Run into the Wild: Join us for our women’s trail running program

Written by Ella Nuttelman

As the leaves began to turn from many shades of green to vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds, a small group of women gathered at Basecamp Cascadia for the second annual Run into the Wild.  Friends reunited around a shared love of trail running, new friendships were born, and everyone entered with open minds and hearts to learn something new. 

Nestled in the quaint area between Leavenworth and Stevens Pass, this program connected people from around the country. From the eastern plains of WA, to the tacky trails of Bellingham, from the Pacific seas of Hawaii, to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Coming together for steep trails through old forests, logging roads that provided an understanding of the evolution of the natural area through time, and a place to call home for the weekend in newly developed campsites.

We left our egos at the highway and created an intentional focus on being present, supporting one another, and spreading positive vibes. We set a welcoming and refreshing tone for the long weekend together. From a personalized assessment that we directly applied to a Posture and Injury Prevention workshop, learning from professional trail runners about nutrition and training plans, to learning to plan and plot routes through the wild places surrounding each of our homes, this program has it all.  

The locally sourced ingredients that Chef Jon transformed into nutritious, hearty meals had all of us yearning for the time around the table to reflect on each day's run and other activities.  During the final campfire chat, one participant remarked, “I was broke open,” by the newfound community, support, and lack of pressure of what running “should” be.  She felt rejuvenated and refreshed to return to something she loved rather than something she had to do.

To enhance the experience further for 2022, we are transforming Run into the Wild into a Women’s Affinity trail running workshop that will lead-up to our annual Roaring Creek Invitational. This year Run into the Wild will dive deeper into the theme different seasons of running - focusing on trail running in a holistic sense and welcoming women who are starting, returning, or continuing to trail run to come to build community and redefine what trail running means to them. The workshop will culminate by running in the Roaring Creek Invitational.

You will join the women’s affinity trail running group formed during Run into the Wild, and many others who have gathered for RCI to challenge yourself with fun, healthy, and supportive competition. And we will all gather for the common purpose of raising money to support Basecamp Cascadia programs (like Run into the Wild!) and creating a community outdoor space for all.

We’ll be doing yoga, connecting, and learning the best ways to take care care of our running bodies.

To sum it up, Run into the Wild looks like this:

  • 1.5 Day Female-focused Trail Running Retreat

    • Thursday (9/29)

      • Farm to Table Dinner with Motivational Trail Running Female Speaker sharing their own season of running. TBA.

      • Banana Boat Fireside Hangout

    • Friday (9/30)

      • Sunrise Coffee/Tea Footprint Art Activity

      • Trail Run out the backdoor of Basecamp Cascadia & Community Building

      • Farm Fresh Veggies from Cascade Community Markets lunch & cooking demo to feel inspired on new ways to fuel your body & soul!

      • Injury Prevention and Recovery with Postural Coach Jessica Kisiel to restore your natural movement and function.

      • Fall Reflective Walk / Run

    2 Day Participation in Basecamp’s Community Trail Race

    • Saturday & Sunday (10/1 - 10/2)

      • Entry into the Roaring Creek Invitational 15K or 30K community trail race options

      • Post-race Award Ceremony / Celebration / Dance Party

      • Post-race Community Breakfast

    Camping at Basecamp all Weekend, which includes access to: outdoor kitchen, outdoor showers, outhouses/compost toilets, geodome, and hot tub.

    New adventure pals!

Are you excited yet?  We sure are!  Please reach out with any questions or inquiries.  We’d love to have you as part of this special weekend.

Katie