Arrival, shakeout, and kit check
6-8 km easy
Alicante transfer window, check-in near Denia, easy coastal trail run, dinner, group goals, and route briefing.
The concept
Technical trail running without the performance theatre.
This is a practical trail-running camp for women who want to become calmer, stronger, and more capable in mountain terrain. You run real Costa Blanca trails, work on the skills that matter when the ground gets steep, and leave with clearer habits for race day.
Two athletes, one small room.
Monika brings Lithuanian national-team experience and Costa Blanca trail knowledge. Anna brings Icelandic national-team mountain-running credibility, a Laugavegur podium, sub-3 marathon speed, and a teacher's instinct for explaining hard things plainly.
Terrain first, slogans last.
Every run has a job: climbing rhythm, downhill control, endurance pacing, heat management, fueling, or race planning.
Small because small works.
Eight runners keeps the group coachable, safer, and personal. The point is direct feedback, not being another bib in the pack.
Who it is for.
The first cohort should stay narrow: women with a running base who want practical trail skills, warm winter terrain, and direct access to athletes who race internationally.
Road runners moving onto trails
You can run, but technical descents, loose ground, poles, and fueling still feel like a second language.
50K and 80K hopefuls
You have a mountain race on the calendar and want a focused training block with honest feedback.
Northern runners needing sun
You want winter or spring vertical without flying to the other side of the world for it.
Who should not come.
The first version gets stronger by saying no cleanly. A narrow retreat is easier to fill than a vague one.
Complete beginners
You should already be able to run 15 km comfortably. This is not a couch-to-trail weekend.
Result hunters
No one can guarantee a podium, a finish, or a breakthrough race. The promise is better skill and better decisions.
High-volume sufferfest seekers
This is serious work, but the goal is learning. Some climbs are meant to be hiked because that is the smarter mountain decision.
Four days with a clear arc.
Enough structure to make the trip worth the money. Enough space to recover, ask questions, eat well, and come home sharper than you arrived.
Climbing rhythm and descending control
14-18 km
Montgo or Bernia-style terrain with coached uphill economy, braking, foot placement, cadence, and confidence on rough ground.
Long trail day and race craft
20-26 km
A longer route with fueling practice, heat management, pacing decisions, poles where useful, and a proper recovery meal after. The goal is not to smash the route. The goal is to learn how to move well for several hours.
Recovery run, workshop, and departure
6-10 km
Short scenic loop, mobility, breakfast, personal next-race notes, group Q&A with both hosts, and Alicante transfer window.
The details that make it feel real.
A good retreat page does the unglamorous work: who should come, how hard it is, what's included, how transfers work, and what happens when weather or legs disagree with the plan.
Included
- 3 nights shared villa or small hotel accommodation
- Alicante airport transfer window on arrival and departure days
- Daily hosted and coached trail runs
- Breakfasts, trail snacks, and group dinners
- Workshops on pacing, fueling, kit, and race planning
- Route notes and post-retreat training takeaways
Not included
- Flights to Alicante or Valencia
- Mandatory personal travel and sports insurance
- Alcohol and optional restaurant extras
- Private one-to-one coaching beyond the program
- Race entry fees or post-retreat travel
- Single-room supplement if available
Transfers
Recommended arrival: Alicante before 15:00 on Thursday. Recommended departure: flights after 14:00 on Sunday. Valencia pickup can be quoted separately.
Safety and screening
Applications before payment, mandatory kit list, route alternatives for heat or storms, and qualified local guide or active-tourism partner coverage where required by route or regulation.
Hosted by women who race for real.
The point is not celebrity worship. It is access: two serious runners, direct coaching, and a small group where questions get answered.
Monika Fahle
Lithuanian national-team trail runner, Costa Blanca local, UTMB-profiled athlete, and hands-on coach for technical mountain confidence.
Anna Berglind Palmadottir
Icelandic national-team mountain and trail runner, WMTRC athlete, Laugavegur 2025 3rd woman and W45 winner, sub-3 marathoner, and English teacher.
Questions worth answering early.
Serious runners want pace, terrain, rooms, food, insurance, and risk explained before they apply.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable running 15 km on rolling terrain and open to hiking steep climbs. The long day can be adapted, but this is not a beginner weekend.
Do I need trail experience?
Some trail experience helps, but you do not need to be an expert. This is a good fit if you have road fitness and want to move better on rougher ground.
Is it women only?
Yes. The first cohort is deliberately women-only so the product has a clear room to serve.
What trails will we run?
Routes are selected from the Denia, Javea, Bernia, Vall de Laguar, and Marina Alta area depending on weather, group level, and permissions.
What if the weather turns?
There will be lower-risk backup routes, road-to-trail options, workshop swaps, and heat or storm protocols. Mountain plans need escape routes.
Can I come alone?
Yes. The retreat is designed for solo travelers. Shared rooms are matched by preference where possible.
Is this a coaching camp?
It is a hosted trail-running retreat with practical instruction and feedback. Formal coaching or guiding titles should only be used where credentials are confirmed.
What kit is mandatory?
Trail shoes, hydration vest, phone, emergency blanket, wind shell, sun protection, personal medication, and route-specific extras sent before arrival.
Pilot retreat
Apply for the first Costa Blanca cohort.
The first retreat should stay small so the hosts can screen fit, learn the logistics properly, and give every runner useful attention. Apply first; payment comes only after fit, dates, room setup, and safety requirements are confirmed.
Apply for the pilot