2020 may be the year of everything cancelled but we’ll see you in 2021. The Run & Be Well Retreat won’t be happening this year but this is a minor setback.
These are some interesting times here in 2020, that’s for sure. I don’t have to tell you that living through a global pandemic has been… really the only word I can use to describe it is “interesting.” I’ve personally vacillated between the highest of highs and some pretty low lows. And I know I’m not the only one.
2020 was going to be an amazing year. I was going to coach my jumpers to new heights, run another 50K (maybe still can?), and host my first women’s trail running event — the Run and Be Well Retreat. My dad celebrated his 75th birthday this year and I have a big birthday coming up, too. All in all, 2020 was (in theory) going to be epic!
And now here we are…
The Year of Everything Cancelled
The 2020 Run & Be Well Retreat is Cancelled
Sadly, I had to announce the cancellation of the Run & Be Well Retreat. No, running’s not cancelled. But most group events are. Chalk this up to the year of everything cancelled.
Truthfully, I was kind of relieved when I got the email that the venue wouldn’t be hosting overnight groups for the remainder of the year. For weeks — months, really — I was agonizing over how I could possibly hold the retreat safely and still meet the minimum amount of guests I had agreed to when I signed the contract and sent in the deposit. It seemed impossible.
And as time would tell, the venue apparently agreed.
To say I was relieved that they canned it without my having to make that decision was kind of a blessing.
Running may not be cancelled. But group events are.
Everyone involved has been very supportive and understanding. We’re all in the same boat, so I wouldn’t expect anything less. But it was really nice to receive words of encouragement and shared disappointment from so many. The retreat sponsors, all our attendees, and the wellness pros have all been amazing people to interact with on this journey.
Looking ahead
So where does this leave the Run & Be Well Retreat? Well, I don’t give up that easily. There won’t be one in 2020, that’s for sure. But 2021 will happen. The location may change but everything else about it will be the same. Trails, campfires, yoga — the whole shebang. I’ve already been working on plans for 2021 and I promise you, it will be epic.
And a giveaway!
And I’m so thankful. Why? Because one of our amazing sponsors, NOW Foods, is helping keep the spirit of the Run & Be Well Retreat alive! They’re giving away a $250 virtual gift card to one lucky lady.
NOW Foods has a fabulous and really diverse line of products. Everything from skincare to vitamins to snacks! $250 gift card? For NOW Foods? Trust me, this is one heckuva great prize.
Want to learn more about my experience with NOW Foods and why I love this company so much? Check out this post and this one!
Here’s the nitty gritty: this giveaway is an Instagram giveaway. In order to get started, click here to be taken to the Run & Be Well instagram account. You’ll find the rules of the giveaway on Instagram in the caption of the photo below!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAZ_Mu8naMz/?igshid=uv28mc88tt70
Have fun and good luck. This is an amazing giveaway, no doubt!
I’m very sad and heartbroken the Run & Be Well Retreat won’t be happening this year. I had big plans. And it truly was going to be an epic weekend in the woods. But this is a minor setback. Stick around here and Instagram to stay informed of future retreat plans. When we do finally get together, it will be an amazing experience and better than it ever could have been this year.
If you’re interested in attending the 2021 Run & Be Well Retreat, or your brand would like to be featured as a sponsor, please contact me!
xo
Let’s talk!
Have you had any big events cancelled due to COVID-19?
35 Comments
It was sad to see the event cancellation notice, but I totally get how it’s a relief to you. The Empower Camp hasn’t been cancelled yet, but I can’t see going. How does August seem to soon? Love NOW Foods – will check out the IG giveaway.
August seems SO soon now. I remember putting out my first COVID post saying that I was keeping an eye on the situation but that August was still five months away… and now here we are and it’s creeping closer and closer.
I’m so sorry, Rachel. I’ve never done anything quite like that, but I’ve organized small conferences & I know they’re so much work. Were you able to get your deposit back? Need another Yoga teacher, LOL?
I have to admit, after more than a year of no travel and lots of stress, I was so looking forward to a racecation, so of course it’s not fun that we’re not going anywhere. But it is what it is & I’m grateful for my health & the health of my loved ones.
Big hugs, Rachel!
I can always use a yoga teacher, Judy!!
We’re living through some crazy times, no doubt. But we’ll get through it.
I’m so sorry that you had to cancel the event–but it will be even better next year! When you pick the date, it’s going on the calendar!
YES! I’m super excited. I appreciate having more time to plan, too. Now I can go over everything with a fine toothed comb.
What a shame.
Fortunately, there’s hope that you can do the event in 2021. Imagine how great that will feel?!
Also, I really like that everyone was so understanding. You are not alone and the whole community feels with you. So nice to receive words of encouragement from everyone in hard times!
I agree, it really softened the blow when folks were still supportive. ♥️
This sure is the year everything got canceled! Happy to read that you are going to make it happen next year. More time to plan and make it amazing! Let’s hope things start getting uncanceled soon
Yes! I’m already looking forward to 2021!!
Bummer on the 2020 cancellation, but that gives you a lot more time to plan for 2021 🙂 I’m keeping my fingers crossed the AF Marathon holds in September…
I hope you get to do it!!! My fingers and toes are crossed for you.
So sorry that you had to cancel the retreat but so happy you did not have the stress of making the decision on your own. The retreat will be epic when you do get to have it I am sure! Love that NOW Foods is still doing a big giveaway with you. That is awesome!
I was considering making it virtual like you guys did with yours but I realized it wouldn’t be the same so I opted not to. Next year!!
The retreat sounds like a lot of fun. More time to plan now.
Yes ma’am! 2021 will be AMAZING!!
I’m sorry you had to cancel, but its good that you dont have to worry about what to do anymore. I think its stressful to wait and not know what going to happen with summer/fall events. Even though its disappointing to cancel, it can be relieving to know for sure.
It’s all good. I’m glad the weight is lifted even though I’m super bummed it’s not happening. But can you imagine the responsibility of keeping 25+ women safe while sleeping in dorms and using shared bathrooms? It’s like a nightmare. So yeah, glad I don’t have the responsibility of that.
I’m so sorry you had to cancel but now you have to to make it even better for next year! Most athletes are used to this now. A triathlon that my husband announces was one of the first to have to cancel (it was around May 14, right after the state of California shut everything down) and boy were those people mad! I imagine they understand a bit better now that everything has been canceled.
Oh my, they must have been furious! When all the races were being cancelled, I had a hard time with folks getting so bent out of shape about refunds. It was very unsportsmanlike in a very serious situation.
This year has been so unpredictable and I know event cancellations can be so hard, as with anything we invest tie and energy in. I know your event will be doubly awesome in 2021!
This year has been craaaazy. And the only saving grace is that it’s been crazy for the entire world. There’s some comfort in that.
I’m so sorry. I know how excited you were about this retreat, and I know you were cautiously optimistic about the event commencing. I think we are all just getting disappointment after disappointment, and it’s hard to overcome. 2021 is going to be the year of redemption. It’s something to really look forward to.
As sad as it is that it’s not happening this year, it’s ok. This just gives me even more time to plan and make it amazing for next year.
What a disappointment. You will be so excited for next year’s event. There’s no doubt it will be spectacular!
It really is a disappointment. But I’m glad I don’t have to stress over keeping everyone safe. I would never forgive myself if there was an outbreak due to my retreat.
I”m so sorry! This has been such a hard year all around. I know your 2021 event will be even better. I went over and entered your giveaway! Love NOW Foods!
I love NOW Foods. They have the best stuff! And so much to choose from!
2020 has been the worst! I can’t wait until it’s over…
I’m so sorry to hear your retreat was cancelled! Hopefully people will be even more excited to sign up for group running events next year.
It’s all good. I’m glad I don’t have to worry about making the decision anymore. And now I can just focus on making the 2021 event that much better.
I’m so sorry to hear everything is canceled. Such a shame. But no need to be disappointed nor sad. There will be events next year. I’ve missed so many things this year too but I’m looking forward to the future.
I totally agree. I’ve had races cancelled, school obviously was cancelled, summer camps for my kids — but we have to be smart and safe and I’m all for that!
I’m sorry to hear that your event can’t go on – loved hearing about it in that first coffee zoom. Glad they took the decision pressure off you. Sounds like it will be an amazing event. Happy early birthday! I had my milestone last year
Aw, thanks Cari! Maybe you can join us in 2021! 🙂 I’m super bummed but totally glad I don’t have the pressure anymore. It was really stressful deciding what to do.
that would be fun. I actually have vague Ohio plans for 2021 anyway for a return visit to the Hall of Fame. Hmm.