Building Lifelong Friendships- Rise Run Retreat Recap

If you follow me in any way, shape, or form, you know that last weekend I was at the Rise Run Retreat in Maine with a group of nine other friends. I had come to know these women through their blogs, and we cared about another like any other friend would care, but there was one difference…..I had never met any of them in person.

When Sarah and Jesica reached out to me about this retreat, I was honored to be asked, and had decided almost immediately that I was going to find a way to make this happen; I needed to meet them, and confirm that they were every bit as wonderful as I thought (and to prove to my “real life” friends and family that you really can be good friends with people before ever meeting them in person). And besides, I had always wanted to go to Maine, it was one of the states I had not yet been to, and it gave me the opportunity to visit some other friends I had been wanting to see (including the Saucony fairy :p).

So, just how good was my judge of character?

Impecable….if I may say so myself….actually, no. My judge of character was not as good as I thought; these women exceeded my expectations, and we got on even better than I thought we would. I loved getting to know them more, and I left feeling relaxed, happy, and confident in who I am.

The Rise Run Retreat had a lot of great sponsors, that gave us a lovely swag bag full of stuff. We each had a personalized bag from LL Bean with our twitter handles on them FULL of running related stuff! All very helpful, and all very appropriate for the group. One of my favorite things were the Garuka Bars, which I had never tried before, if you haven’t either, you need to get your hands on some, they are SO delicious! I also loved the Spandits shorts, which I look forward to wearing!

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We also had an almost unlimited supply of foods from local companies. That is one of the things I loved the most, was that Sarah had made sure to use mostly local companies to sponsor the Retreat, and we were spoiled rotten by them all, especially Stonyfield, Lucy’s Granola, and Pete & Gerry’s Eggs, which gave us plenty of Breakfast options for the mornings, and you know I LOVE my breakfast food 🙂

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We stayed in a gorgeous three story house ON the ocean. I dont think I have ever stayed in a Beach house that was quite like this; when the tide came in, the waves would crash onto the balcony, and it was so nice to hear the waves all day long. This would be the most perfect summer house, and it just brought a sense of calm by just being here. I felt even more at peace as I had such a great roommate in Sandra.

We had a lovely catered meal the first night, along with some ice breaker games to get to know one another a little better. Some of the girls I had not had much time to interact with in the past, so it was nice to learn more about everyones stories.

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Appetizers

The next morning, we went for a sunrise run along the beach (and I finished mine on the coastal road). The girls wanted to learn my warm up, which made me feel like a little bit of a celebrity, but was fun. Although you may not be able to get a real life demonstration, this is exactly what I do.

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We then spent the rest of the day chatting and getting to know one another. It was nice for me to have some time to relax while they went to pick up their race numbers from the expo to prepare for the Maine Half Marathon in the morning. In the evening we went out for pizza at Cornerstone Pizza in Ogunquit, which was amazing. Christine and I shared a Mushroom type pizza and a Fig and Balsamic vinegar pizza. I love it when pizza places have unique flavors!

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On the way to the restaurant, I was in the middle of a conversation with Angela, when I saw GIANT cookies in the window of a bakery. These were no ordinary cookies, but cookies the size of a dinner plate. I about tackled her into the window, and had to tear myself away on promise of returning on the way back to the car. We did go back to it, and picked up some desserts, I had the most delicious carrot cake! Thankfully as I was not racing in the morning, I could eat it without having to worry about it upsetting my stomach.

After an early night, we woke up Sunday morning ready for the Maine Half Marathon. A little part of me was excited to see what it was like running with a group, but at the same time I felt a bit of pressure knowing that I had told them all weekend how good of a metronome I was, and I had told Allie I would pace her. I hoped I would not mess this up.

We warmed up as a group, and got to the starting line. It was about 40 degrees, so I decided to wear tights, a long sleeve, and gloves (all Saucony of course!) as I was not going to be racing, and thought I would get cold….however, I did end up being too warm. Should have trusted my instincts, which are usually right on (did you read my winter running what to wear at every temperature post?)

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Thankfully, I confirmed my ability to pace well, and was able to pace Allie to what she wanted. I encouraged her, telling her the things I wish I could hear when I am at certain points in the race, and listening to her breathing to know what to say. I had a lot of fun, and when I left her at 10 miles, I knew she was going to keep being strong and power on. She did run a great race by finishing 1st in her age group with a 1:32, and was so sweet after the race, thanking me over and over for helping. That made me smile as I really didnt feel like I was doing any great sacrifice, but just running with a friend and making her BELIEVE how strong she is!

Sarah had bought us the most beautiful 13.1 necklaces with a map of Maine on, it was nice to think that we had all earned them, and was a lovely touch. I wore mine throughout the race, but it was cool to see the other ladies put theirs on after.

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We also had some lovely new bracelets from Momentum Jewelery, and we each picked our own phrase. Coincidentally Allie and I both picked the same message; Believe in Yourself, I reminded her of this a lot during the race.

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All the other ladies who raced also had great races, Jen was even able to run a PR, and Carrie ran her first ever half marathon which was cool to see. I hope someday to be there when my sister crosses the finish line in her first half.

I told them all to try to not look at their watches, to try to run by feel, and they did, and they all negative split the race! I am going to talk about this more on Friday, but it proved to me that it really is possible to run by feel, and fighting that urge to look at your watch is worthwhile.

I actually had 20 miles for the day, including a fartlek in the middle, so once I left Allie, I ran back and forth on the course completing the rest of my run. I got to cheer Laura on, and work on running fast when already having a good chunk of miles in my legs. I actually felt a lot better than I have on all my recent long runs. Steve thinks my body just likes that 6:50-7:20 pace the most, and I definitely agree, but its still good to make sure you take some days very easy, and I will continue to do so.

After the race, we came back to the beach house (after detouring to a donut shop :P), had lunch, and just spent the rest of the day chatting. Many of the girls had to head home, but Sarah, Jes and I spent the rest of the day having a very deep and meaningful chat. It brought a few thing to light, and we shared some things that we have not been able to share with anyone else to that point. I think I need to make some changes in my life, and this was a great wakeup call for me.

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On Monday morning, I left for the Portland airport to return home with a big smile on my face.

I had lots of great food, I had lots of great running moments, and I got to spend a weekend by the ocean in beautiful Maine, but most of all I got to spend so much quality time with such genuine, wonderful people, who help to bring out the best in you. I knew in my heart these girls were special, and this weekend proved it even more. In Kentucky, Steve and I have not been able to make that many friends yet, but this was such a wonderful week of friends and happiness.

 

I feel refreshed, and between my few days with Mark and Tony, along with the Rise Run Retreat, my trip to New England was every bit as good as I had hoped it would be.

An extra thank you to Sarah for doing so much to make this the wonderful weekend it was for us, you are amazing!

If you ever get the chance to go on a running camp or retreat, DO IT! Runners Connect has two great ones in the summer, sign up for the newsletter to hear more.

Have you ever been on a retreat? Have you ever made friends without meeting in person first?

friendship, racing, running retreat

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29 Comments.

  • I am smiling from ear to ear reading this recap! It was a truly amazing weekend and you did more then you know for me…of course if you read my post today you will begin to understand 🙂 Thank you again so much and I cannot tell you how great it was to meet you, race with you and get to know you better. I think I may check out one of those Runner’s Connect camps! I had no idea they held them? Very cool.

  • Oh I love this so much!! It really was a special time. I’m so glad that I got the opportunity to meet you in person finally. Your words of wisdom and training advice will be in my head for years to come. Truly racing by feel is something I can’t wait to test out on myself when I’m back to running. I’m thankful that you are someone I can call a friend. BTW – you can expect random texts from me looking for advice from now on. 🙂

  • I just read Allie’s recap about how you paced her at the race and that is truly incredible. It sounds like you had such a good time and those sweets sound amazing. I could definitely go for some right now!

  • Lisa@runningoutofwine
    October 7, 2015 7:12 am

    This looks like an amazing weekend and Ive loved seeing the pictures and reading about it!

  • Such an amazing experience! This would have been so cool, and so special a group. I would have loved to have gone, but with the marathon this weekend there was just no way! Do it again!!!!

  • I love the donut picture! 🙂 It was a fantastic weekend- I’m so glad we could meet! This was the first time I did a weekend around running, or running friends, and I can’t wait to do more. That’s so cool that Runner’s Connect does retreats, too!

  • Heather @fitncookies
    October 7, 2015 8:26 am

    What a fun weekend! Between pacing and just enjoying the time with others, sounds so great. I just love that you all were able to get together. What a beautiful necklace! Glad you enjoyed your weekend away!

  • Awe, this looks like such an amazing experience. So happy for you! That run along the beach looks like it’s staged, it’s so gorgeous. LOVE IT.

  • Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
    October 7, 2015 10:49 am

    Love. So much love for all of you and this weekend we got to spend together. It was so inspiring for me on so many levels and you were a big part of that so thank you. I even made my husband stop by the donut place on our drive home!

  • What an amazing experience, Tina; thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us! I love that you were able to run with Allie during her race; I think it makes a huge difference to have a friend during those tough efforts and especially one who understands the struggle – ha! I have so many “virtual” friends; I hope to meet many of them in person one day, as well.

  • Jen@milesandblessings.com
    October 7, 2015 11:36 am

    Just awesome!!!! Everything about this is awesome!!! This is going to sound super weird…but I wish I could have you listen to me breathe when I run :). I just read an article about how breathing a certain way can you help you when you run and I am intrigued! I have never even thought about it! I am curious now though, I wonder if I breathe differently in a race. I ran a workout not long ago where I did 7 miles @ a steady fast pace (I did these miles faster than I was supposed to…they should have been about 6:55 and they ended up being 6:35). In that workout I actually ran my 10k pr. I felt strong and controlled.. although yes, it was hard, and no, I could not have kept up that pace, I still felt in control. I ran a 5k shortly after that was slower (6:41 pace) and my breathing felt labored by the end and I did not feel nearly as much control. I don’t know if it is nerves or what but my breathing when I race is not as good as when I train….does that even make sense. Maybe I go out too fast. I just don’t know! I also am curious about cadence and foot speed…I think you liked me to a podcast a while back…do you happen to still know which one that was? I keep hearing about cadence and 180…but mine is continually at 170. When I try to change it, it feels wrong. Thoughts? Thanks!!!!!
    I am so happy you all had such an awesome time and that you got to stay later and have some great conversations :). Running friends are the best!!!

    • Hey Jen, no that makes total sense. I am not sure there is a correct way to breathe, but I think I sent you to this podcast with Matt Phillips http://runnersconnect.net/rc43 Also have another good one coming soon that you will like. I think it is most likely you are going out too fast…and that is what is affecting your breathing the most! As for cadence, yes 180 is best, but it is going to feel wrong…..for a long time, thats mostly what I have been focusing on for UVA, but its worth it, trust me!!!

      • Jen@milesandblessings.com
        October 7, 2015 3:01 pm

        Thanks!!!! I am probably going out too fast…ugh…so hard to reign it in! For my cadence I get that from my Garmin…do you think it is probably pretty accurate? (I have a Garmin 220). Do you have any drills or tips that I might be able to try. I tried running with a metronome on my headphones once…HATED it! Aside form the fact that I just couldn’t focus on my feet hitting that with the beat, after about 10 minutes it drove me nuts! I am that kind of person who can’t clap and sing at the same time :)….I have no rhythm

  • I’m glad you had such an awesome time at the retreat, Tina 🙂 I’ve been to a couple of blogging retreats, and it’s always such a great feeling to be with a group of people who share the same interests. Not to mention finally being able to meet the people that we’ve already gotten to know online. Hopefully we end up being in the same place at the same time at some point 😀

  • This looks like such an amazing experience, Tina! It can be hard to make friends in new cities and blogging is such a great way to make friends – I’m so glad you got to meet all these wonderful ladies in real life! Those donuts look so good!

  • I read another blogger’s recap of this and it looks like you had an amazing time at the retreat. Glad you got to be a part of it and pace Allie in the race, while getting a workout in yourself. I’d love to learn your warmup routine and that’s pretty awesome that the other ladies got to. Looks like a lot of great swag too and glad you got to stay in a beach house!

  • What a great weekend you had and sounds like such a lovely experience. That photo from the beach of five of you running is incredible with that stunning sky in the background, it’s a keeper! Also just by the way…how big are those donuts?!! Wow!!

  • I love this! It sounds like such an amazing weekend. I’ve met some great friends online and it’s so great when you finally meet in real life!

  • I love reading your reflections from the weekend so much! I couldn’t agree more that meeting everyone in real life exceeded all my expectations. Runners are a special group of people, and this group of women is beyond special. I loved getting to know you and learn from you. Thanks for being so open about so many things related to running and life. Thanks also for encouraging me to run by feel. It was fun, empowering and gives me a sense that I could probably do that in a goal race in the future. I’ll be cheering you on so hard at the end of the month for your big goals. You are amazing in so many ways. Heart you.

  • Sandra Laflamme
    October 7, 2015 4:11 pm

    Lovvvve love love this recap! And I loved being your roomie. I loved hearing all about your running and racing and your tips about training and racing. It would be so cool someday to see you actually race in person. We are all very lucky to have met you and now I will be a religious podcast listener of yours. The food from the weekend was incredible. I love that we share a love for sweets and donuts! too! Wonderful write up Tina and so awesome to call you my friend!

  • I think it is so AWESOME to meet people who you have connected with on social media…I have done this before and it is such a fun experience and one you’ll never forget. I am so glad that this retreat was a success. You ROCK woman!

  • Tina you looks so happy!! This looks like an amazing experience with some fabulous ladies! 🙂

  • It is so beautiful to see women loving and supporting one another!! What a dream weekend and it was so lovely to read about it!! I think it has been the neatest experience to meet people through blogging and develop special relationships. Runners are so very special and they do make the best friends!!

  • carla birnberg
    October 8, 2015 5:49 am

    I LOVE this. and Allie’s and Christines. I wish there were a SOMETHING LIKE THIS for us walker people as the community and camaraderie leaps off the page.

  • NutButterRunner
    October 8, 2015 10:40 am

    Aw this post makes me so happy! I’m so glad you had the opportunity to partake in this amazing weekend! We must catch up soon!!

  • What a great recap. I was watching you all via Instagram and was SO jealous! My parents have a house about 1/4 mile from the beach you were on! I hope I get the chance to meet up with you ladies sometime soon!

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