Join Us in Traverse City this Spring!
Michigan Runner Girl invites women from across the state who have a passion for living healthy (and spending time with other fabulously fun women) to spend the weekend of May 4-7, 2017 with us in beautiful Traverse City. This is our second annual, all-inclusive Michigan Runner Girl Weekend taking place at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, the premier Traverse City destination for those looking to experience an active lifestyle getaway in northern Michigan.
You’ll make new + amazing friends while running (we’ve got trail and road options, all guided). You’ll enjoy delicious and healthy food — and discover ways to re-create these easy, yummy dishes back home, thanks to our culinary guru on hand during the weekend. You’ll learn new things, like how to train for your first (or seventh) half marathon or marathon, and you’ll experience the power of yoga and Pilates. You’ll get pampered, with a you-get-to-pick spa treatment, and you’ll also have unlimited use of the Resort’s luxurious pool, hot tubs and sauna. New this year: we’ve got an afternoon of running and wine tasting planned, on the stunning Old Mission Peninsula. We’re also excited about a “pajama party” Friday night, and a delicious dinner-with-views at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge on Saturday night. We must also mention the MRG hospitality suite stocked with snacks and filled with friendliness that will be open to all of us throughout the weekend.
Oh, and there will be sweet swag from MRG partners, awesome giveaways (race entries! runner gear and clothing! Gift certificates!) and a commemorative gift for each Michigan Runner Girl (you’re gonna love it, we promise).
Registration is underway for this Thursday-Sunday retreat featuring running, rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. That’s right, this year we’ve added an extra day to include even more time for connection and re-centering and, of course, running. We’d love to have everyone be with us Thursday – Sunday, but we’ll also have a 2-night option available. {More details below} Your hosts for the weekend: Heather Durocher, founder of Michigan Runner Girl, and Pam Carrigan, a runner and certified personal trainer in Traverse City (and one of Heather’s best running friends!).
To ensure an intimate feel to this event, we’ve capped the retreat at 36 people.
Ready to sign up? We sure hope so! Click here to join us »
Some Q&A’s to cover all the details:
When is it? Thursday, May 4 – Sunday, May 7, 2017.
Where is it? Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Mich. (6 miles east of downtown Traverse City)
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. 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:
Thursday: Arrival/welcome starting at 3 p.m., followed by apps/drinks and get-to-know-everyone gathering in the hospitality suite.
Friday: Morning yoga and breakfast followed by an Old Mission Peninsula run, lunch and winery tour. The evening features the MRG “pajama party” — think casual, comfy, lounging-around kind of attire — and dinner prepared by Chef Ali Lopez in our cozy hospitality suite. ALSO: Priscilla Hansma, owner of SheActive Boutique in Grand Rapids, will share the latest styles in women’s athletic clothing. (No pressure to buy, though Priscilla will have items for purchase for anyone interested!)
Saturday: Breakfast in the hospitality suite followed by running and exploring the historic and beautiful Village at Grand Traverse Commons area near downtown Traverse City; lunch and special speaker Luke Humphrey back at the Resort; free time/spa treatments/nap time!, followed by dinner at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge at the top of the Resort Tower.
Sunday: Morning pilates followed by breakfast at Sweetwater Bistro. Gathering for goodbyes and commemorative MRG Weekend gift in the hospitality suite throughout morning and early afternoon. (Don’t forget to check out the Tower Gallery of Shops before you leave!)
What if I would prefer the two-night option, arriving Friday instead of Thursday?
This is totally cool with us. You may arrive Friday afternoon for check-in (3 p.m.) and join us for our fabulous Friday night activities (MRG “pajama party” and dinner with Chef Ali Lopez) — this would be a great time to join us if a 2-night stay works better with your schedule. You’ll then enjoy all of the awesome activities happening the remainder of the weekend!
I live in Traverse City–or nearby. Can I come to any of the sessions without staying at the Resort? At this time, we’re focused on Michigan Runner Girls joining us for either the 2-night or 3-night options and staying at the Resort–we’re looking forward to the camaraderie and special time connecting that comes with all of us there together. Plus, the all-inclusive package is such an amazing value, we don’t want anyone to miss out on any of the great amenities and offerings.
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 hotel room once they arrive–and not have to worry about using them until their departure on Sunday. All of your meals, starting Thursday evening through Sunday breakfast, are included in the package price. All educational and Pilates and yoga sessions are included, as is the transportation to off-site activities like the winery tour/run and Village at Grand Traverse Commons run and exploration. So is your spa treatment (even the tip for your spa attendant!) and snacks (and adult beverages) throughout the weekend in the hospitality suite. The only time you might need your wallet: if you choose to shop at the Resort stores or head into downtown for some retail therapy (that’s always fun, we’ll join you!) 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.
What about the accommodations — where will we be staying exactly? And how much will it cost? Excellent questions. There are several options. Here’s a breakdown of possible options for you and your running friends, all based on the all-inclusive 3-night stay option (obviously the costs would be less if you opt for the 2-night all-inclusive package choice):
- Double occupancy, Tower room: $833*/person (or $698*/person for 4 people in the room)
- Double occupancy, traditional hotel room: $742*/person (or $651*/person for 4 people in the room)
Have a group of friends and have an interest in condo accommodations? We recommend the following:
- Condo, 2-bedroom: $701*/ person for 4 people, $638*/person for 6 people
To get a great overview of all of the Resort’s accommodations and options for the all-inclusive MRG Weekend, please go here »
Do we get swag and other cool stuff? Most definitely! We’ll welcome everyone with a personalized MRG Weekend goodie package. Also expect awesome giveaways throughout the weekend and a commemorative gift on Sunday. You’re going to love what we have in store for you!
OK, so how does registration work exactly? How do I secure my spot? Here’s what you need to know: you’ll register by contacting the Resort, and you reserve either the 2-night or 3-night option by submitting your credit card information (your card will not be charged until you check in). We are asking you to do the following so we can properly plan for a fantastic MRG Weekend…
- Call the Resort and make your reservation, providing email information for yourself and your running friends joining you, if possible. (This helps us get in touch and let you know of important details leading up to the weekend.) Registration and Resort phone number found here »
- Book your spa treatment at the time of your registration; you can book your spa treatment for anytime during the weekend, but to avoid missing any planned activities, we have carved out time on Saturday between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday to get pampered.
- Look for a welcome email from us with information about a $250 security deposit we’re requesting to hold your spot. (This security deposit, in the form of a check, will be completely refunded to you — we’re not going to cash it! — upon your arrival.)
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!)
- 60 days or more from start of the May 4-7 weekend: Full refund of your security deposit.
- 31 – 60 days prior to the May 4-7 weekend: Half of your security deposit will be refunded.
- 0 – 30 days: no refund of security deposit.
I have more questions — who do I ask? Ask away! Send your questions to heather@michiganrunnergirl.com or pam@michiganrunnergirl.com
Who else is joining us?
Ali Lopez, runner, trained chef and health coach who teaches culinary classes and develops recipes for northern Michigan businesses and clients.
Ali has been cooking, feeding and teaching others about “real food” for over 20 years, working as a personal chef, in small cafes and large conference centers. She was also Chef de Cuisine of Omega Foodworks at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck NY. Ali is also a Certified Health Coach, a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
She is the author of the Friday Fueling posts here on MRG.
Luke Humphrey: elite runner with the Hansons-Brooks Original Distance Project in Rochester, Mich., coach and author of the Hansons Marathon and Half Marathon Method books.
Luke, who recently was on the Michigan Runner Girl podcast, will share his running wisdom with us on Saturday, May 6 during our informal, low-key lunch in the Old Mission Suite (i.e. you’ll be able to ask Luke questions about training, fueling, injury prevention, or any other running-related issue you’ve been wondering about…) Luke, who is married and the father of one, is a 3-time Olympic Marathon trials qualifier. A bit more about his education and coaching background:
- B.A.A. Exercise Science, Central Michigan University (2004)
- M.S. Exercise Science, Oakland University (2006)
- Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist, American College of Sports Medicine
Priscilla Hansma, owner of SheActive Boutique in Grand Rapids, will share the latest styles in women’s athletic clothing on Friday evening in the Old Mission Suite, during our “pajama party.” Priscilla opened SheActive about 3 years ago. “I have always loved shopping in boutiques, but there aren’t any boutique workout apparel stores in the greater Grand Rapids area. So that’s where I saw the need. We are a boutique with a balance of running, yoga and gym clothes, along with fun athleisure apparel (cute casual dresses and tunics). A large percentage of our inventory is made in the US or Canada. We carry small labels that cannot be found in big box stores. I love supporting the smaller brands that are superior quality and unique.”
Learn more about SheActive here » You can also find the store on Instagram and Facebook @sheactiveboutique.
Jennifer Cutler, owner of Pure Pilates in Traverse City, will lead us through a Pilates class on Sunday morning. Jennifer is a Certified STOTT PILATES® Pilates instructor, teaching since 2000. She is trained in mat, reformer, cadillac and stability chair. She started her pilates instruction at The Fitness Center in Traverse City before opening Pure Pilates in 2005. Jennifer is also a certified personal trainer through AFAA. She has a bachelors degree in management from Michigan State University. She enjoys participating in local running events, sailing and reading. Jennifer’s thoughts on pilates. “After 15 years of teaching and practicing pilates, my thought on pilates as evolved. When I first started my practice I loved how amazing I felt and how my body changed. Soon after I noticed my neck pain from an injury decrease and my posture improve. I enjoy running and as the years went on, I noticed how other runners would have injuries but I seemed to stay injury-free. I believe that keeping my body balanced through pilates has allowed me to continue doing something I love. My most rewarding experience with pilates has been watching how it has helped so many of my clients feel better and increase their quality of life. So, though my initial attraction to pilates was what we all want — to look and feel better — the even bigger benefit I have seen for myself and my clients is that by strengthening your core and creating balance throughout the body you can continue, or maybe even start doing, all the things that you love and that bring you happiness… be it running, golfing, playing with grandchildren, biking, traveling — the list is endless.”
Michael and Libby Robold, co-directors of Yoga for Health Education in Traverse City, will teach our Friday morning yoga class. Libby began her yoga studies with Dr. Ron Chalfant, Iyengar teacher, in 1975. A few years later she began teaching yoga at Northwestern Michigan College, and has since studied with many renowned teachers and various yoga schools, becoming certified as a Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist and certified yoga teacher. She has taught numerous workshops and classes, in addition to training other teachers (Yoga for Health Education Mentoring Academy) and therapists. Michael taught elementary school for ten years, earned an MA in Elementary School Administration and, along with his wife, Libby, operated an outdoor vacation company, Michigan Bicycle Touring, for twenty-five years. Michael has taught over 7000 hours of classes since 1996 
and his personal yoga practice began with Iyengar teacher, Dr. Ron Chalfant in 1979. After moving to the area in 1982, Michael assisted Libby in classes and workshops at NMC for nearly fifteen years. Although drawn to the high energy styles of yoga, Michael likewise enjoys teaching classes to beginners. He has a passion for nutrition and enjoys conducting Yoga of Eating workshops.
You can stay up to date on all things MRG Weekend at the event page on Facebook here »
Some fine print: *The above rates are per person, based on double occupancy. The above pricing includes 11% tax and $14.95 nightly resort fee. Rooms at this rate are limited. Not available to groups. May not be combined with other offers. Certain other restrictions may apply. Must be at least 21 years of age. Package includes transportation to and from offsite run locations.
