Happy New Year! I hope Run Wild Missoula's first newsletter of the year finds you happy and healthy. The New Year is a time to make resolutions and changes for many of you; here at Run Wild Missoula we are using the New Year as an opportunity to make some positive changes. Click here to read entire article.

With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, did you have time to get registered for one of RWM's Missoula Marathon weekend events? If you were one of the almost 2,000 who made time to register....we applaud you! But for the rest of you who thought you missed the "early bird" price break, we have extended it another month to January 31! Click here to read entire article.

Jeff Galloway is in Missoula-- January 22-24-- for a series of talks, lectures and a three-hour running school. Don't miss him! The Galloway Series will be followed by the start of the official Galloway marathon (starts January 27) and half marathon (starts March 10) training programs. Sign up for a training program and save on the Galloway three-hour running school. Click here for full article.

The Run Wild Missoula Board of Directors recently approved contributions of $1,000 to the Middle School Cross Country Program and $1,500 to the Grant Creek Trails Project, fulfilling the running club's annual charitable giving budget. Run Wild Missoula has contributed over $20,000 to other organizations in 2012. Click here to read the article.

How many miles did you run in 2012? Be sure to finish logging your miles for the 1200 or 2000 Mile Club by January 20, 2013. On January 21, you can start logging your miles for 2013. Members who run or walk 1200 or more miles in 2012 will get a pair of compression socks or sleeves (your choice). Be looking for an email in a few weeks asking for your preference and size. We'll publish the names of 1200 / 2000 Mile Club participants on our website next month. Congratulations to all of the prolific runners and walkers! Click here to log miles or find out more about the 1200/2000 Mile Club. 

Run Wild Missoula is holding its annual Beer Run contest. Last year we asked for the best Beer Run slogan and the winner was Run Wild Missoula member Thurston Elfstrom with "Five Miles to Beer Thirty." We liked it so much that we want to continue using the slogan. So, this year we're holding a Beer Run Photo Contest that captures the essence of Beer Runs. Please submit your entry before January 15. We look forward to seeing your great Beer Run photos.

Do you want to learn more about what's involved in organizing a race? This workshop, held on Saturday, February 2 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., on the 6th floor of Garlington, Lohn & Robinson will cover topics such as registration, timing, sponsorships and volunteer management. This workshop is recommended for current race directors and individuals interested in being race directors. Register here. 

I am a Back of the Pack (BOP or Bopper) runner. In May 2012, I registered for my first, and only, trail run. The lure of 11 Miles to Paradise was not to challenge myself physically and emotionally, but the promise of a soak in the Quinn's Hot Springs afterward. Plus, my friends and running partners, Rachelle, Randy and Shannon, promised it would be fun. Click here to read the entire article.

Here we sit thinking of spring. You might be thinking of going running but all this snow and ice sure makes it difficult. There are some races coming up, but there are plenty of 5K races in Missoula during the year. Why would you bother running one in February? Well, you're in Montana for one thing, so a little snow may slow you down but it isn't going to stop you. And it's the "Catch 'Em If You Can" which features the most unique 5K format in town. It's the race where the women start 3 minutes before the men. Guys, can you catch the ladies if they get a 3 minute head start? Ladies, can you hold the guys off? The format is a lot of  fun and provides some spectacular finishes. Click here to read entire article. 

We have all done it: ignore and ignore and ignore until we couldn't anymore and we finally seek medical attention and wish we had done it sooner. On the other hand it is very normal to feel various aches and pains when starting a training program or ramping up your current program or pushing harder in a race. Many of these symptoms will completely subside with a little time and rest. Here are some guidelines that may assist in your decision. Click here to read the entire article by Angela Listug with Alpine Physical Therapy.

• The Runner's Edge is moving to 304 N. Higgins Ave. on Jan. 3. With the new move comes more space to can accommodate larger Run Wild Missoula classes and have more events in the finished basement with a kitchen, storage room and an office space for RWM.    

• Missoula Parks and Recreation's 15th annual Frost Fever 5K Fun Run/Walk, Jan. 26, Currents. This year is Hawaiian themed to put a little pep in our step! Net race proceeds benefit Missoula Parks and Recreation's Share the Fun fund which provides low income youth the opportunity to participate in Parks and Recreation programs. Registration available online at www.active.com and in person at Currents Aquatics.

• ChiRunning Workshop, Jan. 26, 12 - 4 p.m., Runner's Edge. Learn how to align and relax and cooperate with gravity and the force of the road to make your running less impactful, more energy efficient, and effortless. All levels welcome. Cost: $99. For further information or to reserve space (limit 12), contact John Pitcairn at 214-437-1884.

• Have you heard the exciting news? Before long, outdoor enthusiasts and explorers will have access to a new trail route through the forested backyard that connects Missoula to the west side of Seeley Lake! The Missoula Community Foundation and the Seeley Lake Community Foundation have teamed up to bring the Norman Maclean Trail to life. RWM members are invited to learn more about it at the Bike Walk Alliance for Missoula (BWAM) annual meeting Friday, January 25, 6-8 pm, at the Downtown Dance Collective, 127 W. Main. Among current projects of special interest to RWM members, especially distance runners, is the proposed Missoula-Lolo Trail. On January 8, 7 pm, DJ and A Engineering will present the final public meeting of the Missoula~LoloBike-Pedestrian Trail Feasibility Study. BWAM also has supported the Grant Creek Trail project. To learn more about BWAM and the trail projects, and to pre-register (required) for the January 25 annual meeting and/or to join BWAM click here.