By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG
Runners all over the country were saddened by the news of the death of Sidney resident Sherry Arnold a few weeks ago. Arnold, a math teacher, was last seen leaving her home to go for a run on January 7.
Sadly, people go missing every day, but this tragedy struck the running community because Arnold was presumably on a run when she went missing.
As runners, we can relate to Arnold’s morning routine of going for a run. We leave our homes regularly to go running and don’t give it a second thought.
The news of Arnold’s death particularly impacted Montana runners, but the entire nation was talking about it, too.
A few of us from Run Wild Missoula were in Houston shortly after the news of Arnold’s disappearance to promote the Missoula Marathon and attend the Running USA conference. Representatives from the running industry convened in Houston and many were talking about Arnold from the little town of Sidney.
While Arnold’s death is unusual and Missoula is considered a safe town, there are some things we can do to stay safe while running.
1. Run with others or a pet. Safety in numbers, as I always say. Run with friends or bring your pooch along.
2. Vary your running routine and route. It’s easier to be a victim of prey if you leave your house at the same time or run the same route every day. Mix up your routine and explore some new areas.
3. Protect yourself. Be aware of your surroundings and stay aware. It’s easy to zone out or get distracted listening to your iPod. It’s also smart to know self- defense or to carry pepper spray (or bear spray if running in bear country, like the Rattlesnake Wilderness or Pattee Canyon).
4. Run in the daytime and in lit areas. It’s always safer to run in areas with a lot of people or in well-lit areas, especially when we are sometimes forced to run in the dark during the winter months.
5. Run with a cell phone and identification. Bring your phone for emergencies and be sure to carry your driver’s license or other ID.
Runners all over the country are honoring Sherry Arnold this Saturday, February 11 by participating in a Virtual Run/Walk for Sherry Arnold.
Run Wild Missoula will make it easier for you to participate by providing free Virtual Run/Walk for Sherry Arnold bibs to anyone who wants them at the Saturday Breakfast Run and the Catch’Em If You Can 5K. Email me at eva@runwildmissoula.org if you have questions.
Editors Note: Visit RunWildMissoula.org for up to date runs and information.
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Stay in the loop with Missoula’s running community! Check out the Run/Walk It archives for more posts from Eva and other Missoula runners and walkers.
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Eva Dunn-Froebig is the executive director of Run Wild Missoula and has been running since the seventh grade. She moved to Missoula 12 years ago from upstate New York to attend the University of Montana’s Journalism School graduate program. Eva never dreamed that she would have a running-related job and feels lucky to be a participant in Missoula’s vibrant running community.