Stress Protest 2022 - Countdown to Colorado - Email #4
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
- Coretta Scott King
Dear Family,
This week we are counting down to Colorado by asking you to reflect on how you want to build community at Stress Protest. Take a few minutes right now to think about this. Visualize yourself surrounded by hundreds of Black women, strangers, new and old friends at the mountaintop. We will laugh, cry together, and release fears. We will make space, gain friendships, and discover new ways forward for ourselves. All of this is done in community.
This is your fourth official Countdown to Colorado email! If you missed last week’s message, please check here to read up on all the important information. Each Friday leading up to the #stressprotest, we will be here with important tips for preparation.
This week that includes the following important announcements:
ROOMMATE SELECTION: It's time to select a roommate! Or let the universe decide! Please complete this short survey to help us match you with a roomie for Stress Protest 2022! THE SURVEY WILL CLOSE ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2022 at 11:59 pm EST.
All Stress Protest attendees will be rooming together and staying 2 per room. Everyone is required to submit a Roomie Request form (except for GirlTrek staff, coaches, faculty, and hike leaders).
If you choose to list a preference, please be sure to contact the woman you are requesting to room with to let her know you are listing her as your roomie.
If you do not list anyone for your roomies, you have decided to let the ancestors guide you to a new BFF through our roomie matching process! We got you! We will do our best to match based on preference and questions.
We’ve heard countless testimonies about how sisters have gained life-long friends through the roomie selection process. We ask that you stay open to the experience matching. THE SURVEY WILL CLOSE ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2022 at 11:59 pm EST. Once a survey is submitted we will not be able to accommodate changes or late requests.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
COVID-19 PROTOCOL: Like our grandma taught us, we plan to remain safe! Please help us by adhering to our event protocol for COVID-19.
All attendees are expected to take a test within 24 hours of your arrival to Denver and to self-report your test in the NAVICA app.
All attendees will also be expected to take a rapid COVID-19 self-test upon arrival to the YMCA. 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 next year’s event. For a more detailed breakdown of our COVID-19 testing protocol, please visit our FAQ page.
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. Please read carefully and take note of the emphasis on carry-on luggage only! Trust us. It can be done. (Just watch this video of Morgan pulling it all together.) The packing guide also provides useful information on the YMCA Estes Park, the weather, and how to prepare for the altitude.
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 HERE and the breathing exercise that you should also be practicing for 2 minutes each day.
TRAVEL: Remember you must arrive in Denver by 2pm MT on Friday 9/2 to catch the last shuttle leaving the Westin Denver Airport at 3pm MT. If your flight is delayed and you arrive after 2 PM MT, we ask you to email us at stressprotest@girltrek.org and let us know. UBERS may be difficult to find unless scheduled.
You can depart anytime you choose on Monday. The earliest shuttle bus will leave the YMCA at 2 AM MT to arrive at Denver Airport by 4 AM MT.
UPDATE: Last week’s email stated that you would be assigned a shuttle bus. Instead, you will now have the opportunity to select your own bus departure and transportation time once the schedule is released next week. We still ask that you please fill out THIS FORM so we can properly plan to have shuttles scheduled based on reported arrival and departure times.
STRESS PROTEST INFORMATIONAL:
If you have questions about this year’s event, watch the recording HERE from our zoom call this week where we covered what to bring, how to prep, and what to expect.
COMING UP NEXT:
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE: The official schedule for the weekend will be shared next week. At that time, you will be able to review and signup for all available workshops and have the opportunity to sign up for bus transportation.
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.