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 April 22-24 with us in beautiful Traverse City. The first-ever, all-inclusive Michigan Runner Girl Weekend takes 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 prevent and treat common running injuries, and you’ll experience the power of 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. Want to explore downtown Traverse City during your stay? We’ve got time for that, too. We’re also excited about the Friday evening bonfire, the Saturday night dinner at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge, and a 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 Friday-Sunday retreat featuring running, rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. 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 first-ever event, we’ve capped the retreat at 36 people. The great news: several people are already signed up following our kick-off to registration podcast episode! The even better news: we’ve got plenty of space yet for those of you wanting to join — and we hope you do!

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? Friday, April 22 – April 24, 2016.

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:
Friday: Arrival/welcome starting at 2 p.m., followed by an easy-does-it run on Resort property, apps/drinks and get-to-know-everyone gathering in the hospitality suite, night bonfire.
Saturday: Light breakfast at Sweetwater Bistro, then heading out on our guided runs (road and trail options). Lunch and breakout sessions (runner fueling/nutrition/tastings featuring Chef Ali Lopez and injury prevention/treatment by physical therapists and seasoned runners) followed by free time (get your spa treatment, go for a pool swim, take a trip downtown … or take a nap!) Pre-dinner gathering in the hospitality suite followed by delicious three-course meal at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge.
Sunday: Morning pilates with instructor Melissa Ray, breakfast, downtime (go for another run on property or check out the Tower Gallery of Shops!) Gathering for goodbyes and commemorative MRG Weekend gift in the hospitality suite throughout morning and early afternoon.

Who else will join us? A couple of the strong women taking part:

Melissa Ray, personal trainer, Pilates instructor with Formative Fitness in Traverse City will lead our Sunday morning Pilates class. (She is amazing and friendly and her zest for life and fitness is contagious!)

-Certified Personal Trainer, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
-Certified STOTT Pilates instructor in Matwork and Reformer
-Certified Zumba Instructor, Basic 1&2 and Zumbatomic
-Certified TRX Group Suspension Training Instructor
-Dance Instructor/Choreographer

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.

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 the entire weekend and staying at the Resort–we’re looking forward to the camaraderie and special time connecting that comes with all of us there for the entire weekend. 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. We may consider opening up part of the weekend to locals and those staying in the area closer to the event…please stay tuned for updates.

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 Friday evening through Sunday breakfast, are included in the package price. All educational and Pilates sessions are included. 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? Excellent question. There are several options. The package cost of $695* is for double occupancy for a Tower room. This amount can be less with more people in the room (up to four people). Also, rates are lowered further if you decide to stay in one of the Resort’s traditional hotel rooms, and even more so if staying with up to 4 people. For example: for 4 people in the traditional hotel room (two beds), the cost per person for the all-inclusive package is $577* (that’s $288.50* per night, for the entire weekend). To get a great overview of all of the Resort’s accommodations and options for the 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!

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!) Cancellations, No Shows, Changes, And/Or Early Departures: If you need to cancel your reservation, please notify us at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to your arrival date to avoid a penalty. Penalty charges equal one night’s room rate or half of your total package cost.

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

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.