Let’s embrace winter together!

It’s that time of year again—time to think ahead to a special wintry weekend away that’s just for you. Imagine this: two days in the snowy, quiet, and beautiful woods of northern Michigan, where you can snowshoe and hike the trails, go for a run or walk along the shores of Higgins Lake, partake in rejuvenating Pilates and yoga sessions, enjoy delicious food and drink, hear from special speakers, connect with other women from all across the state (and beyond)…and lots more. We have some big, new plans for this year’s event!

We’re so excited about hosting another weekend retreat at the gorgeous Up North setting of rustic-chic lodging near Roscommon, Michigan. We hope you join us for the 6th annual Michigan Runner Girl Winter Getaway Jan. 19-21, 2024.

Bring a friend (or several), or come solo and meet new people who will become lifelong friends (it happens every time!). It’s time to treat yourself—you deserve it!

We hope you’ll join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating all-inclusive two-night stay at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources property. Taking care of ourselves, both in body and mind, is at the heart of this weekend in the woods. Here’s what past participants have shared about their experience:

“I really liked disconnecting from the world, being active & just taking ME time. Loved the chair massages, Pilates, both runs, snowshoeing, making new friends, the backpack & goodies, the accommodations, the general feeling of everyone being accepted…that made me happy.”

“Great location and an awesome group of women. Just enough activities yet still some downtime. It was wonderful to relax for 48 hours and not have to think about anything. Great time to recharge and connect with likeminded women.

The Weekend

We’re working on weekend details — we have some new things planned for the 2024 event! — but here’s what you can generally expect:

  • The weekend begins Friday late afternoon/early evening with an optional group run to get to know one another and also shake things out after what may be a long car ride to the destination. Afterward, you can expect a laid-back and welcoming gathering featuring fantastic food and drink. Arrive when you are able and join a great group of like-minded women. (Don’t worry if you’re not feeling like running the first night — there’s no pressure; simply get settled in your room and join the pre-dinner/wine & cheese reception.)
  • Saturday activities include an optional morning run, breakfast at the lodge, a mat Pilates session, lunch, and a group snowshoe excursion on the property. We’ll reconvene for snacks, drinks … and a LIVE podcast recording. And, because this weekend is about rest and relaxation as much as it is about moving our bodies, there will be plenty of downtime. (Yes, the popular chair massages will return Saturday evening!) Some participants have brought their cross-country skis, too, so bring yours if you’d like to explore the property’s lovely trails throughout the weekend! Some participants enjoy retreating to their lodge for quiet reading and we fully support this as well! This is YOUR weekend.

A soul-satisfying morning of yoga followed by brunch will finish up our time together Sunday.

Bring a friend or come solo—you’ll make so many new friends either way! We have double occupancy and single occupancy packages available. Whichever you choose, know that this is an all-inclusive getaway. This means everything—your lodging, all food and drink (including adult beverages), as well as all planned activities—are included in your price. Not included: transportation to the getaway weekend itself.

Oh, and there will be sweet swag from MRG partners, awesome giveaways (runner gear and clothing! Gift certificates!) and a commemorative gift for each Michigan Runner Girl (you’re gonna love it, we promise).

A Few More Comments From Past Participants …

“I’m a mama who needs to take time for self-care. This weekend was amazing and a great chance to reset as well as inspire me to continue my pursuits outdoors in MI!”

“I loved the real-ness of the retreat. The connections I made with ladies I have never met before was remarkable. It was just a real, down to earth great time. I feel very lucky to have been a part of it.”

“I love being fit and active outdoors in Michigan and this weekend was the perfect getaway for me. I learned a lot about myself by hearing others fit lifestyle journeys. I loved the community of women and I can’t wait to do it again.”

“While I really enjoy outdoor activity, I do not typically do a lot in winter. A friend suggested we go and I am so glad that we did!”

“If I have to pick one thing…the instant friendships. We may have come in as strangers,  but we were planning our next event before we walked out the door.”

 

Pricing:

Double occupancy: $545, all-inclusive, per person (Please let us know who your roommate will be; we will not be assigning roommates)

Single occupancy: $585, all-inclusive, per person 

Ready to sign up? We sure hope so! Click here to join us »

We hope you join us! Any questions, please email Heather at heather@michiganrunnergirl.com

Some Q&A’s to cover all the details:

When is it? Friday, Jan. 19 – Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.

Where is it? Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center on Higgins Lake, 104 Conservation Drive, Roscommon, Michigan 48635

So, what level of runner should I be to attend? Any level! Whether you’ve recently began your running journey or you’ve been logging miles and racing for years, this weekend is for you. All abilities welcome! Our time running together will feature options for varying distances and paces — something for everyone, truly. Plus, we’ll be enjoying outdoor winter fun like snowshoeing and hiking. (We’ll provide the snowshoes, or you can bring your own!) Our one requirement: you have fun and smile a lot. (We’ll make sure this happens!)

What does the schedule look like? Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect (we’re working on a few additional things — more details to come!):
Friday: Arrive and check in between 3-5 p.m., followed by an optional group run; wine and cheese reception, dinner and official welcome from the MRG team.
Saturday: Optional morning run, breakfast at the lodge, a mat Pilates session, lunch, and an early afternoon group snowshoe excursion on the property; afternoon snacks, drinks … and a LIVE podcast recording with your hosts Heather and Pam; evening massages, lounging around the fireplace — we’ll have cards and board games on hand — and relaxing conversations with new and old friends.
Sunday: Breakfast, morning yoga, brunch. Gathering for goodbyes and commemorative MRG Weekend gift.

Speaking of all-inclusive, what does this mean exactly? What all is included in the weekend? We’re so happy you asked this. The simple answer: everything is included. We’d like those attending to feel like they can leave their keys and wallets in their lodge room once they arrive–and not have to worry about using them until their departure on Sunday. All of your meals, starting Friday evening through Sunday breakfast, are included in the package price. All activities and the yoga and Pilates sessions are included. When we say all-inclusive, we mean it.

Should I come solo? Absolutely! You’re sure to make new friends — count on it!

What if I want to come with my BRF (best running friend) or a larger group of friends? Yes, yes, yes! Grab your girlfriends and sign up together for a memorable weekend away together.

Do we get swag and other cool stuff? Most definitely! Expect awesome giveaways throughout the weekend and a commemorative gift on Sunday. You’re going to love what we have in store for you!

What if I need to cancel my reservation? Life happens. Plans change. We get it. Please keep this in mind if something unexpected does come up and you can’t make it. (We’ll miss you!)

  • You’ll receive a full refund through 12/20/23
  • You’ll receive 50% of your payment through 1/5/24
  • No refund will be given within two weeks of event

I have more questions — who do I ask? Ask away! Send your questions to Heather at heather@michiganrunnergirl.com

We hope you join us!

More details, including special guests, coming soon! Sign up for the MRG newsletter and join the Facebook group to stay up on the latest.

Ready to sign up for this fun wintry getaway? Go here to get registered »

Picture yourself here, warming up after snowshoeing or running.
The trail that leads to the shores of North Higgins Lake, right on the property where we’re staying.

Registration is underway for this Friday-Sunday retreat featuring running, rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Sign up here

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Hello there! 

Please be sure to join me as I share thoughts on moving forward in life, running and outdoor exploring, Michigan traveling, great books, and lots more. Sign up for my free newsletter Moving Through to hear directly from me, founder of Michigan Runner Girl and passionate Great Lakes girl. I hope to see you there!
—Heather Durocher