WRITING RETREAT
TUFTONBORO, NEW HAMPSHIRE
OCTOBER 12-15, 2023
Calling all Creatives…
Perched on a ridge in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, the historic getaway, Quietude serves as the backdrop to our four-day writing retreat. We’ll explore dirt roads against a backdrop of changing leaves, New England at its finest, find inspiration in the towering pines, and a moment of peace in the window seats overlooking the ridgetop view. Designed for runners and writers of all abilities, this weekend will tap into the deep connection between the two practices, crack open your creativity, and connect you with others who love the pen and the road as much as you do.
What to expect…
4-day retreat
picturesque setting in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region
Brave Writing practice led by writing teacher, Elvina Scott
healthy catered meals tailored to dietary needs
guided group runs along rural dirt, explore local mountain trails
writing workshops with Sarah Canney
integrative breathing practice to unify running and writing experience
special programming to facilitate personal growth and connection
all meals, snacks, and lodging included
single, double and multiple occupancies available
VIP swag bag valued at $500+
“This is our goal as writers, I think; to help others have this sense of–please forgive me–wonder, of seeing things anew, things that can catch us off guard, that break in on our small, bordered worlds. When this happens, everything feels more spacious.”
-Anne Lamott
Sample Schedule
Thursday
4 pm Arrive
5 pm Optional Group Run
5:45 pm Welcome Reception
6:30 pm Dinner
8pm Opening Ceremony + Introduction to Brave Writing
Saturday
8 am Breakfast
8:30 am Morning Writing Session
10:30 am Group Run
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Afternoon Writing Session
3:30 pm Optional Trail Run
4-5:30 Free Time
6:30 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Workshop
Friday
8 am Breakfast
8:30 am Morning Writing Session
10:30 am Group Run
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Afternoon Writing Session
3:30 pm Optional Trail Run
4-5:30 Free Time
6:30 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Workshop
Sunday
8 am Breakfast
9 am Integrative Breathwork
10 am Final Writing Session
12 pm Depart
Retreat Highlights
space for creative thought
collaboration and craft with fellow writers
picturesque setting ideal for relaxing
life-changing experience
Brave Writing…
Brave Writing is a freewrite practice that uses poetry as the prompt. After listening to the poem read aloud twice, we write for a set amount of time, no longer than 15 minutes. There is no expectation of the writing itself. We are simply showing up, as we are, writing one word, and then the next.
Brave Writing is a place to let go of the idea of “good” or “bad” writing. All we are doing is paying attention, and moving our pen across the paper. It is a practice that helps you connect to yourself, to find and name what feels true. It is a place to unspool memories, thoughts, and feelings, and in that way is generative for writers. By writers we mean, journal writers, email writers, Instagram post writers, poets, letter writers, essayists, sci-fi romance novelists, in other words, anyone who tries to say what they mean. Brave Writing is a tool for living.
Running and writing have a lot in common. In Brave Writing we're learning how to keep writing even when we don't feel like it, to keep the words flowing even if we're sure we're doing it wrong. In Brave Writing we're learning how to be comfortable being uncomfortable - which is something athletes understand. Staying in the game, one foot in front of the other, one word and then the next - that's what we do
Meet your Guides
Elvina and Sarah first connected through Rise Run Retreat in 2020 and have since shared their love of writing with each other both through collaboration and instruction. The idea for this retreat was born out of a desire to bring other women into a sacred, creative space designed to uplift, connect and inspire.
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Brave Writing InstructorElvina Scott is a certified Wild Writing teacher. She found the Wild Writing practice at a Wilder Retreat with Lauren Fleshman in 2018. Since that first weekend, this freewrite practice has been a source of personal evolution and creative material. Elvina is thrilled to offer her class, called Brave Writing, within the retreat environment, having had such a rich and rewarding experience discovering Wild Writing for herself. Elvina’s skill as a teacher is found in her ability to encourage participants to show up as they are.
Elvina is a graduate of a women’s college, Smith College, teaches ongoing classes for women and women identifying students, and has participated throughout her life in women centered retreats and contemplative spaces. She believes in the healing and transformative power of women together in non-competitive spaces, developing community.
Elvina is a writer, teacher, disability advocate, and ultramarathon runner.
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Founder + Workshop LeaderSarah is a former high school English teacher turned entrepreneur. After earning a degree in English Teaching from the University of New Hampshire, Sarah taught creative writing, British and American literature before transitioning to small business ownership and freelancing.
On her way to founding Rise Run Retreat, Sarah honed her writing through a personal blog she started in 2010. She was a contributing blogger for Women’s Running Magazine and her work has appeared in print and online in Runner’s World, Women’s Running and numerous local publications.
Her fiction has appeared in Vines Leaves Press and her novel was a semifinalist for the pilot season of America’s Next Great Author.
Sarah composes most of her writing while running the rural roads near her home in New Hampshire.
Single Occupancy$3080
single room, shared bath
all meals, snacks, and lodging for three nights
VIP swag bag valued at $500+
writing instruction + guided workshops
integrative breathwork session
Double Occupancy$2780
shared room with one other person, shared bath
all meals, snacks, and lodging for three nights
VIP swag bag valued at $500+
writing instruction + guided workshops
integrative breathwork session
Multi-Occupancy$2580
shared room with two other people, shared bath
all meals, snacks, and lodging for three nights
VIP swag bag valued at $500+
writing instruction + guided workshops
integrative breathwork session
Frequently Asked Questions
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Accommodations at our 4-day retreats are usually at luxury private homes with single and double and multi-occupancy available on a first come first serve basis. Our 3-day retreats often feature rustic, lodge-like accommodations with double and single occupancy.
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The cancelation deadline for each retreat is 90-days before the retreat start date. Prior to the cancelation deadline, registered participants can receive a refund less a $500 non-refundable deposit. Because of the investment of time and money into planning the retreat and securing lodging, guest speakers etc., we are unable to issue any refunds after the cancelation deadline of 90-days prior to the retreat start date.
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We require a negative COVID test within 72 hours arrival to participate in our retreats.
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We believe that running is a transformative act for everyone who chooses to participate. We welcome runners of all ages and abilities. For group runs we divide into pace groups and make sure that no one runs alone. We believe that everyone belongs at Rise.Run.Retreat.
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Group runs are anywhere from 3-6 miles on varied terrain. At each of our retreats, we plan for a combination of road, trail and rural dirt road runs. For those following a training plan, there are options to run longer when needed.
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The biggest difference is the length of the retreat and the fact that our 3-day retreat does not feature outside guest speakers and is facilitated by Rise Run Retreat founder and host, Sarah Canney and Rise Run Retreat staff.
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This varies based on our location, but typically the closest airports are
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) Manchester, NH
Portland International Airport (PWM) Portland, Maine
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Burlington International Airport (BTV) Burlington, VT
The retreat does not provide transportation to and from the airport but assists attendees with coordinating carpool and rideshare with other attendees.