Telluride, CO, USA 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
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 Level II
This retreat is rated Level II. This means it's suitable for you if:
- You’re comfortable running/hiking four days in a row. Our shortest run is 90 minutes, but most are around 3+ hours (including hiking sections, water breaks and photo ops).
- You have some trail running experience and the fitness to run at least 8 miles on road.
- You’re OK with running/hiking on trails with loose dirt, rocks and some muddy sections.
- You don't have any health issues that may be worsened by intense exercise at high elevations (we'll be running slowly between 9,000 and 11,000 feet).
- You are able to handle long uphill and downhill terrain without pain or exacerbating an existing injury.
- You have (or are willing to acquire before the retreat) trail running shoes and a hydration pack.
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.
Three Nights at The Peaks Resort & Spa
Set across a large modern building and adjacent condos and cabins, this ski-in/ski-out retreat is a 10-minute walk from Telluride Ski Resort and 7.7 miles from downtown Telluride via a free gondola. Chic rooms and suites have Wi-Fi, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs with cable, plus minifridges and coffeemakers. Many have mountain views.
The resort fee includes access to the spa, which has indoor and outdoor heated pools, a gym and hot tubs. Valet parking is available for $24 per night. A variety of dining choices are available at this Telluride resort including Altezza Restaurant, serving cuisine made with local and organic ingredients. The Great Room & Deck offers a lounge atmosphere with live music and Silver Pick Cafe is an on-site espresso coffee and pastry shop. Guests can enjoy a drink or an appetizer poolside at the Deep End Pool Bar during the summer months.
The resort fee includes access to the spa, which has indoor and outdoor heated pools, a gym and hot tubs. Valet parking is available for $24 per night. A variety of dining choices are available at this Telluride resort including Altezza Restaurant, serving cuisine made with local and organic ingredients. The Great Room & Deck offers a lounge atmosphere with live music and Silver Pick Cafe is an on-site espresso coffee and pastry shop. Guests can enjoy a drink or an appetizer poolside at the Deep End Pool Bar during the summer months.
Trail Running in the Colorado Rockies
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.
Daily Guided Mindful Runs
Before each group run, your retreat leader will lead you through a series of mindful runs that will 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.
💮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.
💮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.
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
Private Restorative Yoga Class for Runners
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.
Retreat Meals
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.
Run Wild Retreats Gift Bag
The items shown here are representative of what is included in your gift bag. Items may vary depending on availability.
60-minute Spa Massage at The Peaks
Add a 60-minute spa massage to your retreat package and we'll schedule it for you on either Friday or Saturday afternoon, after the morning's run. Or, if there is another service you'd like us to book for you, let us know and we'll take care of it. This add-on price includes taxes and gratuity.
The Spa at The Peaks Resort defines a true spa experience, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and well-being for each and every guest. Here, you will find a tempting array of experiences, including traditional and innovative spa services and fitness and outdoor recreation surrounded by the pristine beauty of 14,000-foot Rocky Mountain peaks. Find restoration, transformation and renewed energy while experiencing the luxuries of this 42,000-square foot sanctuary.
Transformational Travel Journal
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.
