I’m a First-Time Runner and These Are the 5 Easy Steps to Joining Missoula’ Running Community (And Why It’s Worth It)

I'm not a runner, or at least, I didn't feel comfortable calling myself that until 11:17 a.m. yesterday, when I crossed the finish line of the Skeleton Skedaddle, Missoula's Halloween-themed 5K hosted by Run Wild Missoula. My first 5K.

You might say I've been calling myself a "jogger" for the last four years, but I've loathed running for my entire life until recently. And it's not with hyperbole that I'll say that Missoula Montana is one of, if not the best place in the country to start running. Let me tell you why.

I've been "lurking" in the running community since I moved back to Missoula three years ago. Growing up I was an artsy kid but it was hard not to notice that Missoula is a running town. There are runners everywhere.

Step 1: Start By Signing Up for the Newsletter

Thanks to the prominence of the Missoula Marathon, it was pretty clear there were lots of runners in Missoula, so I thought I'd sign up for the Run Wild Missoula newsletter. If you're like me, sometimes you need to warm up to an idea before committing so I read the newsletter as a way to get to know the kinds of races and running groups there were in the area.

This also helped with the intimidation factor: so many of the activities were described as being for anyone, which felt welcoming.

Step 2: Become a Run Wild Missoula Member

I was invited to join Run Wild Missoula while I was buying a pair of running (jogging) shoes and because I had been reading the newsletter, I had an idea of what I was getting so I didn't hesitate. I knew I was going to find a race to run, or a running club to join. I just didn't know which one I wanted to join yet.

After I had my membership, I learned about discounts on races and at local businesses, which is pretty cool.

Step 3: Join a Group Run or Training Class

You don't have to join a group walk/run if group activities aren't your thing, but this was without a doubt the step that got me running consistently enough to do a race.

Thanks to the newsletter, I saw an announcement for a Running 101 Class. I signed up and it was a fantastic introduction to the sport. The class was led by three experienced runners who didn't focus too much on technique but more on helpful hints for having a better run, like using intervals to increase speed and wearing wool socks when running in winter. The class was also really supportive of runners at all levels. There weren't any fitness or time requirements to be in the class and they were open to talking to you if you needed alternative routes or alternatives to make things more or less challenging.

It's also a great way to make friends.

Step 4: Sign Up for a Race

Signing up for the class also included registration for the Skeleton Skedaddle, a 5K the week before Halloween. I figured the chance to wear a costume and eat candy might motivate me to run the race. Spoiler: I didn't wear a costume for the race but still had the best time.

Step 5: Run the Race

After the weeks of training and the friendships I made, running the race felt more like a celebration of hard work rather than a competition. Even so, I set a PR in the 5K and that's because of the Running 101 Class. I wasn't trying to go fast, but I still did, and after being the kid in gym class who always ran the slowest mile, it was a pretty great feeling.

Crossing the finish line and hearing my name called it sunk it: I completed my first 5K!

And like getting a tattoo, I immediately started daydreaming about the next race I would run.