EVERWALK RETREAT & AN ALTERNATIVE

There's no place like home for a fitness retreat. Taken by PKSenagore July 2018. All rights reserved.

DIANA NYAD AND BONNIE STOLL, FOUNDERS of EverWalk have added a new participation event to the list of opportunities to adventure walk.  There are the annual 130+ mile 5-day epic adventure walks (the latest will occur in the Pacific Northwest early this August) that the organization has organized, and now there is a retreat-like event in Telluride, September 21-23, 2018.  
 
Registrants will be able to enjoy the invigorating scenery of Telluride CO over a weekend and receive inspirational talks from Diana and yoga sessions from Bonnie. And of course, there will be long walks (10 miles) on Saturday and Sunday. It’s a pay-to-play kind of set-up; the more paid for the weekend “passes”, either $150, $315, or $450, the more time and additional events, like breakfasts, lunches, and cocktails, will be scheduled in the company of the walk leaders.
 
If you’ve had problems with fitness motivation, this type of inspiration may work for you if you can afford the registration fee, travel and hotel accommodation costs, and the time away from work and or family.  
 
I am disappointed in this move by Everwalk.   Possibly to spread their message more effectively these events make sense. The mass walks may not be drawing the numbers of paying participants needed to remain a financially viable business. However, from the perspective of a walker who seeks to be part of a national health movement it seems to be another FOMO (fear of missing out) elitist opportunity for many would-be fitness walkers. It sheds a different light on the epic adventure walks and reveals a bit more of the commercial nature of the EverWalk effort.  The expense of joining the epic group walks is also considerable.  EverWalk does not seem as much to be a revolution that energizes the common woman and man as a business venture. Where are the inclusive events?
 
As an alternative, consider using EARNED RUNS bibs to organize a personal retreat, solo or with others. Arrange to stay at one person’s place for the weekend.  Take big-mileage power walks, together.  Foam roll as a group afterward.  Schedule a group visit to a spa or fitness center pool/sauna (hopefully at which one person is a member). Enjoy a ‘cocktail hour’ or ‘wine and cheese’ before dinner like will be held at Telluride.  

Each person can plan to contribute a 1-minute pep-talk during this time.  Eat out at a ‘healthy’ restaurant for the evening meal, or cook one together.  Custom design a walking retreat that meets everyone’s budget AND inspires continued perseverance to train for fitness and commit to challenges. 
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Sure, this home-grown weekend is not the equal of a Telluride retreat that capitalizes on the fame of an accomplished athlete.  But almost certainly the coming together of friends for the purpose of motivation, in support of fitness goals, with fun and great refreshment as intended components, can serve a similar purpose, at a lower cost and greater convenience. 
So many times, we look outside of what’s familiar to us for help, and think we must pay a great deal to be moved and inspired to greatness. Sometimes, however, that greatness is nearer than we think. It’s in us and those we value as friends and family.

RUN & MOVE HAPPY!

https://www.tellurideskiresort.com/press-room/press-releases/telluride-everwalk-retreat/
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www.everwalk.com