From November 24th
to December 2nd, 2025
15% OFF in all our experiences
Discount Code: BLACKWEEK15
*Promotion limited to 5 discount codes per experience and
cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
Trail Talks is a series of conversations with Aire Libre friends about the deeper meaning of movement. For both them and us, running goes far beyond being a sport. It’s a pathway to connection, self-discovery, empowerment, wisdom, and ultimate freedom—an experience that transcends the physical and touches every aspect of life.
There are often moments on a trail run when I pause—not because I have to, but because something in the landscape catches my eye. It might be the way the trees blend into the sky, the way the light filters through the branches to strike the earth, or the way the clouds tumble through a valley. Running for me has always been more than just movement; it’s a way of exploring my surroundings and understanding my place within them.
Growing up in rural New Zealand, I was always aware of our relationship with the land—how we farmed it, how we preserved it, and how it shaped our daily lives. That awareness has stayed with me, and I’m naturally drawn to places where the connection between people and the land is still visible. I’m deeply conscious of how we shape the land and how it shapes us—and every running adventure is an opportunity to explore this further.
I’ve always been fascinated by history—not just the events, but how they shape who we are today. When I first ran trails in Greece, I was struck by the land’s deep connection to its past. Running along ancient stone paths, I couldn’t help but imagine the generations who had walked them before me, carrying news and goods.
Outside of New Zealand, Greece is the closest place that feels like home to me, with its timeless quality and simple, grounded way of life. Running through these landscapes has given me a personal connection to the land’s history, showing me how movement and history are deeply intertwined. I wanted to design a retreat here to offer others a chance to experience Greece beyond its beaches and parties, to explore its rugged terrain, cultural richness, and stories etched into its mountains and villages.
Personally, running in Greece has deepened my connection to both the land and its history, giving me a greater sense of perspective and appreciation for life’s simple, resilient rhythms. It has reinforced to me that running isn’t just a physical journey—it’s a way of connecting with the world’s larger story.
Beyond the incredible runs, what stands out most from these trips is the time spent together before and after the miles—the conversations, the shared meals, and the moments of connection. One of my fondest memories comes from the French Pyrenees retreat, where we spent two nights at Refuge du Fourcat, a remote mountain hut perched above 2,400m near the Andorran border.
With no distractions from the outside world, we truly felt the isolation of the mountains. Sitting around a long communal table, we shared hearty French mountain food, plenty of red wine, and countless stories from our lives. It was one of those rare moments of authenticity—where people from different backgrounds came together, completely present, connected by both the day’s effort and the shared experience. That sense of camaraderie has lasted well beyond the retreat—we still have an active WhatsApp group that keeps the memories alive!
I’ve had many memorable encounters during these retreats, but one that has truly stayed with me was our visit to Xochimilco during the Mexico City retreat. Punting through the ancient waterways of these floating gardens at sunrise was magical. The stillness of the morning, the mist hovering over the water, and the vibrant colors of the chinampas created an almost timeless atmosphere.
Hearing the stories of how these lands have been farmed for generations struck a deep chord with me. Seeing regenerative farming in action and understanding how vital it remains to the local communities reinforced my appreciation for sustainable and locally driven food production. One moment that will always stay with me was tasting the food served to us directly from the garden—the depth of flavor took me back to a childhood memory from my first experiences of growing vegetables. That encounter further cemented my belief in the importance of preserving and supporting these traditional agricultural practices.
I’ve always loved trail running—and running in general—but before joining an Aire Libre retreat, I had never truly considered running as a means of exploration. I’ve always had an adventurous spirit, but using running to discover new places, cultures, and histories opened up an entirely new way of experiencing the world.
As I embraced this new perspective on running, I was fortunate to take some time away from work to pursue some adventure experiences on my travel list. Being part of the Aire Libre community gave me not only the inspiration to seek out new places but also a reason to visit friends I had made along the way. I love reconnecting with La Familia in their hometowns, and these retreats have reinforced my belief that running isn’t just about movement. It’s about shared experiences and lifelong connections with people, places, and the stories that unfold along the way.
Nigel is a seasoned adventurer who lives to explore countries & cultures through his love of running. Nigel is currently based in London, UK, but grew up in rural New Zealand, where his love of the outdoors was entrenched from an early age. Some of Nigel’s earliest memories involve running, and he still loves to find playful moments out on the trails.
Learn more about them and the rest of the crew here: Aire Libre Ambassadors
From November 24th
to December 2nd, 2025
15% OFF in all our experiences
Discount Code: BLACKWEEK15
*Promotion limited to 5 discount codes per experience and
cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
From November 25
to December 2nd, 2024
15% OFF in all our experiences
Discount Code: ALBLACKWEEK
*Promotion limited to 5 discount codes per experience and
cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
Compártenos cualquier duda o pensamiento sobre la experiencia. Queremos que vivas la mejor experiencia con nosotros, así que te contestaremos lo más pronto posible.
Please share any question or thought about this experience. We really want you to join the adventure, so we’ll come back to you as soon as possible.