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 2016-17:

 

  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • We have a regular column, “View from the Back,” in the monthly Run Wild Missoula newsletter.  We invite anyone to write an article about their experience and insights from the back of the pack.    
  • 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 members show up at the finish line at most RWM races with a bag of noisemakers to share with fellow cheerleaders.  BOP focuses extra effort to recruit a full-scale cheering squad for the last two hours of RWM's biggest event, the Missoula Marathon.  We would love to boost the cheerleading efforts for RWM's other large races during the year - Turkey Day 8K, Run for the Luck of It, Diva Day All-Women's Race, etc. We can always use more cheerleaders - keep a look out for opportunities to join the squad!
  • 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 Leader of the Back, Pam Gardiner.

 

Thanks to BOP sponsor:



Facebook Flickr Twitter You Tube Blog Instagram
RWM Social Media