COURSE DESCRIPTION

Join renowned wilderness experts Matt Graham and Ryan Maguire in the heart of the picturesque Colorado wilderness for an immersive Primitive Running Course like no other. Delve into the ancient art of running, tapping into the wisdom of our ancestors and connecting with nature on a profound level. Matt Graham, a seasoned primitive skills expert and world-class runner, will guide you through the experience, helping you develop strength, balance, and a deep connection to the Earth. Ryan Maguire, a seasoned naturalist, ultra athlete and mindfulness practitioner, will lead sessions on nature awareness, ancestral survival and mindful running.

The class is for individuals seeking a challenging experience that will push their physical and mental endurance. Set amidst the stunning Colorado mountains, ranging from 10,000 to 7,000 feet elevation, this rigorous course transitions from a cooler climate of pine and aspen forests to high mountain desert terrain with cactus, scrub oak, and juniper and higher temperatures. It demands resilience and stamina, catering to those who are prepared for a demanding physical and mental test in a diverse and challenging environment.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to rediscover the joy of running in its most natural form. Join us for a transformative journey through the wilderness, where ancient wisdom and modern enthusiasts converge for an unforgettable experience.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:

Ancient Running Techniques: Explore the primal and efficient running techniques employed by our ancestors for survival and connection with the natural environment. Learn how to move through the wilderness with grace and efficiency, harmonizing with the terrain. Strip back the fancy gear and experience the freedom and sensory experience of minimalist running. Enhance your sensory perception, connect with the environment, and experience the meditative aspects of running in the wild.

Survival Skills on the Move: Gain insights into how primitive running techniques were integral to survival in the wild. Learn how to navigate various terrains, adapt to different environments, and become more attuned to your surroundings.

Primitive Camping Skills: Extend your experience beyond running with hands-on lessons in primitive camping skills. Learn essential survival techniques, such as shelter-building, fire-making, and foraging, to deepen your connection with the natural world.

Community Building: Foster a sense of community with like-minded individuals who share a passion for movement, primitive skills and nature connection. Engage in group activities, discussions, and storytelling around the campfire, building lasting connections with fellow participants.

Location: Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Colorado, providing a diverse range of terrains to practice and refine your primitive running skills.

COURSE LENGTH

5 days/4 nights

The Primitive Running Course spans 5 days, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the experience and absorb the teachings. The course will begin at 9am on the first day and will end at Noon on the last.

FOOD AND WATER

Water will be harvested along the run. Be sure to bring your water filter!

Food is Provided. We will provide Pinole, Salt, and a basic ration. Part of this course is taking on the challenge of fewer calories, and collecting food. Everyone will have the same experience. No additional food is allowed.

SUGGESTED GEAR LIST

All the items should be lightweight, yet functional. A general running kit containing the items below will weigh around 4 to 5 pounds (minus the clothing you are wearing, and any food ration we provide).

• Square Cloth 55” to 60” is ideal. We recommend pure cotton, linen or a blend. Other thin materials can work if they are not too slippery, or too thick. This will carry all your gear, should be easy to roll up, tie the corners, and feel good on your skin without feeling too warm. You can purchase this as a table cloth at a thrift store, or sold by the yard in a fabric store, or Walmart fabric section (if you dare to venture inside :). We recommend you bring two thickness options so we can suggest the most ideal for this course in person.
• Footwear. These must be well broken in prior to the course with at least 80 miles. No new footwear allowed. Your footwear will get wet often. Sandals are okay if you are conditioned to running off trail in them, otherwise we recommend the running shoe you’re familiar with. Blister free is the ideal here.
• Clothing- Two pairs of lightweight quick-dry running shorts. One long sleeve sun shirt. One hat for the sun (wide brim is recommended). Two pairs of socks if you are wearing shoes.
• One bandana- for collecting, etc..
• One thin nylon belt
• One hard sided flask running water container with lid. Around 450ml size.
• 25 feet of thin cordage. Parachute chord is okay
• One small size nylon stuff sac- roughly 5”x7” size. To house loose items; your food rations, cordage, med kit, etc…
• Poncho or Thin Blanket Throw. This is both your warm layer in the morning/evening and part of your sleeping kit. This thin poncho or thin blanket throw should be very lightweight and packable weighing about one pound, at least 5 feet long. We recommend wool, though synthetics like micro fleece will be okay. (No down, nylon, or sewn in insulated fabrics allowed).
• Sleeping bad liner. We recommend Silk as they are very lightweight and packable. Thin lightweight materials like coolmax is okay as well.
• Knife. We recommend a tiny lightweight Bushcraft style knife that is good for woodwork (single beveled edge is ideal). An ideal blade length for this course will be 2.5 to 3 inches. Keep it small and light!
• Med/blister kit. Everyone should have moleskin, and a basic blister kit, along with any medical items you feel are important. This should be a tiny kit of just a few ounces. Sunscreen can be part of this kit if you are prone to burning.
• Squeeze water filter. We recommend the Katidyn BeFree (available on Amazon). Platypus or a Sawyer squeeze filters are okay as well.
• Phones, watches, and electronics. They are not allowed on this course.

NOTE

Due to the different levels of prior experience and knowledge among students in each class, individual outcomes may vary. Weather conditions can also be a factor in changing class content slightly. Nonetheless, our instructors will always endeavor to be as accommodating and consistent as circumstances will allow to ensure students get the best training experience and value for money.