LAKE PLACID RETREAT

Let’s explore somewhere new together!

Nestled in majestic Adirondack Park, Lake Placid, NY, is one of the most beloved winter playgrounds in the U.S. Yet us runners (and hikers!) are convening in this alpine village at the tail end of summer, when we can still run in a single layer of workout wear, open-water swim, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, hike, and enjoy drinks al fresco. Lake Placid has a charming, walkable downtown—where our retreat host hotel is located—yet  you’re never far from nature. It offers easy access to the breathtaking, unspoiled beauty of Adirondack Park—6.1 million acres of trails, rivers, streams, wildlife habitat, and more.

Our host hotel, High Peaks Resort, is at one end of lovely Main Street. Filled with so many unique restaurants, cafes, and shops, a walk around town is a fun way to spend time with friends old and new. The resort is also located on the banks of Mirror Lake, the beautiful in-town lake that is only accessible by human-powered crafts (meaning no power boats!). A 3-mile running/walking route, where we’ll do morning excursions, circles Mirror Lake.

Whether you want to learn running guidance and advice from experts; run and/or hike; swim in or paddle on Mirror Lake; enjoy a yoga session or two; be part of a podcast recording; croon karaoke at the farewell dinner; or befriend other women runners, you will be delighted by the extended-weekend offerings.

Join a bevy of women runners for this 4-day, 3-night Run + Refresh Retreat in Lake Placid, New York, Friday, September 6 – Monday, September 9, 2024.

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By registering, you agree to our Cancellation Policy.

THE Location

The Adirondacks are the greatest natural playground on the East Coast, and Lake Placid is the center of the action! Surrounded by forests crisscrossed by tree-canopied trails and mountainous peaks, the village has a charming Main Street that backs up to boat-free Mirror Lake. A 3-mile loop around Mirror Lake lets visitors enjoy the lake from various vantage points, especially on our morning runs/walks! By gathering in early September, we will miss the summer crowds yet still get to enjoy warm temperatures and lake access.

An Olympic fanatic? Lake Placid was the site of two Winter Olympics Games in 1932 and 1980—which included the dramatic U.S. hockey victory over the Soviet Union, known as “The Miracle on Ice.” The area is home to several Olympic facilities, including Whiteface Mountain, the Olympic Oval, and the Olympic Jumping Complex. On Friday afternoon of the retreat, the director of the Lake Placid Olympic Museum is talking to our group about the rich history of the area. (Fun fact: Another Mother Runner co-founder Sarah Bowen Shea’s first husband is part of a Lake Placid Olympic dynasty, the Shea family, with patriarch Jack Shea winning two Olympic gold medals in the 1932 Games in his hometown of L.P.)

THE Hotel

With its location and the tagline, “it’s your season to unwind,” High Peaks Resort is the ideal setting for our retreat. A mother runner who works at High Peaks heard about our retreats and approached her boss about hosting an Another Mother Runner Retreat, making it feel like destiny to be there together.

High Peaks Resort is located on Lake Placid’s Main Street, meaning it’s a short stroll to shops, cafes, and coffeeshops. The Adirondack-inspired rooms reflect the wilderness that surrounds the area, bringing the outdoors in with the natural design. The property sits on the banks of Mirror Lake, the tranquil, inviting lake right in town. It allows easy access for standup paddleboarding, paddleboating, and kayaking on the lake, as well as swimming in the boat-free body of water. Prefer a human-made place to swim? Dive in: The property has two indoor pools and two outdoor pools.

Ways we’ll utilize the watery options: There will be an aqua-aerobics class offered in the indoor pool on Sunday morning, and on Saturday afternoon (weather permitting), we’re offering an open-water swimming clinic. Like ALL retreat activities, these are optional.

A member of Team Another Mother Runner who has visited Lake Placid, on learning the retreat is being held at High Peaks Resort, texted, “Oh, wow: I remember seeing that place, and thinking how great it would be to stay there!” Click here for a 360-degree look around of the grounds, amenities, rooms, and more.

THE Adventures

Our aim with this late-summertime retreat is to make it as unique as the alpine, Olympic-tradition setting: Instead of participating in a structured race, we are creating our own adventures! We’ll take morning runs (or walks—all paces welcome) around Mirror Lake, with distances ranging from 3-6 miles. With nature in abundance, we will lead hikes one afternoon.

Oh, and did we mention Lake Placid is home to an IRONMAN triathlon every July? The swim portion of the race is held in Mirror Lake, which our host hotel is on the banks of. On the official Ironman website, they have this to say about the boat-free body of water: “Mirror Lake, a calm, pristine lake right in the heart of Lake Placid serves as the best IRONMAN swim in the world. The water temperature is typically in the high 60s to low 70s.” (We’re ready to dive in. You with us?!?) On Saturday afternoon, we’ll be offering an open-water swim clinic in Mirror Lake for folks who want to hop in. (Again, fully optional.)

Also on Saturday afternoon, we have enlisted a Pickleball USA instructor to lead pickleball lessons on brand-new, nearby outdoor courts (you better believe Sarah will be in on the action!). There will also be a yoga session, an aqua-aerobics class in one of the hotel’s indoor pools, and more. The possibilities are endless—and we guarantee you’ll enjoy them all! (And, like all activities at our retreats, everything is optional: It’s a choose-your-own-adventure scenario.)

THE Parties

Our welcome reception will be held at the High Peaks Resort, which has several beautiful venues with views of the lake and great indoor/outdoor access. To kick off the summer camp feel of this retreat, we always engage in a fun icebreaker or two. After the welcome reception, we record an episode of one of our podcasts for a behind-the-scenes look at how a show comes together. We culminate every retreat with a celebratory dinner and a dance/karaoke party. Our philosophy: “Enthusiasm goes a long way.”

In between, you’ll be treated to delicious meals, including buffet breakfasts at the host hotel and a Saturday night dinner at a local brewery. Dietary restrictions will be honored, as we ask for that information well in advance of our arrival in the Adirondacks.

THE Extras

Lake Placid serves up so much, from art galleries, store, bars, and cafés dotting nearby Main Street to sites of two Winter Olympics. The newly opened Lake Placid Olympic Museum is a treasure trove of history featuring interactive exhibits, innovative displays, and North America’s second largest Winter Olympic artifact collection. We are contemplating adventures that take advantage of the numerous Olympic facilities in the area.

Prefer getting out in nature? Lake Placid is nestled in 6.1 million acres of forests and mountains that comprise Adirondack Park. Hiking and running trails abound. For folks who choose, we will run (or walk or hike) 3+ miles every day.

  • women's running retreat
  • women's running retreat
  • women's running retreat

THE Schedule

The final schedule will be available about six weeks before the retreat, but know that it will include many of the fun things we have done at previous retreats, including group runs, yoga, expert-led sessions, podcast recording party, karaoke, plus many more ways to experience all that an AMR retreat has to offer. Above all else, it’s an escape from daily life with friends, old and new!

Check out the 2022 Redmond Retreat schedule and to get a sense of how a retreat weekend (and fun!) flows.

By registering, you agree to our Cancellation Policy.

FAQ

The Retreat is Friday, September 6 to Monday, September 9, 2024.

Lake Placid, New York, an alpine village nestled in Adirondack Park. Lake Placid is an approximately two-hour drive from to international airports: Albany, New York (code: ALB) and Burlington, Vermont (code: BTV). If you fly to the retreat, your best option is to rent a car to drive to Albany or connect with other retreaters (via the private Facebook group you can join once you register for the retreat) and coordinate a carpool. Our host hotel is the High Peaks Resort, located in charming downtown Lake Placid on the banks of tranquil Mirror Lake.

Yes, on all our products including our retreat, we offer Affirm pay over time option. During Checkout, below where you enter your credit card, click Affirm and you can choose your option–4 equal payments spread out every two weeks for no fee or interest, or a longer payment option that charges fees (that Affirm—not us—keeps).

$189/night for a king or queen single occupancy ($213 for double occupancy; $237 for triple; $261 for quad). Those rates include WiFi, a complimentary glass of sparkling wine at check-in, and more. The property has three buildings, and the majority (possibly all) retreaters will stay in the main building.

If you want to find a roommate to save $$ on accommodations, you can post on the retreat’s private Facebook page you’ll get invited to once you register. Loads of gals find roomiest that way!

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. Reminder: There is no race at this retreat.

Check out the complete schedule of our 2022 Redmond Retreat in a nifty PDF for a sense of the flow of one of our Retreats. We’ll have the Lake Placid schedule finalized about six weeks prior to the retreat. In the meantime, here’s a tentative rundown:

We’ll kick things off Friday afternoon with an educational session. There’s an evening welcome party, complete with a get-acquainted icebreaker, food, and beverages. We’ll record a podcast this evening, as well.

Saturday morning will start with a shake-out run and a tasty breakfast (the first of several for the weekend), followed by educational sessions with experts who get the mother running lifestyle and concerns. Saturday afternoon will feature a relaxing yoga session; we’re also talking with a pickleball pro (!) to give group lessons at lovely local courts. Free time in the afternoon allows retreaters to explore Main Street, play on (or in!) Mirror Lake, go for a bike ride, or whatever outdoor activity calls to you.

Sunday morning will be spent on the abundant Adirondack trail system, either hiking or trail running. Lunch is on  your own. There might be a second group yoga session in the afternoon. We hope to have licensed massage therapists provide massages Sunday afternoon. (For an extra cost.) Our farewell dinner (and karaoke) will happen at our host hotel. Monday morning we’ll wrap up our weekend with a run,  breakfast, and good-byes.

We are also looking into a few other possible add-on adventures, some at the Olympic facilities. Stay tuned!

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.

Absolutely: You’ll meet and befriend numerous women from around the country (and possibly the globe), bonding over miles around Mirror Lake and on Adirondack trails, whether you opt to run, walk, or hike.

Along with the aforementioned BRFs (because you can never have too many!), you’ll learn from sessions led by running and self-care experts. You’ll experience trail running (if you so choose) on Adirondack trails or maybe slow your roll to a hike. The choice is yours!

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!). At each of our retreats, we’ve had attendees who aren’t moms–and moms of older offspring who attend with a grown daughter or niece. We welcome all!

You mean other than being away from laundry-duties, having cooked food magically appear, and a bed all to yourself? All activities at the Retreat are optional–no judgment if you want to sleep until 10:00 (or stay up past midnight!), window-shop the local stores, taste-test local craft beers, or lounge by one of the host hotel’s four (4!) pools. We are also looking into having certified, vetted massage therapists give 50-minute massages on Sunday afternoon so you can set up an unwind session. (Not included in price of Retreat.)

Our host hotel has a 24-hour fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights, and more, plus a yoga room.  We’ll offer one, possibly two, group yoga sessions during the weekend. We are talking to a pickleball pro to give group lessons at nearby courts.

Most definitely: We welcome locals and out-of-towners alike with open arms! But know a big part of the retreat experience comes from staying at the host hotel and being part of impromptu hangout sessions or drinks at and around our host hotel, High Peaks Resort.

Once you register for the retreat, you’ll get an email with a phone number for booking a room at special rates secured by AMR.

Um, do we sweat when we run? Yes, yes, yes, attend solo! We promise, you’ll have a coterie 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.
And it always seems like it’s the self-proclaimed introverts who laugh the loudest when they dance and sing karaoke at our retreats’ farewell parties!
That said, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy some much-needed quiet in your room, strolling downtown, or exploring Lake Placid has to offer. 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.

Yes: As soon as you register for the retreat, you’ll get invited to private Facebook group. You can then post that you’re looking for a roomie; you should be able to find one fairly easily. Or, if you’re a get-it-done type of gal, book a room, then find a roommate. The order is up to you. (You’ll get hotel booking info in the same welcome email.)

Yes, we want to ensure everyone has a memorable, meaningful experience, so we are limiting the retreat to 65 attendees.

Guided runs/hikes; yoga; all educational sessions + lessons; meals (breakfast on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday; lunch on Saturday; evening welcome reception on Friday; dinner on Saturday; celebratory dinner on Sunday); and loaded swag bags.

Travel to/from Lake Placid, New York, is not included, neither is lodging: You will book your choice of room at the the High Peaks Resort separately. Laughter, camaraderie, and sweat: limitless—and free-flowing–all retreat long.

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 welcoming, alpine-inspired High Peaks Resort, and we have negotiated great room rates. (Room rates apply the Thursday night pre-retreat, in case you want to arrive early.) All the educational sessions, all breakfasts, Friday dinner, and Sunday celebratory party will take place at the High Peaks Resort.

As soon as you register, you’ll get an email with details on booking your hotel room. You’ll also be able to join the private Facebook page for Lake Placid retreaters so you can ask about getting a roommate, if that is of interest.

If you fly, you do not need a rental car but you do need to find a mode of transportation from the airport (either Albany, New York, or Burlington, Vermont) to the hotel, which is about a 2-hour drive. If you opt to not rent your own rental car, you can carpool with other retreaters arriving to the same airport around the same time. You’ll be able to connect ahead of time with other retreaters via the private Facebook page that you’ll get access to once you register for the retreat.

The retreat welcome is at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 6, so plan on being at the High Peaks Resort, our host property, by that time, if possible. The hotel is a ~2-hour drive from both Albany and Burlington airports (codes: ALB + BVT).

Book a departing flight on Monday, September 9 at noon EDT or later, if possible, so you can say your farewells. (And not have to cut short Sunday night partying!)

Oh, you better believe it! We want to keep some details secret, but you’ll definitely be swagged many of our favorites, including GU Energy products; running socks; and many (many!) more. We also always present retreaters with an exclusive welcome gift (past gifts have included a branded Vooray backpack, a custom BoCo running trucker, custom Tifosi sunglasses, a custom cuff bracelet, and more).

And, as have become a signature at our retreats, ShopGal Sarah will host a pop-up store of Another Mother Runner merch (tees, hats, sweatshirts, etc.) at retreat sign-in. A great way to feel and try on all the goodies you eyeball in the Mother Runner Store—as well as a fun way to interact with other retreaters. We also have plans to offer a limited-edition piece of apparel that retreaters can pre-order, then receive at check-in. No pressure to buy, though!

In the unlikely event AMR is forced to cancel the event completely, guests can opt to transfer their registration to a future Another Mother Runner retreat.

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

200-249 days or more prior to the start of the retreat, you receive: 75% full refund to original method of payment.

151-199 days or more prior to the start of the retreat, you receive: 65% full refund to original method of payment.

91-150 days prior to the start of the retreat, you receive: 50% full refund to original method of payment.

76-90 days prior to the start of the retreat, you receive: 25% refund to original method of payment.

0-75 days prior to the start of the retreat: No refund will be given.