All good things must come to an end – unless they are a marriage, motherhood, and salted cashews (because please, let me keep some joys in life). Jokes aside, which in times of sadness and moments of being uncomfortable you all know I can’t resist, it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to NP Amsterdam. Or at least, we say goodbye to the form or vessel of what we know and have come to know NP Amsterdam to be.
NP Amsterdam has become something larger than a workout group. It has been a catalyst for friendships, community, achievements, and immeasurable support. But if we take away the Wednesday mornings, the bounces, the burnouts, the spray painted shirts, we are still left with something larger than a brand. This group is a mixture of young and old, expats and Dutchies, regulars and special eventers, fast runners and burpee masters, gifted chatters (you know who you are), and the quiet, reserved type. We have it all and we cherish every unique personality and fitness ability that has graced us at the Nemo stairs.
It began with the hard work, vision, and commitment of Annelise and Thijs under the name Amsterdam Fit Project 8 years ago and morphed into November Project Amsterdam with Annelise and Saskia rising to the occasion as leaders. Roderick would soon join the trio and the community was energetically and faithfully led by Roderick and Saskia for years to come.
Once Covid hit and Saskia took maternity leave, Antoinette and Edo stepped up to the plate as temporary leaders – saving the group from an early retirement. After many runs together and countless discussions, Dani and I would become the next official co-leaders, bringing our own flavour and flare to the stairs.
Since March 2023, Hugo would join me as co-leader (along with his many other roles as husband, father, and emotional support team) and tirelessly tried to regrow the group, recruit new members, and rekindle old members.
Hugo and I wove commitment, accountability, and high intensity workouts together in an attempt to excite members to show up. In the end, the groups priorities shifted and NP Amsterdam was unable to be revived to its pre-Covid numbers. As one regular recently remarked “we all love NP and the family it has afforded. But the honest truth is, even in the light summer months or when healthy or not travelling, showing up has become optional.” Unfortunately, this non-compulsory drive that we once all had has made Hugo and I re-evaluate whether our unrelenting commitment was somehow misplaced. Another member explained that the FOMO feeling is absent: “People used to be like shiiiiit I’m going on summer holiday with the family, I’m going to miss out. Now – it’s raining, I’ll sit this one out…” This shift is normal. It reflects evolution. It depicts growth and change in our members.
I too have changed. I joined this group on October 18, 2017 with my son, Xander under foot and sometimes in the buggy. I needed this group 6 years ago. It created connection, a bond that glued more than just workout companions and friends together. They became family to me and my son. It shared in my achievements, supported my crazy goals of running Las Vegas Marathon dressed as Elvis, offered babysitting to Xander, helped me on my job searches, and lent me an ear and shoulder to cry on when things became difficult. 6 years ago I needed this group and it was there for me and I hope I was there for all of you too. Now, I have my own family, a loving relationship, new running goals, and my priorities have also shifted. I owe it to myself and this community to respect this change and embrace it before as one member warned I become “bitter at the group.”
For the last 2.5 years, I have led a remarkable group. I showed up all through my pregnancy and introduced our youngest, most eager high fiver, Dima, to the group. While I cannot underestimate the challenges I have faced by trying (together with Hugo) to juggle Wednesday morning workouts, social media posts, and NP special events with 4 kids, 2 dogs, professional careers, and personal tragedies. Even though my step daughters – Tatum and Lorin – like to think of me as an acrobat (lawyer in Dutch is advocaat), the truth is my circus abilities end with the hula hoop. As a perfectionist, it is hard to except failure. It is hard to resign and lay down the king. It is difficult (impossible sometimes) to admit defeat. But the time has come.
To everyone that has ever joined NP Amsterdam – whether as a regular, a special event goer, a travel verbaler, a positivity award holder, a one timer – thank you for creating and sustaining this community for the past 7 years. As a friend recently texted me, “We’re in this for the fitness and friends. The tags and bounces were just the vessel.” Thanks, Michael. That is incredibly true. NP Amsterdam you are a spectacular vessel but like all good things, you too must come to an end.
Our last workout will be at the Nemo stairs December 13, 2023. Please join us for a free workout, hugs, high fives, tears, bounces, and a coffee as we say goodbye to NP Amsterdam and hello to new beginnings. Thanks to every leader that has led, every guest leader that has stepped up, and to each of you for showing up and making NP Amsterdam a wonderful memory and an even larger community that will continue for many years to come.
Among many other things, I will miss your excellent ability to put into words what’s almost impossible to grasp.
Thanks Frank! Maybe now that I have more time, I can finally write the book I have been desperately wanting to write;)
Heather, this is a wonderful, poignant and honest piece. It’s a sad moment but this really brings to life the WHY and celebrates all that you’ve given and achieved. Thank you to you and Hugo for being so honest and giving all that you have to our wonderful NP family. Sad times but we are all still here and new things will come. xxx
Thanks Jane, I think the closing of this chapter allows for new things to begin and flourish. So glad to have had you at NP Amsterdam and look forward to continuing our friendship and fitness goals.