Running the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial the past 7 years, we’ve shared a sacred view of both the beauty and history of our nation’s capital. We have worked to create a diverse, inclusive, and safe community for everyone, but we understand we must be more intentional in improving our space so it is more reflective of our city. We grieve with the Black community over the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee and so many others — and we believe, wholly and unequivocally, that Black Lives Matter. Moving forward, we will strive to foster a truly diverse and inclusive environment while calling out and fighting against the systemic racism and injustice so deeply rooted in our society. We will do this by listening, learning, donating, voting and acting. This effort is going to take a community, one that shows up for one another and that holds each other accountable. We sincerely hope you’ll join us. We love you, DC.
Buzzin' (DC)
If you, like me, spent a lot of time burning mix CDs to put into your parents’ 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue during the late 2000s and the early aughts, you hopefully know the value of this Schwayze banger. If you don’t, take three minutes and give it a listen, I guarantee you’ll be Buzzin’ by the end.
Giving Back, Getting Back (The Kelley O’Hara One) (DC)
In case you haven’t heard, the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is a BFD. They won the World Cup this summer, and just this week their captain, Megan Rapinoe, was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year while the entire USWNT was announced as Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year. BFD.
A Real Treat: The Custard Chase (DC)
This past Sunday, August 18, was an epic feat of athleticism, strength, and gastrointestinal fortitude. The first ever Custard Chase, a follow-up to last summer’s Taco Mile, went down at Banneker Rec Center. Bolstered by our community ties (and excellent planning from our very own Noelle Ellerson Ng), we welcomed hundreds of runners for the event. First, a sincere thanks to Shake Shack for providing the delicious custard, Pacers Running for the race clock, and the DC Department of Parks and Rec for the AV system and the space — we couldn’t have done it without y’all.
Doubleheader Part 2: Roller Skatin’ & Nats Baseball
Goooooood morning, Washington! Heading into this holiday weekend, we wanted to get you HYPED for our upcoming social event. If you were around last summer, you remember the positively EPIC double-header we pulled off– learning to dragon boat and crushing the Run Club Throw Down in the same.damn.day while it MONSOONED on us. This summer, we’re switching things up a bit– roller skating at Anacostia Park followed by a Nats game. C’mon, this is going to be FUN– AND open to all– ESPECIALLY those friends who think NP is “too early” (Pro tip: Bring some pals to a social, they’ll see how awesome NP is, they’ll want to hang out with us more, BOOM that’s how we get ’em).
Guest Blog: The Rankins (DC)
If you’ve been to a workout, you’ve probably seen the Rankin kids. Running around, making friends, smiling, ALWAYS doing the right thing. It’s a little maddening. We asked these stoic heroes to jot down a guest blog on the topic of their choosing. So without further ado, I’ll let Mark and Zoë take it away…
Mark and Zoë Rankin here guest-blogging this week!
Before November Project was even an idea, the Rankins had committed to showing up and respecting the verbal (hugging strangers came much, much later). If there’s one thing our family loves, it’s following through on something crazy we said we would do, that other people might even think is a little stupid. So when NP finally came around, the whole family fit right in.
Get Out (Washington, D.C.)
Like Chris tumbling backwards and falling deeply into the sunken place, the droll gray skies and bone-chilling temps can have a lot of us feeling as though we’re getting lobotomized throughout the winter (too much? I think not.). Fortunately, like Rod pulling up in the TSA squad car to save Chris, NPDC is here to throw you a lifeline to GET OUT (while you still can). If you haven’t watched Get Out yet, sign up for the Night Run, and then go do that A$AP Rocky.
2018 Year in Review [DC]
2018. What. A. YEAR!
Just thinking about all that happened, I feel like I’m doing an endless fidget spinner (#NewSpice alert!) — getting dizzier by the minute. We turned five and Steve actually retired; a week later, we welcomed Emma. We saw some community members move away, but also learned boatloads of new names. We ran 156 workouts, but also got social plenty, too (see below).
To Togo She Go Goes. Farewell, Christina! (DC)
Christina Stegura is a force of nature, though you might not know that just by looking at her. Sure, she’s tiny, but within that frame is a power and strength that we’ve been lucky to witness and workout with for the past four years. If you haven’t had the chance to get to know Christina, know this: she is a selfless and dedicated human, a world traveler, an aspiring acrobat, a committed 5:25 crew member, and an accomplished cross-country cyclist! WHOA. We’re gonna miss all of these things, but we are going to miss your attitude, your spirit, and your willingness to show up, whenever and wherever it was needed.
For Caroline (DC)
Typically, when someone is given the Positivity Award, we ask them to answer a few get-to-know-you type questions in order to help the Tribe (and us) understand what makes that person tick. I sent a list of those get-to-know-you type questions to Casey Forgey this morning, and she sent me the following blog back in reply. I learned more about Casey through her writing than I could have hoped to through my questions. I’m proud she’s a member of NPDC and I hope you’ll take the time to get to know her. Thanks Casey, for writing this, we’re glad you’re here.