Join Me for the
Mindful Marathon
Silent Circle in
Barcelona, Spain
A 12hr Journey - Walk, Jog, Write
Remember when you were young and the end of the year filled you with nervous excitement? Anything could happen the following year and everything was possible. As you get older, your world begins to get smaller and your social circles contract. There are many wonderful things about the comfort and routine of adult life; but sometimes, you get stuck and need to break the mold to set the stage for a new chapter.
What if, to end this year, you were to meet up with a group of strangers and walk or jog in a circle, in silence, for an entire day, for an entire marathon, in the middle of nowhere, and journal your thoughts as you go? What a crazy but amazing idea!
Welcome to the Mindful Marathon Silent Circle. This will be our seventh event, and I’d love to invite you to join us.
Here’s How it Works
Saturday, Dec 27th
Saturday, Dec 27th. Fly into Barcelona, Spain, and we’ll meet you at 2:30pm at Trafalgar Street, 56 (close to Arc de Triomf) in the city center. Together, a group of us will then take a one-hour shuttle bus to Monastery Sant Benet. This is a beautiful, restored sacred site, with a 4-star hotel where you’ll have a private room. That first night, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the monastery, share a meal, get to know each other, and prepare ourselves for marathon day.
Sunday, Dec 28th
Breakfast is served from 5am, and since we will have taken a vow of silence the previous night, we’ll drink coffee and eat together, but without conversation. At 6am, the bell rings and we begin the first walk/jog loop of our Mindful Marathon. Half marathon attendees complete one loop, full marathoners complete two. The trail loops around the monastery and down a quiet path and back.
It’s still dark at 6am, so we’ll give you a flashlight and guide you every step of the way. At 6:45, we’ll meet in the Mindful Hall to write our first of 12 journal assignments. We’ll have a bite to eat, use the bathroom, and at 7am the bell will ring again for the next loop.
Every hour, on the hour, we’ll walk/jog, rest, and write, again and again until we’re done. Believe it or not, the time will fly by. Throughout the day you’ll experience moments of elation and joy. You’ll almost certainly have struggles and doubts, too. Some of the journal assignments will feel easy and fun, others challenging. This is all part of the process.
By 6pm, we’ll be done. We’ll break the silence, have dinner, share our experiences, and celebrate together. You’ll make new friends and expand your horizons for sure, but the biggest takeaway will be the insights you’ll gain about yourself and your life from your time alone.
Monday, Dec 29th
On the final morning we'll meet at 8am for a restorative yoga class at the hotel. It's a great way to loosen any stiff muscles from the previous day's walking. We'll then enjoy breakfast together before the bus takes us back to Barcelona by 12:30pm. It’s two days and two nights, but it will feel like we’ve spent a week together.
Why This Event?
The Mindful Marathon is a full day of physical movement, journaling, connection, and introspection. Nothing offers perspective quite like the awe of nature and the clarity of mind that comes from long physical endeavors in the company of like-minded people, all of whom have come together for the same reason: growth. And there’s no better time to do it than as the year draws to a close and you get ready to start a new one.
What To Expect
- Mental and physical challenges
- Positive people and a supportive, non-competitive, accessible environment
- A safe, supportive, and gentle approach to walking or jogging
- A safe, supportive, and gentle approach to hiking
- Zero competition, zero focus on performance, zero judgement or expectation
Silence and No Phone Rules
- Silence from 27 December after dinner (10pm) until 28 December after we finish (around 7pm)
- No phones, smartwatches, screens, or devices from 27 December after dinner (10pm) until 28 December after we finish (around 7pm)
Qualifications
- If you can easily walk for 6 miles (10 km) on any given day, you can likely finish the half marathon distance
- If you can easily walk for 13 miles (21 km) on any given day, you can likely finish the full marathon distance
- No matter what your level of fitness, this will be a very challenging day
- Not sure if you’re ready? This weekend, go for a monster walk and see how you feel during and afterwards
- Still not sure? Email us support@yogabody.com
Required Gear:
- Walking or jogging shoes that you’ve already broken in
- Layered clothing
- Hat for sun protection
- Super lightweight raincoat, just in case
- Water bottle
- 2,500 calories worth of snacks
Optional Gear:
- Small blanket (for Mindful Hall journaling)
- Vaseline / petroleum jelly
- Sunscreen
- A change of clothes (socks / underwear are key)
Which Distance Should I Choose?
This event is all about personal achievement, so choose the distance that suits you best. At previous events around 50% of attendees walk the half marathon distance, around 25% walk/jog the half plus, and 25% jog/walk the full marathon. You can change your mind on the day, but it's good to have a distance in mind to aim for and target your training towards before you arrive.
Distance options
Distance options
Registration
50 37 Spaces Left!
Included:
- 2 nights, private room, 4-star hotel on 27th and 28th of December
- Breakfast: 28th and 29th
- Dinner: 27th and 28th
- Barcelona > Monastery bus transportation
- Journal and pen
- Yoga class and guided monastery visit
Not Included:
- Flights to Barcelona
- Personal gear, phone, insurance
- Food during non-group meals
This event is a passion project, not a business venture. With that in mind, we’ve attempted to make the price as affordable as possible to make it more accessible to a larger audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mindful Marathon Reviews
“Highly recommend”
It was a fantastic and meaningful experience my husband and I enjoyed together. The challenge blended structure, flexibility, and mindfulness with great people, positive vibes, and beautiful scenery to create a uniquely joyful adventure. The flawless logistics, effective communication and welcoming accommodations expertly rounded out the weekend. We highly recommend the Mindful Marathon!
Laura & Rich B
“An incredibly special experience”
As an introvert with a small social battery, I wasn’t sure how I’d do in a group hike — but this experience turned out to be incredibly special. Those I connected with were kind and genuine, and the YB team made everything feel welcoming and well organized. Journaling during the hike was a beautiful touch. The views were absolutely stunning. This journey allowed me to feel present, grounded, and surprisingly connected. I’m so grateful I joined.
Anna L
“A transformative journey for both both and spirit”
I gifted myself the Mindful Marathon for my 61st birthday and – and it was one of the most memorable and best birthdays I’ve ever had! Despite pre-event nerves and serious self-doubt about walking the distance, the team’s expert guidance, constant encouragement, and inclusive spirit (embracing every age, experience level, and pace) dissolved my fears. This was so much more than a walk. It was a transformative journey for both body and spirit. Thank you for an experience that surpassed all expectations.
Gaynor M
“A very supportive group of people”
I want to thank YOGABODY so much for this experience. I had a great time on the Mindful Marathon. I started training from February when I signed up and it really paid off because the day was very hot and strenuous. But I had a very supportive group of folks, the group leaders were great, and people were so friendly in the groups as well. Two weeks later and I feel great. I feel like more walking, maybe another mindful marathon. Thanks so much!
Rachel L
"A humbling privilege I will never forget"
To run 30 miles in one day was a new edge for me. I’m immensely grateful to reconnect with such a passion and love of mine and believe I can do it again and more! And to witness others, from the fastest to the slowest, all equal, pushing through our own limits. A humbling privilege I will never forget.
Daniel O
“I didn’t know I had this much power in me”
How beautiful, powerful, and inspiring it was to have done this with a group of strangers with whom I’ll forever share this connection. I didn’t know I had this much power in me, but this trip has certainly lit a fire under me!
Arnea M
“It provided lessons and deep connections”
This gave me the gift of presence. It provided me with lessons, laughter, and deep connections. These are the important moments in life. I’m forever grateful.
Renee M