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, 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.
This retreat is level I. This means it's for you if you:
A little bit about how we pace the runs:
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.
This retreat can be the kind of vacation that truly transforms your state of mind and body, if you're open to it. Our retreats are designed to support you as a whole woman, not just a runner. That means you can expect free time to yourself, away from the group. It means that there are wellness experiences included in your retreat package to support your nervous system reset. This is your chance to heal from the effects of stress and focus on doing the things that energize you, inspire you and feed your soul.
Your retreat package includes access to the spa amenities (open Thursday through Sunday, 8 am to 8 pm). Their special ingredients for a memorable spa visit include a tranquil setting surrounded by warm wood and natural stone, rich traditional Vermont hospitality and, above all, the expertise of our extraordinary spa staff. Amenities include a fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, relaxation lounges and more. You will have time on Friday from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 3:00 to 5:30 pm. for spa treatments. We do not recommend booking treatments for any other time during your visit, as you will be busy with your retreat itinerary. You may book a spa treatment directly with the resort for an additional fee. Click here to see the spa menu.
Experience exceptional dining! Most meals are included in your retreat package, and we handpick high-quality, farm-to-table style dining for unforgettable culinary experiences. The Essex is known as one of New England’s premier culinary resorts. At our group’s personalized garden tour and private cooking class, you’ll learn the secrets to making mouthwatering meals out of fresh ingredients. This hands-on immersive experience will give you new kitchen skills and inspiration for whipping up healthy meals for you and your family at home. Gain a deeper appreciation for working with ingredients that may be new to you, and have fun in the process!
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.
Essex, VT, USA 
After arriving at The Essex Resort, meet your retreat leader for the Retreat Welcome Meeting at 2:30 p.m., during which you can enjoy a seasonal, hand-crafted mocktail. Come dressed and ready to run as we'll depart for today's shake-out run soon after the meeting wraps. During the meeting, you'll officially meet your fellow retreat participants, and review the retreat intention and flow.
After breakfast at the hotel, at 8:45 a.m. you'll meet your retreat leader and guides for the 50-minute drive to the Stowe Cross Country Ski Center at the base of Mount Mansfield. Today's run is a 6-mile loop along the Timberlane Trail to Bear Run to Ranch Camp.
The Essex is known as one of New England’s premier culinary resorts. At our group’s personalized garden tour and private cooking class, you’ll learn the secrets to making mouthwatering meals out of fresh ingredients.
After breakfast at the resort, meet your retreat leader and guides for today's adventure starting at the Trout Club Trailhead. Today's run in Mount Mansfield State Forest is a point-to-point hilly but fun run along dirt roads and trails ending at the von Trapp Brewery. 
After breakfast at the resort, you'll head out a bit earlier this morning to make the most of our final day before the checkout time at 11 a.m..
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