Stress Protest 2022 - Countdown to Colorado - Email #2
“The map for our most sacred expedition is often only revealed
when we are brave enough to step into the unknown, be guided by the light in our heart, the rhythm of our own feet, and the compass of our breath.”
- Octavia Raheem
Dear Family,
This week we are counting down to Colorado by asking you, what fears do you want to let go of? Take a few minutes right now to think about this. Now visualize yourself at the top of the mountain with the sun on your face and the wind at your back. Visualize yourself closing your eyes and opening your hands and letting each and every one of those fears go. Visualize your fears being carried away across the horizon. See them getting smaller and smaller until you can’t see them anymore. Say goodbye to them and as you do, thank them for what they taught you about yourself. Now take a deep breath. Feel the open space that’s left inside. Space that can now be filled with new dreams and new hopes.
This is your second official Countdown to Colorado email! If you missed last week’s message, please check your spam folders. Each Friday leading up to the #stressprotest, we will be here with important tips for preparation.
This week that includes the following important reminders:
COVID-19 PROTOCOL: Like our grandma’s taught us, we plan to remain safe! Please help us by adhering to our event protocol for COVID.
All attendees are expected to take a test within 24 hours and to show results upon arrival.
All attendees will also be expected to take a rapid Covid test upon arrival. Tests will be provided by GirlTrek.
Protocol if you are positive: You will not be able to attend the event if you test positive for COVID-19. However, 80% of your registration fee will be rolled over to the 2023 Stress Protest event.
PACKING LIST: Like Badu taught us, we ain’t no bag ladies!
Please review the packing list HERE and commit to only bringing the necessities on this trip.
PHYSICAL PREP: By now you should be walking 2 miles each day. How is it going? Share your progress on social using #GirlTrek #stressprotest. Please review the physical preparedness pledge below and the breathing exercise that you should also be practicing for 2 minutes each day.
TRAVEL: Book flights if you haven’t already!
Remember you must arrive in Denver by 2PM CT on Friday 9/2 to catch the last shuttle leaving the Westin Denver Airport at 3PM CT.
You can depart anytime you choose on Monday. The earliest shuttle bus will leave the YMCA at 2AM CT to arrive at Denver airport by 4AM CT.
COMING UP NEXT:
ROOMMATE ASSIGNMENTS: The questionnaire for roommate assignments will be released in next Friday’s email. Many of you will come with someone you want to bunk with and others of you - our favorite part - will let the ancestors guide you to a new BFF through our roomie matching process!
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE: The official schedule for the weekend will be shared on Friday, August 19th. At that time, you will be able to review all the workshops available to you and have the opportunity to sign up.
As always, if you have questions, please hit us up at stressprotest@girltrek.org.
Grateful that of all the places you could have chosen to be, you are choosing communion with us.
See you soon,
Vanessa, Morgan, and the #StressProtest team
PHYSICAL PREPAREDNESS PLEDGE | #Stress Protest
As an attendee at #StressProtest, I pledge to follow the below training plan as preparation for my time in the mountains. I understand that failure to do so may impede my ability to enjoy my experience fully and could put me at risk.
Physical Preparedness: Conditions in the Rocky Mountains can be challenging. Estes Park sits at 7,500 feet. High elevation can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, and dehydration – all symptoms of altitude sickness. If you have a medical condition of concern, please check in with a medical doctor before traveling. If you are on regular medication for a diagnosed condition, please continue to take your medication as prescribed, bring your medication with you, and make sure it is easily located.
Altitude Sickness Prevention: Start ONE week before
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Drink plenty of fluids
Consume a high carbohydrate diet, easy-to-digest foods - Ease into physical activity during the first 24 hours
4-WEEK TRAINING PLAN: Start Immediately!
Some of the activities offered will require a high level of cardiovascular fitness, others will require a moderate level of fitness. In all cases, for your comfort and safety, we are asking all participants to follow our 4-week training plan.
Baseline Fitness: Walk every day in August with a goal of getting 60 miles before you come, for an average of 2 miles a day.
Breathing: Practice yoga or pursed lip breathing techniques for 2 minutes every day for the next 30 days. It’s tough to catch your breath at high altitudes. To help, learn to control and conserve your breath. Yoga and pursed lip breathing expand your lung capacity while out on the mountain. Watch the following video and practice this technique for two minutes every day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4mf4kG_Evk
Hydration: High altitudes can cause dehydration so drink up prior to arrival! As a rule of thumb aim for 10 cups of water a day or 2.3 liters, each day for the next 30 days.
I commit to this pledge to protect my own health and safety and to be fully prepared for #StressProtest.
Any objections or issues should be emailed to stressprotest@girltrek.org.