Episode 20: Mindful Running with Elinor Fish

In this episode, we chat with Elinor about self-compassion, stress and the effects it has on our body, practicing mindful running, bringing together women through running retreats and more. Introduction: Elinor Fish has worked in the travel, tourism and running industries since 1999. The Canadian ex-pat, who now calls Colorado home, has long been an avid trail runner, writer and champion for women’s participation in the sport. She spent four years as the managing editor of Trail Runner magazine, during which she founded Run Wild Retreats + Wellness in 2010. Throughout this time, Elinor’s personal health challenges led her to a deeper mindfulness practice. She soon recognized ways to blend running with mindfulness to create one powerful practice that could alleviate the effects of at-times debilitating chronic auto-immune diseases.  Questions we ask Elinor include: How did you get your start in running? For four years, you were the managing editor of Trail Running Magazine. What was this experience like? It was working at Trail Running Magazine that you founded Run Wild Retreats + Wellness. What was your basis for developing these retreats? Why did you feel the need to create the retreats? A major part of Mindful Running is reducing stress. What are some of the positive impacts that you have witness from those who attend the retreats? During this time, you went through some personal health struggles that led you to develop your own practice with mindfulness. Would you mind telling us about this time? What does mindfulness practice look and feel like for you? How would you suggest listeners develop their own mindfulness practice in day-to-day life? We would love to hear more about how you blend mindfulness and running. Frustration and mindfulness? Tell us what a typical day at the Run Wild Retreat might involve. What is next for Run Wild Retreats + Wellness?    What is currently making you thrive? What advice would you give your younger self? What does being a Strong Runner Chick (or Mindful Runner Chick) mean to you? How can listeners connect with you (or sign up for a retreat!)