Back of the Pack


Are you a slower runner or walker? Do you sometimes feel intimidated by group events because you fear being alone or getting lost on the route? 

Passion for the sport of running is not confined to competitive runners who often aspire to win their events. Many of us carry the same passion, though at a slower pace.  We enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, health benefits, emotional and mental well-being, and the opportunity to share the experience with like-minded buddies.

Run Wild Missoula welcomes runners and walkers at any pace. We make that welcome even more inviting with a program of activities aimed at the Back of the Pack (BOP). Our program is always evolving, reflecting the interests of members and their willingness to try new things. 

The following are currently underway in 2020:

  • The BOP Email List is used to circulate the monthly BOP Bulletin. The Bulletin highlights coming events and ongoing opportunities for the BOP to get involved with the running/walking community. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please send a request to backofpack@runwildmissoula.org
  • Our Facebook Group, “Run Walk Run Wild Missoula” is a forum for members to line up buddies for events, encourage one another, recruit volunteers for BOP roles, ask for advice, and get to know one another.
  • July 2nd - Tuesday and Thursday Buddy Runs are on hiatus for the summer. Twice-Weekly Buddy Runs are held on Tuesdays and Thursday.  Join us for a 45-minute buddy run!  Using the run-walk training philosophy, this run will help to build your fitness and endurance. Simply adding buddy runs into your weekly schedule can help improve your health, manage stress, make new friends who support your goals, and build confidence with an active lifestyle.  All fitness levels are welcome and encouraged to attend - no running experience is needed.  Click here for more information.
  • BOP Run-Walk Socials are held monthly at locations around Missoula, and occasionally in surrounding communities - from Frenchtown to Bonner to Stevensville.  Socials are based at parks, restaurants/breweries, or members’ homes. Most socials are potlucks and easy run/walk routes of 2-4 miles are identified for each event.  Click here for more information
  • RWM Race Directors work hard to make each event as welcoming to slower runners and walkers as possible.  They recruit volunteer sweepers and work to provide quality snacks until the last person crosses the finish line.  Some Race Directors have created awards and door prizes, in addition to those usually presented to overall and age-group winners, for Back of the Pack folks!
  • Cheerleaders add a joyful noise to the sometimes discouraging silence at the end of the race.  BOP Cheerleaders show up at the finish line for the last two hours of RWM's biggest event, the  Missoula Marathon.  To sign up as a cheerleader, check out the Volunteer link on the Missoula Marathon website (late spring).
  • Jeff Galloway’s run-walk-run method works especially well for people who are new to running, are slower, and/or are injury prone. Run Wild Missoula sponsors officially sanctioned Galloway training classes that prepare participants for either the Missoula Marathon (click here for marathon training class info) or Half Marathon (click here for half marathon training class info).

Do you have more questions or need more information? E-mail Back of the Back Leader, Pam Gardiner.

 

Thanks to BOP sponsor:



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