Recently I attended a Running Retreat with Emerald Isle Tours at Praia da Falésia in Albufeira, Portugal. I booked this trip when I first saw it advertised in January. When I saw the words ‘running’ and ‘retreat’ together I knew this was for me. It offered the unique opportunity to go on a holiday with a difference – to step away from the busyness of life – like any other retreat I’ve been on – while also being able to connect with other like-minded people and enhance my enjoyment of running.
The retreat was facilitated by Catherina McKiernan, a former long-distance runner, who was an Irish Olympian, four time silver medalist in the World Cross Country, winner of the European Cross Country, and of the London, Berlin, and Amsterdam marathons, and Catherina is still the Irish marathon record holder. Since her retirement from competitive running, she has become a ChiRunning instructor, teaching a new generation of runners about the mechanics of safe, injury-free running.
The setting for the retreat at the AP Victoria Sports & Beach Resort, was very conducive for such an experience – a Running Track, Outdoor Pool and Gym at the back of the hotel, a mere 10 minute walk from Falésia Beach – certainly an ideal resort for combining a holiday with physical activity and fitness training. The hotel bedroom apartments were comfortable and spacious to relax and unwind while the nutrition was top-class – healthy wholesome food was served buffet-style for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
It was great to take part in the Running Classes with Catherina, as she demonstrated Warm-up, Flexibility and Stretching, followed by drills and exercises focusing on posture, leaning, heel lift and arm swing; all aimed at improved running form and a smoother, lighter, quicker cadence. It all made perfect sense to me and it complemented my knowledge of Strength & Conditioning and Plyometrics which I feel has really improved my posture and running style and has helped to manage my injuries and to keep running!
It wasn’t all about running and there was plenty of down-time by the pool, relaxing at the beach, occasionally at the nearby cafés and bar, but most especially at our group Evening Meal together. It was there that conversations mingled, poems were recited and songs sung; the drama of the all too short four days was regaled, spirits lifted and friendships won. It is no surprise that plans have already been made by many members of the 12 attendees for a reunion. Running certainly can be a retreat and it can be fun!
