An introduction to running and mindfulness
Course leaders: Stuart McLeod and Cesare Saguato (www.runzen.co.uk)
This one-day workshop has been designed to provide a full introduction to a range of mindfulness skills and practices and their application to running. The day will be suited for beginners in both running and meditation as well as those who have experience in one or both.
Running is now one of the most popular forms of exercise in the UK, with studies suggesting a range of benefits for the health of our body and mind, such as helping to prevent obesity, heart disease* and high blood pressure, and boosting sleep quality** and mood.
In recent years, there has also been a growing interest in mindfulness, with research linking a regular and sustained mindfulness practice with a decrease in the incidence of depression, anxiety and stress***, an improved ability to regulate our emotions, and an increase in focus and attention****.
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”
(Jon Kabat-Zinn)
At RUNZEN, our new workshops combine mindfulness meditation methods in movement through running, enabling the act of running to become a medium through which mindfulness can be practised and established. We believe the integration of mind-body awareness can both improve mental health and our running simultaneously for greater all-round well-being, which can then be brought back into our everyday life.
We will cover core themes and practices during the day – which will also act as an introduction for anyone interested in attending our four-week mindfulness for runners course – including:
- Doing and being modes of mind.
- Mindful movement and walking.
- Seated meditation practices.
- Good posture for meditation and running.
- Mindful running: foundation and focus.
- Mindfulness in the everyday.
As a minimum criteria, participants will need to be able to run up to 5 kilometres without the need for frequent stops.
Homemade energy snacks and water will be provided throughout the day, but participants will need to bring their own light lunch.
Full course fee: £50
We are able to offer two concessionary places at £30 for low/unwaged and students. To discuss a concessionary place and for all other queries, please contact Stuart at runzen.contact@gmail.com
Cancellation policy. If you notify of us your cancellation within four weeks of the event date, will we refund your payment minus a £10 administration fee. We cannot offer refunds for cancellations less than one month before the event.
* https:// www.livescience.com/ 47058-running-five-minutes- heart-benefits.html
** https://www.curejoy.com/ content/ running-helps-you-sleep-bet ter/
*** https:// www.georgetown.edu/ mindfulness-training-helps- reduce-anxiety
**** https:// www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2016/03/ 160310141455.htm