We love to run. We love to write. Combine the two and you get magic.
~ Kara & Mary
Why Stride & Story?
“Most of what I know about writing I’ve learned through running every day. These are practical, physical lessons. How much can I push myself? How much rest is appropriate—and how much is too much? How far can I take something and still keep it decent and consistent? When does it become narrow-minded and inflexible? How much should I be aware of the world outside, and how much should I focus on my inner world? To what extent should I be confident in my abilities, and when should I start doubting myself?” – Haruki Murakami, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
Stride & Story is a three-day experience built on tackling the moments when legs get tired or a blank page stares back. It’s mornings of movements, afternoons of words, and connections between the human beings who appreciate both.
Kara and Mary learned while running and writing “The Longest Race” that alchemy is possible when these disciplines are woven. Targeted for runners and writers of any level, this is about bringing people together in stunning Colorado to explore what happens when we enjoy trails, words, and good company together.
Meet Your Hosts
Kara Goucher
Kara Goucher is a three-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympian, winner of the silver medal at the 2007 World Championships in the 10,000 meters, and a podium finisher at the Boston and New York Marathons. She is an Emmy award winning running analyst for NBC Sports and New York Times bestselling author of The Longest Race with Mary Pilon. She cohosts the hit running commentary podcast Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara. Kara lives in Boulder, Colorado, with her Olympic-runner husband, Adam, and their son, Colt. KaraGoucher.com.
Mary Pilon
Mary Pilon is an investigative journalist and Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work explores sports and business. She also holds a private investigator license in California. Pilon is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestsellers, “The Monopolists" and “The Longest Race,” with Olympian Kara Goucher, and she co-hosted the audio series “Twisted: The Story of Larry Nassar and the Women Who Brought Him Down.” She previously served as a staff reporter on the sports desk at The New York Times and at The Wall Street Journal covering business and finance. MaryPilon.com
Where We’ll Stay
We’ll be based at The All Inn Hotel, a 54-room boutique hotel restored from the 1959 Fountain Inn, a midcentury landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Tucked into Denver’s City Park neighborhood, the hotel is located near landmarks like the Denver Zoo and Museum of Nature and Science, epic nature, and about 20 minutes from Denver International Airport.
Breakfast is included every morning at the All is Well cafe. We’ll share two dinners on-site, plus one dinner off-property so you can see more of Denver.
What We’ll Do
Each day follows a similar rhythm: morning group run, writing session, great food, free time on your own, and an evening session together.
Morning Miles with Kara
All paces are welcome. Trails will be finalized closer to October with transport arranged for anything off-site.
Writing Sessions with Mary
Facilitated workshops each afternoon — some structured prompts, some quiet individual writing time, some group share-and-feedback. No writing experience required, just a willingness to put something down on the page.
What’s Included
3 nights lodging at The All Inn Hotel (Oct 15–18)
Breakfast daily
2 group dinners on-site at FiNO + 1 off-property dinner
Daily group run with Kara Goucher
Daily writing workshop with Mary Pilon
Ground transportation for trail runs & group activities
Retreat materials (writing workbook, run journal, printed schedule)
Welcome gift bag including running shoes and outfit from Brooks
Photos/videos from the weekend
Gifts, goodies and lots of surprises!
What’s Not Included
Flights to/from Denver (DIA)
Lunches (recommendations provided)
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance; proof of health insurance with coverage in Colorado will be required
Personal excursions/transportation outside the group schedule
Hotel incidentals
Shopping and souvenir funds
Gratuities for hotel/venue staff (optional)
Pricing
$3,500 USD (Paid By Credit/Debit/ACH Directly Through Website), Private Rooms
Payment Timing
To Reserve Spot Deposit $1,500 Due
Sept 1 - $2,000 Final Due
Questions? Send an email to info@strideandstory.run
Ready to Run & Write with us?
Fill out the form below and we will follow up with next steps to register. Space is limited.