Wilder Running with Lauren Fleshman

Although it's been nearly five years since my experience at Wilder, thinking back on it still feels me with joy and tenderness.

"Wilder is a philosophy - a method of exploration - a stripping down to the heart of it by pen and by food." - Wilder Running

Wilder Running is a four day retreat near Sisters, Oregon that combines running and writing for female-identifying participants. Led by Lauren Fleshman, a two-time 5,000 meter national champion and author of the best-selling book Good for a Girl, A Woman Running in a Man's World, Wilder enables runners to exercise their creative sides in the remarkably scenic (and aptly named) Three Sisters Wilderness.

A farewell embrace with Lauren on our final morning

Fitness

You'll find a wide range of runners at Wilder, from casual joggers to elites, from runners who have just discovered running to women who have run for decades. All paces and ranges of experience are welcomed with open arms. Each day had a different "theme" to the running, including a short, casual shake-out run, an interval sprints day, and finally a long run through the Cascade mountains. Everyone was welcome to take on these challenges in whatever way they were comfortable without judgement. On the long run day, which ended at Belknap Springs, we were given a 5, 10, 15 mile or "take me straight to the hot springs, bitch!" option.

An interest in writing will make Wilder a good fit for you, but you certainly do not need a regular writing practice or writing aptitude to join. I had started writing more frequently in 2017 to reflect on particular experience, but I hadn't written - let alone workshopped - intentionally since college. Wilder gives you the option to share as much or as little of your writing as you'd like, and no matter what, you'll leave with tools to improve your writing practice if you so desire.

Sprint intervals run along the Metolius River, guided by Lauren on bike

Gathered together for a morning writing practice

Accommodations and Food

Wilder locations differ year to year, but are typically located in a cozy retreat center that caters to the intimacy of the group experience. The retreat I attended was at Lake Creek Lodge in Camp Sherman, where we had the option of our own room in a shared cabin while the main lodge had plenty of space for dining, writing, and yoga.

Dinner was made in-house every night and was simple, healthy, and served community style. There were free Picky Bars abound and we came home from runs to find beautiful charcuterie boards waiting for us.

Highlights & Memories

Wilder was my first introduction to running in Oregon, which now I call home. I remember our ten mile run along the McKenzie River Trail to Belknap Springs, doused in a low-hanging fog. The rush of the river against the steamy fog was nothing short of magical. It was the genesis of my deep love of rivers.

Our last morning was spent running - in silence - along the stunning Metolius river. Formed out of a collapsed lava tube, the Metolius river is a stunning, clear deep navy blue that flows softly through the forest. I ended my run in a warm, weepy, emotional embrace with a fellow participant turned new friend.

I don't think I've ever slept as well in my life as I did my three nights at Wilder. Maybe it was the lack of cell service and screens of any kind, the nourishing meals made for us three times a day, the peaceful silence of Camp Sherman, or the simple exhaustion after a long day of running, but I felt at peace - body and soul.

Leaders and Group Dynamics

Lauren Fleshman is, in a word, impressive. In addition to being an accomplished athlete and bestselling author, she's a brand strategist for Oiselle, a women's running apparel brand, the co-founder of Picky Bars, a natural foods company that makes athlete-focused bars, and a champion for women in sport. She is also warm, curious, and perceptive. Lauren's facilitation is intentional across every aspect of the Wilder experience. She creates a community where women can be vulnerable and validated, are challenged and supported. She creates thoughtful guidelines for engagement for every activity from writing practice to runs and even mealtimes. Even with a group size of 40, every moment at Wilder felt intimate, profound, and unwinding.

All photographs on this page shot by Jess Barnard.