Mediterranean Mindful Running Retreat PRIVATE GROUP

Our program begins in the later afternoon, when we gather at our hotel in Girona and meet our local guide, 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 

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, browse local shops, seaside cafes and then 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

Wellness Workshop Part I: Stress and Runners

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 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.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast overlooking the sea, 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 on the outdoor terrace. After some free time to wander the narrow, winding streets of this fully restored piece of history and browse its delightful boutiques featuring fashion, art and jewelry and local food items, we'll drive about 20 minutes to our hotel. 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. 

After breakfast, we begin our run from the hotel and take a meandering route out into the Cap de Creus Natural Park on trails that meander rocky coves where it's rumored that, back in the 17th century, pirate ships would hide. Today's goal is to the lighthouse (weather permitting), a major landmark that offers 360-degree views of this surreal landscape. After enjoying a refreshment on the lighthouse's cafe patio, we continue our run 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 we walk to a local, family owned restaurant for multi-course feast. 

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.  

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure at the hotel, then check out of the rooms and store luggage at the hotel while spending the next few hours 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. 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.

Run: no group run today

• Keep track of who's coming and who hasn't yet committed
• Keep track of who's paid for their spot (if paying individually)
• Individual's add-ons or extra services 
• See who's read the materials you sent and the tasks you've assigned them
• See who has completed their required retreat participant intake forms
• Keep track of special dietary needs and other requests 
• Manage all your group emails in one trip planned activity feed
• Organize any other tasks or actions you want your group members to take before and after the retreat