My Best Place For Running/Walking—And Recharging The Spirit

A breathtaking view was revealed as I drove over the pass at Mount Rose, NV.  The scenic vistas along the highway framed almost the entire expanse of Lake Tahoe—72 miles around—which was enclosed by the snow-capped rim of an ancient, enormous volcano and high-lighted by a unique blue sky reflected in the huge lake.  Without thinking, I had to stop the car and take off running on a nearby trail.   For the next two hours, I was pulled along from one amazing view to another through tranquil meadows of alpine flowers, pristine streams and lakes, and interesting rock, tree, and land formations.  I had traveled around the world but never experienced a run as invigorating and energizing.

It was early July 1973, and I had just qualified for TEAM USA.  I only had a few hours before I boarded a plane with my teammates to compete against some of the world’s top athletes in Africa, Russia, Italy, and Germany.  My stress about hostile environments, such as the Soviet Union, gradually dissolved as I ran on this trail.  When I headed for the airport, I was relaxed, motivated, and focused on my competition—with a plan to come back to Tahoe.

During the next 6 months, I met others who had been touched by the transformative mental and physical enhancement of Tahoe magic.  I brainstormed first with my friend Steve Prefontaine (“Pre) and then others the idea of a fitness retreat.  During the summer, runners and walkers at all levels could learn, improve and enjoy training more and enjoy the fellowship and fun.   The first session was held over the summer of 1975, and Pre was excited about coming and training at altitude.  Unfortunately, his life was cut short a week before he was to arrive.  But the ideas from our many discussions became the key elements of my Tahoe retreat and have been extended over the 5 decades.

What you can expect from the Galloway Lake Tahoe Running Retreat:

•  The best information on training, nutrition, motivation, extending endurance and improving speed—for each person, according to the current fitness level of each.  In doing the research for these clinics, I wrote GALLOWAY’S BOOK ON RUNNING and then, 35 other books.  This body of research and the run walk run® method, has allowed me to individualize information for just about anyone.
• FUN!  Community & Camaraderie:
  Runners want to be together.  As our retreat groups gather for runs and meals, even the new folks are talking, helping one another. laughing and telling stories.  Lifelong friendships are formed during  the runs, hikes, and socials.
• Mindfulness & Wellness:
  Having experienced a positive mental shift on my first Tahoe visit, I studied the mental benefits of exercise and wrote MENTAL TRAINING.  Key elements in my method are “mindful strategies” to manage stress and gain control over exercise–and  life.  Yes—it’s possible to achieve a balance between pushing toward goals and limits and taking care of your body and brain.
• Individual consultations
  My “magic mile” will accurately show each person’s current fitness level.  With that information, I offer small group or individual consults to answer questions, set up a training schedule, etc.  After the retreat, each participant receives an email address for follow-up questions
• Personal Growth & Goal Achievement:
  Hundreds of participants have told us how their learning and experiences at our Tahoe retreat enabled them to set new goals, overcome personal challenges, meet good friends, and improve quality of running, walking and life.

And it all started with a conversation sitting next to Pre on a plane flight.

Come with us!  Learn, get motivated, and experience the magic of our Tahoe retreat.

Jeff