November Project aims to create community through fitness and accountability, where all people are welcome, regardless of race, age, gender identity, sexuality, and/or ability. The reality is that our organization is predominantly white, and some of our norms are rooted in white supremacy culture. That is, people whose identity is anything other than one of privilege and power may not feel welcome, they may feel that NP does not maintain a safe space for them, or that our culture requires they assimilate and/or ignore some part of themselves to find commonality and belonging. This can manifest in the language we use: for example, using “guys” to refer to a group of people. The places we meet can inhibit participation based on proximity to parking or public transit; dimly-lit parks have consequences. In so many ways, we have been shouting “inclusivity” while drowning out the voices of those who are trying to tell us otherwise.
Listen & Learn: A Starting Point
Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen justified anger and dismay in response to George Floyd’s murder manifest in many forms – both in our own city and across the world. I’m grateful to see more people insist that Black Lives Matter, I’m encouraged that the Denver School Board voted to end their contract with the Denver Police Department, and I’m optimistic about efforts such as the Law Enforcement Integrity & Accountability Act SB217 passing in the Colorado Legislature. I’ve also spent some time reflecting on the work I need to do as an individual, as a November Project coleader, and that our free fitness community needs to embrace.
Find your Constant (DEN)
Today’s blog is brought to you by the ever lovely and hilarious storyteller, Rachel Mullen.
My senior year of college, one of my best friends got me hooked on Lost. You know, that show where a plane and a bunch of people crash on a mysterious island and a bunch of weird things happen (oh, and Matthew Fox. Better-than-Party of Five-Matthew Fox).
DEN – Guest Blog: Camaraderie, Rediscovered
Today’s Guest Blog was written by our most #weatherproof of members; you’ll find Shea sporting nothing more than gloves, shorts, and a t-shirt on single digit mornings. Even from his first day at NP DEN, he’s stood out to me and so many of you because he brings his best effort to every workout. This man has blossomed in so many ways since he started coming; take a few minutes to get a glimpse of the depth, intensity, and passion that Shea shares with us.
We Missed You, Patrick Sheridan
We’ve got a little (tough) love from guest writer, hypeman extraordinaire, the Sultan of Shred, Mr. John Souther, to the mountain-conquering adventure captain, the one, the only, Patrick Sheridan.
McSenderson,
All around the tribe, people know of the bearded ginger….He is notorious for long distance running, kombucha guzzling, medium slow climbing, Co-Leading MtnMonday, and going on an impressive 6-10 dates per calendar week.
Red (White and Blue) Rocks (DEN)
You may be sunburned and up to your eyeballs in hot dogs and baked beans at this point in the day, so I’ll (try to….okay that will rarely happen) be brief. My highlights for today:
I absolutely love it when we work out as one group. I know it doesn’t always work for everyone’s schedules, but seeing the 5:30 and 6:15 folks get to know one another really puts me in a good mood.
There were so. many. NEWBIES! All the new faces mean our tribe is sharing good things (more on that in a second).
Workouts at Red Rocks never get easier. Whether you run or hike the seats, bunny hop up the stairs, or climb the planter boxes, that shit is hard.
What could be a better manifestation of the NP community than a spontaneous tailgate breakfast potluck? Few things make that list, but this one sure as hell does: giving our potluck food away. Emily Guth (whose home tribe is NYC) and about 20 folks are running across the country to raise money for the Ulman Cancer Fund. They’ve been relying on food donations from grocery stores and restaurants, and she said they were told from the beginning that the 4th of July would be a difficult day to find sustenance. As word of their journey passed around the group, ya’ll immediately stepped up to offer what we had. That act of generosity perfectly illustrates what sets November Project apart. We could just meet up and sweat together twice a week, filling the moments with small talk. But we make a point to look each other in the eye and say “I’m glad you’re here” because community matters. Every Wednesday and Friday, we have this chance to #justshowup and fill the gaps in each other’s lives, in big and small ways.
Transformation (DEN)
Maybe you didn’t notice, because you just didn’t recognize him anymore, but our boy Freddy has lost a few pounds! He’s been on quite a journey over the past few months, and it’s been more than impressive to watch him grow… and shrink. But don’t tale it from me, listen to him!
Hi everybody! Good morning (or afternoon, or evening depending when you read this!!) Y’all good! Ahhh It feels so good to be back, seeing all your smiling faces at the crack of dawn! I sure did miss all those sweaty hugs!
As many of you know, I recently competed in my first bodybuilding show earlier this month. If you didn’t, it’s the reason I recently went MIA. When I started my journey I was about 240 lbs. and by the day of my show, March 10th, I weighed a whopping 171 lbs! This process was a very long and difficult 8 months for me! So much has changed over the last 8 months and when Woody asked me to write about my experience, I wasn’t sure where to start.
When this journey started almost 9 months ago I was in a pretty rough place. I was coming out a relationship that I was in for 7 years ending in divorce. My whole life had basically turned upside down and I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it through. I looked for answers in all the wrong places. I knew I was going to need something to get through this difficult time in my life! Little did I know that my life would become consumed by preparing for my show.
Over the next 8 months my mornings were spent doing stairs followed by a grueling 90 minutes of lifting weights and then more stairs! I did this 7 days a week! Most of my days started at 4:30 am and ended at 8-8:30 pm. I had to sacrifice a lot of things in order to prepare for my show. My whole life revolved around the gym! If I wasn’t at the gym I was meal prepping for the next the week or heading to the gym. My life became consumed by my goal to lose weight and get on stage! I also ate a lot of chicken and tilapia… too much to imagine!
There were days where I wanted to quit and days where I was too tired to go to the gym. Many times I just wanted to break down and eat a whole pizza and just say forget it! I wanted to quit so many times. I think I cursed every single second on the stairmaster! However, every time I wanted to give up this tribe was there for me, and helped me stay on track.
The tribe was so supportive of what I was trying to do! I know I couldn’t have done it without every single one of you! Your words of encouragement got me through the roughest patch of my life and pushed me to continue to push myself everyday, no matter how difficult things were. You are all were a very important part of my life and I am grateful for all the love and support! The tribe is more than a fitness group it’s a family! We all show up bright and early to crush a workout and we also push each other to be better. Whether it’s our working out life or personal life!
I heard many times how I’m an inspiration to many of you, but I feel the opposite. All of you are an inspiration to me! Without you I’m not sure where I would be but I’m glad to have found you all! The November Project has inspired me to show up (wet or dry, hot or cold) run two half marathons, multiple spartan races and now the bodybuilding show! The support from this tribe is what continues to push me every day! Thank you!
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (DEN)
DENVER NOTES:
Glow Goals (DEN)
DENVER NOTES:
Scotland calling (DEN)
DENVER NOTES: