetti meal and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Sunday morning, marathon day. This was my seventh marathon and I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong. I came prepared with my race day staples; electrolytes, gels, my favorite sunglasses, and running cap as well as my Garmin and I-pod with my marathon play list. My usual pre-race meal is a bagel and peanut butter, which I could not bring on the plane. “No problem,” I thought. “I will just buy some in Paris.” Wrong again. I could not find bagels or regular peanut butter anywhere. I had to settle for prepackaged pancakes and honey flavored peanut butter and I just hope that eating something new and different on race day would not have adverse affects on my stomach. Luckily it worked out. Since our hotel was so close to the start a nice brisk walk/jog was a perfect warm up. The race started at 8:45 a.m. at Le Arc de Triumph on the Champs E’lysee. The temperature was 70° F. A far cry from the cold temperatures in Montana that I had been training in all winter. At the start I had a brief moment of panic. There were 32,000 runners plus thousands and thousands of spectators and I did not know how Iwas going to get to my starting corral. I maneuvered my way through the sea of people and arrived to the entrance of the corral. There were volunteers there checking to make sure people were in the right starting area. I was not. The volunteer directed me to my corral which was further down the boulevard. I had to move through all the people again. Finally I found my corral. I checked in with the volunteer and YES, he allowed me entrance. Once I was inside the fenced off area I was able to take a big sigh of relief.
At 8:35 a.m. the handi sports began. At 8:45 the elite marathoners began. About seven to eight minutes later I crossed the starting pad. As soon as I started running all butterflies were gone. My race plan was to keep the pacer of my time goal in my sites but run my own race according to my Garmin. Wrong again. As soon as we started I never saw the pacer again. There were just too many people to be able to keep track of anyone. We started running down the Champs E’lysee into the sun. I was so excited. With so many runners I was about three miles into the race before I broke through and was able to run on my own. When we left the wide boulevard of the Champs E’lysee and entered the narrow streets of the old city of Paris we came to a bottleneck. We were literally stopped in our tracks before we were able to break free and run again. At mile eight I actually felt like I was running my own race and in my own rhythm. There was never a point in the marathon where I was running by myself.
As racers in the United States we all know how important the facilities are for those very important potty breaks. This was not the same in the Paris marathon. There were a few porta potties at the start but most people were running into stores and restaurants before the gun went off. Along the course I saw one aid station with about five porta potties. I did not see any other on the entire course. Maybe they were there and I didn’t see them but for the most part racers were on their own. The race packet even advised to bring toilet paper on race day. Okay, as we know if there is not a porta potty we have to find other means. This also was a challenge for runners because with over 200,000 spectators lining the route, running through the park was the only option to find a semi secluded area without thousands of people surrounding you.
The aid stations were set up on only one side of the street so trying to get water/nutrition resulted in a slight traffic jam. Now I know why people run fully self sufficient. As for the water, no paper cups were handed out. Sealed water bottles were the order of the day. It took some coordination to take the cap off and not let the full bottle of water splash all over myself. The race day statistics show that over 450,000 water bottles were handed out. Another small but fairly significant difference is that safety pins are not included in the race packet. Thank you hotel lobby. Also I did not think about the metric system. The course was marked in kilometers, except eight and sixteen were marked in miles. I’m thankful I had my Garmin to keep track of my distance and pace.
I felt comfortable during the run. Around mile seventeen I started to fade a little. I told myself to smile and remember where I was. I was running in the Paris marathon. I took another gel and got a second wind around mile twenty one. I started to pick up my pace during the last three miles. I did not however, partake in the red wine offered at mile twenty four. Ultimately
I finished strong and was happy with my time. Out of 32,000 runners only about 7,000 were female. This is definitely not the trend in the U.S.
After the finish all I wanted to do was to find Eivind and sit down. Wrong again. After crossing the finish I had to stand in line to have my timer chip removed. I was then directed to another line where I received my finisher t-shirt. I was then directed to a third line where I received my finisher medal. After that I got into the food line where I was able to refuel. I then spent about half an hour looking for the location where I arranged to meet Eivind. Once I finally found that spot there were so many runners and families that I could not see a thing. Eventually we found each other and I could finally relax.
In conclusion the entire experience was remarkable and unforgettable. There are always differences from one race to another and all that makes me realize how much I appreciate the wonderful running community in Missoula.
~DanelleGjetmundsen
It was unusually warm weather and it only rained for a few hours on our second day. Eivind and I ran on three separate runs in Hyde Park. We spent several days in London and then took the
We arrived in Paris on Wednesday. The marathon was on Sunday. Once we got to the hotel the first thing I wanted to do was to check out the starting location of the marathon. The race started at Le Arc de Triumph on the Champs E’lysee, which was less than a mile from our hotel. My first glimpse of the Arc de Triumph was breathtaking! I couldn’t believe that in three days I would be running in the Paris Marathon. Over the next couple of days Eivind and I were typical tourists walking around Paris and taking pictures of everything.
The marathon expo was open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The recommendation was to come early to avoid the long lines. I wanted to make sure that I had everything I needed for the race so I was at the expo Thursday afternoon. One thing that was different was that a medical release signed by a doctor was required before you were given your race packet. It could be mailed in ahead of time or brought with you. I had mailed mine the month before but I still needed to be check in. Once the medical certificate was verified I proceeded to the next stop, race packet pickup. I gave them my race number. They gave me my race packet. It was official! Race number 27063, Danelle Gjetmundsen, was registered for the Paris Marathon. As we made our way through the expo I found a booth that was handing out pace bracelets. I picked one up for my estimated time goal. It wasn’t until later when I actually looked through the bag that I noticed this pace bracelet would be of no help to me. It was in kilometers! With my race number in hand I could relax. Time to enjoy Paris.
We spent Thursday, Friday and Saturday sightseeing. I was able to get some short runs in around the city. There was also a small park across the street from our hotel. During one of these runs Eivind and I were wearing our Missoula, Montana Grizzly Triathlon shirts. A lady who was running with her dog came up from behind us and said “I just had to say hello. I am from Bozeman.” What a small world. On Thursday and Friday we spent a lot of time walking around the city. Saturday however I knew I needed to stay off my feet as much as possible. We used the public transportation system to get to and from our destinations. We got back to the hotel early, had a nice spaghetti meal and relaxed for the rest of the evening.
Sunday morning, marathon day. This was my seventh marathon and I thought I knew what to expect. I was wrong. I came prepared with my race day staples; electrolytes, gels, my favorite sunglasses, and running cap as well as my Garmin and I-pod with my marathon play list. My usual pre-race meal is a bagel and peanut butter, which I could not bring on the plane. “No problem,” I thought. “I will just buy some in Paris.” Wrong again. I could not find bagels or regular peanut butter anywhere. I had to settle for prepackaged pancakes and honey flavored peanut butter and I just hope that eating something new and different on race day would not have adverse affects on my stomach. Luckily it worked out. Since our hotel was so close to the start a nice brisk walk/jog was a perfect warm up. The race started at 8:45 a.m. at Le Arc de Triumph on the Champs E’lysee. The temperature was 70° F. A far cry from the cold temperatures in Montana that I had been training in all winter. At the start I had a brief moment of panic. There were 32,000 runners plus thousands and thousands of spectators and I did not know how Iwas going to get to my starting corral. I maneuvered my way through the sea of people and arrived to the entrance of the corral. There were volunteers there checking to make sure people were in the right starting area. I was not. The volunteer directed me to my corral which was further down the boulevard. I had to move through all the people again. Finally I found my corral. I checked in with the volunteer and YES, he allowed me entrance. Once I was inside the fenced off area I was able to take a big sigh of relief.
At 8:35 a.m. the handi sports began. At 8:45 the elite marathoners began. About seven to eight minutes later I crossed the starting pad. As soon as I started running all butterflies were gone. My race plan was to keep the pacer of my time goal in my sites but run my own race according to my Garmin. Wrong again. As soon as we started I never saw the pacer again. There were just too many people to be able to keep track of anyone. We started running down the Champs E’lysee into the sun. I was so excited. With so many runners I was about three miles into the race before I broke through and was able to run on my own. When we left the wide boulevard of the Champs E’lysee and entered the narrow streets of the old city of Paris we came to a bottleneck. We were literally stopped in our tracks before we were able to break free and run again. At mile eight I actually felt like I was running my own race and in my own rhythm. There was never a point in the marathon where I was running by myself.
As racers in the United States we all know how important the facilities are for those very important potty breaks. This was not the same in the Paris marathon. There were a few porta potties at the start but most people were running into stores and restaurants before the gun went off. Along the course I saw one aid station with about five porta potties. I did not see any other on the entire course. Maybe they were there and I didn’t see them but for the most part racers were on their own. The race packet even advised to bring toilet paper on race day. Okay, as we know if there is not a porta potty we have to find other means. This also was a challenge for runners because with over 200,000 spectators lining the route, running through the park was the only option to find a semi secluded area without thousands of people surrounding you.
The aid stations were set up on only one side of the street so trying to get water/nutrition resulted in a slight traffic jam. Now I know why people run fully self sufficient. As for the water, no paper cups were handed out. Sealed water bottles were the order of the day. It took some coordination to take the cap off and not let the full bottle of water splash all over myself. The race day statistics show that over 450,000 water bottles were handed out. Another small but fairly significant difference is that safety pins are not included in the race packet. Thank you hotel lobby. Also I did not think about the metric system. The course was marked in kilometers, except eight and sixteen were marked in miles. I’m thankful I had my Garmin to keep track of my distance and pace.
I felt comfortable during the run. Around mile seventeen I started to fade a little. I told myself to smile and remember where I was. I was running in the Paris marathon. I took another gel and got a second wind around mile twenty one. I started to pick up my pace during the last three miles. I did not however, partake in the red wine offered at mile twenty four. Ultimately
I finished strong and was happy with my time. Out of 32,000 runners only about 7,000 were female. This is definitely not the trend in the U.S.
After the finish all I wanted to do was to find Eivind and sit down. Wrong again. After crossing the finish I had to stand in line to have my timer chip removed. I was then directed to another line where I received my finisher t-shirt. I was then directed to a third line where I received my finisher medal. After that I got into the food line where I was able to refuel. I then spent about half an hour looking for the location where I arranged to meet Eivind. Once I finally found that spot there were so many runners and families that I could not see a thing. Eventually we found each other and I could finally relax.
In conclusion the entire experience was remarkable and unforgettable. There are always differences from one race to another and all that makes me realize how much I appreciate the wonderful running community in Missoula.
~DanelleGjetmundsen
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Boston With Swagger
For those of us who are accustomed solo runs down Montana highways scattered with mountain homes and wild animals, “the Boston” was like another world.
“The most surprising thing about ‘the Boston,’ for me, was the experience of getting into line to get on the buses to the start. As Chris Everett and I stood in line to get on the buses at Boston Commons, we were in hysterics at never having seen a line ‘worm around’ the length of ‘the convoluted shoreline of the State of California,’” Sally Russell said.
A cool wind made the 44 degree morning feel like the 30s. After enduring a 50-minute shuttle to the starting area, those participants who were smart enough to bring plastic bags to sit on avoided the grass soaked by an inch of rain from the previous day.
So began the 2011 Boston Marathon.
After experiencing the crowded expo, a runner knew what to expect during the three-hour wait for the race start: long porta-potty lines. Fortunately, the sun was shining and one had 25,000 people from around the world to keep them company while waiting in line.
“When we got to the athletic village, we immediately got in line for the porta-potties, and jumped right back in line a second time just in time to begin positioning ourselves for the corrals,” Russell said.
Unbelievably, some members of the Missoula training group met another Missoulian, Tom Simones, while waiting in line.
Marshaling 25,000 people to a start line that is located .7 miles away from the athlete’s village was a process, but when a race 115 years old, the process is well-organized. As friends separated, wishing each other last-minute encouragements before entering their corrals, runners faced a surreal moment, realizing that a lifelong goal was about to be fulfilled.
“At the start, you were so close to fellow runners that you could feel the adrenaline flowing from one person to another as we all jockeyed for space,” Ashley Schroeder said.
Nerves and the realization that the beginning of the hard-trained for race was finally starting with the crowded procession down narrow roads was an emotional moment.
“The energy was intoxicating,” Liv Fetterman said.
The roads were so packed it made it difficult to get into the early water stops. Runners were constantly passing one another. The crowds were steady for the first 12 miles.
“The best thing about the race was the crowds. It was awesome hearing people yell ‘Go Montana!’ so often,” Tammy Mocabee said. Before mile 13, the course passed the all-women’s Wellesley College. At least a quarter mile away from the college, the noise from the renowned “Scream Tunnel” began. Women lined the course screaming and urging runners to kiss them. At press time it could not be confirmed how long it took J.B. Yonce to run through the Scream Tunnel. This was the beginning of spectators cheering at a deafening pitch. Tim Mosbacher complained, “It was too loud; I just wanted them to stop.”Others were motivated to run even faster. “The cheering crowds all along the race course urging you on were fantastic. It is still unbelievable to me that they were still there three hours after the elite runners had gone past!” Chris Everett said.
The next 13 miles would be the challenging section of the course. The Newton Hills were a series of four hills that had the potential to wipe out a runner. Historically, these are the make-or-break miles. 2011 would be no different as the men’s and women’s elite lead packs were substantially reduced after the final hill, known as Heartbreak Hill.
“The hardest part was the hills. I felt like I took it easy on the downhill, but by the time I got to the top of Hearbreak Hill, my quads were shot. [Regardless,] I would definitely consider doing it again.” Mocabee said.After the hills, the course took the runners into Boston. Runners were funneled through screaming crowds and intoxicated university students. If the hills weren’t so painful, one might even enjoyed it.
“Those last few miles look easy on paper -- slight downhill -- but for me and for many others they were very tough. My goal the last few miles was simply not to stop regardless of my pace. Anyone who has qualified should make the effort to go and run it and find out for themselves how special finishing the Boston Marathon is,” Everett said.
Boston landmarks, including Fenway Park and a large Citgo sign, appear and then disappear. The course turns up a block-long hill, and then turns down the final finish stretch.
“The trip was special because of my wife -- cheering madly --and son -- running me in the last five --being present and the neat group of friends that made the trip fun! Plus all the support from those back home,” Dean Lipp said.
“I’ll never forget Monique [Krebsbach] running alongside the greenway, ringing her cowbell cheering for me. She had taken a pedicab a mile or so from the Finish to cheer me on. She was running along, very fast, and then would stop to text and then run again calling out my name,” Russell said.
“The Boston Marathon honestly may have been the best day of my life,” Fetterman said.
So what is it about this marathon that sets it apart from others?“There is a sense of accomplishment in making a Boston Marathon qualifying time. However, despite my initial thoughts, I've found that finishing the Boston Marathon has meant so much more,” Everett said. “It is not your pace that counts, it is getting to the end and finishing the Boston Marathon.”
-Compiled by Tim Mosbacher and Ashley Schroeder
Boston/Spring Marathon Training Group Wrap-up
The winter marathon training group ended in remarkable fashion with half of the sixteen members of the training group who completed a spring marathon finishing with new PRs. Training for a spring marathon has many weather hurdles and this year was no exception. This is a great training group that aids in training over the winter with the goal of completing a spring marathon. Join us next year!
The Boston Marathon
Tim Mosbacher 2:58:24 PR
Brian Fruit 2:59:14
Dean Lipp 3:01:28
Tom Simones 3:02:13 PR
Tim Brooker 3:07:08
Ashley Schroeder 3:21:58 PR
Liv Fetterman 3:28:19 PR
Dale Reese 3:32:18
JB Yonce 3:33:52 PR
Sara Stahl 3:39:44
Tammy Mocabee 4:01:30
Jen Revis-Siegfried 4:05:18
Maria Stokstad 4:11:43
Chris Everett 4:15:51 PR
Sally Russell 4:44:55
The Eugene Marathon
Patrick Murphy 2:39:38 PR
Trish Miller 2:54:00 PR
Julie Gilchrist 3:17:07
Bridgett Moriarty 3:57:50
The Paris Marathon
Danelle Gjetmundsen 3:39:17 PR
“The most surprising thing about ‘the Boston,’ for me, was the experience of getting into line to get on the buses to the start. As Chris Everett and I stood in line to get on the buses at Boston Commons, we were in hysterics at never having seen a line ‘worm around’ the length of ‘the convoluted shoreline of the State of California,’” Sally Russell said.
A cool wind made the 44 degree morning feel like the 30s. After enduring a 50-minute shuttle to the starting area, those participants who were smart enough to bring plastic bags to sit on avoided the grass soaked by an inch of rain from the previous day.
So began the 2011 Boston Marathon.
After experiencing the crowded expo, a runner knew what to expect during the three-hour wait for the race start: long porta-potty lines. Fortunately, the sun was shining and one had 25,000 people from around the world to keep them company while waiting in line.
“When we got to the athletic village, we immediately got in line for the porta-potties, and jumped right back in line a second time just in time to begin positioning ourselves for the corrals,” Russell said.
Unbelievably, some members of the Missoula training group met another Missoulian, Tom Simones, while waiting in line.
Marshaling 25,000 people to a start line that is located .7 miles away from the athlete’s village was a process, but when a race 115 years old, the process is well-organized. As friends separated, wishing each other last-minute encouragements before entering their corrals, runners faced a surreal moment, realizing that a lifelong goal was about to be fulfilled.
“At the start, you were so close to fellow runners that you could feel the adrenaline flowing from one person to another as we all jockeyed for space,” Ashley Schroeder said.
Nerves and the realization that the beginning of the hard-trained for race was finally starting with the crowded procession down narrow roads was an emotional moment.
“The energy was intoxicating,” Liv Fetterman said.
The roads were so packed it made it difficult to get into the early water stops. Runners were constantly passing one another. The crowds were steady for the first 12 miles.
“The best thing about the race was the crowds. It was awesome hearing people yell ‘Go Montana!’ so often,” Tammy Mocabee said. Before mile 13, the course passed the all-women’s Wellesley College. At least a quarter mile away from the college, the noise from the renowned “Scream Tunnel” began. Women lined the course screaming and urging runners to kiss them. At press time it could not be confirmed how long it took J.B. Yonce to run through the Scream Tunnel. This was the beginning of spectators cheering at a deafening pitch. Tim Mosbacher complained, “It was too loud; I just wanted them to stop.”Others were motivated to run even faster. “The cheering crowds all along the race course urging you on were fantastic. It is still unbelievable to me that they were still there three hours after the elite runners had gone past!” Chris Everett said.
The next 13 miles would be the challenging section of the course. The Newton Hills were a series of four hills that had the potential to wipe out a runner. Historically, these are the make-or-break miles. 2011 would be no different as the men’s and women’s elite lead packs were substantially reduced after the final hill, known as Heartbreak Hill.
“The hardest part was the hills. I felt like I took it easy on the downhill, but by the time I got to the top of Hearbreak Hill, my quads were shot. [Regardless,] I would definitely consider doing it again.” Mocabee said.After the hills, the course took the runners into Boston. Runners were funneled through screaming crowds and intoxicated university students. If the hills weren’t so painful, one might even enjoyed it.
“Those last few miles look easy on paper -- slight downhill -- but for me and for many others they were very tough. My goal the last few miles was simply not to stop regardless of my pace. Anyone who has qualified should make the effort to go and run it and find out for themselves how special finishing the Boston Marathon is,” Everett said.
Boston landmarks, including Fenway Park and a large Citgo sign, appear and then disappear. The course turns up a block-long hill, and then turns down the final finish stretch.
“The trip was special because of my wife -- cheering madly --and son -- running me in the last five --being present and the neat group of friends that made the trip fun! Plus all the support from those back home,” Dean Lipp said.
“I’ll never forget Monique [Krebsbach] running alongside the greenway, ringing her cowbell cheering for me. She had taken a pedicab a mile or so from the Finish to cheer me on. She was running along, very fast, and then would stop to text and then run again calling out my name,” Russell said.
“The Boston Marathon honestly may have been the best day of my life,” Fetterman said.
So what is it about this marathon that sets it apart from others?“There is a sense of accomplishment in making a Boston Marathon qualifying time. However, despite my initial thoughts, I've found that finishing the Boston Marathon has meant so much more,” Everett said. “It is not your pace that counts, it is getting to the end and finishing the Boston Marathon.”
-Compiled by Tim Mosbacher and Ashley Schroeder
Boston/Spring Marathon Training Group Wrap-up
The winter marathon training group ended in remarkable fashion with half of the sixteen members of the training group who completed a spring marathon finishing with new PRs. Training for a spring marathon has many weather hurdles and this year was no exception. This is a great training group that aids in training over the winter with the goal of completing a spring marathon. Join us next year!
The Boston Marathon
Tim Mosbacher 2:58:24 PR
Brian Fruit 2:59:14
Dean Lipp 3:01:28
Tom Simones 3:02:13 PR
Tim Brooker 3:07:08
Ashley Schroeder 3:21:58 PR
Liv Fetterman 3:28:19 PR
Dale Reese 3:32:18
JB Yonce 3:33:52 PR
Sara Stahl 3:39:44
Tammy Mocabee 4:01:30
Jen Revis-Siegfried 4:05:18
Maria Stokstad 4:11:43
Chris Everett 4:15:51 PR
Sally Russell 4:44:55
The Eugene Marathon
Patrick Murphy 2:39:38 PR
Trish Miller 2:54:00 PR
Julie Gilchrist 3:17:07
Bridgett Moriarty 3:57:50
The Paris Marathon
Danelle Gjetmundsen 3:39:17 PR
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Missoula Marathon is Best Event in Montana For 2010 – Let’s Make It Again This Year!
In the Hills of the Bloomsday course this year, for what is probably close to my 15th time, I couldn’t help but notice the thousands of volunteers that show up to help at this massive event. I have notice a lot on that course over the years, but honestly never given much thought to the volunteers. Each aid station was full of smiling faces giving out water and high fives. Even the finish line is incredible; volunteers line the bridge, handing out drinks and eventually leading you to the tables with the massive amounts of BLOOMSDAY FINISHER t-shirts you can proudly sport with the other fifty thousand runners that participate.
Needless to say, Bloomsday does an amazing job with its volunteers. This lead me to think of the Missoula Marathon and what a supportive running community we have. Just a few months ago, Marathon & Beyond highlighted the Missoula Marathon, specifically naming what amazing aid stations we had (don’t forget that Hawaiian-themed aid station!). We wouldn’t have been named best marathon from Runners World if we didn’t have the amazing volunteers we get year after year. I would love for all of you to come out there running this year, but if you didn’t have time to train or somehow want to get involved, we can always use your help. From course monitors to expo set-up, we have a place for you. We appreciate help any time, but mostly during the week leading up to the race. For more information, please contact Wilma Tabaracci (tabs@montana.com).
Happy Running,
Anders Brooker – Missoula Marathon Race Director
Needless to say, Bloomsday does an amazing job with its volunteers. This lead me to think of the Missoula Marathon and what a supportive running community we have. Just a few months ago, Marathon & Beyond highlighted the Missoula Marathon, specifically naming what amazing aid stations we had (don’t forget that Hawaiian-themed aid station!). We wouldn’t have been named best marathon from Runners World if we didn’t have the amazing volunteers we get year after year. I would love for all of you to come out there running this year, but if you didn’t have time to train or somehow want to get involved, we can always use your help. From course monitors to expo set-up, we have a place for you. We appreciate help any time, but mostly during the week leading up to the race. For more information, please contact Wilma Tabaracci (tabs@montana.com).
Happy Running,
Anders Brooker – Missoula Marathon Race Director
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thank You, Bridgett Moriarty
Run Wild Missoula has been lucky enough to have hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Some of these volunteers stand out, though, because they give above and beyond. One of these volunteers is Bridgett Moriarty. Bridgett recently resigned from the Run Wild Missoula Board of Directors to spend more time with her family and start focusing on other interests. We wonder how Bridgett had time to continue with all of her volunteer commitments with Run Wild Missoula in addition to the amount of time she spent training in the first place!
Bridgett joined Run Wild Missoula when she joined the Beginner Runner Training Class a few years ago. Since then she has been co-director of the Pengelly Double & Single Dip, Missoula Marathon Registration Assistant, Secretary of the Run Wild Missoula Committee, and coach of the Beginner Runner Training Class. She has volunteered for almost every Run Wild Missoula race and gives her time to do training class aid stations. Bridgett has volunteered so much that I’m sure I’m missing something else she has done for the club and the running community.
On top of all of this, Bridgett still finds time to train. She recently trained with the Boston Marathon Training Class and competed in the Eugene Marathon on May 1. It’s an inspiration to see how far Bridgett has come with her running in the past few years.
When I asked Bridgett what her goals were for Run Wild Missoula when she joined the Board last spring she said: “I would like to see Run Wild Missoula become a club that is just synonymous with the Missoula community, and I would like to see us reach out and promote healthy, inexpensive recreation to everyone. I am in this for the runner and walker. I get a real kick out of seeing so many people out on a beautiful spring day, running and walking (and biking). I would like to hear more people complaining about traffic on the Kim Williams Trail than on the drive home from work.” Thank you, Bridgett, for striving toward this goal.
-Eva Dunn-Froebig
Bridgett joined Run Wild Missoula when she joined the Beginner Runner Training Class a few years ago. Since then she has been co-director of the Pengelly Double & Single Dip, Missoula Marathon Registration Assistant, Secretary of the Run Wild Missoula Committee, and coach of the Beginner Runner Training Class. She has volunteered for almost every Run Wild Missoula race and gives her time to do training class aid stations. Bridgett has volunteered so much that I’m sure I’m missing something else she has done for the club and the running community.
On top of all of this, Bridgett still finds time to train. She recently trained with the Boston Marathon Training Class and competed in the Eugene Marathon on May 1. It’s an inspiration to see how far Bridgett has come with her running in the past few years.
When I asked Bridgett what her goals were for Run Wild Missoula when she joined the Board last spring she said: “I would like to see Run Wild Missoula become a club that is just synonymous with the Missoula community, and I would like to see us reach out and promote healthy, inexpensive recreation to everyone. I am in this for the runner and walker. I get a real kick out of seeing so many people out on a beautiful spring day, running and walking (and biking). I would like to hear more people complaining about traffic on the Kim Williams Trail than on the drive home from work.” Thank you, Bridgett, for striving toward this goal.
-Eva Dunn-Froebig
2011 Missoula Marathon participants in their own words: Amy Reed
The Road to 50 States
by Amy Reed
I've run 26.2 miles eleven times. On purpose. Yes, with my two feet. Yes, I said "on purpose."
My infatuation with running began innocently in the year 2000. A friend starting training for a 5K, and, not to be left behind, I started jogging behind him. Within a month, I had started to shed my sedentary lifestyle and ran my first 5K. I kept running about 2 to 3 miles several times a week. Within a year, thanks to my new hobby, I had not only shed my sedentary lifestyle, but I had also shed 50 pounds...so I kept on running.
In November 2005, I decided Ineeded a challenge and registered for the Hospital Hill 1/2 Marathon, which was in June 2006. In order to tackle the distance, I joined the Runner's Edge of Kansas City, one of our local training groups. Before I had even run my first half marathon, I was hooked, and I signed up for the Kansas City Marathon, which was in October. I really looked forward to the camaraderie of training with my running group on Saturdays. In addition, as a chemical engineer, I seemed to respond well to the regimented training schedule, and I began to look forward to crossing off training runs on my schedule. I even created a spreadsheet to track my mileage and how far I ran in what pair of shoes. It was perfect for my Type A personality. I love goals and goal tracking. My first marathon was the Kansas City Marathon, one day before my 31st birthday.
Not to be swayed by the physical and mental challenges of completing my first marathon, I decided to run the St. Louis Marathon with two of my running friends (Marcus and Stacie) during Spring 2007. During that marathon, the idea of running a marathon in all 50 states was placed in my head. I still remember this portion of our conversation vividly: "you only need 10 states to get in", "yeah, only." At the time, it was just a seed that had been planted and was temporarily forgotten. After the St. Louis Marathon, I burned out on distance running and switched to cycling for a year.
In December 2008, I felt the passion burning within me to return to distance running, and I signed up for the 2009 Country Music Marathon. Between 2008 and 2010, I decided to return to the challenge of running in 10 states, so I ran the Country Music Marathon (TN), Twin Cities Marathon (MN), Little Rock Marathon (AR), Lincoln Marathon (NE), Chicago Marathon (IL), and the Gobbler Grind Marathon (KS). In the first quarter of 2011, I completed the Goofy Race and a 1/2 Challenge (FL), the Oz Marathon (another KS), and the Flying Pig Marathon (OH). (That's 11 marathons in 9 states if you lost count.) I've also finished 15 half-marathons in four states. Within the last year, I've qualified to become a member of the Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs but it is the 50 States Club that is the carrot that continues to dangle in front of me.
With each state I check offmy marathon list, I find myself more and more infatuated with checking off another state. A lot of runners train intensely to qualify for the Boston Marathon. While I've chipped over 45 minutes off my original 5:37 marathon time over the last five years, I've accepted that Boston might be a slightly overzealous goal for me at the moment. Getting into the 50 States Club by running in 10 states is my Boston.
"But why 26.2 miles?", people ask me. All. The. Time. Two words. Race bling. I love adding a new finisher's medal to my collection. Seriously, though, there's just something about 26.2 miles. It doesn't matter how many marathons I run, the distance is always challenging. Each marathon has its own personality and obstacles. Maybe it's a hilly course. Maybe Mother Nature is going to wreck havoc on my time goals by delivering a cold 20 mph wind on an April day or, worse, a humid sunny 90 degree day in October. Maybe my stomach isn't going to agree with my nutrition. I just don't know what will happen in those 26.2 miles, and the excitement of the adventure is thrilling! Running marathons has simply captivated me. Even at Mile 18 when my knees start to throb, or at Mile 22 when my quads have cramped so badly I have to walk and I swear I'm never running another one, I run those final 0.2 miles to cross another finish line and the magic of the marathon wisks it all away.
As I write this, it is two weeks and five days after the Oz Marathon and five days after the Flying Pig Marathon. I can finally walk down stairs normally again, but I'm still pretty tired. However, I am ready to go again. The day after Flying Pig, I started to think about registering for the Missoula Marathon. Two days later, I kind of fixated on it and shopped around for airfare. Four days after the Flying Pig Marathon, I registered.
Why Missoula? I have traveled a lot in the United States, but I have never been to Montana. What better way to see a place than to run it? In addition, Missoula has been on my "must do" list since it was written up in Runner's World as the best overall marathon in 2010. As I continued to research it, I also discovered it's flat with one hill. (You cannot argue with only one hill.) Finally, of course, Missoula is incredibly scenic.
It should be noted that running so many marathons in such a short time frame does wreck some havoc on the body, so I train as intelligently and safely as possible. I know I couldn't have made it this far without the help of Eladio Valdez (my running coach), Toby Scott (my chiropractor), and Barb Rinne (my massage therapist).
I'm incredibly excited to experience the scenery and people of Missoula on July 9 and 10. It only seems appropriate that I will run my 10th state within months of my 5-year anniversary of running marathons. Who better to share a 5-year runniversary with than the Missoula Marathon?
Cheers! Happy running!
Friday, May 6, 2011
New Run Wild Missoula Board Members
Run Wild Missoula is lucky to introduce two new members of the Board of Directors: Pat Cross and Torrey Holmquist. They were nice enough to answer a few questions about themselves so you can get to know them better. You may already know Pat as the RWM Chancellor of Libations and organizer of the popular Beer Runs. Also, Torrey has been on the Missoula Marathon Committee since the inception of the event and was the volunteer Missoula Marathon Treasurer up until recently.
Pat Cross
E.D.: How did you become involved with Run Wild Missoula? How long ago?
Pat Cross: I joined RWM in 2008 figuring that the membership fees would quickly be paid for with the 10% discount at the Runner’s Edge. That year I started running with some of the evening and weekend group runs, and joined the Missoula Marathon Training Group in ’09.
E.D.: When did you start running? What are you training for now?
Pat Cross: I enjoyed the occasional run in high school and college, but struggled with shin splints so I really wasn’t able to be competitive, though I do remember running a 5k one morning my freshman year of college. I really got serious about running in late winter of 2008, and ran my first half marathon in September of that year.
E.D.: What are your goals for Run Wild Missoula?
Pat Cross: Well there are the obvious goals; continue to increase membership, find more ways to promote healthy running, walking and continue to put on a world class marathon and half marathon. But I think we also need to find more ways to serve our members beyond training classes and races, that is one of my motivations behind the Monthly Beer Runs, we, the members of RWM, just don’t get the club together often enough in true social situations.
Torrey Holmquist
E.D.: How did you become involved with Run Wild Missoula? How long ago?
Torrey Holmquist: I started as Treasurer with the original group who organized the Missoula Marathon. As the marathon grew, I had to step down last year from the Treasury position but also wanted to find another venue within the running arena I could volunteer in. Back in the day, I helped with the idea of having an oversight committee with the Marathon, and this eventually grew into what we now know as the Board. Since there were openings on the Board, I felt it would be a good chance for me to ‘see over the fence' and provide help and learn about what RWM had been doing all the time I was focused with Marathon planning.
E.D.: When did you start running? What are you training for now?
Torrey Holmquist: My running started my last few years of college as a cheep sport. It grew into the Snow Joke, an Ultra and then finally to marathons when I started on the committee. I'm planning on running the Missoula Marathon this year and my training is experimental in that I'm doing as little as possible with the hope for a decent race on July 10th.
E.D.: What are your goals for Run Wild Missoula?
Torrey Holmquist: RWM, in my opinion, has grown into a major vessel that makes the heart of Missoula what it is. I've got ideas how outside organizations may use RWM to help spread their cause while providing all who enjoy running and walking more reasons to continue. It's a long way down the road, but as Missoula ages, having a developed activity group folks of all ages can turn to for fitness will keep the community young and vibrant. However, if RWM and the training class could get my Mom to do the full Marathon - that would be fantastic.
- Eva Dunn-Froebig
Pat Cross
E.D.: How did you become involved with Run Wild Missoula? How long ago?
Pat Cross: I joined RWM in 2008 figuring that the membership fees would quickly be paid for with the 10% discount at the Runner’s Edge. That year I started running with some of the evening and weekend group runs, and joined the Missoula Marathon Training Group in ’09.
E.D.: When did you start running? What are you training for now?
Pat Cross: I enjoyed the occasional run in high school and college, but struggled with shin splints so I really wasn’t able to be competitive, though I do remember running a 5k one morning my freshman year of college. I really got serious about running in late winter of 2008, and ran my first half marathon in September of that year.
E.D.: What are your goals for Run Wild Missoula?
Pat Cross: Well there are the obvious goals; continue to increase membership, find more ways to promote healthy running, walking and continue to put on a world class marathon and half marathon. But I think we also need to find more ways to serve our members beyond training classes and races, that is one of my motivations behind the Monthly Beer Runs, we, the members of RWM, just don’t get the club together often enough in true social situations.
Torrey Holmquist
E.D.: How did you become involved with Run Wild Missoula? How long ago?
Torrey Holmquist: I started as Treasurer with the original group who organized the Missoula Marathon. As the marathon grew, I had to step down last year from the Treasury position but also wanted to find another venue within the running arena I could volunteer in. Back in the day, I helped with the idea of having an oversight committee with the Marathon, and this eventually grew into what we now know as the Board. Since there were openings on the Board, I felt it would be a good chance for me to ‘see over the fence' and provide help and learn about what RWM had been doing all the time I was focused with Marathon planning.
E.D.: When did you start running? What are you training for now?
Torrey Holmquist: My running started my last few years of college as a cheep sport. It grew into the Snow Joke, an Ultra and then finally to marathons when I started on the committee. I'm planning on running the Missoula Marathon this year and my training is experimental in that I'm doing as little as possible with the hope for a decent race on July 10th.
E.D.: What are your goals for Run Wild Missoula?
Torrey Holmquist: RWM, in my opinion, has grown into a major vessel that makes the heart of Missoula what it is. I've got ideas how outside organizations may use RWM to help spread their cause while providing all who enjoy running and walking more reasons to continue. It's a long way down the road, but as Missoula ages, having a developed activity group folks of all ages can turn to for fitness will keep the community young and vibrant. However, if RWM and the training class could get my Mom to do the full Marathon - that would be fantastic.
- Eva Dunn-Froebig
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