Amazing job to everyone today on PR day and congrats to newbie Caroline for killing those stairs and winning race day. Today at the new location, you now have a new baseline to start keeping track of your progress!
This blog is to help you reflect, think and answer some questions for yourself. What did it take you to wake up this morning? What motivated you to work a little harder than what was comfortable? Are you training for something? Do you have a goal to workout three times a week and this ensures you get ⅓ of those done? Did you #verbal to your friend? Did you commit to yourself you’d come this week? Are you working on meeting new people? Are you trying to get faster? Stronger? Fitter? Do you like to see yourself in those sweet photos looking badass bundled up? Just you wait for those mornings where getting up on a cold winter morning is always worth it! We’ll see who is badass enough to keep that up! These are some of the things that might get you up in the morning and ensure you #justshowup.
There was no hiding the love, excitement, pure and utter happiness that began to pour out and each and every new and old tribe member alike at 6:29am this morning. The sight of seeing new relationships and connections being formed right in front of you with a simple hug, high five or smile is an experience that is honestly priceless. Our objective was to hit #150for150. To be honest we are never quiet sure our numbers, our counting is always a little off. So we’ll leave that for you to determine. What we would like to acknowledge beyond the numbers are the people that made it to the workout, those that brought a friend, or were there for their 18th Wednesday in a row. You were there. You were present. You showed up.
Here are some moments that stood out for us this morning and what we truly believe demonstrates what November Project is all about and why we can’t enough.
You know that feeling when you’re away from your family and friends and lack that close warm hug from a bestie or the big, squeezey hug only your dad can give you? Well those moments were here this morning. Person after person, member after member we saw colleagues, friends and strangers come together to start off their day in a positively affirming way. You never know who’s day you are changing by the simple act of giving a hug.
That time when you looked up in the midst of completing 15 burpees to see what everyone else was up to. You then found yourself cheering on that stranger that you locked with eyes with pre bounce who you declared “I am glad you’re here” with. YES, this happened, yes it happens here. You ran, sprinted and worked harder alongside those strangers than your bestie that’s for sure, so make sure to let them know. Send them a message, look up their phone number in the phone book, find out their snapchat name but move your new found friendship beyond the grounds of the Supreme Court of Canada #takeonthechallenge.
When you realized that there was only four minutes left. This is it. You gave yourself a mini pep talk. Then all of the sudden you ramped up the energy in your group you worried less about yourself and more about everyone else. Sweat was beading down your forehead and your quads were burning just after completing two lengths of walking lunges and running. Suddenly, four minutes turned into one and then like that everyone was gathering for a photo.
Everyone is signing the Canadian National anthem. You’re entranced by hearing about the positivity award and how it’s not just a stick Lauren and Liz pulled out of their backpack. You’re now being introduced to the newest recipient of the Positivity Award. Shelley, a caring, enthusiastic, hard working and an outrageously warm soul. Let us tell you that this woman is beyond words an inspiration for all members in our tribe and tribes across the world. Welcoming, friendly, she will go above and beyond to engage and interact with you. Give her a minute and she will give you back twenty. She embodies what November Project is all about and what we strive to be each and everyday.
Thank you for sharing your morning, your workout and your energy with us and the November Project Ottawa family. 
Here’s to bringing soles together,
Lauren and Liz
I recently moved from Vancouver to Ottawa. The interesting part about a move like that is its ability to conjure up a whirlwind of emotions, from the optimism and excitement of the unknown to the fear and doubt. I definitely experienced all of that…and then some. After struggling through the roller-coaster of emotions for months on my own, I finally got the courage to join a local run club (Ottawa City Run Club).
This morning we welcomed the seasoned tribe member, along with some first timers who were throwing out some verbals. Our morning included having tribe members dedicate their time to show their spray painting artistic talents #thankyoufauve. Lesson learned 2 spray paint cans is not enough for the eager Ottawa November Project tribe members.
It was pretty spectacular to try to keep with our new member, Brody (age 7). We loved seeing the variety of ages and continue to welcome every age and every fitness level. It’s hard to put into words the exact feeling and emotions that fall upon you in the span of 31 minutes but here are some of our words that we use to describe this electric energy that is being revamped each and every Wednesday.
In no particular order;
Mindblowing: no definition required
Beyond Belief: aka you need to come and experience this shit for yourself
Extraordinary Feats: Members goal crushing and kicking ass in intense and insanely fun workouts
Supercali=&0=&licious=&1=&adocious: Taken right from Mary Poppins herself, these Wednesday mornings are no joke but definitely bring out some laughs.
So here’s to conquering another Wednesday and let the countdown begin until next Wednesday when we all get to meet again on the hill for our First Official November Project PR day.
Here’s to brining soles together.
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