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Sonoran Desert Trail Running + Wellness Retreat 2022

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This Retreat is Level II

This retreat is rated Level II, which means we recommend you have a base fitness level that allows you to run up to 8 miles at a time on roads. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you run–really!

  • Daily runs at this retreat range from 5 miles to 9 miles on singletrack trails.
  • Two guides accompany the group to support the different pace groups, so there’s no pressure to run faster than you’re comfortable.
  • Trail running experience isn’t necessary. Your retreat leader provides trail-running tips for running in this terrain.
  • You’ll encounter trails with loose rocks, and some exposure to heights. You can walk/hike trail sections as you need.
  • The trail surfaces are a mix of loose sand, sandstone rock and dirt trail. None of the trails are truly flat--you have to focus on your footing, which is why we stop often to take photos and soak up the views. 
  • Trail running shoes and a hydration pack that can carry at least 1 Liter of water are required.

    Learn more about how we manage run pacing here: https://runwildretreats.com/about-the-run-wild-retreat-experience/levels/

3 Nights at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

Discover our award-winning hotel located at the base of Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley at JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. Our luxury hotel located in Scottsdale, Arizona, prides itself on providing guests with attentive service, deluxe amenities, heated outdoor pools, garden terraces and desert trails in the Sonoran Desert.
 

This iconic property recently underwent a $12.5-million renovation, and now features a fresh new look and multitude of enhancements. The stylish new guest room design took inspiration from tumbleweed patterns, crackled earth textures and warm desert hues accented with highlights of blue. Bronze, stone, weathered woods and quartz were incorporated throughout the interiors that compliment all new furniture and custom graphics in each room.

The resort's historic lobby, which still showcases the original brick adobe walls that were all handmade on property in the 1930's, was modernized with new furniture featuring warm creams and taupe colored leathers, light grey fabrics and contemporary lighting that still exudes its charming ambiance with a hint of rustic flair. 

Guided Mindful Runs

Mindful Running is this retreat's defining experience. Your dedicated Retreat Leader will lead you through experiences on and off the trail that are designed to help you discover how to run with more ease and flow. And if you've never run trails before, you'll learn how to adapt your road running technique for this new terrain. And if you're an experienced trail runner, you'll take your running to a whole new level of efficiency and joy. 


💮Power Posture: 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. Discover how stress affects your runner's body and how mindful running can erase stress's physical effects on your wellbeing and energy.

💮 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. Discover how mindful breathing can help you dial down the stress response in stressful situations, both on and off the trail. 

💮 Find the Flow: 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. You'll partake in an intention-setting exercise that allows you to align your approach to running with you values around wellness, self care and fitness. Come away with a clear approach to balancing health with life's demands.


 

Spa Treatment at The Spa at Camelback Inn

Included in your retreat package is a spa massage All spa appointments will be scheduled during the itinerary's afternoon free time on Friday and Saturday (or on Sunday after lunch, by request). Arrive for your treatment at least 30 minutes in advance to enjoy the amenities. 

You may also use the spa pool, changing room, sauna, relaxation room, etc, on days you don't have a treatment for an additional $50 daily access fee (pay directly to the spa; not included in the retreat package). This cannot be booked in advance as it is dependent on the daily guest volume.

Spa at the Camelback Fitness Center

The second of the resort’s two fitness centers is a more secluded facility available to spa guests and all others for a small fee. The Spa at Camelback Inn offers personal training services in eight different disciplines to meet all fitness levels and help you feel your best during your stay. Take advantage of the enriching, expert-led classes offered daily. The Spa at Camelback Inn provides a robust schedule of exercise classes, highlighting both traditional and trend-driven workouts including yoga, mat Pilates and the popular morning powerwalk.

Example of Wellness Class Schedule (subject to change) CLICK HERE

Run Wild Retreats Gift Bag

Your retreat package includes a Run Wild Retreats gift bag*. Note that items may vary from what is pictured here, depending on availability.

Dedicated Retreat Leader

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:

🗸 Leads the opening meeting on Day 1, explaining what you can expect, the general flow of each day, what's expected of you, how she'll support you and all the other logistics you need.

🗸 Works with our local staff, such as guides and drivers, to keep things safe, on schedule and running smoothly

🗸 Leads mindful running clinics that teach you how to run more efficiently and with more flow and ease

🗸 Manages the pace of each run so that you never feel rushed or get left behind

🗸 Helps you get to scheduled events like yoga class, spa appointment and dinner reservations on time

🗸 Facilitates sharing circles, creating a safe space for the group to reflect and share openly

🗸 Provides emotional support if ever you need it

Packing list

ON THE TRAIL

  • One pair of trail running shoes (required)
  • Hydration pack (we recommend a vest pack rather than a waist pack) with pockets for carrying food and extra clothes and water (required)
  • Short-sleeve running shirts
  • Long-sleeve running shirts (light weight)
  • Running shorts
  • Running capris or light tights
  • Lightweight, breathable running rain jacket (easily packable)
  • Three to four pairs of running socks
  • Running cap or visor
  • Sunglasses

OFF THE TRAIL

  • Day pack (~20 L)*
  • Casual clothes (dining is informal)
  • Shoes for casual wear
  • Warm jacket for cool evenings
  • Bathing suit
  • Journal
  • Small, lightweight camera (or phone)
  • Plug adapter (if traveling outside North America) for electronic devices
  • Ear plugs (for sleeping)
  • Sleeping attire suitable for shared sleeping quarters if sharing a room
  • Other personal items/apparel and toiletries (shampoo, soap, conditioner, lotion, sunscreen, etc).

*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.

Note: Trail running shoes and a hydration pack are required items.

Trail running shoes offer better traction than road shoes and will positively impact your retreat experience. Also recommended are some electrolyte tablets you can put in your water. We will supply food and energy snacks to eat during the runs. 

Add-on +US$195

Concierge Travel Planning

In need of additional assistance in planning your travel? We now offer Concierge travel planning services. Reach out to our retreat travel specialist (info@runwildretreats.com) about things like private airport transfers, pre and post-retreat experiences, tours and adventures that we can book on your behalf. To request this service, add this service to your package. The $195 deposit payment will be applied toward the total cost of any services (such as hotel, transportation) we book on your behalf. The deposit is non-refundable. 
Add-on +US$79

Transformational Travel Kit

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"

The shipping cost is FREE!

 

Add-on +US$142

Mindful Inspiration Running Kit

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:
  • “I Run Mindfully” women's technical run t-shirt
  •  Run Intention Bracelet
  •  27-oz Stainless Steel Klean Kanteen bottle with sport cap
  • “I Run Mindfully” vinyl stickers (pack of 2)
  •  Mindful Running Training Log
  • “Run Mindfully” Intention Bracelet

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.

The shipping cost is FREE!

 

Add-on +US$549

Post-Retreat Night at the JW Marriot Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa (Wed Nov 16)

Register by 1 Nov 2022
We will extend your stay at the JW Marriot Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa for one night after the retreat. This rate is per room, not per person and includes all taxes. Please inquire with our retreat travel specialists about availability.
Add-on +US$549

Pre-Retreat Night at the JW Marriot Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa (Sat Nov 12)

Register by 13 Oct 2022
We will extend your stay at the JW Marriot Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa for one night. This rate is per room, not per person and includes all taxes. Please inquire with our retreat travel specialists about availability.
Location
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
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