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Mediterranean Mindful Running Retreat

Maximize running’s stress-reducing effects with mindfulness

High-end Hotels | Guided Runs | Mindfulness | Spa + Massage | Gourmet Spanish Tapas | Medieval Villages

Join us for an amazing week of wellness, wisdom (and wine!) as we run along the Mediterranean Sea in the Costa Brava region of Catalonia. If you’ve never considered trail running in Spain, then picture this: running from historic village to village in the warm sun, while a refreshing sea breeze keeps you cool.

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. If you’re curious about what mindfulness can do for your health, anxiety and sense of wellbeing, but can’t stand sitting on a meditation cushion, then this retreat is for you!

You already value running for keeping you healthy and connecting you to a community of like-minded women, but perhaps you still wonder if there’s more to running than just another finisher’s medal. During our week in Spain, you’ll uncover additional benefits from running mindfully for your mental health, spiritual growth and other layers of meaning. 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.

Staring from the ancient walled city of Girona, we’ll explore one of Spain’s most beautiful regions on foot in a way that leaves you plenty of time to tune in to what drives you in running and in life. This is your opportunity to indulge in what feeds your soul: travel, adventure, fun, mindfulness and great food. You’ll explore Medieval villages, castles and learn about this region’s rich, multicultural history and cap the week soaking in serene, mineral-rich pools inside an 2,000-year old Roman bathhouse.

Through our practical running form clinics, mindful movement and free time for quiet contemplation, you’ll stop the energy drains and divert your energy back into your running. 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.

Participant Photos + Testimonials

Outstanding Trails

“You won’t find a better run retreat with such outstanding trails, accommodations, meals and staff.”
–Mindi P., Annapolis, MD

Exceeded Expectations

“This retreat far exceeded my expectations! It gave me an opportunity to learn where I can go with my running and I love connecting with all the awesome, inspiring women!”

–Maude B, Rochester, NY

Learned to Listen

“This retreat gave me a chance to escape from the daily pressures of life, and focus on me, what I want from my running practice and connecting with other women who love running. I learned how to use perceived exertion as a measure to guide me in my runs. It’s so easy to override what my body is telling me, and let numbers and data suck the joy out of running. Now I know how to get more satisfaction from how I feel than I ‘perform.’”

Joanne T., Spokane, WA

Retreat was a Dream

“This last week has been a dream. Run Wild Retreats put together a fantastic trail-running trip that improved my form and solidified a lot of what I’ve been thinking about running more mindfully.”
–Tracey S., Atlanta, GA

Organic and Relaxed

“I was concerned about going on a ‘scheduled’ vacation, but it didn’t feel scheduled at all. Everything was so well planned and coordinated, one experience just rolled into the next and I didn’t have to think about anything except having fun. I actually didn’t even realize anything was scheduled or coordinated, it just felt so organic, relaxed and fun!”
–Patricia J.

Trip of a Lifetime

“It was a trip of a lifetime and I would encourage anyone to take a leap of faith and register for a retreat. I went alone and came away with lasting friendships and memories”
–Tracy S., Scottsdale, AZ

Guides Were Great

“The guides were great, accommodations were fantastic and trails were perfect and the workshops were well done.”
–Sharon C., Edgewater, MD

Letting Go Lets Me Be More Present

“By not tying my runs to definitive or quantitative markers like the number of miles run or the time per mile, I can enjoy more the spiritual aspect of my running. Letting go of “the admin side” allows me to be more present or mindful with each run. I have a renewed love for my running practice.”
–Sharon C., Edgewater, MD

Everything Was Well Planned

“Run Wild Retreats offers a unique experience of learning more about running, exploring the great outdoors and embracing travel and adventure in a way I have not experienced before. Everything about the trip was well planned, organized and considerate to each runner’s needs.”
–Tracy S., Scottsdale, AZ

Loved the Group Energy

“I highly recommend the retreats! They are great way to energize your running and help with motivation. I heard several people mention how they usually run by themselves and they were surprised by how much fun it was to run in a group. I loved the energy of running in this group and it motivated me to run more.”
–Kathy B., Calgary, Canada

Wonderful, Worthwhile Adventure

“The friendships between the runners grew each day. It was great fun. Delicious food.  Beautiful location. Energizing runs.  Wonderful, worthwhile adventure!”
–Kathy O., Los Gatos, CA

New Skills, New Mindset

I highly recommend Run Wild Retreats, they successfully organized the daily run routes, hotels, selected the best restaurants, and built-in discussions regarding culture, history and awareness. I left the retreat with new skills, a new mindset and was uplifted being around such an inspirational group of women. I have since applied this newfound knowledge in both running and in life.
–Dana P.

Loved Disconnecting and Focusing on Running

I loved being able to completely disconnect from a hectic and busy schedule, to focus on my running abilities, learning about a new culture and getting to know some amazing ladies.
–Rebecca A.

Top Notch

The Mediterranean retreat was my third retreat with Run Wild and I have never been disappointed! The accommodations, the food, the guides are all top notch. After two retreats in the US, I was excited to try an international retreat and my expectations were met a hundred fold. I loved the running and mindfulness workshops, the views, the food…but my favorite parts are the human connections. From the connections I made with the amazing and supportive women I was running with, to the fabulous local guides who shared their enthusiasm of their culture and country.
–Mary C.

Eye Opening and Life Changing

The Mediterranean Retreat was my first retreat with Run Wild and I cannot recommend it enough! It was truly just such an eye opening and life changing experience as cheesy as that sounds.
–Maureen S.

3rd Retreat with Run Wild Retreats

The Mediterranean retreat was my 3rd retreat with RWR – how’s that for a recommendation! I can’t say enough about how terrific these trips are. They are so well planned, from the trail runs lead by local guides, to the beautiful hotels for overnight stays, to the amazing and delicious meals… everything is taken care of!
–Pattie L.

Life Long Friendships

“The women…. women who I knew nothing about quickly became my friends. People who nurtured the runner in me and the strong woman in me. I made life long friendships in Spain and it truly changed my perspective on life. I wish every woman had the opportunity to experience the power of this program.

–Lindsay K.

Improve Your Life

The women that you will meet and the true connections you will make during your adventure together are like no other. Women who attend Run Wild Retreats are hands down an awesome bunch, from all over, with different jobs and backgrounds, varying ages and places in life. We find commonality on the trail while we run miles, explore, reflect, work on mental and physical health and tell our stories to one another. I literally can’t recommend this experience enough. Choose a retreat and change your view, your perspective and improve your life.

–Bonnie C.

Start Planning Your Retreat

Mediterranean Mindful Running Retreat
  • Six nights’ accommodation in luxury boutique hotels
  • Daily buffet breakfasts
  • Three-course Gourmet dinners (including wine)
  • Two-hour spa experience at Aqua Banys Romans
  • Authentic Paella lunch in Pals
  • Lunch at Sant Pere de Rhodes Monastery
  • Professional running guides
  • Dedicated Retreat Leader
  • Ground transportation
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Mindful Running Clinics
  • Run Wild Retreats gift bag

Deposit: $1500

Balance Payment Deadline: 120 days before retreat begins

Max Group Size: 13 women

Shared Room Package (per person): $4,995
Private Room Package (per person): $5,595

*Shared room packages have two beds. Solo travelers may choose this option and will be paired with another retreat participant.

If traveling with a friend, you may list your friend as your preferred roommate on your Retreat Participant Intake Form.

 

This retreat is rated Level II. We recommend that you be comfortable running at least 8 miles on the road. The footing on these trails is rocky and challenging at times, so all runs involve some hiking sections. This retreat is suitable for you if:

  • You’re comfortable running/hiking six days in a row. Our shortest run (including breaks) is 90 minutes, but most are around 3 to 4 hours (including hiking sections, water breaks and photo ops).
  • You’re OK with running/hiking on trails with loose dirt, rocks and some muddy sections.
  • You are fit enough to handle uphill hiking sections of trail that can range from 10 minutes to 1 hour.
  • You’re OK with some exposure to sea cliffs and narrow trails.
  • You’re game for running in the rain (don’t worry about what to wear; we provide you with a comprehensive packing list).

7-Day, 6-Night Retreat Itinerary

Girona - Arab Baths

Day 1   |   Girona

Our program begins at 3:00 p.m., when we gather at our hotel in Girona for our official Retreat Opening Meeting. After introductions and a retreat orientation, we’ll meet our local guide, Pablo, for a sightseeing running tour of the city that includes the historic Jewish Quarter, the medieval wall protecting the city from invaders, a magnificent cathedral and castle turrets. 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 at 8:30 p.m. (all dinners will be at this time, which is the earliest time restaurants open for dinner).
Time on trail: approx. 90 minutes with some stairs, cobblestone streets and secret trails and hills 

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 that begins in the late morning on a soft-dirt forest trail and takes out to the spectacular stretch of rugged coastline that is Costa Brava. We’ll enjoy the cool breeze from the Mediterranean Sea as we run slowly along rocky pathways that traverse cute coves and beaches taking us to the fishing village of Palafrugell. You’ll have the afternoon free to relax before dinner. Tonight we stay at a family-run boutique hotel in Calella de Palafrugell overlooking the Mediterranean.
Time on trail: 2-3 hours (including breaks) on forest trails, sandy beach and rocky coastal pathway with some short, steep sections along sea cliffs

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 run along the enjoy stunningly beautiful along the coast line, along rocky pathways and past the village of Tamariu.  You have the option to end your run here, or else continue along a forested inland trail that ends 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’ll enjoy some free time to savor the serene outdoor pool, before dinner in the dining room.
Time on trail: 3 – 4 hours on uphill/downhill trails (including breaks) that include rocky, rooty sections, sandy beaches and dirt trails. No part of this trail is flat, and you’ll enjoy a wide range of scenery throughout.  

 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 enjoy on more runnable terrain that takes us northward, deep into the rocky terraced hills that in ancient times teemed with agriculture. While practicing mindful pacing techniques and running efficiency, we’ll run up and over a view large hills before ending our run in beautiful Cadequés. If you’re not up for today’s point-to-point run, you have the option to drive with our assistant guide to Cadequés and enjoy some free time there.
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.
Time on trail: 3 – 4 hours (including breaks) with some sustained uphills in the first half (and hiking is totally allowed!), then a long downhill run on dirt road the last 2 miles. 

Day 5   |   Cap de Creus Natural Park

After breakfast, we begin our run from the hotel and take a meandering route out into the Cap de Creus, aiming to reach the lighthouse (weather permitting). After enjoying a refreshment on the café patio at the lighthouse, continue on rocky trails through a 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. Tonight is another outstanding dinner at a family run restaurant.
Time on trail: 2 – 4  hours (including breaks) on a mix of roads, dirt tracks and very rocky trails through sea coves. The time range represents the many variations available on this to run to shorten or extend as you feel.  

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 visit an 11-century monastery called Sant Pere de Rodes. After a self-guided tour of this impressive, beautifully restored fortification, we’ll have lunch in Port de la Selva before embarking on the 1.5-hour drive back to Girona, check into the hotel and enjoy our final dinner together.
Time on trail: 2 – 2.5 hours (including breaks) on dirt roads and forested singletrack trails on a mostly downhill route 

Day 7   |  Retreat Closing + Spa Day

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure at our hotel, followed by our final sharing circle before our staggered spa appointments at the Aqua Banys Romans Spa, a short walk from the hotel. Appointments will begin between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and take approximately 2.5 hours to fully enjoy spa’s pools and sauna paired with a one-hour relaxation massage. (We will do our best to book those leaving earlier in the first time slots, while those leaving later will be booked later). Any time after your spa treatment, you head to the Girona train station to take the bus or train to Barcelona downtown or the airport.
No group run today

The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 30 and 38 miles. Each day’s run in this itinerary is represented by  time spent on the trail rather than miles run because the mileage covered will depend largely on your run pace. Faster runners will cover more mileage than slower runners on some days. These run times include breaks to enjoy the views, take photos, eat and drink. The precise route and trails run may change due to changes to trail routes, weather conditions, guide recommendations and other safety considerations.

Note that the footing on the coastal trails can be challenging at times. Your retreat leader will provide mindful running tips and techniques for managing your pace and navigating the uneven terrain. While this retreat’s mileage is low, the running is far from easy!