The NPSD Positivity Award… not canceled.

It’s been over a year since we’ve met in person but the spirit of the November Project wasn’t canceled along with the rest of 2020. In fact, there were times where it was stronger than ever. The most recent recipient of the positivity award during this time is proof of that.

Gretchen Walker has been an epic addition to November Project San Diego community since her contagious smile preceded her arrival in 2018. Even though she was a self proclaimed “not a runner” from the start, she continued to show up week after week, and, little by little, this “non-runner” suddenly completed a half marathon! But, her improved running abilities are not why she is special to all of us who know her at NPSD. Her positivity and “go get-em” attitude has been a constant encouragement to others from the start. She is kind and caring and will always go above and beyond to help a friend. Running on a team with Gretchen?… There’s probably some sort of matching outfit coming your way. Running a 50k?… She may show up with a recovery kit and some bath salts. Just because she cares. She started her own business healing people through massage and many of us at NPSD have her to thank for our bodies feeling good come race day. This girl was a positive force to be reckoned with and there was no stopping her.

And then 2020 hit. It was a tough year for everyone but few have had to push through more hurdles than Gretchen. In August, she suffered a large brain aneurysm which not only put this active, vivacious human into her bed for months and months, but there were days she could barely open her eyes because the pain was so strong. Never fully knowing how long it would take for her to make a full recovery (or if she even would) she continued to push forward, taking it one day at a time. Yes, many days were a struggle, but she still was able to stay strong and positive more often than not throughout her recovery. An admirable trait to say the least.

This is also where the magic of November Project shined. In true NPSD fashion, people “just showed up” to help in any way they could. There were hospital visits, food deliveries and rides to the doctor. A Facebook page was created to track her recovery and to remind her how much she’s loved by her community. When times get hard, NPSD members know how to show up for one another. Because it’s more than just a workout group. It’s where strangers become friends who become family.

And in case it wasn’t clear, Gretchen did not earn this positivity award because of her misfortune. Her struggle only reinforced what she’s proven herself to be time and time again… Strong, positive and full of life. And today?! She’s back out there living life how she does best… with friends and family and her massage table in hand!