Hotels & Huts | Mindful Running | Mountains + Valleys | Glacier Volcanoes | Geothermal Hot Springs | Black Sand Beach + Giant Waterfalls
Book August 4 - 10, 2019Book August 14 - 20, 2019Part running vacation, part wellness retreat, we’ll explore Southern Iceland and the Highlands 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, wild landscape as you run scenic
trails at a pace that is playful, relaxed and social.
You Will Learn How To:
Run Sustainably
Learn how to build a consistent, sustainable running routine that fits into your busy schedule.
Train Smarter not Harder
Become intentional with each run, whether it’s to get faster or clear your mind.
Recover Better
Support recovery process with rest and foods that support muscle and joint repair.
Run Trails Better
Learn the secrets to making trail running fun and easy.
Find More Flow in Running and Life
Tune in to your body’s signals to help you achieve the effortlessness that is flow.
Day 1 | Reykjavik
When you arrive at Reykjavik International Airport, catch a Flybus to our downtown hotel (check in time is 2 p.m.). At 5 p.m., meet your retreat leader for the official Retreat Opening and Meet + Greet. From there, we’ll walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner in downtown Reykjavik. Overnight Reykjavik.
Day 2 | Reynisfjara: Black Sand Beach
After breakfast, we’ll start our morning run that will take us past some of Reykjavik’s most iconic landmarks, including the Hallgrimskirkja cathedral, on our way the Perlan (“The Pearl), a museum perched on a small hill surrounded by woodlands. We’ll have our first Natural Running Form clinic on the lawn outside the Perlan, then continue our run through the forest, along an ocean inlet, then loop our way back to our hotel. Following the run is our first Wellness Workshop, followed by lunch before embarking on a three-hour drive to the southern coastal village of Vík í Mýrdal. Along the way, we’ll stop at Reynisfjara, known as the world’s most beautiful black-sand beach, where we’ll see the iconic Reynisdrangar and columnar basalt rock formations. From there it’s a short drive to the über-modern Icelandair Hotel in Vík, where we’ll have a relaxing dinner.
Day 3 | Vík í Mýrdal
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll have our second Natural Running Form Clinic on the lawn outside. Today’s 9-mile run begins along Vik’s famous black-sand beach before a switch-backing hike to the top of a plateau overlooking Reynisfjara. If the weather is clear, we’ll get spectacular views of Dyrhólaey peninsula to the west and glacier-covered volcanoes to the north. Our looping route eventually takes us all the way back to our hotel in Vik, where we’ll have a casual lunch followed by some free time. This evening is our second Wellness Workshop, followed by dinner at Sudurvik, a cozy, traditional restaurant situated in an old house serving their own family recipes. Overnight at the Icelandair Hotel Vik.
Day 4 | Þórsmörk
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and begin the 2-hour drive to drive Þórsmörk, stopping at the famous Seljalandsfoss, the southern coast’s most photographed waterfall. We’ll have time to walk the loop trail that passes behind the waterfall, where you’ll experience up close it’s sheer power and scale. Then we’ll continue our drive into Þórsmörk Nature Reserve, a green oasis surrounded by (very active) glacier-covered volcanoes. Our driver will drop us on the valley’s south side, where we’ll start our 8-mile run in the Krossa river valley bottom before doing a short, hilly loop run before crossing the Krossa river and finishing at the Volcano Huts. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a hot soup lunch in the main lodge before settling in to our group’s private mountain hut. Enjoy a couple of free hours to shower, relax and enjoy this beautiful place. Overnight in Volcano Hut.
Day 5 | More in the Land of Thor
After making breakfast in the hut, we do some pre-run warm-up exercises before beginning an adventurous 8-mile trail run right from our the Volcano Huts in Þórsmörk (“The Land of Thor”). Today’s run is on the Tindfjöll Circle, which begins with a gentle ascent through a native birch-tree forest, then above treeline. After passing the Trollakirja (“Troll Church”), we reach the Tindafjöll Plateau, from which we’ll enjoy amazing views of Myrdalsjökull glacier. We make a thrilling descent along Stangarhals Ridge to the Krossa river bed, and enjoy an easy run back to the Volcano Huts. Or, if you’re up for more, add on a few more miles to the top of Valahnúkur, a 1500-foot high hill overlooking the valley. We’ll have lunch in our hut followed by some free time before our afternoon Wellness Workshop. Dinner is a traditional Icelandic BBQ featuring fresh-caught, local seafood prepared by our guides.
Overnight in Volcano Hut.
Day 6 | Goðaland
After making breakfast and packing up our belongings in the hut, we begin our most rewarding run yet: 9 miles along the Kattahryggur or “Cat’s Spine” trail that connects to part of the popular Fimmvörðuháls trail that passes between two of Iceland’s most famous glaciers. We’ll top out on a plateau with a fantastic views over the surrounding river valleys (and–if we’re lucky– the Merkurjökull and Eyjafjalljokull glaciers). After retracing our route back to the Krossa River Valley, we’ll rendez-vous with our driver for a hot lunch at Basar Huts before departing for the drive back to the capitol city of Reykjavik. After checking into our hotel in the heart of downtown, we head out for dinner at one of Reykjavik’s best restaurants.
Day 7 | The Blue Lagoon
We’ll get an early start to our final day of the retreat with a relaxed, pre-breakfast. run in the city of about 3 miles. After breakfast, we’ll depart for The Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal hot springs of milky-blue, mineral-rich waters surrounded by stark, black lava fields. After our luxurious soak and silica- and algae-mud mask treatments, we’ll have lunch in the Blue Lagoon’s fine dining room. Then it’s time for farewells and transportation either to the airport or back to downtown Reykjavik.
Transform Your Running
Learn not only how to run more consistently, with more ease and flow, but also reconnect with how running feeds your SOUL. During the retreat’s wellness workshops, we’ll explore what it exactly you need to breathe new life into your running and daily life. Don’t have a running routine? No problem! After our week together in Iceland applying the principles of mindful running, you’ll return home with a renewed love of running, sky-high confidence in your ability to pursue lofty dreams and goals, and brimming with energy and vitality.
WELLNESS WORKSHOP – Part I
Where does your energy go? Do you ever feel too tired to run? Do you ever feel so overwhelmed at the prospect of starting a training plan that you give up before you’ve begun? Do you want to run with others but fear you won’t be able to keep up or be the slowest in the group? Do your long runs or hard workouts so wiped out that you’re pretty much useless the rest of the day? Discover what feeds your energy and what depletes your energy and how to stop the energy leaks.
WELLNESS WORKSHOP – Part II
How well does running fit into your life? How often do you lack time to run, feel you should be running more, or feel guilty when you do “slip out” for a run. Reclaim your right to put your self-care at the top of your priority list. Discover how time it actually takes to develop the fitness you need to reach your goals without risking overtraining, under-recovering or cutting into your other obligations like family time or work. Using the tools we provide, you’ll design your own mindful running practice that will allow you to fulfill your goals and run with confidence.
WELLNESS WORKSHOP – Part III
Create goals with soul. Fearlessly step into your highest potential. No, this doesn’t mean becoming a super athlete (who needs that kind of pressure?!). Rather, our mindful intention-setting exercises allows you to bravely become the runner (and woman) you want to be on your OWN terms. Forget trying to fit into society’s, the media’s or your running partners’ idea of what it means to be runner and be the runner you know you already are.
About Your Retreat Leader, Charlotte Roennau
Charlotte Roennau is a former professional sprinter who has evolved into a mindful long-distance runner whose priority now is to run for fun. Once known as Denmark’s fastest woman, Charlotte’s competitive mindset was wired for goal setting, performance and achievement. But as career stakes rose—along with them, the pressure to perform—she discovered the drawbacks to gold medals. Failing to qualify for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona in the 400 meter hurdles led Charlotte to period of depression.
Putting her track career behind her, Charlotte forged a new career path that combined her sports-science degree with a new interest in mindfulness and yoga. Charlotte spent a decade using sports as a tool to create peaceful co-existence, social cohesion and reconciliation in the former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan. Her work with Cross Cultures Project Association (CCPA) and Global Education through Sports (GES) brought the core values of sports to bring kids, families, communities and cities together in conflict areas with respect for diversity, religion, culture and gender.
Charlotte, along with her husband and two sons, now lives in Aspen, Colorado, where she teaches skiing, yoga for athletes, leads mindful running retreats for Run Wild Retreats and organizes an annual yoga festival in her home country of Denmark.
THE DESTINATION
Iceland trail running stands alone. We’ve run in many parts of the world, yet none has delivered as much natural beauty and reward as this wild place. The ever-changing weather is a constant presence and demands our constant respect and preparedness. Our team provides the daily support and coaching you need to run well and be well.
Land of the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, of Viking heritage and the most modern design imaginable, of magical folklore and friendly people, Iceland sits at the top of Europe with an abundance of history, metropolitan atmosphere, sublime dining and incredible natural landscapes. Iceland is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the world’s most active volcanoes. Iceland is also the land of light and darkness. The Icelandic people (who will be our guides) of whom there are only 350,000, are some of the world’s friendliest and most welcoming people, not to mention their extreme pride for their culture beautiful country.
THE TRAILS
Our daily mileage varies from 4 to 9 miles, with most of it on trails of various surfaces. Some areas will be easy (soft, packed dirt and pebble paths), while other areas will be challenging, including steep ascents and descents on trails that can become muddy when wet. For this reason, trail-running shoes are mandatory.
THE WEATHER
The weather in Iceland can be summarized in one word: wet! Prepare for wet weather so if we’re treated to sunny, dry conditions (which does happen!), then it’s a bonus. Especially when we’re running along the southern coast, it can be cool and windy, and rain is highly likely. The average daytime temperatures are in the low- to mid-fifties, though it can reach the 60s on a sunny day. In the packing list we’ll supply for you, we highly recommend lightweight rain pants and a waterproof-breathable rain jacket. It won’t be raining the whole time, but for those times it is raining, you’ll be glad to have the right gear!
THE FOOD
The food in Iceland is rich and delicious, yet simple and not highly seasoned. Icelandic people savor the natural flavors found in the vegetables, seafood and meats that are dietary staples. You’ll enjoy fresh-caught seafood like chard, cod and haddock. Beef is rare, though lamb is another local favorite. Icelandic yogurt, butter and cheese is very rich, full of fat and flavor. Most vegetables are grown in massive geothermal-heated greenhouses found throughout the country’s inhabited areas. Have special dietary needs? Let us know in your retreat participant intake form and we’ll let you know what the options are for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free eaters.
What People Say:
“Iceland has a piece of my heart. If any of you women have wanted to go on a trail running retreat, Run Wild Retreats + Wellness has been nothing but spectacular. Well worth the money and time. Not only will you experience the beauty of a completely different landscape, eat local gourmet food, and run miles and miles, you will also make lasting friendships with some amazing women around the world. Thank you Elinor for an unforgettable week!”
Wasatchsolesisters Lyndsey, Christy and Keri of Salt Lake City, UT“Bravo, Elinor for hosting a really excellent retreat! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, loved the spectacular scenery, the people and food; and gained more confidence in my abilities as a runner. Makes me want to be better at it. Because it was such an impactful experience. I am contemplating doing the Italy trip next year.”
Isabella F.,“I’m back home from the most magical trip to Iceland ever. This trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience based on the company (Run Wild Retreats + Wellness) and the weather. So grateful for the ability to travel and trail run, but also for my home, dogs, and family that I get to return to. So inspired to keep running and refreshed and ready to tackle the second half of the second training cycle!”
Lauren Nakamura, San Jose, CA“This is an adventure of a lifetime. The runs are fantastic and the leadership is excellent. I could focus on running because all the details are taken care of.”
Lisa P., Littleton, CO“Hopefully, we all have a few of those really big life experiences that we look back on and say ‘that was one of the best things I’ve done.’ This retreat is one of them! I am an experienced trail runner and can say this is some of the most incredible running I have ever done. We ran through jaw-dropping scenery on terrain ranging from spongy tundra to technical trail. We saw everything from beautiful forests to scenic vistas. And since we had the rare opportunity to run with local guides, we not only learned a little of the culture, we could split into groups so we could be as challenged or relaxed as we’d like. What a great way to run in a unique location, with amazing women!”
Amanda S., Golden CO“The retreat was epic! The scenery, comradery, and beautiful trails exceeded my (very high) expectations. The beautiful weather certainly helped but I think that the spirit of the retreat–including that of Elinor, our amazing guides, and my fellow retreaters–was what made it so memorable and meaningful. It felt luxurious to be able to run every day, eat delicious meals, and have plenty of time for recovery and fun. It was a true “retreat” for me, an experience that has been imprinted on my soul (and soles!).”
Leah M., Chandler NC“I can’t imagine running in a more beautiful place. The trails were simply fantastic, as were the guides and the group was really fun to be with. The retreat build my confidence about my running. It was the best trip I can remember.”
Ingrid J., Vermont“I now have a completely different opinion regarding what I can personally do with running. This retreat was the kind of trip that required surrender and acceptance for a richer experience …. the views were breathtaking at every turn.”
Kristie K., Austin, TX“The entire retreat was amazing from start to finish. I really enjoyed being around such an inspiring group of women. And it really built my confidence as a runner.”
Chris N., Norborne, MIYour 7 Day, 6 Night Retreat Includes:
• Comprehensive Retreat Planning Guide to help you plan your trip
• Two nights’ shared accommodation in a 3-star hotel in downtown Reykjavik (double occupancy)
• Two nights’ accommodation at the 4-star Icelandair Hotel Vik (triple or double occupancy)
• Two nights accommodation in the Volcano Huts of Húsadalur Valley (dorm-style bunk beds)
• Daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Daily guided runs with professional Icelandic guides and retreat leader
• Ground transportation during the retreat
• Three Wellness Workshops
• Three Natural Running Form Clinics
• Trail snacks/energy food
• Blue Lagoon Geothermal Hot Springs Comfort Package
• Run Wild Retreats souvenirs
• Introduction to Mindful Running online program
• Transportation from the Blue Lagoon to Keflavik International Airport on the last day (arrive at 2 p.m.)
| Max. Group Size: 14 | Price per person: $4,900 | Deposit: $900 | Balance Payment May 1, 2019
| Duration: 7 Days | Running Level:* Intermediate |
*See below for more information about this retreat’s running level.
August 4 - 10, 2019
Save your spot with a deposit of $900
August 14 - 20, 2019
Save your spot with a deposit of $900
This retreat is right for you if:
- You’re comfortable running seven days in a row. Our shortest run is 30 minutes, but most are between 3 to 4 hours (including hiking sections, water breaks and photo ops).
- You have some experience running on trails.
- You’re OK with running/hiking on trails with loose dirt, rocks, mud, and potentially one knee-deep river crossing.
- You’re OK with getting your shoes wet in small streams.
- You’re comfortable on high and exposed, and at times 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).
- You don’t mind sharing a room (single travelers are matched with roommates) and sleeping in a mountain hut (equipped with cozy bedding, pillows, towel, full bathroom, showers, electricity, WIFI and running water).
- You have (or are willing to acquire before the retreat) trail running shoes.
What are the accommodations like?
Days 1 and 6
We stay in a three-star hotel in the heart of downtown Reykjavik. Rooms are superior double occupancy (with two twin beds) and include breakfast. If you are traveling alone, we will match you with a roommate. Rooms have ensuite bathrooms, hair dryer, TV, free WIFI and other essential amenities.
Days 2 and 3
We stay in the four-star Icelandair Hotel Vik in spacious triple-occupancy family suites (with three twin beds) that serves a gourmet breakfast buffet. Rooms have ensuite bathrooms, hair dryer, TV, free WIFI and other essential amenities.
Day 4 and 5
We stay in a private hut (small lodge) at the Volcano Huts in the Husadulur Valley. Despite being in a very remote mountain location, our hut and offers many modern comforts. We have an exclusive booking on a hut that sleeps 16 people (in two separate bunk rooms), includes a bathroom with flush toilet, kitchen, electricity and running water. At the nearby main lodge is free WIFI, hot showers, a bar and small gift shop. We provide bed linens, cozy comforters and towels.
How should I plan my travel?
We recommend flying to Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik on or before Day 1 of the retreat. The retreat program officially begins at 5:00 p.m on Day 1. On day 7 you have the option to be dropped at the Keflavik International Airport at 2 p.m. or return to downtown Reykjavik.