And just like that it’s winter again. It’s BANANAS! Snow has fallen upon the roofs, sidewalks, and windshields of buses and cars across the city. To be exact a 14.40cm of snow has fallen since Monday afternoon. Making our bare trees turn into those whimsical, full of life figures much like life in a glittery, snow globe.
Sebastian who? (OTTAWA)
Like so many Wednesdays long ago we found ourselves watching human after human make their way towards the Centennial Flame once again. The closer they approached the more you began to crack a smile, maybe opened-up your arms for a warm embrace or held out a hand to be high-fived. To the new faces amongst the group that was one way to kick off an introduction to November Project.
Guest Blog: Meet Danielle (Ottawa)
Do you ever question how you’ve become part of such a large, exuberant, extended family from time to time? Well let us introduce Danielle, she has questioned it herself maybe not just once but numerous times over the past two years. If you have yet to meet Danielle she is a generous friend who listens, takes time to digest what you’ve shared with her and will whole heartedly speaks the honest truth back at you. This environmentally friendly, biker gang member has seen her relationship with NP grow and has some words to share. We thank you, Danielle for continuing to show up, be present and encourage others to step outside of their comfort zone. It’s about time you meet Danielle.
the power of knowing a name (Ottawa)
This morning was a staple November Project Ottawa workout. Maybe this was your second 6:29am workout this week or maybe it was your first workout ever. We know we’ve said it before but we’ll say it again, there’s power in spending those early mornings together. Not only are you testing your abilities and challenging yourself, your actions and willingness to give it your all spices it up for those around you. *Spices it up; can also be translated into: you push yourself harder with those around you, without question.
We’re going on a scavenger hunt
In case you might not get it by the title of the blog this morning we went on a scavenger hunt. If for some reason you missed your alarm or your sheets were just too cosy to get out of here are the clues we gave out:
- This is a common target for NP running workouts. It is tall and gray. Complete 10 burpees, and burpee until your entire team arrives. Once everyone arrives, you’ll find your photo shoot location with every person having one pinky finger on this MOMENTUS thing.
- This is your home away from home that is open 24/7. True fact this place doesn’t even have a lock on their door. We have yet to workout at this location so we’re asking you to complete 10 squats and 10 lunges until your entire team arrives. Once you are all at the location take a photo under the bright lights (we are encouraging group shots that highlight your love for this place) and share a convo with an employee if you feel like it.
- This spot is very patriotic. Perhaps not to all of Ottawa, but the fact that we celebrated Canada Day morning here, in red and white, makes it patriotic for us. Let’s reminisce on that morning and hit this spot quick. Parcourt the ramps, with creativity and grace, then find a surface in which to complete incline push ups (or choose 1 step up from your typical push up option (i.e. if you usual go from your knees, try from your toes). Climb your way to the top of the net for a group snapshot.
- #wereallthewayup. If you want a perfect spot to watch a free concert this would be the place. All of Ottawa might already know this or you just learnt something new. Do you know it yet? Keep moving up and down the (we couldn’t give it all away) until the rest of your team arrives. Make sure you take a photo when your #allthewayup.
- Are you looking to run into some Redblacks players over coffee? Want the chance to chat about last week’s game over scrambled eggs? Well this spot may just be it. With eggs grilled to perfection, wait are eggs grilled? This place is the opposite of a sunrise. Be an egg and complete 20 tight tuck jumps. It would be great if you positioned yourself like an egg for the photo.
- This is a day outside the stadium, which means no stadium stairs. BUT, we still have access to one set close by. Since we’re so used to doing SO MANY SECTIONS OF THESE…. Let’s step it up, actually let’s jump it up. Choose your choice of jump (two feet) or hop (1 foot) all the way up and down the stairs 3 times, and keep going until your whole team arrives. Be careful and use the railings if needed (#safetythird). Take a cute shot of the whole team in a position other than standing or sitting.
- Head to the back to school workout location, otherwise known as the newest link from Queen Elizabeth to Colonel By by foot. Lunge your way to the halfway point, to the highest point of this bridge and take a photo of your team with the most beautiful background.
- Run to take cover here. This path is busy with cyclists and runners alike all year round and has a beautiful view of the canal. Your photoshoot location can be found under this concrete arch structure that connects lansdowne to old Ottawa South. Complete 50 bicycle crunches to act like the cyclists driving by. Say hi to them on their morning commute! Make sure the photo has this concrete structure in view.
- This digital sign cannot been seen from Bank Street. Fun fact; November Project Ottawa has been featured on this sign from time to time. The closest body of water is the Rideau Canal. Find yourself a sweet spot on the grass and complete 10 inch worms and 10 gopher squats until your whole team arrives. Plan your photo shoot like a classic standing beside a sign photo.
- This place is Ritzy. It’s somewhere along the canal. If you find yourself in first, head a little farther west by 4 blocks or so, and you should hit this swanky spot. Complete 20 curtsy lunges to demonstrate how elegant you can be, partner up to make it a dance. Please take a photo of your best curtsy.
- This spot shows our canal from a different viewpoint, from a higher perspective atop a sturdy structure that allows you to cross over the water. You can certainly hear the cheers from the Redblacks and probably even into the 67’s arena. You are going to want to stay on the sidewalk here, but sprint up the hill to the middle of this structure. Do some jumping jacks and wave, give thumbs up, make the morning better for some people commuting. Bonus points if they thumbs up, wave or honk back at you.
There were some strict instructions that you had to make it back to the Aberdeen Pavilion by 6:59am giving you a minute to spare and compose yourself before we took the photo today.
freshest of the fresh (Ottawa)
It feels like we’ve seen a lot of each other recently. If you’ve been out of town for the last week here in Ottawa here’s a quick synopsis of what’s gone down.
To start last Wednesday, we raced, crushed or attempted to crush some PR’s. We passed off the Positivity Award to a woman within our city who inspires and leads by example for other families, friends and some moms out there too. The Sparkettes are a force to be reckoned with. On Friday some of you met us on the hill. It really wasn’t that big of an occasion. I mean two people who consistently show up decided to commit the rest of their lives to one another. There currently is no better love story than that of Lauren and Seumas except maybe my own parents but then again I did not bear witness to it, so it’s hard to say. These two let us share in a part of their magical, making your skin have goose bumps because of all the love filled day. Even more, Friday morning was another time for us to gather and celebrate with people that we were familiar and unfamiliar with. Members of November Project Baltimore and Edmonton graced us with their presence.
Guest Blog: Meet Natalia Where everybody knows your name (Ottawa)
We would like to introduce you to Natalia a wife, mother, grand-mother and member of this November Project community here in Ottawa. If you have yet to cross high-fives paths with her, she will be ready. You can often spot her riding on her bicycle to and from workouts with Gord her husband. Our smiles continue to beam each week when we get to share our mornings with both her and Gord. Thank you for encouraging those that you share meals with, those that you talk to and those friends of friends that find out about November Project through you we are grateful.
A Monday at the beach (Ottawa)
This holiday Monday was a special morning, spent at the beach. I mean, when else would you go to the beach at 6:29am on a holiday Monday? At November Project, that’s when!
A huge shout out to the masterminds behind a journey around the globe to all the NP beach cities. Touring around from Ottawa, Miri, Virginia Beach, Kelowna, San Diego, Orlando, Milwaukee, rolling the dice to determine the fate of your partner’s next move. Kelly and Rebecca rallied the troops, bounced to start the morning and kicked off an amazing start to the holiday Monday. Giving yourself just those couple extra hours of time on a beautiful day, with a positive start with wonderful people is the way to go.
rise for the sun and a 6k (Ottawa)
This morning you laced up your runners a little bit earlier. As you have heard the #sunrise6k is going down across the globe. November Project communities are using bridges, sidewalks, bike paths, parks and streets to encourage people to get out and complete a 6 kilometre run, race, walk or adventure.
Bigger than Ottawa
Wednesday mornings are always a time for us to connect, hug, high-five and share the sunshine. When you roll out of bed you probably don’t expect to meet five to ten new people all before 7am. Maybe you don’t even expect there to be more than 25 people at the workout. Yet, week after week you meet more and more people and become that much more invested in this community.