A DAY IN THE LIFE

Get off the bus and be ready for your jaw to drop at the Umbrian hillside splendour. Enjoy a refreshing drink as you are welcomed to your home for the next week.

Imagine waking up in your comfy bed with crisp white sheets in a classic stone nobleman’s villa with the Mediterranean sunlight and birdsong to greet you. Taking your time, mosey to the glass room to have breakfast while taking in 360° views of the Umbrian hills and siennese skies. Breakfast is delicious with homemade goodies and of course the classic mocha coffee. The sound of laughter and story sharing amongst your colleagues pervades the space.

Mid-am – time for first yoga class. Walk down the gravel path to the timber frame yoga shala set amidst natural forest and large doors/windows to bring nature inside. Soft, melodic wind chimes and the rustle of trees is the sound backdrop for the yoga. Enjoy a yoga class that wakes you up slowly and builds to the intensity of your choice. No one is left behind in these classes as everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace. The collective energy of the room however, has an amazing affect on moving everyone along. Languor in a long savasana while breathing in fresh air and emptying your mind.

Make your way back up the gravel path to the large grass field by the villa, freshen up in your room, sit and chat with friends or find a quiet spot to reflect before lunch is served. Weather permitting a buffet lunch is served outdoors with the freshest of local ingredients – always delicious and satisfying. Just might be time for a glass of wine!

Four hours of free time to do as you wish be it active or quiet time – read, walk the property where attention to detail is witnessed at every turn, hike the hillsides, find a lounge chair to rest or read, swim, enjoy a massage is sauna in the spa. There is no such thing as boredom here!!

Late afternoon yoga workshop time. Each day a different topic will be covered, starting by reviewing the key fundamentals of yoga alignment and then focusing on various parts of the body (hips, hamstrings, shoulders, spine). Educational material is worked into each session as is an element of fun.

Return to the villa to once again refresh, enjoy a glass of wine and chit-chat with buddies before heading to dinner. Back in the glass room to the setting sun and remarkable skies for a seated and served three course gourmet meal. All dietary preferences are accounted for and there will actually be a few moments of quiet as everyone enjoys the meal. But not for long, vibrant chatter once again resumes. The camaraderie is palpable as new friendships are formed.

An evening stroll, maybe even a dip in the pool and hot tub before heading to bed. Rest comes easy after a satisfying day of activity, laughter and delicious food.

This, in a nutshell, is a typical day at the Italy Umbrian retreat. No pressure – do as much or as little as you wish. Mid week an excursion is planned to explore local towns, delicious lunch and wine tasting... and shoe shopping. Participation is not mandatory.

Before you know it the week is over, and you’re saying farewell to your new friends, but not without a promise to return to Umbria again!

THE SETTING

La Locanda del Gallo is a luxury, country house immersed in nature. Green hills, sweeping gardens, spaces for silence balanced with spaces for socializing will be the backdrop. Deep relaxation in a wellness centre with salt water infinity swimming pool, jacuzzi spa and massage facilities.

"The location was fantastic. Beautiful resort with a dining area both inside and out. We enjoyed delicious homemade fresh food for all of our meals and the hosts willingly adapted meals for all dietary restrictions. The rooms were lovely; clean and well maintained with toiletries and fresh towels daily." - Michelle M.

EXPLORE

One of the many charms of Umbria is the large number of medieval towns to visit. Each is unique but all share loads of charm, great food, outdoor cafes, cobblestone roads to ramble, jaw dropping architecture and... shopping! The region boasts some 500 companies specializing in the noble art of making cashmere with numerous outlets to browse. Just a few amazing towns that are within easy reach of the Locanda del Gallo: Perugia, Gubbio, Assisi and Cortona. And even Siena, Florence and Rome are not too far.

An excursion day is planned to visit a few of Christine’s favourite places, including a one-of-a-kind experience in a medieval castle, shopping for quality Made in Italy footwear and browsing Perugia. Details will be confirmed and attendance is voluntary.

PEOPLE

From the very beginning a magic chemistry brings the group together. Over meals, a glass of wine, a hike through the trails, yoga and fun play provides lots to talk about. Friendship and comradery is instant as backgrounds and life experiences are shared. Everyone is embraced and made to feel welcome. Whether you come with a partner, friends or alone, your circle will grow as lifelong friendships are made over lively conversation and lots of belly laughs.

"In addition to the yoga, the social aspect of the retreat was something I truly enjoyed. From the beautiful location, to the food and wine, to (best of all) all the new people we met and friends we made." - Catherine D.

YOGA

My approach when organizing retreats is that first and foremost the time is yours to do with exactly as you feel. While each day will have organized yoga classes, participation is completely voluntary. Nonetheless it is a yoga retreat, so yoga classes will be held every morning allowing participants to either develop or deepen their yoga knowledge and experience. The classes will be varied and accessible to all participants. We will set the foundation with functional movement with a dose of strengthening work. Based on my philosophy that ‘one can be too flexible but one can’t be too strong’, a reasonable dose of strength and mobility work will be included. Afternoons will include a workshop where we will analyze and deepening our understanding of key yoga poses as well as explore movement with some fun play. All classes are tailored to the needs of runners, focusing on hips, hamstrings, core strength, stretching and strengthening - but non-runners will benefit also. Practicing yoga surrounded by and nestled in nature is not to be missed. Meditation and breathing will also be included - nothing beats breathing in fresh mountain air. Running is optional - perhaps it's a good week to rest from running and restore your body. Yoga experience is not necessary. There are endless trails and road ways for hiking amongst the beautiful forests and streams – they are hilly. We will enjoy one afternoon of freedom for an excursion or to remain on the grounds and rest.

"I was sure that Yoga could be a perfect way to improve running performance and you showed me that! Every day since the retreat I practice your yoga...and my running is much better" - Stephanie M.

FOOD

No Italian experience would be complete without exquisite food and La Locanda’s one of the best. You will see kitchen staff running from the garden to the kitchen to produce the freshest possible food, mostly organic. Meals are al fresco when weather permits or in the glass room offering 360 views of sky and hillsides. Lunch is buffet style while dinner is served for a true gourmet experience. Presentation is always artful with attention to the smallest details to please everyone. All food requirements are easily accommodated.

"This was one of those places that you don’t wonder IF you will be back but rather wonder WHEN you will be back. The food, hospitality, facility, attention to detail and breathtaking views were exceptional." - Jennifer S.

Rates and registration

October 12-19, 2024

Shared Occupancy: $2650
Single Occupancy: $3700 (limited availability)

Reserve your spot with a non-refundable payment of $500 CAD, constituting the yoga fees, payable to Christine Felstead. Contact: 416 452-8760; cf@yogaforrunners.com

Balance (for accommodation services) to be paid in full by July 1, 2024 to our travel agent Angie Mammoliti of Transat Travel (56 Church Street, Toronto, ON, M5C 3C8). She will contact all participants in late June to discuss your payment options but you can reach out to Angie by phone at 416-366-1961 or email her if needed. We highly recommend that you invest in travel insurance for your trip to ensure peace of mind.

** Transat Travel's customer funds are protected in Ontario by TICO 50015088

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