Essex, VT, USA Indulge in Vermont's culinary culture and scenic trails. Enjoy cooking classes, farmstands and farm-to-table meals.
Each day we balance time on the trails with an introduction to the culinary delights of Vermont, a state known for its small family farms and abundance of local, organic food
The Vermont Trail Running + Culinary Retreat is ideal for runners who appreciate good food and want to experience Vermont’s food-maker culture, from cooking classes to farm tours. While staying at The Essex Culinary and Spa Resort, conveniently situated between downtown Burlington and Stowe Village, you’ll enjoy daily guided mindful runs along with special dining and culinary experiences that are sure to delight your senses.
Enjoy the support and guidance of our retreat leader, an expert in mindful running, locally based running guides who know this region inside and out, and take cooking classes with the Essex Resort’s top chefs, who will inspire you to create new dishes using local flavors and while showcasing regional approaches to food preparation.
You don’t have to worry about being the slowest one at this retreat! This four-day women-only retreat is ideal for those who are either new to running, returning to running after an injury or layoff, or who prefer to run short distances. All the runs at this retreat (which are between three and six miles) employ a run-walk approach, so no matter your pace you’ll be able to go at a pace that’s comfortable for you. With the support of our professional running guides, you can relax and enjoy the running without having to navigate or worry about logistics.
You will also have free time to explore Burlington, take in an optional massage at the spa, or enjoy the diverse wellness and recreational amenities.
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.
💮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. 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
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
Items in your gift bag may vary depending on availability.
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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!
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.
POST-RETREAT NIGHT AT THE Essex Resort & Spa (Sept. 20)
Register by 19 Apr 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 info@runwildretreats.com
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