2019 Running Retreat Calendar Features New Transformational Experiences, Dates and Destinations

Run Wild Retreats + Wellness (www.runwildretreats.com), a travel company providing premier guided trail running retreats for women, has announced its 2019 retreat calendar with eight transformational retreats focused on running mindfully and building a foundation of health to sustainably build fitness and reduces stress.

The retreats provide a physical and mental break from everyday routines in an environment that allows participants to slow down, tune in, and rediscover what their bodies and hearts are craving in the moment. Each retreat blends running, travel, adventure, education and community, leaving runners with new personal connections and a new perspective. After a successful 2018 calendar, which included sold-out retreats in Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Spain and Moab, Utah, the 2019 calendar introduces a second retreat in Iceland, a beginner retreat in Moab, and a fresh take on the Mediterranean. Highlights include:

Spas, Tapas & Coastline: Introducing the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Mindful Running Retreat immerses runners in all the healthy elements of the Mediterranean region, including its fresh, local food, salty sea air, natural beauty and spas. The seven-day retreat, taking place May 4 - 10, 2019, includes guided runs along the Mediterranean coastline, gourmet Spanish tapas and a spa day inside a 2,000-year-old stone enclave built by the Romans. Runners stay in boutique hotels, explore historic towns and beaches and savor locally made paella.  

“Exploring a foreign land, where every sight and sound is new and stimulating, provides the perfect backdrop for learning the basics of running mindfully” says Elinor Fish, founder of Run Wild Retreats + Wellness.“Runners have the opportunity to step away from the routine of everyday life and reconnect with what drives them in running and in life. This inspiration and these practice healthy running techniques help them sustain that feeling once they return home.”

Mindful Running in America’s Southwest: A New Retreat for Beginners

In an effort to support all health-minded runners regardless of running level, Run Wild Retreats + Wellness is now offering a new four-day Moab Mindful Running Retreat for BeginnersApril 4 - 7, 2019. Featuring shorter run-walks of up to six miles, this beginner retreat is ideal for those totally new to running or returning to running after injury or a long layoff from injury or are new to running altogether. The Wellness Workshops and Natural Running Form Clinics will be tailored to beginner runners and the specific challenges they face in establishing a healthy, consistent running practice.

The beginner retreat is held immediately after the regular Moab Mindful Running Retreat taking place from March 28 - 31. Both Moab retreats take runners past towering cliffs, natural rock arches and Anasazi rock art. 

“You don’t need any previous experience running trails to enjoy either of the Moab Mindful Running Retreats,” says Fish. “We keep the daily run distances doable and take our time to soak in the views, eat and drink along the way and have a lot of fun. There’s never any pressure to keep up and each runner can go at her own pace.”

Twice the Transformation: Hot Springs, Glaciers and Black-Sand Beaches in Iceland

In response to popular demand, the Iceland Trail Running + Wellness Retreat will take place twice in 2019: August 4 - 10 and August 14 - 20. Runners experience a variety of terrain on the Iceland’s southern coast, including mountainous Thorsmork, Reynisfjara’s black sand beaches, lush, birch-tree forests and active glacier-covered volcanoes. The itinerary includes fresh seafood BBQ dinner prepared by Icelandic locals, visits to giant waterfalls and ends with a luxurious soak in The Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal hot spring.

In addition to the professionally organized travel experience, retreat participants enjoy Wellness Workshops addressing the effects of stress on runner’s health, performance and motivation. Retreats are limited to between 12 and 18 people. Prices range from $1,950 to $4,995 per person (depending on the destination) and include: 

• Accommodation at boutique hotels or unique lodges representative of the destination
• Most meals, including fresh, local cuisine and gourmet dining experiences
• Scenically rewarding trail runs with local running guides
• Mindful Running workshops all about how to maximize running’s stress-reducing effects
• Natural Running Form Clinics to improve efficiency and trail-running technique
• Access to the online Healthy Runners’ Community
• Run Wild Retreats gift bag

International retreats also includes ground transportation and luggage transfers, and may include cultural excursions or extras like spa treatments, restorative yoga or castle tours. Retreats are catered to ability level, ranging from beginner to advanced.

To see the complete calendar of 2019 retreats, visit www.runwildretreats.com