Running retreats and camps are becoming more popular for a wide range of runners. Whether you're a beginner or a marathon veteran, these retreats offer the chance to learn about form, workouts and nutrition, and let you meet people who share your passion for the sport.
These eight unforgettable retreats and camps will fill up quickly, so add these to your Christmas wish list or start making plans in your 2016 training calendar to take part in one of these experiences.
For the Everyday Runner: Jeff Galloway Retreats
Athens, Greece; Blue Mountain, Fla.; Carmel, Calif.; Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Olympia, Greece; RomeDates vary 1 of 9
Olympian and running coach Jeff Galloway leads retreats all over the world each year. Attendees will learn about nutrition, stretching, speed and cross-training, all while getting one-on-one attention from Galloway. At the Athens location, the retreat fee covers entry into the Athens Marathon. In Florida, enjoy both beach and trail running in a scenic and relaxing environment. His first two-night retreat of 2016 is in California and costs $895 per person.
For the Trail Runner: TARC Training Camp
Westwood, Mass.June 18-19, 2016 2 of 9
Trails runners will love the Trail Animals Running Club (TARC) camp, which features a two-day, one-night retreat. Beginners and veterans alike will have the chance to learn about trail running technique, gear and nutrition advice. It's also an excellent preview for runners looking to run the TARC 100, a 100-mile trail race.
For the Runner Considering an Ultra: The Cool Impossible Run Camp
Jackson Hole, Wyo.Dates TBD 3 of 9
Eric Orton, the coach of "Born to Run" author Christopher McDougall, leads this high-altitude retreat. He guides participants on running form and strength specific to ultrarunning, so attendees walk away as "explorers of their own running." The camp is small, so runners will get a lot of individual time with Orton.
For the Serious Ultrarunner: Alaska Mountain Ultrarunning Camp
Juneau, AlaskaJune 10-16 and July 14-20, 2016 4 of 9
This camp only takes 12 participants per session and is an experience geared to advanced runners training for tough ultras. The trails are technical, and most of the miles are run along challenging mountain courses. It may be a demanding camp, but runners will also enjoy the beautiful landscapes only Alaskan mountains can offer.
Photo credit: Geoff Roes
For the Runner Who Loves Great Weather: Run Flagstaff Retreat
Flagstaff, Ariz.Dates TBD 5 of 9
With August temperatures in the 70s and an abundance of mountainous trails for runners, this beautiful retreat features guided runs and expert speakers from all over the industry. Attendees will receive a private gait analysis, shoe fitting and even a chance to do some restorative yoga with elite runner Alicia Shay.
For Kara Goucher Fans: Kara Goucher Podium Retreat
Breckenridge, Colo.Dates TBD 6 of 9
Kara's retreat only launched a few years ago, but it's quickly becoming one of the most popular for women runners. In past years, participants have had Q&A sessions with Kara, pilates workouts and product testing for Skechers and Oiselle. The retreat is three days and two nights.
Photo credit: Aric VanHalen
For Runners Who Love the Science of Running: FIRST Adult Running and Learning Retreat
Greenville, S.C.Dates TBD 7 of 9
Runners at this retreat will hear from coaches and physiologists at the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training. You'll also receive an analysis of VO2 max, running economy, running gait and a lactate profile. This retreat is more information sessions than actual running, but it's a great option if you want to learn more about your performance as a runner.
For the Runner Who Wants to De-stress: Run Wild Retreats Moab Running Retreat
Moab, UtahOctober 2016 8 of 9
Elinor Fish, director of the camp and former editor at Trail Runner magazine, heads up this retreat for women. Through discussion, meditation time and practice sessions, participants will learn how to be "mindful runners." Runners will also learn the "Power Posture," participate in yoga classes and, of course, go trail running.
Photo credit: Run Wild Retreats
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