A New Wave of Running Retreats
As the New Year’s resolutions start to fade, consider trade your routine park run for a transformative five-day journey through Mexico’s Sierra Madre. Log out of competitive apps like Strava and immerse yourself in a community of fellow runners looking to explore the world while running. This type of travel can reinvigorate your spirit, offering a unique escape from the January blues.
The Aire Libre Experience
Founded by Mauricio Diaz in 2017, Aire Libre organizes running retreats in breathtaking locations, spanning from South America’s mountains to the Scottish Highlands. This innovative approach combines stunning landscapes with mindfulness and wellness, as evidenced by their recent retreat with 14 trail runners traversing the scenic Routeburn Pass in New Zealand. According to Diaz, “It’s not only about running but the stories and meanings we can explore through movement.”
More than Just Miles
With an average daily distance of 5 to 16 kilometers, retreats are tailored to participants’ abilities. The experience transcends the physical challenge; it offers opportunities like jogging to a Peruvian farm’s breakfast table or a refreshing swim in Roman Baths. This philosophy fosters a deeper connection to the land and cultures participants typically miss when traveling via bus tours.
A Journey Rooted in Culture
The idea of engaging with local cultures through running sprouted from a desert journey where Diaz and friends connected with the Seri indigenous group. This respect for the land and its history transformed their adventure from a group of runners into honored guests. “You don’t just invite yourself into someone’s home without knocking and making an introduction first,” Diaz explains, emphasizing the importance of respect and relationship-building.
Authentic Connections
Throughout the retreats, participants are encouraged to delve into the unique cultures of the areas they explore. The first retreat in Oaxaca included cultural experiences alongside running, as Diaz notes, “For our experiences, the running is not the end. It’s a vehicle to explore the land and connect with it.” This model has expanded to diverse destinations, continually reinforcing their bond with Oaxaca.
Embracing Diversity Through Running
The Aire Libre retreat in New Zealand combined exquisite trails with cultural depth, facilitated by Māori guides who enriched the experience for international participants. Aaron Kerehoma, a Māori health practitioner, emphasized, “Acknowledging, listening, and learning from indigenous or traditional ways of life is my number one in terms of experience design.” This multi-faceted approach encourages shared experiences that enhance understanding among runners.
A Team-Oriented Approach
Unlike traditional running events steeped in competition, Aire Libre retreats promote community and solidarity. Diaz delights in the diverse mix of participants, including marathon veterans and first-time runners, stating, “We start together, we finish together.” This cooperation replaces performance pressure with storytelling and cultural immersion.
Mindfulness Through Movement
Running retreats focus on exploration rather than competition, encouraging guests to absorb the environment and cultures around them. “If you run to explore – that’s our definition of being present,” Diaz explains. The retreats provide equal opportunities for authentic experiences, ensuring everyone enjoys the journey.
Rethinking the Metrics of Running
During a retreat in Arizona, Diaz learned from native Hopi tribe members about their sacred ceremonies centered on running, where distances are secondary to the experience. “Time and distance. That’s something only white people measure,” a Hopi member laughed, highlighting a contrasting, enriching perspective on what it means to run.
Each Aire Libre retreat aims to blend fitness with cultural awareness, creating a unique travel experience wherever they go.
– Running retreats are gaining popularity, providing immersive travel experiences. – Aire Libre, led by Mauricio Diaz, connects runners with local cultures. – Recent retreats include diverse activities beyond running, enhancing cultural engagement. – Participants range from beginners to seasoned marathoners, fostering inclusivity. – Focus on mindfulness and exploration over competition marks a unique running philosophy.
Aire Libre retreats redefine running experiences by fostering community, engagement with local cultures, and mindfulness. These journeys emphasize relationship-building with people and the land, encouraging guests to explore new horizons beyond personal records. By focusing on storytelling and cultural immersion, participants find a deeper connection to their surroundings and each other. With an approach that values relationships over competition, running retreats offer a refreshing alternative to typical running events.
Original Source: www.nzherald.co.nz
