Your body changes as you age, and so should your relationship to running. Discover how mindful running can help you love this stage of your life and all your body and mind can achieve
Mindful running isn't just a mindset; it's a physical practice that reconnects you to your body and all its many changes in during a transformative life phase such as perimenopause, menopause or some other body-altering event. Through daily run-walks of up to six miles at at time, learn mindful running techniques that not only lessen running's impact on your joints and muscles, but also bring more relaxation and flow to your entire gait. Embrace your body's changes and shift physical limitations from obstacles to opportunities.
Each day’s run is an opportunity to practice mindfulness, soak in nature’s beauty and embrace the joy of playing in the great outdoors. You’ll run among 800-year-old Douglas Fir trees dripping with bright-green lichen and feel the soft, loamy soil under your feet. You’ll run expansive beaches in Pacific Rim National Park, in awe of the ocean’s power and beauty. In addition to learning how to run mindfully in order to maximize the stress-reducing effects of running, you'll hear how the indigenous peoples known as the Yuutu?it?ath First Nation used ancient cedar trees to build sturdy seafaring canoes for fishing and whale hunting.
From the safety of the shoreline, you may see sea lions and seals, or puffins nesting and birds of prey frolicking high overhead in the windswept trees. During our afternoon Whale Watching tour in Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, a learning place for sustainable economic, social and environmental development. This biodiverse region is a critical piece of the Emerald Edge—a 100-million-acre coastal, temperate rainforest that stretches from coastal Washington, through British Columbia and into Southeast Alaska.
Each day of this retreat presents an opportunity for you to indulge in nature's beauty, self care and mindfulness, where you can spend your time browsing Tofino's art galleries and boutiques or watch the sun set over Long Beach, lounging by the sea with a book, or soaking in the jacuzzi, find time to the things that fill your soul and recharge your energy.
This retreat is rated Level I. This means it’s suitable for you if:
Some trail sections may be rooty and rocky and present a challenge for new trail runners, in which case, you can walk or modify your running stride to account for this uneven trail surface. When we are running on the beaches, the ground surface is mostly hard-packed sand, and is ideal for running. We may have to cross some tidal creek (when the tide is out to avoid wading through water).
Vancouver Island is largely covered by temperate rainforest, featuring massive trees such as Douglas Fir, Sitka spruce and giant red cedars, some of which can be nearly 1,000 years old. These forests are dense, humid and thick with foliage such as ferns and mosses, lichens and fungi. All of our runs take place on established trails designed for foot traffic and are not open to bikes. Since the forest ground is so fragile and can be easily scarred by hikers, it’s important to always stay on the designated trail and in some cases, the boardwalk and wooden stairs. Since these wooden surfaces can get a bit slippery when wet, we will use caution in wet conditions and walk when its safer to do so.
This time of year, temperatures are starting to cool off and will be mostly in the high 40’s to high 50’s. Rain is highly likely, so it’s important to have a waterproof-breathable running rain jacket (that offers more protection than a wind shell). We will send you a comprehensive packing list so you know what to bring. The weather is typically milder and warmer in Victoria, and will feel cooler in Tofino and Ucluelet, especially because of this area’s exposure to winds and weather blowing in off the Pacific Ocean. You will appreciate having a warm jacket to wear in the cool evenings and accessories like a hat and light gloves to wear while running.
Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is a therapeutic practice rooted in immersing oneself in the natural environment of a forest. It originated in Japan and has gained popularity worldwide as a powerful tool for relaxation, rejuvenation, and stress management. The concept is simple yet profound: by slowing down and mindfully engaging with nature, individuals can experience a myriad of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. In the old-growth rainforest of British Columbia, forest bathing takes on a transformative dimension. As you step into the forest, you are enveloped by a tapestry of ancient trees, vibrant vegetation, and a symphony of sounds created by birds, rustling leaves, and flowing streams. The air is crisp and scented with the earthy aroma of moss and damp soil. Time seems to slow down, and a sense of calm and serenity washes over you.
The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, located in Victoria’s historic inner harbor, Situated in the heart of downtown Victoria, British Columbia, The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is an award-winning small hotel that is big on personalized service. Recognized by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast and Trip Advisor as a top hotel in Canada, the hotel’s timelessly elegant rooms, exquisite spa, fine dining and personalized recommendations create an authentic experience. Your Superior hotel room features 300 square feet of elegant space and will have two queen beds (Shared room package). Or, you may choose to upgrade to a private room with one bed. Enhance your retreat experience with a spa treatment by contacting the Magnolia Spa directly.
This luxurious beachfront resort is perched on the edge of Cox Bay, between the pristine beauty of Pacific Rim National Park and spectacular Clayoquot Sound. Lodge Beach Lodge is cedar-shingled lodge offers 5-star amenities and casual service in a rustic setting, creating a perfect, serene retreat from everyday responsibilities. The Resort is set among native coastal vegetation and takes full advantage of the expansive sandy beach and the open ocean. If you book a private room package, your room will have a King bed, soaker tub, luxurious bathrobe, in-room coffee, Douglas-fir wood furniture, slate-tiled floor and high-speed internet access. If you book a shared room package, you will either share a stay in either a shared lodge room or two-bedroom cottage with two bathrooms, living area, in-room coffee, outdoor hot tub on a semi-private patio, luxurious bathrobes and high-speed internet.
Experience exceptional dining! Enjoy uniquely Canadian west coast cuisine at it's best, often featuring locally caught seafood and farm-fresh B.C. produce.
One highlight in particular is dinner at the Wickaninnish Inn's legendary Pointe Restaurant, where Executive Chef Clayton Fontaine takes special pride in working closely with coastal fishermen as well as the Tofino-Ucluelet Culinary Guild to stock the finest B.C.-based seafood, game and produce.
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.
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. 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. She works with our local staff, such as guides and drivers, to keep things safe, on schedule and running smoothly. She leads mindful running clinics that teach you how to run more efficiently and with more flow and ease. She helps you get to scheduled events like yoga class, spa appointment and dinner reservations on time. She facilitates sharing circles, creating a safe space for the group to reflect and share openly, and provides emotional support if ever you need it.
Your retreat gift bag contains a curated selection of items designed to support your mindful travel experience with us.
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. Price includes shipping.
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!
Tofino, BC, Canada 
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