Tag Archives: run

January Retreat 2015

Blog, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It was a cold, crisp but sunny weekend for our very first yoga and fitness retreat at the beautiful Stackpole Centre.

Stackpole Centre

Jan 2015 Broadhaven
Jan 2015 Broadhaven

Once everybody had arrived on the Friday afternoon we settled down with cups of Pukka Teas to introduce ourselves to the group. It turns out that many of our retreat guests have led very interesting lives (Charlie Boormans bike!!!!). After a lovely dinner of vegetable hotpot we set out on a moonlit walk towards Stackpole Quay. There is no better place to see the stars, Stackpole has one awards for it’s clear nights due to the very low level of light pollution. We ended our Friday with yoga Nidra and then it was time for bed.

Saturday saw a 7.00am start with a run down to the stunning Broadhaven Beach and a beach bootcamp.

Jan 2015 bridge push-ups

Jan 2015 dune running

After a very physcial start to the day we all needed a good breakfast. Luckily for us we had been provided by some stunning produce from Rude Health. Granolas, muesli’s oats and milks.

342345

 

During the morning our retreats guests took part in power yoga, more beach bootcamps and of course copious amounts of tea! Lunch was winter warming soup with a selection of vegan rolls and salads.

62670_590130697797197_8026451735594469332_n

After some chill out time we stepped things up a notch and performed a high intensity interval training session, lots of squats, burpees and push-ups. Dinner was moussaka and roasted veg followed by baked apples with berry compote!! We finished off the day with core and ab work and another relaxing yoga Nidra session.

Another 7.00 am start on our last day. We all headed down to the beach and got very sandy performing lots of dune sprints, topped off with a beach yoga session. We warmed up with soup at lunch and then finished off the afternoon with a nutrition seminar hosted by our registered dietician.

IMG_6467 IMG_6506

Myself and Kerry could not have asked for a more wonderful group of ladies to share our inaugural retreat with. You really did make the weekend extra special for us and we hope that you all went away feeling energised and refreshed.

If you would like more information on our March retreat then please get in touch via eandkretreats@gmail.com or find us on Facebook

Elly xx

Advertisement

Why I love fitness

Blog, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This post could go on for pages but I shall try and keep it brief. There are  so many reasons as to why I love fitness but here are just a few.

I suppose the main reason is the sense of achievement that I get from reaching a goal. There was nothing more satisfying that the crossing the finish line of my very first half marathon who competing in my first ultra marathon. I can’t describe the feeling of accomplishment that I have felt when taking part in events and it becomes slightly addictive (in a good way).

With my running buddies Stew and Tommy. Day 1 of our 3 day ultra
With my running buddies Stew and Tommy. Day 1 of our 3 day ultra.

I love fitness because it makes me feel strong. Knowing that I can walk into a gym and lift heavier than a lot of the guys is a huge confidence booster. Being strong has lead to increased confidence and a new found sense of independence. It has also given me new goals to reach toward, hopefully competing in a body fitness competitions next May.

because strong is beutiful

Fitness also provides me with a channel for relieving stress. I find I can get rid of the days troubles with a good gym session or a run out in the fresh air. It is time for myself, head phones in and focus on nothing else than the task in hand. It has structured my life when I have needed it the most and it provided me with a reason to take better care of myself.

endorphins

Fitness means something different to everyone but for me it is a way of life and I love it!

 

 

An adventure to Broadhaven South

Blog, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Today we spent the afternoon planning some of the outdoor sessions that will feature on the retreat.  From the Stackpole Centre you follow the path along the lakes…

Walk to Broadhaven
Walk to Broadhaven

This is a great track for our runs and hikes!

Through the woodlands, past swans, herons and ducks. As you run further along the trail you can hear the faint sound of the sea.

Which way to the beach?
Which way to the beach?

There it is , Broadhaven South. A beautiful beach with hidden caves and stunning views! Perfect for yoga and beach fitness sessions!

Braodhaven South
Braodhaven South

The picture really doesn’t do this hill justice (it was steep!) Dune running here we come!

Dune running
Dune running

Elly and Kerry X

The benefits of exercising outdoors

Blog, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What could be more inspiring than being in the great outdoors. Myself and Kerry have the luxury of having the Pembrokeshire coastline and national parks on our doorstep! What could be better than hitting the coastal trails for a run or taking part in a bootcamp class on one of the many beaches.

beach bootcamp

 

One of the main reasons why we chose Stackpole as our retreats location was the surroundings.  Stackpole is close to lilly ponds, woodlands, award winning beaches and the famous Pembrokeshire coast path and you will get to experience all of this on the retreat.

Bosherston Lilly Ponds
Bosherston Lilly Ponds

Being outdoors brings you closer to nature and this can increase our sense of wellbeing and reduce stress levels. Exercising outdoors actually increases the amount of endorphins, making us feel happier, revitalised and energised. Another fantastic side effect of being outdoors is that it increases our exposure to vitamin D (a natural source of vitamin D is the sun). Why is vitamin D so important? Well is has been proven to help combat hormonal problems, obesity and it can promote the effectiveness of your immune system.

sleeping-outside

 

Exercising outdoors can also improve your sleep patterns and your quality of sleep. being outdoors can help reset the bodies internal clock and normalise hormonal functions. All of these can aid in helping you to lose you weight and improve your health.

If you would like more information on Elly and Kerry’s Retreats then please get in touch via the contacts page or contact us on facebook