Explore Southern Iceland 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, mindfulness and great food. Through our practical mindful running clinics, informative discussions, and free time for self care, you’ll stop the energy drains and divert your energy back into your running.
During this fully supported seven-day, six-night women’s trail running retreat, you’ll run each day in a different location and is as inspiring as it is breathtakingly beautiful. Rather than finish this week feeling tired, you’ll come away rejuvenated and refreshed, thanks to Iceland’s incredible wild natural beauty, fresh Arctic air, pristine water and warm hospitality.
You’ll run its world-famous black sand beach, run within view of its fiery volcanoes and (if the weather permits) see its gleaming glaciers. Run through a steaming valley, fed by powerful geothermic activity and see up close a geyser shoot hot water high into the air and lounge in hot pools set among clusters of columnar basalt rock. We'll also visit Diamond Beach and enjoy a boat ride in a glacier-fed lagoon. Cap your week in Iceland with a luxurious soak at the world-famous Sky Lagoon geothermal hot springs, whose mineral-rich waters will soothe your muscles and joints.
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.
This retreat is level II
This means it’s suitable for you if:
You’re comfortable running six days in a row. Our shortest run is 30 minutes, but most are between 2 to 3 hours (including hiking sections, water breaks and photo ops).
You have some experience running on trails and have the fitness to run at least 8 miles on the road.
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 have (or are willing to acquire before the retreat) trail running shoes.
About running in Iceland
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 you need to run well and be well.
The total run distance for this retreat will be between approximately 32 to 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. Some areas on the trail 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. Note that trail running in Iceland can be challenging at times. Your retreat leader will provide mindful running tips and techniques for managing your pace and navigating the uneven terrain.
3 nights at the ION adventure hotel
An ideal place to take a deep breath, experience adventure and enjoy the luxury of an exceptional hotel. Thanks to the mix of cool concrete, glass and warm materials such as driftwood and lava stone from the surrounding area, the member of the design hotels blends harmoniously into its surroundings. The spectacular façade and all the furniture are made from natural, recycled materials, while bed linen and towels are made from fair-trade cotton. In the Lava Spa you will be pampered with natural Icelandic care products and you can marvel at the fascinating nature from the heated outdoor pool.
3 nights at the Hotel Vík í Mýrdal
The Hotel Vik í Mýrdal is a modern Art Deco hotel located a short walk from the Black Sand Beach. The rooms are designed in a contemporary, nature-inspired style by noted Icelandic architect Guðbjörg Magnúsdóttir. Every room comes with blackout curtains, a wardrobe, complimentary WiFi, a flat-screen TV, telephone, desk, coffee, and tea. Furthermore, each room’s large bathroom offers a walk-in tiled shower, towels, a hairdryer and both natural and organic skincare products that are made in Iceland from wild herbs. As with typical hotels in Iceland, the two double beds can be slid apart to crate a little extra space between you and your roommate.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon + Diamond beach
Breiðamerkursandur, also known as "Diamond Beach" gets this nickname from the icebergs from the nearby Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that break away and bob through the famous Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon before setting out to sea. Some blocks of ice get stranded on the beach, creating the illusion of large diamonds.
Enjoy an optional one-hour Jökulsárlón boat tour that will take you to the secret and quiet places where you'll experience incredible peace and spectacular glacial scenery. This tour takes place in an open-air Zodiac, making for an exhilarating experience, so dress warmly! Our guides will supply a flotation suit or life vest. Get ready for a tour that will take you to Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier, into the deep serenity of the lagoon.
Sky Lagoon wellness therapy
Your retreat package includes a two-hour soak in the natural geothermal hot springs known as The Sky Lagoon. Authentic Icelandic culture meets nature’s awe-inspiring beauty at Sky Lagoon. Discover a natural oasis like no other located in the heart of breathtaking Iceland. Your retreat package includes an afternoon wellness experience here, including the Seven-Step Sky Ritual, which will leave you feeling revitalized and rejuvenated after your week on the trails.
Mindful running clinics
Learn how to run more mindfully to become a better runner. This includes natural running form clinics during which you'll learn about the Power Posture: use proper alignment to make gravity do more of the work. This reduces the muscular force involved with running so it feels easier and less strenuous on muscles and joints.
Focus on efficiency: Use natural running techniques to drastically improve efficiency. You'll practice changing stride length, cadence and tempo on various types of terrain. Then put the pieces together to achieve the ultimate trail running experience. Learn to cultivate the circumstances for flow to occur by being relaxed and mindful.
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!
About
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About The Host
Our highly trained retreat leaders provide the space and support for you to have a potentially transformational experience. As experts in mindful leadership, she provides valuable guidance on how to be mindful on and off the trail. Here's more about what you can expect from your retreat leader:
Leads the opening meeting on Day 1, explaining what you can expect, the general flow of each day, what's expected of you, how she'll support you and all the other logistics you need.
Works with our local staff, such as guides and drivers, to keep things safe, on schedule and running smoothly
Leads mindful running clinics that teach you how to run more efficiently and with more flow and ease
Manages the pace of each run so that you never feel rushed or get left behind
Helps you get to scheduled events like yoga class, spa appointment and dinner reservations on time
Facilitates sharing circles, creating a safe space for the group to reflect and share openly
Provides emotional support if ever you need it
Itinerary
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
What is the average pace of the runs at these retreats?
Since our retreats take place on trails of varying types, we can characterize the runs by a specific pace-per-mile.
In general, we approach all the retreat runs with a very relaxed, social pace. We stop frequently to eat and drink and take photos (there are always lots of photo ops on our runs!). And depending on the terrain, there is times where we hike rather than run. Within every group there’s always a wide range in running pace, which is why we always have two or three guides with us.
One is at the front the group, one at the back and one floating around between the various pace groups. This way, everyone gets to go at their own pace and not feel rushed.
Is it OK if I come alone? Would I have to pay a "single supplement?"
YES you can come alone, and NO, it won’t cost you more!
The majority of our retreat participants come on their own. And while many travel companies require single travelers to pay a supplemental fee when there’s an odd number of travelers in a group, we do not. We absorb this cost so you don’t have to pay more simply because you’re traveling solo.
You may book a Shared Room retreat package, in which case we’ll match you with a roommate. All shared rooms have separate beds, one for each person (of course!).
On many trips, we offer Private Single Room options as well. While it does cost more to have a private room, you may select this option to be sure you have a room to yourself.
What is the group size on your trips?
We keep the group size as small as possible, usually between 8 to 16 women, depending on the destination. Please check individual retreat-specific information pages for the maximum group size.
What is included in the retreat package?
The itinerary varies, but generally includes ground transportation during the retreat, some airport transfers, professional trail running guides, run coaching, accommodations, most meals, activities, wellness workshops, custom souvenirs and support from your retreat leader. Excluded from the package are airfare, alcoholic drinks, purchases of a personal nature, guide gratuities, additional activities before or after the retreat.
Can I use my Garmin, phone or other GPS device to record the runs?
This retreat is a special opportunity to be present in a way that is hard to find in your regular routine. That’s why it’s call a retreat! By participating in this retreat, you are embarking on a journey of inner exploration as much as one of external exploration. You are embarking on a journey to a beautiful new destination, one that offers scenery and cultural experiences you can savor and enjoy. The inner exploration has to do with creating space to observe the feelings that arise throughout the retreat, noticing them and savoring them. With that in mind, we have introduced a Presence Policy that is designed to enhance your retreat experience so that you get the most from it. This policy asks that you:
- When on the trails, keep your phone in Airplane Mode. This way, you can use as much as you like to take photos (which we strongly encourage!), but aren’t distracted by incoming messages or phone calls.
- Turn off all audible sounds from your watch or GPS devices. If you have an electronic device that is making sounds, your retreat leader will ask you turn it off.
- Even better: leave your watch behind! There’s no need to log, map, measure or time your runs while on the retreat. You will have a richer retreat experience if you forego all forms of measurement and focus on the purpose of each day’s run: to practice mindful presence.
- Turn off your phone (or leave it in your hotel room) during the meetings, sharing circles and during group meals. There is plenty of time in the day, while traveling from place to place or free time, during which you can catch up with friends and family, post photos to social media, etc. We simply ask that you don’t do this during group time.
Are all your trips one-size-fits-all or do you have differing levels of challenge?
Our goal is to make our retreats accessible to runners of various ability and fitness levels. Having said that, some retreats are better suited to runners with more endurance and trail running experience than others.
What is the difference between a running camp and a running retreat?
Running camps generally focus on workouts and coaching for building fitness and improving run performance. Our focus is on building the foundation of health you need before you can safely and sustainably build fitness. That’s why our retreats are truly a retreat from your everyday routine and offer you a mental and physical break. That space allows you to slow down, tune in and rediscover what your body and heart are craving right now. Our retreats are enriching immersions that blend running, travel, adventure, education and community.