Be prepared for some of the most breathtaking trails you’ve ever run (due to their beauty and elevation) while being pampered in some of the most luxurious four-star hotels of Sud-Tyrol. You’ll run the trails of the Pale Mountains, as the Dolomites are known, a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserved for its stunning natural beauty with an amazing group of women who, like you, run because of how it makes them feel.
There’s something about running the mountains that feeds the soul. Perhaps it’s the grandeur of soaring peaks or the vastness of the landscape that can shift your perspective about things that are happening in your life. In a place like the Dolomites, those seemingly big problems become minuscule when compared to these vertical limestone mountains.
Every run will be completely different as we explore different natural parks within the Alta Badia region of the Dolomites. At times, we’ll use gondolas to access the valley’s upper elevations in order to maximize our rewards (and views!) while running sections of the area’s most famous trails, the Alta Via 1 and 2.
Throughout this retreat, we'll explore how the mindfulness practice of setting intentions can help you stay motivated to train for the next race or pursue the next life goal. If you find yourself bumping up against a wall of fatigue or apathy when you think about doing more than you are already, then this retreat is your chance to realign with your values around goal-setting and the role running plays your pursuit for excellence in all areas of life. We’re not just talking about running goals here, but any area of your life that is important to you and in which you want to bring your best self and highest energy.
Your retreat leader will guide you though mental and physical practices on and off the trail that will help you reconnect with what matters most to you and reignite your energy so you come home inspired and ready to pursue your next big project. This is a challenging retreat best suited to those with some trail-running experience.
This retreat is suitable for you if:
Note: The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 42 and 50 miles. Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by the time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Faster runners will cover more mileage than slower runners on some days. The precise route and trails run may change due to changes to trail closures, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations.
The Dolomites, also known as the “Pale Mountains,”, are a mountain range in the northern Italian Alps covering an area that is shared by the provinces of Belluno, Bolzano, Trento, Udine, and Pordenone. The Dolomite region is characterized by jagged peaks and ridges with scenic valleys nestled in between. The Dolomites is comprised of several natural parks and protected areas that collectively became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 to officially recognize it as “among one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world.”
Our runs take place generally between 5,000 feet and 9,000 in elevation on well-established trails. All runners–not only those coming from sea level–find it necessary to adjust their running pace to account for the elevation. We have accounted for this slower pace in our allotted run times, giving you plenty of time to run and hike at the speed that suits you best.
July is the warmest month of the year here, with daytime temperatures usually between 50 and 70 degrees. However, since we’re in the mountains, weather can change rapidly, so we’ll want to have light rain jackets with us in case of some precipitation.
Learn how to run more mindfully to become a better runner. This includes natural running form clinics during which you'll learn about the Power Posture: use proper alignment to make gravity do more of the work. This reduces the muscular force involved with running so it feels easier and less strenuous on muscles and joints.
Focus on efficiency: Use natural running techniques to drastically improve efficiency. You'll practice changing stride length, cadence and tempo on various types of terrain. Then put the pieces together to achieve the ultimate trail running experience. Learn to cultivate the circumstances for flow to occur by being relaxed and mindful.
Our highly trained retreat leaders provide the space and support for you to have a potentially transformational experience. As experts in mindful leadership, she provides valuable guidance on how to be mindful on and off the trail. Here's more about what you can expect from your retreat leader:
Experience exceptional dining!
We’ll dine daily on traditional Ladin/Italian dishes that showcases the Italian’s passion for fresh, delicious food.
Some local favorites include Tris di Canederli (three different flavors of farm-style dumplings), speck, a type of cured ham similar to prosciutto specific to South Tyrol, polenta, the “bread of the Dolomites,” and of course, apfelstrudel, an Italian-style apple strudel.
Most meals are included in your retreat package, and we handpick high-quality restaurants for unforgettable culinary experiences.
We cater to your special dietary needs. You'll have a chance to indicate your specific dietary requirements in the retreat participant intake form.
Even though menus are heavy on breads, pastas and meat, gluten free and vegetarians will find satisfying alternatives.
Please note that alcoholic drinks are excluded, and snacks and beverages outside of meals and trail runs are not included.
At each hotel we stay at throughout the retreat, you have access to the hotel spas, typically offering access to private relaxation areas, steam baths, infrared sauna, indoor or outdoor pool and hot tubs. Massages may be booked in advance or on site (when spots are available) and are highly recommended, as they can really help your recovery between our runs!
For 200 years, the Posta Zirm Hotel, owned by the Kostner family, has provided refuge to wayfarers and adventurers from around the globe. You can spend time recovering from your mountain adventures at the Wellness-Farm, a Feng-Shui sanctuary of well-being that will instantly relax you and restore your mind, body and soul balance. As your “home away from home,” the Posta Zirm's hotel rooms offer air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a minibar, and free wifi. Guests have access to room service and a concierge. In addition, Posta Zirm Hotel offers a pool and free breakfast, which will help make your Corvara in Badia trip additionally gratifying.
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ON THE TRAIL
OFF THE TRAIL
*You’ll use this day pack for extra clothing, snacks and personal items (not for running). You’ll have access to it while traveling in the van, when large luggage is not accessible. For ease of transport between hotels, please limit your luggage to one carry-on (backpack as described above is recommended) and one wheeled suitcase.
💡Note: Trail running shoes and a hydration pack are required items.
The Mindful Running Inspiration Kit is filled with custom items that will support and inspire you to consistently practice your healthy running habits.
Get inspired to continue your practice every time you reach for your mindful running gear, and take to the streets and trails knowing you are feeding your soul and fueling your good health in the long run.
Your Mindful Running Inspiration Kit Includes:
Share and celebrate the joy of maintaining a daily running practice, while reminding you that no matter where you take your shoes — from Moab to the Mediterranean — you’re part of a community of healthy runners who support you on this path. Shipping is FREE!
The Transformational Travel Kit contains hand-selected items to support you in having a meaningful travel experience. Featuring the book, "Transformational Travel Journal: Your guide to creating a life-changing journey" by Eric Rupp, this kit also contains:
* 27-ounce stainless steel water bottle with sport cap, made by Klean Kanteen exclusively for Run Wild Retreats
* Embossed faux-leather luggage tag
*Two high-quality vinyl stickers "I Run Mindfully"
Shipping is FREE!
Badia, South Tyrol, Italy 
