Luxury Hotels | Guided Runs | Coaching | Wellness Workshops | Spa | Gourmet Spanish Tapas
May 4 - 10, 2019Join us for an amazing week of wellness, wisdom (and wine!) as we run along the Mediterranean Sea in Costa Brava
We’ll explore one of the most beautiful areas of Spain on foot in a way that leaves you plenty of time to tune in to what drives you—in running and in life. Indulge in a week of things that are sure to feed your soul: travel, adventure, fun, education and great food.
Through our practical running form clinics, informative discussions, mindful movement and free time for quiet contemplation, you’ll stop the energy drains and divert your energy back into your running. Become a durable, strong, motivated runner using these tools and techniques that will keep you healthy and injury free. Immerse yourself in the powerful healing energy of this vibrant, historic coastal landscape as you run scenic trails at a pace that is playful, relaxed and social.
Natural Running Form Clinics
Discover how simple modifications to your running posture and technique can make running feel easier, more comfortable and improve your overall efficiency.
Wellness Workshops
Daily Guided Runs
Enjoy daily guided runs (ranging from 5 to 8 miles per day) on a mix of surfaces, from dirt pathways to doubletrack trails to beaches, always in the company of your locally based Catalan guide, Pablo, and retreat leader, Heather. Most days you can choose between longer or shorter run options, depending on how you feel.
Gourmet Spanish Tapas
Just as important as great running is great food! Lucky for us, this region of Spain is home to some of the world’s top restaurants and innovative chefs. We’ll enjoy some of the freshest, most delicious tapas, seafood and wine you’ve ever tasted, much of it locally grown and prepared by local families.
Support and Camaraderie
Relax into the flow of this running retreat knowing you have the support of your guides, retreat leader and fellow runners. Running means a lot to you; here you’ll connect with like-minded runners and forge lasting friendships.
Spa and Massage
Cap your week of wellness in the Mediterranean with a luxurious soak and massage at Aqva Banys Romans, a modern spa situated inside a 2000-year-old stone enclave built by the Romans with a long history of health and relaxation.
Day 1 | Girona
Our program begins at 4:00 p.m., when we gather at Girona’s famous Hotel Historic in the heart of the city’s oldest district for our official Retreat Opening Meeting. After introductions and a retreat orientation, we’ll meet our local guide, Pablo, for a 90-minute running tour of the city. Then we return to the hotel, where you have plenty of time to check in and freshen up before we visit one of Girona’s gourmet restaurants for dinner.
Run: 4 miles with some stairs, cobblestone streets and secret trails
Day 2 | Calella de Palafrugell
After breakfast at the hotel, we take a short drive outside the city to Les Gavarres forest, where we will begin today’s run. Before long, we arrive at the coast and continue our run north to the fishing village of Palafrugell. You’ll have the afternoon free to relax before a Mindful Running Workshop at the hotel, and then dinner. Tonight we stay at Hotel San Roc, a family run boutique hotel overlooking the Mediterranean.
Run: 5.2 miles on forest trails, sandy beach and rocky coastal pathway.
Day 3 | Medieval Village of Pals
After enjoying a delicious breakfast overlooking the sea, we’ll take a short drive to an historic lighthouse where we’ll have our second Natural Running Form Clinic overlooking the sea. Then we’ll begin today’s 5-mile run along the enjoy stunningly beautiful along the coast line, along coastal pathways and past the village of Tamaru. Then we head inland along forested trails, ending at the historic site, Begur Castle. From there, it’s a short drive to the restored medieval village of Pals, where we’ll enjoy locally made paella, Catalonia’s signature seasoned rice dish. Then we check into our rooms at El Convent, a converted medieval monastery, where we’re spending the night. After some free time to settle in, we’ll have another Mindful Running Workshop, followed by dinner in the hotel’s renowned restaurant.
Run: 5 miles, 1327 feet of elevation gain/loss.
Day 4 | Cadequés
After breakfast at El Convent, we drive one hour to the nearby town of Roses, situated on the edge of the Parc Natural de Cap de Creus. This wild region of Costa Brava features numerous hidden coves and cliffs, forming a rugged yet beautiful landscape shaped by the elements. Today we run 5.7 miles, while practicing mindful pacing techniques and running efficiency, ending our run in beautiful Cadequés. Here you’ll have the entire afternoon free to explore the village before dinner. We’ll spend the next two nights at the same hotel here in Cadequés.
Run: 5.7 miles with several uphills in the first half, then a long downhill run over the last 2 miles.
Day 5 | Cap de Creus Natural Park
This morning, we take a short drive out to the Cap de Creus lighthouse, where we will begin today’s incredibly rewarding and scenic 4.5-mile run. We begin on a fairly rocky trail that leads to the Cap de Creus Lighthouse. After enjoying a refreshment on the cafe patio at the lighthouse, continue on the rocky trail for about 1.5 miles to Paratge de Tudela, a paved pathway through unique landscape that inspired some of Salvador Dali’s famous artwork. This afternoon allows free time to lounge by the hotel pool, browse the artisan shops or visit a winery. Later afternoon, we’ll have our third Mindful Running Workshop, follow by another outstanding dinner at a family run restaurant.
Run: 4.5 miles (with option to extend) on rocky trails through sea coves and sections on paved pathways.
Day 6 | Port de la Selva
After breakfast at the hotel, we start our final run of the retreat, a rewarding climb along a ridge overlooking the port town of Port de la Selva, situated on the north cape of Cap de Creus. Now a fishing and tourism destination, Port de la Selva has been inhabited for over a millennium, and is home to numerous archaeological remains. After our run, we’ll have a refreshment at a cafe overlooking the harbor, then visit an imposing 11-century monastery called Pere de Rodes. After the tour, we’ll have lunch in Port de la Selva before embarking on the 1.5-hour drive back to Girona. Over dinner tonight, we’ll have our final Retreat Closing meeting followed by a celebratory dinner.
Run: 4.5 miles on dirt roads and forested singletrack trails on a mostly downhill route
Day 7 | Spa Day
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure at the Hotel Nord 1901 before we head over to the spa to enjoy a leisurely day soaking and relaxing, and having a spa treatment (we will present you with a menu of choices). After your spa treatment, head to the Girona train station to take the bus or train to Barcelona downtown or the airport.
Run: no group run today
Transform Your Running + Well Being
With Retreat Leader Heather Lee, MSWBuilding upon the foundations of mindful running featured in our popular Moab Mindful Running Retreats, at this retreat you’ll dive deeper into the practices of mindful running for stress management and overall well being. And even if mindfulness is a totally new concept for you, don’t worry! No previous experience or training is needed to gain a lot from these informative, interactive workshops.
MINDFUL RUNNING WORKSHOP – Part I
What is really driving you as a runner? We’ll explore the concept of motivation and intention. How is your running experience affected by your intentions? If the constant pursuit of bigger goals leaves you feeling burned out, then you’ll gain a great deal from this workshop all about shifting from being outcome-focused to process-oriented.
MINDFUL RUNNING WORKSHOP – Part II
How aware are you of how stress affects your body and mind? How do those affects not only impact your ability to build fitness, but also stay motivated to run as well as find time for self care? Learn about the physiology of stress and why this matters to you as a runner. We’ll also explore breathing techniques that improve running efficiency and switches off the stress response.
MINDFUL RUNNING WORKSHOP – Part III
Is running your favorite way to manage stress, refresh your mind and feel good in your body? Learn how to maximize running’s health benefits by identifying your stress triggers and how to change your stress response. Also, identify ways managing stress can help you improve running performance and consistency to create better fitness result with fewer setbacks.
About Your Retreat Leader, Heather Lee
Her programs have been presented at such acclaimed wellness resorts as the Golden Door, Lake Austin Spa and Hualalai Four Seasons. Heather is a masters-level mental health professional with advanced training in mind/body medicine from the Harvard Mind/Body Medical Institute and is the past Director of the Mind/Body Medicine and Women’s Health Education programs at The University of Virginia Medical Center.
THE DESTINATION
Costa Brava, in Catalonia, Spain is located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, covering the coastal towns and villages of the beautiful province of Catalonia. It is home to some of the most delightful towns, villages and beaches along this 300 km stretch of the Mediterranean Sea. Backing into the Pyrenees along the French border, Costa Brava is a diverse region of extraordinary natural beauty and has a very deep artistic and historical heritage. Its natural beauty giving inspiration to famous artists such as Salvador Dali, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso.
THE TRAILS
Our daily mileage may be short (runs are typically 4.5 – 8 miles), but these trails present some challenges! Previous trail-running experience isn’t necessary, as your retreat leader will provide you with important tips and tools for navigating technical terrain and pacing yourself on these hilly trails. We’ll run on all kinds of surfaces, from rocky trails to smooth dirt forest paths, along cobblestone streets and short sections of dirt road. We’ll stop frequently along the way to take photos, have a snack and sip our water.
THE WEATHER
The weather this time of year is ideal for running: not yet too hot, though highly likely to be sunny and in the 60’s or 70’s with a refreshing Mediterranean Sea breeze to keep us cool. Spring rain showers are possible (usually intermittent), so we recommend bringing a lightweight water-resistant running jacket.
THE FOOD
Bring your appetite! This region’s cuisine in renowned throughout Europe, as Catalonia boasts the greatest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in all of Europe. And you’ll see why, even at the casual, family run restaurants at which we dine. Local dishes feature locally grown and harvested ingredients such as fish and seafood with fresh vegetables, olives, olive oil and rice. Most special dietary needs can be easily accommodated.
What People Say:
Your 7-Day, 6-Night Retreat Includes:
May 4-10, 2019• Six nights’ accommodation in luxury boutique hotels
• Daily breakfasts
• Gourmet dinners
• Spa Treatment
• Gourmet Paella lunch in Pals
• Daily guided runs
• Ground transportation/ luggage handling between hotels
• Mindful Running Workshops with Heather Lee
• Natural Running Form Clinics
• Trail snacks/energy food and drinks
• Run Wild Retreats gift bag
• Retreat Planning Guide
| Max. Retreat Group Size: | Package Price Per Person (Shared Double Occupancy Room): | Package Price Per Person (Private single Occupancy Room): | Deposit per person (if booking before January 26): | Duration: |
| 14 | $4,300 USD per person | $4,800 USD per person | $900 USD | 7 Days |
May 4 - 10, 2019
Save $100 with Promocode RUNMED19
May 2 - 8, 2020
Book early and save $200!
Is This Retreat Right for You?
- Daily runs range from 4 to 8 miles on a mix of rocky, hilly trails with some moderate hills, cobblestone streets and paved pathways.
- 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 can walk/hike trail sections as you need.
- Trail running shoes required.
How should I plan my travel?
Fly to Barcelona El Prat Airport at least one day before the retreat begins. From the Barcelona airport, it’s an easy train ride (or bus ride) to Girona. The retreat begins at 4:00 pm in the afternoon, so please arrive well before this time in order to check into your room and change into your running clothes.
On day 7 of the retreat, our spa day will take place in the morning, so we recommend booking a return flight no earlier than the evening of Day 7, or the following day. There is direct bus service from the Girona Train Station (a short walk or taxi ride from our hotel) to the Barcelona El Prat Airport that costs around 19 Euros. Learn more here.
GETTING FROM BARCELONA TO GIRONA:
To get to Girona, you may take the Barcelona Airport Train C2 to Estacio Sants, where you change trains. There are numerous trains travelling from Estacio Sants to Girona – approximately three every hour. On average the journey lasts about 1 hour 20 minutes and costs 10 Euros. Check the RENFE Website for the train times.
(If you are arriving into Terminal 1 (T1) you will not be able to walk straight to the train station, as it is 4 km away. You will need to take a shuttle bus from outside the terminal.)