Before I begin, I just want to say that I’m not comfortable talking (or typing) about myself. It’s not that I don’t see myself worthy of it; I’d just rather see the praise and attention go to another tribe member or the tribe itself. But one of my tribe members asked if I’d share this part of my story, and if it helps the tribe or November Project in any way, I’ll gladly oblige.
My job as an 18 wheel driver has me usually working overnight. Many a night, my shift begins anywhere from 5pm to 10pm, and ends right around 6am. Most of the time I drive from Austin to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex; other nights I head down to the Corpus Christi area. I’m putting in anywhere from 415-520 miles on my odometer, any given night. It’s not that it’s physically taxing work, I’m just in charge of a huge vehicle in a time at night where drivers may not be in the right frame of mind for the circumstances. Once I get back to the depot I still have to do paperwork and put away all the equipment I’ve used. Then comes the part that brings a smile to my face – running to my personal truck. Depending on what time it is I’ll either change in my truck, at my work parking lot, or I’ll drive to the workout and change there. I have a choice when I leave: I can either turn left and head home to my comfy bed, or turn right and go join my November Project tribe in a grueling workout. And believe me, it’s crossed my mind to turn left, but then I remember how great it is to spend an hour with – what I consider my second family – my Austin tribe.
When someone tells me that they are not a “morning person” or that they don’t like working out first thing in the morning because they haven’t had their coffee, I’m a little jealous. I’d kill for a 30 minute nap and a large iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts. I may be exhausted from being up all night, but I would not want to be anywhere else in the world other than bouncing, dancing, sweating, and working out with my tribe.
One morning at breakfast I accidently told Gina – one of the co leaders – what I go through at work to make it to the workouts on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I was a little embarrassed at the time because she told those seated at the table that I worked all night and came straight to the workout without any sleep. I didn’t realize it at the time, but my story could have an impact on the tribe. If I can forgo any sleep and still give what I have left at our workout, maybe folks will give that a thought and roll out of bed when their alarms go off. I’ve learned a lot about what the human body can withstand and still be okay, while being part of my tribe.
The best part of driving 450 miles overnight is the fact that I get to see my November Project Austin tribe in the morning. I wouldn’t give it up for anything. Not even a 30 minute nap. – Leo.
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