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
Make every moment in the mountains count during this women-only four-day women's trail running and wellness retreat. 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.
Our locally based team knows this destination inside and out and are with you every step of the way to have an unforgettable immersion in Telluride's unparalleled mountain beauty. Trail running at at such high elevation can be tough, which is why we've selected trails that strike an ideal balance between runnability and scenic reward.
You'll enjoy a mix of running and hiking on well-established trails on rolling terrain that will involve some uphills and downhills, but avoids major climbs, exposed terrain or high peaks. Since running at 9,000 feet in elevation is challenging, we'll keep the pace relaxed and take frequent breaks to snack, hydrate and enjoy the views.
We'll spend about half the day on the trail, practicing the mindful running techniques offered by your retreat leader and savoring each day's run, always ending with a picnic lunch followed by free time to explore the town, enjoy the spa at The Peaks Resort, private yoga and the option to add a spa massage to your package.
****The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 22 and 28 miles. Each day's run in this itinerary is represented by time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Note that since all the runs take place at high elevation, our pace will be relatively slow and involve lots of hiking sections.
This retreat is rated Level II. This means it's suitable for you if:
IMPORTANT: Running at high elevation (even slow running with lots of breaks, as we do) is strenuous. As much as possible, we offer you options to modify runs (shorten or hike instead of run) as needed to help you feel good throughout the retreat. Our retreat leaders and guides will support and advise you as much as possible, however, it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure you stay hydrated, well fueled and pace yourself in a way that is suitable for your fitness and well being.
Since the trails we'll run are between 8,300 and 10,000 feet in elevation, the relatively thin air will encourage all of us (even those who live at altitude!) to run somewhat slower than normal. Even if you're coming from sea level, you'll be able to adapt your pace to adjust to running at these elevations. The air at this elevation is extremely dry, therefore, a hydration pack or waist belt to carry water bottles is required, as are trail-running shoes.
THE TRAILS
We'll run on a mix of dirt roads and singletrack trails used mainly for hiking and mountain biking. Your retreat leader provides you with specific tips for navigating trail's rocks, roots, uphills and downhills, to ensure your comfort and safety. You'll take frequent breaks to take photos, enjoy the views and stay hydrated. You'll alternate hiking and running as needed to keep the pace within your comfort zone.
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:
Enjoy a relaxing yoga class designed for runners that is designed to support optimal post-run recovery. You don't need any previous experience with yoga to get the most from this soothing, stretchy class with a certified yoga instructor. After yoga, you'll have time to change before we head to dinner at a restaurant in Mountain Village this evening.
Experience exceptional dining!
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.
Please note that alcoholic drinks are excluded, and snacks and beverages outside of meals and trail runs are not included.
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.
Telluride, CO, USA 
