Run All The States!

Like Fargo, Missoula was one of those “I swear I’ve been trying to run this race forever but COVID had other plans” destinations. But 2022? Oh, this was finally going to be the year.

Naturally, just a month before the race, I caught COVID for the very first time, and because life enjoys irony, it made my lifelong asthma act like it had something to prove. Thankfully, once I could breathe without sounding like a haunted accordion, I got back to training and felt surprisingly okay. Which was great, because I had signed up for the Big 3 Challenge: an untimed beer 5K on Friday night, a regular 5K on Saturday morning, and a half marathon on Sunday. Phew. But there was a SPECIAL REWARD for completing all three, so you know I was in. I love me a good prize.

Thursday: Hello, Missoula

I flew in Thursday just before noon and Missoula greeted me with blue skies, warm sunshine, mountain views, and enough lush greenery to make my eyeballs happy. I wandered downtown, strolled the riverfront trail, spied on some surfers and kayakers in the Clark Fork River, grabbed lunch, and then made the classic “I’ll rest for a minute” mistake… and woke up several hours later. Oops. I guess my body wanted an early night more than it wanted sightseeing.

The hotel certainly made us feel welcome:

Friday: Hikes, Snakes, and Suds

Friday morning brought another round of perfect weather, so I hiked the zig-zag trail to the big “M” on Mount Sentinel. My calves filed a formal complaint, but the views were absolutely worth it. Also: mountain people (and mountain dogs) running up this thing like it was no big deal?? Jealous. As I was heading down, I stepped over what I thought was a branch. It was not. It was a snake. We scared each other equally and I spent the rest of the descent jumping at every twig.

On the way down, I passed a mom and her young daughter:

Kid: “First switchback! Now do we get candy?”
Mom: “No candy until switchbacks 3, 6, and 9.”

Me (in my head): “I just did all of them. WHERE IS MY CANDY??”

The clouds rolled in briefly, so I rewarded myself with brunch and the most glorious donut from VEERA. Fueled by sugar and joy, I picked up my race packet at Caras Park and spotted the cutest teal “Will Run for Cereal” socks. I hesitated. I waffled. And when I finally went back for them? Gone. I am still searching for you, perfect cereal socks.

The aforementioned glazed donut, as big as my hand:

At 6 p.m., it was time for the Beer Run. The vibe was chill, the course was scenic (along the river, over a footbridge, through campus), and the only real downside was the walker congestion at the start. But once the herd thinned, it was smooth sailing. I sipped my Big Sky IPA in the golden evening light and felt pretty dang content. Donut + beer = balanced diet (oh and there was a salad in there somewhere, to convince my body we’re still doing healthy things.)

Some good dogs I met downtown:

Saturday: The Other 5K

I assumed Saturday’s 5K would be the same course as Friday’s, but surprise! It was a completely different loop, probably because more people signed up for the one that wasn’t free. Capitalism!

Once again, Missoula delivered beautiful weather for the 8 a.m. start. The course crossed the Beartracks Bridge, headed down Higgins Avenue, looped through the university campus and stadium, and back again. I felt great and hit my fastest average pace in a month — take that, COVID! There were no finish line snacks (sadness) but I made up for it with a full breakfast of waffles, eggs, and bacon at The Catalyst. Run a 5k, eat like a marathoner.

I spent the rest of the day browsing downtown shops and farmers markets (because they always find me), sipped some beers at Tamarack and Imagine Nation, and capped the night with pizza and an early bedtime. Not because I’m disciplined, but because I had a 3:55 a.m. alarm. Oof.

Race eve pizza, yum:

Sunday: Big 3 Finale — The Half

Let me say that again: 3:55 a.m.

I didn’t sleep too well, but I was excited. Today was the Big 3 finale. My SPECIAL REWARD awaited.

The shuttle dropped us in the parking lot of a physical therapy office — not exactly a red carpet, but functional. Race weather? Perfection: 40s, clear skies, and a mountain sunrise. Some festive fireworks kicked things off as we crossed the starting line onto Blue Mountain Road.

The first few miles were gently downhill, flanked by farms (or at least places that smelled very farm-adjacent), with horses looking on judgmentally. In the distance, a rooster crowed. Bro, we beat you to it.

And then…a man playing a grand piano. In a tux. On his lawn. Honestly, I have no follow-up. That sentence is enough.

It was magical:

The course followed the river, zigzagged into town, and wound through lovely neighborhoods with cheering spectators, encouraging signs, and Very Good Dogs. One lady yelled, “Anyone need a pacer? I’ll take you to the end of the block!” Icon.

My right hip briefly complained, but I told it to shush. I was having a good time. Before I knew it, we were back in the downtown/university district, heading across the Beartracks Bridge one last time, and sprinting towards the finish. BOOM! Big 3 Challenge complete!

I got my race medal and the coveted SPECIAL REWARD — a stone coaster with the race logo, which immediately earned a permanent spot on my desk. (I use it for very important beverages.)

Post-race, I basked in the sun with another Big Sky beer, pet some dogs as part of my recovery plan, and soaked up the good vibes. Temps would climb to the 80s later, so I now fully understand the very early start time.

Back at the hotel: leftover pizza inhaled, shower enjoyed, nap taken. Then off to Kettlehouse Brewing where I chatted with a friendly local who, after hearing my rave review of the race, gifted me one of the beers from her 4-pack. “I live here, I can get this anytime,” she said. Missoula, your people are just built different.

This weekend had it all — scenic views, perfect weather, fun races, and truly lovely humans. Easy 15/10, would do again (but please hide the snakes from me).

Bonus Stats

• Horse spectators: 5
• Best post-run snack bag item: Golden Oreos! The far superior version to the classic Oreo. I said what I said.
• Most confusing overheard strategy: “At mile 7, I’m gonna start my in-race taper.”
• Excellent perk: Free race photos! (Can every race do this please??)