Join McMillan Running for a weekend getaway in the beautiful terrain of the North Bay. Sitting just north of San Francisco sits Greg’s current home base of Mill Valley, Calif., home to Mt. Tamalpais and the beautiful trails of the Marin Headlands overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy miles of running paths and awe-inspiring views, all while you leave the hustle and bustle of life behind for a relaxing weekend focused on all things running.
Running Getaway - Itinerary
DECEMBER 5-8, 2019
DAY 1 (Thursday)
We start the camp in the afternoon (3 p.m.) with an easy run in Tennessee Valley, where you'll run to the Pacific Ocean. Later, we'll meet for happy hour at Greg's house, enjoying some social time, good eats and an opening talk. Greg will walk you through the McMillan training system and how your unique traits as a runner should inform your training for optimal results.
DAY 2 (Friday)
Day 2 begins with a run in the beautiful Bear Valley with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Demo shoes from Hoka One One will be available to sample for the run. Later, you'll meet with one of our experts to learn our strength and injury-proofing routine. For lunch, we'll head to downtown Mill Valley where you can grab a bite to eat and relax. In the afternoon, you'll meet with our nutrition coach and then we have an optional group dinner at one of our favorite eateries.
DAY 3 (Saturday)
Day 3 begins with a focus on running form. We head to the track and you'll learn our warm-up routine and the best drills to improve your running form. We'll also shoot video of you running so we can then do a form analysis and provide tips on how to improve your form. Later, you learn more from our coaches in our breakout sessions. The day will wrap up with a casual group dinner at Coach Greg McMillan's home.
DAY 4 (Sunday)
The final day begins with an easy run across the Golden Gate Bridge. After the run, we'll head to brunch at the Dipsea Cafe - a storied restaurant full of the history of the Dipsea Races - before you head home or off to explore more of San Francisco.
Meet Your Camp Coaches:
THE MCMILLAN RUNNING COACHES
McMillan Running coaches understand the science of running, with degrees in exercise science/physiology and multiple running coach certifications. They've been there & done that as runners themselves: from track to trail, 1 mile to 100 miles, Olympic stadiums to mountains high, and national champions at various distances, surfaces and age groups. And they are runners like you, with families, injuries, challenges and triumphs. You won't meet a more experienced, accomplished, fun group of coaches. Come run with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to camp?
Will I need my own transportation once I’m in the Bay?
How do I get to camp?
The Bay Area is home to two major airports – Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). While Oakland tends to be the more hassle-free airport, SFO does have a shuttle (the Marin Airporter) which stops in Mill Valley, but you may want to rent your own vehicle or rent one with a fellow camper. And RideShare services like Lyft and Uber are available as well.
Will I need my own transportation once I’m in the Bay?
We’ve found many people rent their own car in order to explore the area during down time or before/after the camp. Because of this, we do not have a group van to transport all campers together. We encourage & coordinate carpooling amongst the group and the starting location for all runs are within the city of Mill Valley. Group meals are also within town.
Are accommodations included in the registration?
Accommodations are NOT included in the cost of registration because we found that there are many personal preferences based on needs, price, hotel loyalty programs, etc. Mill Valley has a variety of hotel/motel options and AirBnB/VRBO listings.
What should I pack?
□ Running clothes for 4 days
□ Cooler weather gear for running: long sleeves, gloves, hat
□ Pre/during/post-run fuel if you have a preference (we’ll have GenUCAN drinks & bars on hand)
□ Personal water bottle
□ Casual clothes for “classroom” sessions and meals in town. Think layers for this time of year!
□ Sunblock
What is the weather like in Mill Valley at this time of year?
Winter in California may seem mild to some, but the fog of the San Francisco Bay can bring a different type of chill. Daytime temps are typically in the high 50s-lower 60s and evening temps will be in the low 40s/high 30s.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions/preferences?
Absolutely. We’re able to meet all dietary preferences with the wonderful food selections in Mill Valley. Let us know what you need/want in the pre-camp questionnaire and we’ll get it all squared away!
Can you remind me again what’s included in the price of the camp?
Your registration fee covers 4 days of guided runs, lectures, video form analysis and interactive, small group learning sessions on all things running with the experts at McMillan Running. It also includes the opening social/dinner, the group dinner at Coach Greg McMillan’s house, and Sunday brunch after the long run. Generation UCAN drinks and snacks will be provided at each of the runs. Campers will also receive a schwag bag chock full of good stuff.
How much time will I actually get with the McMillan Running coaches?
We focus on a 4:1 camper: coach ratio. You’ll have time to connect and learn from McMillan Running coaches during scheduled sessions, on the trail and during our social/meal functions.
Is this camp only for more elite and/or competitive runners?
Not at all! The camp is for people of all abilities, speeds, distances and experience levels. The common denominator of all campers is that they are there to learn more about how they can improve as a runner in one of the most beautiful areas in the United States.
What are the runs like?
The runs are on community trails around Mill Valley that are soft surfaces. People can run for up to 60 minutes for each run, and coaches + camp staff will be scattered throughout the group at running paces from faster to slower (e.g., 7 min/mile to 12 min/mile). If you need a longer run during your trip, we’ll be on hand to provide options.
I’m training for a race. Can I follow my training program while at camp?
Depending on the workout, we can usually accommodate what you need. It’s always best to check with your coach, if you work with one (& we have a few that we’d recommend, if you don’t!).
Will we have free time to explore San Francisco?
Camp is structured to be full days on Friday and Saturday, with a few hours of free time around lunchtime on each day. Thursday & Sunday are half-days and best for longer excursions to San Francisco landmarks.
I’ll be traveling with someone. Can they attend the runs and meals, or a couple of the sessions?
Guests can attend the runs and meals after signing a liability waiver. There is a per person charge for each organized meal attended. If they’ll be attending a session in addition to the runs and meals, they will need to register as an attendee.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations more than 21 days out from camp will receive a full refund, minus a $100 administrative processing fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 21 days of the start of camp. Campers can also defer their registration to a later camp date or transfer their registration to another individual. Please contact us at melody@mcmillanrunning.com if you are in need of a deferral, transfer or a cancellation.
Have a question we haven’t answered? Let us know, we’re here to help!
$599/person
From our campers...
Rick S.
“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the running camp experience. I found the camp to be interesting, informative and very motivating.”
Tad P.
“I have been running for a little more than a year and was “self coached” when I signed up for camp. All of the books, articles, and blogs I’ve read came together as Greg and Staff explained their training philosophy. As I ran with my fellow campers, together we would discuss and help each other better understand the prior days’ discussions. I left with friends that to this day stay in contact with, confident in my ability and supremely motivated.“
Fernanda C.
“Camp was an incredible experience for me. I learned a lot, enjoyed running in the different terrains with everybody, and Flagstaff and its surrounding areas are beautiful! It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with all of the elite coaches and have all of your advice. I think camp empowered me! I am back home training and feeling very motivated… Thank you very much!”