Colorado Sojourn:
A Journey to the Mountain
Have you been longing to take on the challenge of climbing a mountain, yet unsure of how to achieve your goal? Get guidance, support and inspiration with other women who aspire to reach the peak of a 14,000+ foot mountain in a journey of physical and emotional growth. This three-month journey ends with our Journey to the Mountain retreat in the beautiful mountains of Colorado.
The mountains of Colorado are majestic and a beautiful place to explore.
Have you been longing to take on the challenge of climbing a mountain, yet unsure of how to achieve your goal? This unique three month journey offers you guidance, support and inspiration as well as authentic connection with other women who aspire to reach the peak of a 14,000+ foot mountain in a journey of physical and emotional growth.
“Somewhere between
the bottom of the climb and the summit
is the answer to the mystery of why we climb.”
Join the Colorado Sojourn: Journey to the Mountain to build your strength, stamina and confidence to achieve this goal with Becki Rupp, Trailblazer Wellness, and Christine Winebrenner Irick, Lotus Sojourns.
Your Experience Includes:
Comprehensive and customized training plan for physical and mental preparation, including stamina/conditioning, strength building and yoga for flexibility
One-on-one coaching sessions keep you motivated
A supportive group to learn and grow through the experience with others
Virtual group gatherings with experts on physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the journey
Journey to the Mountain weekend retreat where you’ll join fellow Sojourners for welcome dinner, hike of a 14,000+ foot peak in central Colorado, and post-hike celebration dinner
Becki is a certified personal trainer and health coach who has hiked multiple “14ers” (peaks that are 14,000 feet or more in elevation) and hundreds of other trails across the US and in multiple countries. She has also searched mountains and forests for missing people in five states as a member of a wilderness search and rescue team. The view from her house includes Mt. Shavano, which is 14,232’ high.
Christine guides women on intentional journeys incorporating adventure travel and personal transformation. Christine is passionate about creating connected communities of women, and crafting experiences that build on the inherent transformational power of travel and guides travelers to use this journey as a catalyst for their own transformation. She has worked in the tourism industry for 20 years, has a Masters degree in Sustainable Destination Management, and is committed to using travel as a vehicle for good. She shares stories of her like-hearted colleagues on her Soul of Travel podcast. She is also a certified yoga instructor and focuses on a gentle practice that offers connection to nature, spirit and self through postures, meditation and breathwork. She is the mother of three young girls who are a beautiful reminder for her to stay committed to her dream to create a world where all women know themselves as equal and valuable members of our global community, and are strongly connected to their true self and the power of their voice.
EXPERIENCE DATES:
June 11 – September 9, 2021: Pre-Journey 3 month 14er Hike Training Program
September 10-12: Weekend long in-person Journey to the Mountain Retreat in Colorado
NOTE: Registration has closed for this Sojourn. Future experiences will be available soon!
TRIP TYPE:
Women Only - Online and In Person Experience
TRIP PRICE:
You can join us for the full journey, including the 14er Hiking Training Program and the Retreat, or you can join us for the training and hike on your own.
Full Experience - Pre-Trip Training Program & Colorado Sojourn: Journey to the Mountain Retreat: $1,695*
14er Hike Training Program Only: $975*
* Early Bird Discount and Bonus
Sign up by May 21 to get $100 off PLUS 2 additional weeks of training/coaching.
Registration Closed on June 7th!!!
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
Upgrade to Single Room (limited availability): Inquire for pricing
Transportation to Journey to the Mountain Retreat in central Colorado (near Breckenridge).
Specific meals, as noted in the itinerary.
Cost associated with training, ie. gym membership or weights, etc.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
3 Month Group Training Program
One-on-One Customized Training Plan
Monthly Yoga Classes
Guest Speakers and Trainers offering their personal expertise.
Guidance on Altitude Training and Hiking
Gear Selection and Packing Tips
Long Distance Nutrition and Packing Trail Snacks
Connection to a group of women working to accomplish the same goals!
Becki Rupp, Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach & Owner of Trailblazer Wellness
Christine Winebrenner Irick, Founder & Guide at Lotus Sojourns
June 11 – September 9: 14er Hike Training Program
The group sessions will each be 60-90 minutes long and take place on Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm Mountain. They will also be recorded and shared with the group. The one-on-one coaching with Becki will be arranged individually. Yoga sessions will be on Saturday morning, unless otherwise noted.
Week 1 ~ June 14-18
Introduction to the training plan and one-on-one meetings with Becki to customize the training plan based on your lifestyle, current activity level and preferences.
Week 2 ~ June 22 & June 26
Group Session 1: Preparing for a Transformational Experience, including journaling guidance. Saturday yoga session with Christine via Starlight Yoga Montana.
Week 3 ~ June 28-July 2
One-on-one coaching session with Becki.
Week 4 ~ July 6
Group Session 2: Selecting footwear and gear with Beth Bershader, who has hiked the 100 highest mountains in Colorado, as well as high peaks in Central and South America
Week 5 ~ July 12-16
One-on-one coaching session with Becki.
Week 6 ~ July 20 & July 24
Group Session 3: The history and culture of the Ute Nation in the Colorado mountains. Saturday yoga session with Christine via Starlight Yoga Montana.
Week 7 ~ July 26-30
One-on-one coaching sessions with Becki.
Week 8 ~ August 3
Group Session 4: Q&A and experience sharing.
Week 9 ~ August 9-13
One-on-one coaching with Becki.
Week 10 ~ August 17 & August 21
Group Session 5: Nutrition on the Trail with dietician and long-distance hiker and triathlete Jacque Maldonado. Saturday yoga session with Christine via Starlight Yoga Montana.
Week 11 ~ August 23-27
One-on-one coaching with Becki.
Week 12 ~ August 31
Group Session 6: Altitude and What to Expect on Hike Day with Bridget Bryson, member of Chaffee County Search and Rescue who has hiked all Colorado 14ers (and then some!).
September 10-12: In Person Retreat in the Mountains of Colorado near Brekenridge
September 10
Arrive at the lodging base in the early evening. Welcome dinner followed by an intention-setting session for the upcoming hike. (D)
September 11
All of the preparation of our journey brings us to this day!
Early wake-up and breakfast. Travel by personal vehicle to the trailhead for the hike. We will stop for silence in recognition of the victims of 9/11 at a designated time. Hike to the summit of Mt. Quandary, with periodic breaks for nutrition, reflection and celebration! Post-hike dinner and sharing. (B, D)
September 12
Morning yoga session with Christine, breakfast and departure. (B)
Becki and Christine will select a a hotel, lodge or AirBnB that will accommodate the group size that gathers for this journey and share the details once it is confirmed.
INCLUDED:
3-month training plan for hiking a mountain of 14,000+ feet with cardio/stamina building cadence, strength training exercises and yoga sessions, developed by personal trainer and yoga instructor.
Bi-weekly one-on-one coaching sessions with certified health coach, Becki Rupp.
Bi-weekly group sessions with expert guest speakers on topics related to physical, mental and spiritual preparation.
Facebook group for camaraderie, support and laughs!
Journal and exercises for exploration.
Lodging for the Journey to the Mountain Retreat*
2 dinners and 2 breakfasts for Journey to the Mountain Retreat*
* Applicable for those who sign up for the Full Colorado Sojourn with Journey to the Mountain Retreat.
NOT INCLUDED:
Personal transportation to the Journey to the Mountain lodging.
Personal transportation to the hike trailhead.
Lunch and snacks on the hike...we will offer tips to prepare before the journey.
Alcoholic beverages.
Trip insurance. Strongly suggested for those joining the in-person retreat.
Cost of medical care, emergency transportation or evacuation if necessary (we sure hope not!). This can be covered by specific trip insurance.
Personal items and gear.
Gym membership or workout equipment.
TRAVEL DATES
ARRIVE: September 10, 2021
DEPART: Septembe 12, 2021
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Medium-High. Activity includes walking and hiking on uneven terrain. Keep in mind that altitude will be a consideration for this Sojourn and that adds to the physical demands of the activities.
HEALTH
You will be required to complete a Heath and Fitness Questionnaire prior to the pre-journey training program. You will also be required to complete a Health Decleration Form three days prior to the journey. Please see the “Terms and Conditions” for this journey for additional information.
MONEY
You may need USD to pay for any costs not included in the retreat. See the “What’s Included” section for additional information.
TRIP INSURANCE
We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance and suggest contacting Wanderwell to find the right policy for you. More information, as well as a link to purchase can be found on the Lotus Sojourns FAQ page.
PACKING TIPS:
When you prepare to pack for your Sojourn visit our Conscious Products page to find brands we love to support that champion sustainable or fair trade practices. We have also picked out some of our favorite travel clothes and gear to help make packing easy for you. We will be spending our Week 4 discussion covering footwear and answering packing questions.
WEATHER:
The weather in Colorado is always variable, especially in the shoulder seasons. You might anticipate average lows of 48* and highs of 63* but be aware that seasonal storms or heat waves can both be common this time of year.
LUGGAGE & GEAR:
We will review the best gear specific to the day of hiking in our Week 4 discussion. There are no restrictions for personal luggage.
Registration has closed for this Sojourn. You may complete this form to be waitlisted for next year!
Once your application is reviewed and you have booked your Sojourn you will need to fill out and return the following information:
Personal Information Form
Health and Fitness History
Getting to Know you Questionnaire
Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
Copy of Trip Insurance, if purchased. This is HIGHLY recommended.
Full Payment is due within 24 hours of booking.
Payment for the Sojourn is non-refundable. Please see the “Terms and Conditions” for this Sojourn.
Note: Please be sure to check out our FAQ’s before registering!
