Wanderlust: (n) A desire to travel
Wanderlust (the organization) was founded on the idea of creating a community around mindful living. With guiding principles of yoga, environmental sustainability, eating well and art, Wanderlust hosts weekend and day-long festivals across the world, which they call “celebrations of mindful living.” Wanderlust 108, the one-day festival also known as “the world’s kindest triathlon,” made a stop in Miami over the weekend.
Why 108? According to the Wanderlust website, 108 stands for as follows: one = unity, zero= calmness, eight = infinite possibilities (it resembles the infinity symbol).
What is a mindful triathlon? Other than the opposite of all races I’ve ever done, it consists of a 5k run/walk, outdoor yoga and guided meditation. Here’s the catch: every “leg” of the triathlon is supposed to be done mindfully.
The 5k run/walk was not timed or even the exact 5k distance. I walked it because of my injury (an experience which could be an entire post itself) but most people ran at their own speed. No one was super fast and it was a casual run/jog/hop/skip/walk/whatever along the beach. The focus of the day was community, inner peace and self-awareness, all things I value and should prioritize more often. In addition to those three events, there were clothing and food vendors ranging from Athleta and Spiritual Gangster to ginnybakes cookies (so good). There was even a hair braiding and body paint tent, but the line was so long and I noticed it last-minute.
My favorite part of the day was the group yoga. MC Yogi taught the class and his energy was fantastic. It wasn’t a difficult practice by any means but I still loved it.
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Photo: Jason Reinhart
I left after yoga and didn’t stay for the meditation part because I felt like I had my soul-filling, outdoor adventure for the day. That and I was starving. My only complaint about the event was that each sub-event was really spread out. They told us to get there by 9 a.m., which wasn’t necessary, and even though I walked the 5k I had almost an hour between my finish time and the start of yoga. Oh and the food options were limited, in my opinion.
I’d be interested in learning more about the weekend-long Wanderlust festivals. The price for this wasn’t too bad ($50 and I bought it in September) and I thought I got my money’s worth. Overall I’d consider it a successful Saturday and, excluding the emotions from car troubles I had after, I left feeling both calm and energized from the crowd.
If Wanderlust comes to your city, definitely check it out!
Look at you going out there and trying new things…LOVE IT! I have done the Nantucket Yoga Festival 2 years in a row now and I think it is a great experience to just relax, have fun, meet people, meet new vendors, and practice in a beautiful scenery. Maybe you should come next year? ;)
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…The ULTIMATE Protein Pantry
UM YESSSS! Seriously that sounds amazing.
I love the idea of a mindful triathlon. Looks like a really cool experience!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Clarkston Back Roads Half Marathon Training Week 5
I almost didn’t sign up because I thought “triathlon” meant run + bike + swim. Glad I looked into it ;)
Wanderlust is coming to Nashville in November, which is where I’ve from and where my parents live so I’ve definitely thought about it. It sounds like fun and like you would get your money’s worth since it is such a long event. If the weekend works out, I think I might go!
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Fiesta Stuffed Butternut Squash
Definitely go if you are able! I wanted my mom to come down for it because it was something she would have enjoyed. I’d be curious to hear about the event in a different too :)
I’ve never been to a festival, but I think I would totally dig a vegetarian food one! Or something fitness related… I don’t know if I could handle a music festival, sometimes concerts are just too loud for me. Haha. I’m such an old fart. Have a fabulous week!
Jamie recently posted…The Crazy Chronicles
We are the same person. I couldn’t deal with a music festival either. Let’s go to a fitness one together :)
That is so cool Emily! How fun!
You would love the yoga part :)
This is such a cool idea!! I’ve never heard of an event like this but I’d be open to trying it someday.
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Recovery Week 10/11-10/17
I didn’t stay for the afternoon sessions but they had hula-hooping and acro-yoga lessons I think!
i’ve never heard of that but it sounds interesting. i did outdoor yoga once at an event in a park and it was fun. i think it was either free or $10 if you wanted a tshirt. they also had limited food but it was ok because it was just 1 event. and the weather was awesome. same as you, the practice wasnt hard but it was fun to feel the breeze while doing yoga with 200+ people !
That sounds like a great event! I think doing yoga outside AND with a group of people is an awesome experience.
Wow, that’s such a fascinating concept! I actually really like the idea behind Wanderlust 108 as a change-up from the usually hectic races and triathlons. I’d probably go if it came to my area!
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Fall Break Happenings
Right?! It was completely different from any race I’ve done. No “waves” or corrals or clocks. Lots of high fives!
That sounds like fun! I’d definitely try it if there was one nearby :)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…What the Doctor Ordered
Maybe it will come to Chicago! Probably not in the winter though :P
I love everything about this organization! I hope they do something in San Diego. i would love to be a part of it!!!
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Today, I am grateful… (Post Car Accident Reflection)
I bet they will come to your area!!! I’m sure you would love it.
What a unique concept! I would love to do yoga outside some time. (But it would have to be in a group…I’m definitely way too self-conscious to do it out in my yard!)
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon: Week 10
Nice to read your article! I am looking forward to sharing your adventures and experiences.