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Vermont Trail Running + Culinary Retreat

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This Retreat is Level I

Daily runs/walks range from 3 miles to 6 miles on singletrack and doubletrack trails.

  • You should be comfortable being on your feet for up to 3 hours at a time.
  • One or 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, rooty terrain and brief exposure to heights. You can walk/hike trail sections as you need.
  • Trail running shoes and a hydration pack 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 Essex Culinary Resort + Spa

Nestled on 18 acres between the vistas of the Green Mountains and the splendor of Lake Champlain, The Essex is a true destination for relaxation, offering a full-service spa, hands-on culinary experiences at the Cook Academy classes, and two fine restaurants--all of which perfectly complement their classic accommodations. Enjoy staying in the culinary-themed guest rooms, featuring décor inspired by the colors and textures of food and Vermont’s natural beauty.

 

Daily Mindful Run-Walks

Before each group run, your retreat leader will lead you through a series of Mindful Running Clinics 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.

Family Farm Visit + Lunch

Your retreat package includes a special visit to Jericho Settlers Farm, a 200-acre farm producing 30 acres of certified organic vegetables, flowers and herbs.  Jericho Settlers' Farm was founded in 2002, though it is comprised of two of the earliest settled farmsteads in Jericho, Vermont: the Chapin Homestead settled in 1783 and the Brown Family Homestead dating back to 1800. The current owners continue the tradition of raising healthy food on a diversified family farm, specializing in year-round vegetable production, comprised primarily of salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and root vegetables. Enjoy a fresh, hearty veggie-packed lunch on site.

Spa At the Essex

Your retreat package includes access to the spa amenities (open Monday – Wed 10 am – 6 pm, Thursday – Sunday, 8 am – 8 pm). Amenities include fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, relaxation lounges and more. Book a spa treatment for an additional fee. Click here to see the spa menu.

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. She also 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, and leads mindful running clinics that teach you how to run more efficiently and with more flow and ease. She manages the pace of each run so that you never feel rushed or get left behind. 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.

Retreat Meals

Experience exceptional dining!

Most meals are included in your retreat package, and we handpick high-quality restaurants and farm to table dining 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

Your retreat gift bag contains a curated selection of items designed to support your mindful travel experience with us. 

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.

Shipping is FREE!

 

Add-on +US$38

Transformational Travel Journal

Register by 16 Jul 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. Price includes shipping.

 

Private Farm-to-Table Dining Experience

Taste the first bites of summer (and a touch of Americana) with a private farm-to-table dinner at Adam's Berry Farm. Located in Charlotte, Vermont, Adam's Berry Farm is a certified organic farm with stunning views of the Champlain Valley. Throughout the summer they cultivate a managerie of fruits and berries, including 21 varieties of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, currents, gooseberries and even kiwis! Our private berry farm adventure starts with a wander through the secret trails on the property, wandering between woods and fields to discover a multi-course feast among the berry fields. Each of the four courses will highlight different berries grown on the property. After you've had your fill, retire to the sunflower field for a sweet treat and closing ceremony before returning to the Essex Resort. 
 
Add-on +US$475

POST-RETREAT NIGHT AT THE Essex Resort & Spa (Sept. 20)

Register by 27 Jul 2023
We will extend your stay at the Essex Resort and Spa (same room type as you booked during the retreat) for one night. This rate is per room, not per person and includes all taxes. Space is limited, to book a post-retreat night please contact our Retreat Travel Specialists at [email protected]
Location
Essex, VT, USA
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