Trail Running Retreat + Wilderness Adventure
About the race
The retreat runs for three days across two mountain ranges with one small group. Misfit Mountain Athletics hosts it in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, with guided mountain running and one wilderness adventure.
This retreat suits intermediate to advanced runners who are comfortable on technical, mountainous terrain. The pace is slow and relaxed, and no runner is left behind.
You will run Appalachian trails, learn to move confidently in the mountains, explore fueling and hydration options, and make new friends. You will leave with a little more confidence than you arrived with.
Location and accommodation
Jonesborough, TN is the home base for this retreat. This small mountain town in eastern Tennessee is the oldest town in the state and is noted for being the StoryTelling Capitol of the World. With the Appalachian Trail and Roan Highlands nearby, there is no shortage of beautiful mountain scenery.
You will have hotel accommodations at night, and you will dine together in the evenings. All meals are provided.
What's included
- Hotel accommodations (either a shared double room or a single, private room)
- All meals and snacks
- Transportation to and from trails
- Guiding and personalized guidance on and off trail
Not included: transportation to and from the retreat and any extra costs outside of the retreat time.
Who this retreat is for
If you want to gain confidence on mountain trails and can run 5-10 miles at a time, this retreat is for you. The pace is relaxed.
The goal is to gain knowledge on topics such as:
- Trail safety and etiquette
- Navigation and route planning
- Basic survival skills
- Fueling and hydration
- Recovery and mobility
Booking and group support
Let us know at booking so we can ensure you are taken care of before the retreat begins.
Multiple guides are on hand so no one is left behind, and all paces are welcome.
There will be opportunities for group yoga, mobility and more.
Meet your head guide
Lauren will be your head guide.
Lauren is a former research scientist and teacher turned endurance coach and guide. She brings years of diverse adventure experience to the table. Her mission is to provide meaningful experiences for reflection and growth through time in the wilderness.
She believes everyone, from the wannabe adventurer to the most experienced adventure athlete, should have the opportunity to explore, learn and build community in the wild.
When not coaching or guiding, Lauren spends her time ultrarunning, backpacking, adventure racing, mountaineering and traveling. You can see her in action on Discovery Channel's Season 16 of Naked and Afraid.
What your entry includes
The course
Conditions and what to pack
Spring can mean variable weather. Plan to pack the following for the trail:
- Trail running shoes
- Poles, if you have them
- A yoga mat
- A variety of layers
- Rain gear, which is highly suggested
You are welcome to bring your own personal snacks or anything else you might find useful.
Location
City insight: Jonesborough
Jonesborough is a town and the county seat of Washington County, Tennessee, with a population of 5,860 as of 2020. It is known as Tennessee's oldest town and is part of the Johnson City metropolitan area. Summers are hot and humid and winters are mild, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
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