Retreat FAQs

Run Wild Trail Running and Wellness Retreat Frequently Asked Questions
August 16-19, 2012
Avalanche Ranch
Carbondale, Colorado

How do I get to Avalanche Ranch?

Avalanche Ranch is located in the Colorado Rockies, not far from Carbondale, Colorado and Aspen, Colorado.

Directions from Denver: Take Interstate 70 West to exit 116 for Glenwood Springs. Follow the signs to Aspen. The main street of Glenwood Springs turns into Highway 82. Follow Highway 82 for 10 miles to the intersection of Highway 133 and turn right into Carbondale. Go 13 miles straight on Highway 133 to Avalanche Ranch (watch for the large sign on the right).

What are the nearest airports?

We recommend either Eagle County Regional Airport or Aspen Pitkin County Airport, both of which are about an hour’s drive from Avalanche Ranch. (Information coming soon about airport pick up options).

You could also fly to Denver International Airport (3.5 to 4-hour drive from the Ranch) and either rent a car or take the Colorado Mountain Express Shuttle to Carbondale, where we could pick you up. The cost for the CME shuttle is $93 each way.

How much trail-running experience is necessary?

You can do this retreat even if you’ve never run trails before. We do recommend basic running fitness, such as the ability to run at least 5 miles on the road. You will have your choice of pace group (each group will have a run leader), so you can choose the distance and pace that best suits your fitness level. Each day, you have the option to run longer or faster, or shorter and at a more leisurely pace.

How hard will the runs be?

The runs will range from 3 to 12 miles, all on premier singletrack trails. Most are smooth singletrack, though we will visit some rocky, rooty trails to practice trail-running technique. But all runs will include breaks for refueling, stretching and hydrating. Each day’s run will be different, and involve stopping and starting as we review uphill/downhill running technique and proper running posture.

What are the accommodations like?

We have reserved the Ranch House (three bedrooms) and four cabins that sleep 2 to 3 people in each. We offer mostly shared rooms, which have either two twin beds to a room, or three beds in a cabin with its own kitchen. For $100 more, you can have a private bedroom with one queen bed and shared bathroom and kitchen.

What are the yoga classes like?

All the post-run yoga classes are optional and suitable for yoga novices and experienced practitioners alike. The yoga classes are will focus on lengthening your muscles, gently opening the hip and shoulder joints and strengthen the core. These rejuvenating classes are designed to counterbalance the invigorating nature of trail running with the calming mindfulness of yoga.

What will I learn?

-how to run better with less effort (improve efficiency)
-how to run technical trails (rough, rooty terrain, rocky trails, uphill/downhill).
-how to improve your fitness, endurance and speed
-how to set and achieve race or fitness goals
-how to fuel your body before, during and after running
-how to avoid injury and deal with chronic running injury

Click here to see the retreat itinerary with more details about the program for the Run Wild Trail Running and Wellness Retreat.

How do a register?

For your convenience, our registration and payment system is now completely online at http://wwwrunwildretreats.eventbrite.com/. You can pay your registration fee by credit card through this secure online payment system.

I’d like to come but the price is a bit steep for me. Do you offer discounts?

You can save off the registration price by paying by check instead of online, and opting for a discount of $70 instead of a complimentary massage if you register before June 29. Together, this represents a savings of $100 off the registration fee. For a shared room, the cost is $1150, for a private room, $1250. Make checks payable to Elinor Fish and mail it to: Run Wild Retreats, 335 Cleveland Place, Carbondale, Colorado, 81623.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel more than four months before the retreat, you may have a full refund, less a $100 processing fee. If you cancel between April 16 and July 4, you receive a 50% refund, and if you cancel July 5 or later, there is no refund.

Can I pay a deposit now and the rest later?

We prefer full payment at the time of booking, but if that is not an option for you, you may pay half ($625 for a shared room) at time of booking and the second half on or before June 1, 2012. We can only accept these payment by check.

What should I bring?

running shorts, top (short and long-sleeve)
hydration pack, belt or hand-held water bottle carrier
chap stick
hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
mosquito repellant
three pairs of running socks
trail-running shoes
water-resistant/breathable running jacket
running tights
bathing suit for the hot springs
headlamp for walking around ranch grounds at night
warm jacket and hat to wear at night
waterproof rain jacket and boots
shoes other than running shoes or sandals
personal items
book, journal

Do I need special running shoes?

Trail-running shoes are recommended. If you don’t have trail shoes, you may use road-running shoes, or consider visiting your local running-specialty store for a recommendation. A list of retailers from across the country can be found here: www.trailrunnermag.com/retailers.php

What will the weather be like?

Daily highs near Granby at this time of year are generally 70 to 80 degrees F, and lows reach the low 50’s or even cooler. Afternoon thundershowers are typical, though at last year’s retreat we had only one brief thunderstorm followed by two days of brilliant sunshine. Therefore, we highly recommend bringing a rain jacket, hat and warm (insulated) jacket for the evenings and waterproof footwear other than your running shoes.

How will the altitude affect me?

The ranch is situated around 6000 feet in elevation, where the dry air can be extremely dehydrating. Sip water continuously through the day, particularly during and after exercising. While running (and going up stairs for that matter!) you may feel a shortness of breath and will likely run slower than normal.

Please bring a water-carrying system for running, your choice of hydration pack, hand-held or waist belt. If you don’t already own a hydration system, we highly recommend those by Nathan (www.nathansports.com) or Amphipod (www.amphipod).

What is there to do during free time?

Soak in the natural outdoor hot springs on site
Stroll the nearby historic town of Redstone
Walk along the Crystal River
Read a book on the deck of your cabin
View wildlife, watch birds
Sit around the camp fire
Journal or read a book

Should I worry about wildlife?

Local wildlife include deer, moose, coyote and on rare occasions, bears. However, we will remain safe by running as a group and making plenty of noise to alert animals to our presence.

Is there phone/internet and cell reception at the Ranch?

available soon.