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Sonoran Desert Trail Running + Wellness Retreat

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Tucson, AZ, USA 4 DAYS
THU 9 NOV - SUN 12 NOV 2023

Stress Resilience Strategies for Women Leaders

Learn simple yet powerful running and mindfulness practices to better manage stress and avoid burnout as you pursue your goals, whether athletic, professional, artistic or personal

Immerse yourself in a unique landscape for the four-day, three night, all-inclusive Sonoran Desert Trail Running Retreat designed just for women leaders who love to run as part of their self-care and stress management. Master the art of stress resilience through mindful running. Your retreat leader will lead you through a series of on-trail exercises that make the practice of mindful running tangible and immediately applicable to you running style.

You’ll come home from this retreat equipped with a simple yet powerful set of practices you can incorporate into your running and mindfulness practices to better manage stress and avoid burnout as you pursue your goals, athletics, professional, artistic or personal.

From the moment you arrive at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, you’ll feel yourself start to unwind and slow down. The Starr Pass Resort’s luxury accommodations are inspired by nature and designed to promote relaxation and restoration, making it the ideal base for this retreat.

We’ve selected trails that best showcase the Sonoran Desert’s impeccable beauty, rewarding singletrack trails and unique features, such as giant saguaro cacti. You’ll cruise along soft, sandy trails that meander through gently rolling hills. While it’s not necessary to have trail running experience to participate in this retreat, you should be able to comfortably run at least 8 or so miles on the road and feel comfortable on ground that is uneven, at times rocky. The time on trail ranges from about one to 3 hours, including photo stops, water breaks and such. The pace is relaxed and social, so you don’t have to be fast!


JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa

 

This Retreat is Level II

  • Daily runs at this retreat range from 4 miles to 8 miles on singletrack trails.
  • We recommend you have a base fitness level that allows you to run up to 8 miles at a time on roads.
  • 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 Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa

Location : JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, West Starr Pass Boulevard, Tucson, AZ, USA

Where style and comfort intersect, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa offers uncomplicated relaxation amid the city's most compelling attractions. Featuring luxury amenities and excellent service, this downtown resort is a full-service sanctuary where your comfort is always a certainty. Test your swing on the Arnold Palmer-designed desert golf courses, pamper yourself at the spa or take a dip in the multi-level pool and lazy river.

Unwind in this luxury resort's expansive hotel rooms with modern décor and convenient Tucson location. All of the resort's rooms feature plush bedding, marble bathrooms, sitting areas, and flat-screen TVs. 

 

Guided Mindful Runs

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. 

💮 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. 

💮 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.

Private Yoga Class for Runners

We'll enjoy a private yoga class with one of Hashani Spa's expert teachers designed to specifically address runners' most-needed areas of tension and recovery. This post-run class will supercharge your recovery and support a meaningful, relaxing recovery state the rest of the day. If your goal is to release physical tension and stiffness while carving out time for your mental well-being, you'll love this mindful, slow-moving yoga pose sequence set to soothing music that helps you unwind from a long day of movement. You’ll exit feeling looser, longer, and lighter thanks to a selection of poses that increase range of motion, flexibility, circulation and stress reduction. 

Mitakuye Oyasin Morning Ritual

Each morning on the Salud Terrace the resort offers a traditional Native American ceremony and unique Sonoran Desert experience. 

The ancient people accomplished a higher perspective via the warming sunrise, the Native American Flute, burning a sage prayer tie and an eagle feather blessing. Begin each day by reflecting on the connection we all have with nature and each other, finding focus and creating lasting memories. In a ritual that is centuries old, you will have the opportunity to make your intentions known to the universe through the traditional burning of sage. Experience this morning ritual and discover "Mitakuye Oyasin".

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
  • She provides emotional support if ever you need it

Retreat Meals

Experience exceptional dining!

Most meals are included in your retreat package, and we handpick high-quality restaurants for unforgettable culinary experiences.

We make every effort to accommodate your dietary preferences and restrictions. However, there are occasions when we may face limitations. You'll have a chance to indicate your specific dietary requirements in the retreat participant intake form.

Please note that alcoholic drinks are excluded, and snacks and beverages outside of meals and trail runs are not included.

Hashani Spa

Indulge in treatments at the resort's spa that combine the latest beauty and health technology with the ancient healing techniques and traditions inspired by the indigenous people of the region, using the healing properties of the revered Saguaro cactus, also known as Hashani. Join those who have found healing in the lush Sonoran Desert for centuries. The spa offers relaxing treatments such as body wraps, facials, eye treatments, massages, manicures, and pedicures. To book your spa treatment, click here. 

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. 

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.

 

Add-on +US$38

Transformational Travel Journal

Register by 6 Oct 2023

One of the best ways to deepen your experience with mindfulness during and after your retreat is to add the Transformational Travel Journal to your package. This co-branded journal by Run Wild Retreats in partnership with the Transformational Travel Journal provides an intentional space to write, draw, sketch and otherwise creatively express what meaning this travel experience has for you. Filled with thoughtful writing prompts, inspirational quotes and mindfulness-inspired ideas, we highly recommend using this journal to help you enhance your mindful running experience. 

 

Add-on +US$142

Mindful Inspiration Running Kit

Register by 6 Oct 2023

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!

 

Location
Tucson, AZ, USA
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