AMR Women’s Running Retreat, Fall 2019: Join Us in Cape Cod!

Join a bevy of BAMRs for the amazing 4-day, 3-night Another Mother Runner Run + Refresh Retreat in Falmouth, Massachusetts, October 24-27, 2019. Whether you want to rev your engine at a beautiful race, release your body with foam rolling, hone healthy eating habits, strengthen your body, plan your race calendar, or befriend other BAMRs, you will be delighted by the extended-weekend offerings.

We're returning to Cape Cod because, well, it's Cape Cod and it was amazingly awesome this year! We are convening in charming Falmouth, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod at the charming ShoreWay Acres Inn. The friendly, informative fun starts on Thursday, October 24 and wraps on Sunday, October 27. We’ll run, gab, laugh, eat tasty food, drink adult beverages, sleep in quiet rooms, share racing advice, showcase how to strength train effectively and safely, impart nutritional wisdom, and reinvigorate your passion for our beloved sport.

And—AND—we will be taking part in the Cape Cod Half-Marathon, a mostly flat, scenic route that hugs the Falmouth coastline of Nantucket Sound with views of Martha's Vineyard. (And the fabulous race orgaziners are exploring options for a 10K, at AMR's request!!) If you choose, the race can be the culmination of a Train Like a Mother Club program allowing us to celebrate the finish line together, in person, after getting to know each other through a private Facebook page for Retreat participants.

We could go on and on, but here’s the almost-Twitter-length version: Our goal is for you to leave the AMR Retreat feeling refreshed, inspired, informed, connected, supported, and fired up for many more miles.

When is the Retreat? October 24-27, 2019.

Where is it? In Falmouth, Massachusetts, an enchanting coastal town on the southern tip of Cape Cod known for its beaches. Our homebase will be ShoreWay Acres Inn, a charming, multi-building property on one of Falmouth's most historic streets, an almost literal stone's throw to the inviting shopping (and French boulangerie!!) of Falmouth Village and picture-perfect Surf Drive Beach with its spectacular view of Martha's Vineyard and Nobska Lighthouse. (We can practically smell the salt air through our computers--and taste the pastries!)

What level runner do I have to be to attend? Newbies to ultra-marathoners are all welcome. In order to get the most out of the Retreat, it will be helpful if you can cover 3 miles in run/walk intervals, regardless of pace. The only race option is the half-marathon. Or join members of Team AMR as part of a boisterous cheer squad! The race is totally optional.

What does the schedule look like? The race is the cornerstone of the Retreat, so we’re planning around that Saturday morning event. Check out the complete schedule of our 2018 Cape Cod Retreat in a nifty PDF; we'll have the 2019 schedule finalized about six weeks prior to the Retreat. In the meantime, here's a rundown:

We’ll kick things off Thursday afternoon with an educational session, then an evening welcome party, complete with a get-acquainted icebreaker (Dim always organizes great ones!). We'll record a podcast this evening, as well.

Friday morning will start with a shake-out run (2-5 miles on the Shining Sea Bikeway or near the beach) and a scrumptious breakfast buffet (the first of several for the weekend), followed by educational sessions with experts who get the mother running lifestyle and concerns. Friday afternoon will feature a Q&A session with members of Team AMR, including the dynamic duo of Dimity + Sarah! Packet pickup and exploring town will round out the day before we enjoy a pre-race dinner together.

Saturday morning will be the half-marathon, followed by lunch in town and a group yoga session. If you’re so inclined, we’ll check out a few fun boutiques in Falmouth Village, a very short walk from the inn. Both Friday and Saturday nights will be delicious, friendship-forming dinners, and Sunday morning we’ll wrap up our weekend with a celebratory group brunch.

One thing we DO know for sure: Karaoke will cap off the evening!

We're still working out programming and guests (we're jiggering with the sessions, such as adding a strength-training tutorial and a session about goal-setting and planning a race schedule), but there will be plenty of members of Team AMR and the Train Like a Mother Club.

Whether you cover a mile in 14 minutes or half that time, your running—and your life—will benefit greatly by the experts we assemble for the weekend.

I'm a new runner. Will I fit in? Absolutely: You'll leave with a bunch of BRFs from around the country (and possibly the globe) who will virtually cheer you on through your upcoming miles and races!

I've run countless races. What will I get out of it? Along with the aforementioned BRFs (because you can never have too many!), you’ll learn from sessions on goal-setting, planning a race schedule, self-care, strength training, fueling for running (and life!). Plus, you can add another 13.1-notch to your belt with the beautiful Cape Cod Half-Marathon!

Do I have to be a mother to be a part of the Retreat?  Not at all (and thanks for asking!): All women runners are welcome. Nothing mother-specific about the Retreat (except for the name of our brand!).

What if I like to mix in cross-training? On Friday morning, when some Retreaters do a shake-out run, Dimity offers a strength session bookended by a walk to and from the strength venue.

What’s up with Train Like a Mother Club program being incorporated into the build-up of the Retreat? It’s up to Retreaters whether or not they participate in a Train Like a Mother Club program pre-Retreat, but with the expert training plans, support, swag, and camaraderie, we think following a TLAM plan is a smart move.

I live on or near Cape Cod. Can I come? You betcha. We welcome locals and out-of-towners alike with open arms!

Should I attend solo? Um, do we sweat when we run? Yes, yes, yes, attend solo! We promise, you'll have an army of running buddies within the first mile—or actually, the first hours. At previous Retreats, the majority of gals attended solo--but they weren't alone.

That said, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy some much-needed quiet in your room, strolling seaside, or exploring downtown Falmouth. (Honestly, a few 2018 Cape Cod Retreaters practically moved into the nearby Boulangerie!!) If you attend solo but want to split cost of hotel room, the Retreat's private Facebook page can help you find a roomie. Loads of previous Retreat attendees have gone this route--and come away with a new friend.

Shoreway Acres currently shows it's sold out the weekend of the Retreat!! What gives? It's all good: The hotel has reserved ample rooms for our Retreat. We are working out details, and once everything is set, they'll open room registration for us. We'll let registered Retreaters know on the private Facebook group when Shoreway is ready to take reservations.

What if I want to come with my posse of BRFs—and pretend this is a non-stop slumber party? Pack your PJ’s and bring 'em! The inn has a variety of room set-ups.

And if I attend with just me, myself, and I, can I get a roommate? Yes: Hold off on booking a room. Within 48 hours of registering for Retreat, you'll get invited to private Facebook group for Retreat. You can then post that you are looking for a roomie; you should be able to find one pretty easily. Once you find a roomie, book a room at ShoreWay Acres Inn. (See question two above.)

The Cape Cod Half-Marathon sounds gorgeous: What's the course like? It's a beautiful out-and-back course on road. It's designed to maximize runners’ view of Martha’s Vineyard and the beautiful waters of Nantucket Sound. It's mostly flat with one hill runners tackle at miles 3.5 and 9.75 (like we said, it's an out-and-back course). Race organizers assure us the hill is over before runners know it! (Please know: Participation in the race is optional.) Also, might we add: At the 2018 Cape Cod Retreat, there was a nor'easter on race day (!!), so by Sarah's logic, it means stunningly beautiful weather for the 2019 race!

Is there a limit on how many gals can attend? Yes, we want to ensure everyone has a memorable, meaningful experience, so we are limiting the Retreat to 80 women.

What's included in the packages? Guided runs; all educational sessions; meals (hot buffet breakfast on Friday + Saturday; celebratory brunch on Sunday; lunch on Friday; evening reception on Thursday; dinner on Friday and Saturday); swag bags; and race registration for Cape Cod Half-Marathon. Travel to/from Falmouth is not included, neither is lodging: You will book your choice of rooms at the ShoreWay Acres Inn separately. Laughter, camaraderie, and sweat: limitless—and free-flowing all Retreat long.

Just so I’m clear: Once I register for the Retreat, I should book a hotel room at the host inn, right? If only our children were as good at following directions as you are! Yes, you are correct: Lodging is not included, so you need to make your own hotel reservations. Our host hotel is the quaint ShoreWay Acres Inn, and we have negotiated great room rates. (Room rates apply Wednesday, Oct. 23-Monday, Oct. 28, in case you want to extend your time on the Cape.) All the educational sessions, all breakfasts, Friday lunch, and Friday dinner will take place at ShoreWay Acres Inn. 

Do I need a rental car? It depends. Falmouth is a roughly 90-minute drive from Boston Logan Airport, the airport we'd suggest you fly into if you are flying to the Retreat. Several 2018 Retreaters reported the Peter Pan bus was a very simple and affordable travel option. Or you can book a rental car. We suggest you hold off on booking a rental car until you spend some time on private Retreat Facebook page (you'll get an invitation within 48 hours of registering for the Retreat) because you'll probably be able to carpool with other gals flying in and you all can share cost of rental car. Once you arrive in Falmouth, you'll have no need for a car.

What time should I arrive in Falmouth then, sniff, sniff, depart on Sunday? We'll kick things off around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24. If you fly into Boston, opt for a flight that arrives mid-morning, as Falmouth is a 1.5- to 2-hour drive away.  The Retreat will wrap up around 11:30 on Sunday, so best to book a flight home that leaves at 3 p.m. or later.

Will there be swag, great running gear, and other surprises along the way?  In the words of Minnesota-bred Dimity: You betcha! We want to keep some details secret, but you’ll definitely be swagged many of our favorites, including Nuun Hydration; GU Energy Gels, Chews, and Stroopwafels; and many more.

I'm in! Any price breaks on early registration? Why, YES, there is! Register by December 1 for $50 savings. If there is still spaces left at Retreat on December 1, the price will increase to $825.

But what if "life" happens and I have to cancel? We know broken bones, pregnancies (!!), business trips, and the unexpected can happen in any woman’s life. That's why we have cancellation terms with a mom's schedule in mind:

200 days or more prior to the start of the Retreat, you receive: 100% full refund to original method of payment, minus $150 administrative fee. 

150-199 days or more prior to the start of the Retreat, you receive: 75% full refund to original method of payment.

91-149 days prior to the start of the Retreat, you receive: 50% refund to original method of payment.

61-90 days prior to the start of the Retreat, you receive:25% refund to original method of payment.

0-60 days prior to the start of the Retreat: No refund will be given.