

Some Q+A's to break down the details into bite-size pieces.
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. Currently the only race option is the half-marathon, but the race organizers are now huge AMR fans so they are working on possibly offering a 10K on Saturday, as well. 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:

Saturday morning will be the half-marathon (and possibly 10K), 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, and most likely an optional "field trip" with SBS to the JFK Museum in Hyannis. 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. Chances are good that Saturday dinner will be an authentic lobster/clambake.
One thing we DO know for sure: Karaoke will cap off the evening!

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!
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.

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.
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 Saturday dinner will take place at ShoreWay Acres Inn. (Again, wait to book your room until we give you green light. Still working on details with innkeepers.)

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; Balega socks; 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.
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.

Other questions? Hit us up!

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