At nearly 31 years old, I finally decided that all I want to be is right here.
For so long, I’ve gotten bogged down by the idea that I am the things that I do. Every single time I started to identify too much with a label based on an activity — like a writer or runner — inevitably something beyond my control would interrupt me, and I’d find myself after a stretch of time where those activities either didn’t feel good, or weren’t possible at all. In those moments, I’d swirl into the drain of a crisis wondering, if I can’t do this defining thing, am I even somebody at all?read more
Within NPDC, we don’t just have athletes who work hard on race courses — we have a team that cheers hard to support others too! These cheer stations are a staple of our community. They’re inspiring, they’re fun, and there a way everyone can participate on race day.
In April, NPDC awarded the Positivity Award to Hannah Silverfine and Emma Israel, who in addition to coming to workouts every week, have been integral to organizing cheer station for the many races in Washington, D.C. You can get to know them a little more here, and we hope to see you on the course or cheering with us in the future!
What does community mean to you?
Cheer stations are all about the community that you can cultivate in one moment in time. Community at a cheer station means knowing that even when it’s pouring and/or windy and/or freezing there is someone next to you with a smile and an inspirational story. Community means turning a corner and seeing 10 people you’ve only met a few times scream your name at the top of their lungs because you have a tagged shirt on. Community means showing up for yourself and for others, with and without being asked.
What’s your favorite part about cheering? What inspired you to make cheer stations for NPDC?
Cheer stations are a really special part of November Project’s culture. The community shows up for one another, and for others, by being out on the race course cheering on any race we can. I (Emma) always enjoyed running past the NP station in races I’ve run, even before I joined NP, and love participating in them when I am not racing myself. Half the fun of road races is the spectators and the energy along the course, so it’s great to be a part of that.
Showing up because we love to.
There isn’t just one of us that makes a cheer station happen, they truly are a community effort. We (Hannah and Emma) have stepped in to coordinate cheer stations in the last couple of months because we had bandwidth and energy, and have incorporated different traditions and creative ideas that so many other cheer stations leaders have come up with before us. We hope that everyone feels ownership of the effort, whether you’re at the station for 5 minutes or 5 hours.
If there’s a race you want to cheer for, we encourage you to consider taking the lead in coordinating the station! NPDC has all the supplies you’ll need, from signs to flags to a full team of volunteers who will help you along the way. If a formal role seems too hard, the good news is that even if you just show up with a few folks and your voices, that fully counts as a cheer station! Mission accomplished.
What are your favorite moments cheering? Racing? How do you compare the two sides of running?
In early 2022, pretty early on in our friendship, the two of us did a long run that ended at a cheer station at the HerStory 5k, a free race downtown for Women’s History Month. Hannah and Melanie M. were adding themes to all of their long runs, so Melanie planned a long run route (slash tour) that went by several landmarks about women’s history in DC, and we ended at the HerStory race route near the Capitol.
Farther together.
That cheer station was particularly fun because of the nature of that race! It’s a free 5k put on by Mayor Bowser to promote getting active and celebrate history-making women. It was a big race with high energy, and many of the participants were running their first ever road race. Our little NP group was quite possibly the only cheer station on the course, and the runners were so thrilled to see us. It was wonderful to be able to be there to support folks just getting into running – and hopefully, be a part of the reason they stick with it.
As always, we stayed out cheering until the very last runner went by, which, in our opinion, is one of the most meaningful NPDC cheer station traditions.
What’s your favorite NPDC cheer station moment to date?read more
NPDC’s March Positivity Award Winners, Shy Porter and Welles Robinson.
Last year, two NPDC community members came together with an idea: What if we took our love of reading and combined it with our love of this community? Now, the #bookworms channel of NPDC’s discord is filled with chatter of our favorite reads, plus details on upcoming discussions planned months in advance.
This month, we’re celebrating Drs. Shy Porter and Welles Robinson with our Positivity Award as a thanks for putting together NPDC’s beloved monthly bookclub. The answers below are from Shy:
How, when and where were you introduced to November Project DC?
I was first introduced to November Project by a current member while at a totally different social event. Because I’m obsessed with documenting everything, I know the exact dates: she told me about it on April 26, 2022, and I showed up at my first workout on May 9, 2022. As a historically solo runner, the idea of running with a group was totally new to me. Throw in the fact that the start times were in the 6 a.m. hour and my immediate thought was, “absolutely not.” But given how close the Monday workouts are to where I live, I figured I would at least give it a shot and…well, the rest is history.
What’s your favorite way to stay active?
Definitely running–I’ve been doing it to varying degrees of intensity since cross country in middle school. I also enjoy barre and recently started swimming. One day I’ll fully get my life together and will throw cycling in the mix. Triathlon, here I come.
Shy in action at NPDC
What does community mean to you?
I’ve learned through experience that community is everything. It means having a tribe of people that you can lean on during tough times and who are there to celebrate with you during good ones. Community means showing up consistently, even when you don’t want to, knowing that the power of connection will make waking up early totally worth it. I’m so grateful for the NP community–it’s not an overstatement that joining NP DC changed my life for the better. I have found community and also reconnected to my love of running in a way that has led to really exciting connections, opportunities, BIG goals, and incredible possibilities for the future.
What inspired you to begin co-leading a book club outside of workouts?
Haha, funny story. During one of the Capitol Hill workouts, Welles and I connected over our love of reading and I recommended my favorite book of all time (Homegoing). His response when I described it told me that he was serious about picking it up. Sure enough, maybe a couple of weeks later he brought it up to me at the end of a Monday workout. We didn’t know each other well at that point, so I was pleasantly surprised and pleased that he’d actually read it (and loved it, of course).
Katherine Foley, one of the co-leaders, was in the vicinity as we were having this conversation and may or may not have jumped in to ask about what the book was about. Two days later, Foley approached Welles and me at the end of the Wednesday workout and asked if we would be interested in starting an NP book club. I have a long history of running book clubs and already had one going in my apartment building, but I can never say no to an opportunity like this, so we were both in.
To this day, the running joke between Welles and me is that Foley overheard us talking about Homegoing, was inspired by the conversation, and asked us to spearhead a formal book club for the community. We’re not 100% sure that it’s true, but either way, we’re so glad that she asked us. It has been such an incredible way to expand the community, see people outside of workouts, and connect with other book lovers. I’m so happy we’re doing it!
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What’s the best thing you’ve learned from a book club? Doesn’t have to be NPDC’s, but give us your elevator pitch on why anyone should join a one:
Oh man, book clubs are THE BEST. It’s so nice to be in a space with people who also love the written word. I always loved English classes in school–I found the process of reading a book and then digesting and dissecting it with other people so enjoyable. I had too many majors going on to add another one, but I totally would have been an English major in undergrad if I had the time. Now I’ve settled for the possibility of a third doctorate in English once I retire. Because WHY NOT?!
What book are you reading (or listening to) now?
Famously, I don’t do audiobooks. But I’m always READING at least a couple of books at a time–to be honest I’m not sure that working on more than one is efficient, but there are so many books out there it’s hard to have just one in rotation. Of course, there’s the April 2023 book club pick: The Novelist: A Novel, which I haven’t started yet because we’re still 3 weeks out from the book club meeting and I want the details to be fresh for the discussion. I’m also reading
Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make–and Keep–Friends, read more
Find all the details, links to events, runners’ roster, and sign-ups on the Spreadsheet HERE
It’s Cherry Blossom season! NPDC has a bunch of activities planned to help runners and spectators prep for the big weekend, and hype them up along the way. Just show up for any or all of these events. We can’t wait to see you.
Is it your first time coming to November Project DC? Make sure to fill out the waiver here.
NPDC workouts are officially on Mondays and Wednesdays, but what would any running community be without a long Saturday morning run? Manuela Goulden, long-time NPDCer, has taken on organizing Saturday morning long runs of all distances for all speeds for months and months, taking many of our community members through marathon training and beyond. We awarded Manuela with our February Positivity Award to thank her for her incredible work in creating weekend communities (and to show off Violet, her lovely dog, too!)
How, when and where were you introduced to November Project?
Wow, it’s been almost a decade. It was about the time of my first marathon, MCM 2013. November Project was featured on the cover of Runner’s World magazine, the December 2013 issue. I got really lucky, the NPDC community had just formed days before I read that magazine – I found it online and showed up for the first time that Wednesday. If I had looked even a week earlier I wouldn’t have found it and probably never would have found NP. I think my first workout was week 2 of NPDC being an official group.
What do you remember about your first workout or thinking at/after your first workout?
“It’s at what time, now?”
But seriously, it was dark, it was small, and everyone was so energetic. It seemed like a lot of fun and running up and down those stairs was no joke. It just seemed special and it was just … play!
What motivates you to keep you coming back?
I don’t see any point in running by myself. DC is hands-down the best running city I know of, and I just love the vibe at NP. We started Long Run Crew in 2014 or so, and at first the accountability was a big part of it for me. Now, it’s about the people. I’ve trained for 9 marathons with NP and 8 with Long Run
Crew, and I never had a goal to do a certain number or anything, I just keep loving the lifestyle of it. It doesn’t take much motivation when it’s fun!
What does winning the Positivity Award mean and represent to you?
It’s awesome, and I really love the big hug it gives to the offshoots like Long Run Crew and
the community that we have in addition to the core workouts.
Baby Violet’s first NPDC workout!
What’s your favorite DC restaurant and your go-to food?read more
It’s impossible to come to NPDC these days without meeting Rashel Rabinovich, a staple to the community since she first started coming in 2021. During her time at NPDC, Rashel has grown the community as a social leader and her own prowess as a distance runner, completing her first marathon this past fall.
Rashel is spearheading co-organizing Winter Fridays with a fellow Positivity Award winner Joe Snowaert. She is NPDC’s first Positivity Award recipient for 2023. Get to know her through the blog and any time you decide to #justshowup too!
How, when and where were you introduced to November Project?
I’ve known about November Project for a long time, but it took me a while to show up. Since I went to undergrad in DC, I had heard of November Project and knew of people who went but commuting from Tenleytown felt like too much that early in the morning (I have since learned it’s not too much!).
When I moved to Baltimore for grad school, my roommate actually did November Project but I was once again too timid to show up. Flash forward to Spring 2021, I was freshly vaccinated and back in DC and chomping at the bit to make new friends post pandemic. I got pretty consistent with running during the pandemic as something to do, but always alone.
One day, I was running up the Adams Mill hill (probably run walking if we’re being honest) and I literally bumped into Mel Mackenzie. Mel and I knew each other from college but we were never friends. She invited me to come run with her friends and I literally slid into her DMs and the rest is history!
Community that commits to the bit.
What do you remember about your first workout or thinking at/after your first workout?
I biked down to Lincoln with Mel on the second Wednesday in June in 2021. I remember passing the AdMo Runpool and Mel eagerly waving to everyone and thinking “WOAH SHE KNOWS SO MANY PEOPLE”. Mel was on coat check at that workout which forced me to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone. The bounce was Carly Rae Jepsen themed which was a huge plus (I love Carly Rae Jepsen). We did an Indiana Jones run around the reflecting pool which I thought was super hard but I loved the camaraderie and the fun conversations my group had while doing laps. Spencer was the first new person I talked to at NPDC and its fun that we’re both still around!
What motivates you to keep you coming back?read more
If you’ve come to NPDC in the last year, there’s a good chance you’ve met Liz and her enthusiastic golden retriever, Maize! Liz is a happy force always looking to get herself and Maize exercise before the day. She’s welcoming to newcomers and a staple of all workouts. We’re thrilled to have awarded her the Positivity Award for her amazing presence in our lives!
Birthday queen
How, when and where were you introduced to November Project?
I started coming to November Project in the summer of 2018. I had just moved back to DC, was training for a marathon, and looking for a fun way to meet people and get exercise. I first started showing up at the track (Cardozo Track Crew) thanks to a recommendation from my brother; and, from there, I met a lot of great NP folks who encouraged me to “just show up” on Wednesday’s. That summer, I spent many Wednesday mornings running at the Lincoln. Post COVID, when life was a little bit slower, and I was working from home, I started becoming an NP regular – showing up at Monday, Wednesday & Friday workouts with my new golden retriever puppy, Maize. With a wild, crazy, cute, puppy, I was no longer hiding in the back of the pack, but rather, had the opportunity to get to know everyone as they got to know me and my furry friend! November Project became the highlight of my day and I joke to my coworkers that my best hours happen before 9AM!
What do you remember about your first workout or thinking at/after your first workout?
I remember thinking how incredible it is that so many people wake up and come down to the Lincoln at 6:30 on a Wednesday morning; I also remember feeling so lucky to get to workout on the Mall!
Would you look at that community?
What motivates you to keep you coming back?
Two things motivate me to come back:
1) My dog, Maize, loves the workouts and loves all of her NP friends (both human & dogs – hi Walnut!)
2) The community: everyone is so friendly, welcoming and accepting. Whether I feel like pushing myself hard, or partaking in a FAF, everyone is always there with smiles and encouragement.
I C O N I C
What does winning the Positivity Award mean and represent to you?
I was honestly shocked to receive the positivity award. I find myself friendly and enjoy talking to others / meeting new people, but I don’t always think of myself as positive. It is a great reminder that, despite everything going on in the world and in my personal life, people perceive me as a positive person and appreciate having me around. I hope it inspires others to keep moving, keep meeting new people and keep trying to be the best person they can be.
What’s your favorite DC restaurant and your go-to food?read more
We can’t say enough great things about Octavia (they/them), who received the Positivity Award last week. Octavia is newer to the NPDC community, but not new to NP! They’re. enthusiasm is infectious, and they’re always down to work hard, have fun, and welcome newcomers to the group.. But enough from us. Get to know Octavia from this Q&A and find them (and the PA) at future workouts!
How, when and where were you introduced to November Project?
In 2018 a friend who I worked out with throughout started telling me about November Project San Diego. She said that it was a lively group of people that got together to workout early in the morning and she felt like I would fit in well because of how much energy I always had at our morning workouts. I was excited to learn about the group but kind of hesitant to join since I don’t like to run a lot. But she insured me that a lot of folks go at their own pace and I wouldn’t feel out of place. Coincidentally, I went to my first workout with NPSD on a PR day! But I loved it so much I kept going and the rest is history.
What do you remember about your first workout or thinking at/after your first workout?
At my first workout I remember other people cheering me on and encouraging me when I started to slow down. I remember thinking that I found my tribe because everyone was just as energetic and friendly as me.
What motivates you to keep you coming back?
Crushing the workout
I really can’t imagine a life without NP. Not participating in NP for one year during the pandemic was so hard and I was anxious to get back. I keep going back because it holds me accountable for staying active and I feel like I have a genuine community.
What does winning the Positivity Award mean and represent to you?
Winning the positivity awarded gave me a sense of validation. I always try to treat people the way I want to be treated and I can tell people appreciate that by receiving this award. It represents that in “just showing up” I was able to make a positive impact in other’s lives.
What’s your favorite DC restaurant and your go-to food?read more
In a different moment in time, I would have graduated college in person next week. On the national mall, shadowed by monuments I’ve run by many times, you could have recognized me by three words decorated on the back of my cap. “Just Show Up”—a reminder that the best decision I made in undergrad was simply showing up.
Of course there was no cap, no graduation, just a technologically sophisticated powerpoint marketed as the virtual graduation celebration. I can’t leave this bizarre graduation season without acknowledging how much I not only valued the friendship, community and support of November Project, but actually depended on it. They say it takes a village to raise a child, which I can say for certain is true, if the aforementioned child is an 18 year old college student 3,000 miles from home, and the village a free fitness community entirely made up almost entirely of non-students. read more
We’ll cut to the chase—we’re really excited to be here and be your new co-leaders. It’s a strange time to take over. We’re feeling the weight of the pandemic, and we wish we could get to know you all in person. BUT! We’re optimistic that that time will come soon.
In the meantime, we wanted to tell you a little bit about ourselves. We hope this makes us more familiar faces when those days come.
Xoxo,
Foley
Always fierce.
Where do you live in the DCA area?
NE! I live right above Langdon Park.
When did you start coming to NPDC?
May 2017—it was PR day. I was terrified, but I’m so glad I stuck it out!
What’s your favorite workout? (running distance or spice)
I love a good tempo run. For spice, I like squats because there’s a ton of ways to incorporate variety, and they get the glutes GOING.
What’s your favorite NPDC moment?
I had my first (and probably not my last) major injury while training for NF ECS in 2019. I was so bummed—I went from running 50 miles/week to hobbling around my apartment on burned out feet. For a long time, I felt like I couldn’t go to NP because I was so sad to be missing out on my favorite thing, but one Monday I decided to bike up to Meridian and just walk. It was so nice to have people ask about how I was doing, and tell me they were happy I was there and thrilled to see me walking. It reminded me that this group celebrates showing up, not necessarily what you do.
What are you most excited about as NPDC leaders?
I want to give back to this community that has meant so much to me. AND I’m stoked to bring us all back in person when we can all be safe.
What are you most excited to do post-Covid-19?
Honestly probably NPDC and going to concerts. My biggest regret is not seeing Carly Rae Jepsen when she was in Silver Spring in 2019.
What do you like to do outside of NP?
I really like yoga (though I’m hardly a yogi). It’s another way to move your body in a way that reminds you just how cool it is to be alive. I write for my job, but I also love writing my newsletter because it allows me to be creative. And I love playing boardgames! I’m a big fan of Gloomhaven, which is sort of like DND and a board game combined.
What’s your favorite food and/or restaurant in the DC area?read more
