Author: Mia

As an FYI – I started and finished this blog last night (on the day of my final bounce – click to see)… I just wanted to wait until the morning to post.

I’m embarrassed by how many times I’ve typed, retyped, reworded, deleted, edited, and reconsidered this sentence. No one teaches you how to write a blog like this – one where you have to say thank you to a whole group of people who have completely altered your life… forever. No one prepares you for the emotions you are going to feel when you stand in front of that crowd for the last time. But what I do know is this – I’m never going to be completely content with this blog because I will never be able to completely thank this city for everything you have given me. Today, my day is won. read more

For those of you who were not at the workout this morning, I wanted to share some news with all of you that I shared with the tribe… I will be leaving New Orleans by the end of March and inevitably stepping down as a co-leader of this tribe.

While this may come as a surprise to some and not so much for others, my time here in New Orleans has finally come to an end. When I moved here a little less than three years ago, I planned on a one-year stint. I would make some friends, grow in my career, and then move on – NOLA was not meant to become a home… read more

As many of you probably do not know, I work as a business analyst in a 8:30-5/6/10pm job as a way to make a living. Livelihood? November Project. Bill paying method? Business Analyst.

That all being said, I use numbers day in and day out to provide reasons for decisions. I use numbers to provide proof of progress. I create pretty charts that get thrown into presentations that I will never personally present on, but someone, somewhere appreciates because it helps them understand that we are indeed doing our job. Ok. You’re bored. Me too. Onto why this matters for NP. read more

This week, we got to bring on a third co-leader. He needed no introduction. People guessed it before we even announced it. It was meant to be. And it’s my pleasure to stand up there next to him now. So without further ado, here is your insight into some newest co-leader, Joseph Morin.

I am a person who is interested in many things but tends to stay in my own lane. It’s much safer that way. I step out of my comfort zone ONE FUCKING TIME and then all of sudden I’m being introduced as a Co-Leader of November Project New Orleans. read more

I’ll keep this one short because it is quite simple – today I challenge you to give thanks.

As I told you all at the end of the workout, we sometimes forget how important a meaningful “thank you” can be. Whether it’s genuinely thanking your waiter or waitress for their service or it’s calling your mom or dad to thank them for their unconditional love, giving thanks is something that – when done right – can go a long way. So today, think about who you’ve been meaning to thank recently, and actually tell them how thankful you are. You have no idea how much such genuine gratitude can affect someone’s day.

Thank you to the few people who texted me this morning for brightening my day with their gratitude.

Thank you Doug for your service.

Thank you to Tommy for reminding me about how great Jamba Juice’s Wednesday deals are.

Thank you to Tonia and Jim (but really just Tonia) for leading stretching after workouts.

Thank you to Tori for giving me her Powerade this morning after I mentioned being dizzy.

Thank you to Ms. Aline, our receptionist, for never failing to tell me good morning and asking me how I am doing.

Thank you to Dr. Dave for putting up with all of my nonsense while also saving my running career.

Thank you to my long-distance NP friends; there are too many of you to name, but you know who you are, you know how much you matter, and you probably know I am thankful for you since I likely texted you about it today.

Thank you to my mom and my dad for not being too upset that I’m slowly falling in love with NOLA and am not sticking to the original 2-year game plan.

Thank you to my brother for teaching me patience…

Thank you to Louis for believing in me.

Thank you to Glenn for putting up with my nonsense and still letting me shine.

And lastly, thank YOU for being here. I am so glad you are here.

Announcements

THIS FRIDAY – BYOWG (Bring your own water gun) for the back-to-school water gun/balloon workout.

AUGUST 22 – Baby Cakes Game – Tickets HERE

SUMMIT Info

NovemBERN Contest!!

BABYSITTER APPLICATIONS COMING NEXT MONDAY. Have your thoughts prepared because you will only have about a week to complete.

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When I first stepped on as a co-leader of November Project New Orleans, I was basically given free reign. Lou essentially told me, “You’ve got the energy and the time. Make this tribe into something bigger than it already is.” But I had no idea what that really meant at the time… More socials? More verbals? More days of the week? More Taylor Swift?

As I reflect on the past year and a half of leading though, I’ve come up with my reasons why I am so unbelievably confident that our tribe is not only crushing it, but we’ve also become a true force to be reckoned with.

Check out the comments on the past few weeks of social posts. Check out our Facebook group. Send a few texts the day before the workout and people in NOLA finally know what it truly means to verbal. This tribe is here to hold each and every one of its members accountable. By giving your verbal, you’re vowing to be there for not only your friends, but also yourself.

I cannot think of a workout in the past few weeks where we haven’t had a newbie. THAT IS THE BEST. It means that y’all are sharing your stories outside of the workouts. It means you want this movement to impact more people every chance we can. It means we are going to continue growing and becoming more and more known in our town.

Find me another free group in this city that is impacting over 100+ people on a weekly basis. We are HUGE. We are GROWING. We are making an IMPACT.

When I first joined, our socials extended to tagging at the fly and drinking. Now, we’ve got impromptu drinks, rock wall climbing days and outings at the Baby Cakes game. For me, this is the best part. When I moved to NOLA and didn’t know anyone, I relied on NP to provide me with friends and a community. And now we’re just proving to ourselves that we can show up for each other beyond that 6-7am time slot on MWF.

When we show up to races or events in our #grassrootsgear, people know our name… but even better, they recognize the power of this movement and the compassion that guides us. We’re not a group of fast runners or cocky athletes; we’re known as a community of athletes of all shapes and sizes that is welcoming to everyone. The only rule is to just show up… And people are starting to realize it.

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Two years ago, I moved to New Orleans. I really had no friends and was completely lost. But you’ve heard this story. The one where I found NP and immediately made all of the friends and was finally home. That story gets old. But I want to tell you about one friend in particular and what she taught me.

It was my first November Project social event – Tagging at the Fly. I had only been to two workouts and was nervous to show up to a social event when I hadn’t yet officially made many friends. But I went out on a limb and showed up to this event by myself. I clicked with a few people but was having a hard time getting a read on this blonde girl – Alex. She had showed up with some friends and was… ready to have a good time. She knew everyone. I envied this girl. I told myself that I probably wasn’t good enough to be her friend because she seemed so cool and I was so new. You see – I was judging a book by its cover. And this blonde, sparkly chick was definitely not someone I expected to become my friend.

But then I started making fun of Louis… which apparently was a way to win over Alex’s heart. She wasn’t laughing at me. She was laughing with me. And what started as just a bond over being sarcastic and making fun of BoogaLou turned into something more than I ever would have predicted – two opposite people becoming best friends.

If you know Alex, you know her for her love of everything pink and sparkly. We wore Unicorn Squad tank tops for her last day. She eats candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the occasional goldfish as a carb load. She loves cats and cookie butter… together or separate. She also happens to be genius, heading off to Houston for her Residency at Baylor (it’s a really really really good program ps). She has a heart of gold and cares way more about everyone else than herself – which works because I do the same for her. Alex is one of the good ones and I’m pretty upset she’s leaving.

Right now you’re probably wondering why I’ve spend the past 300 words just talking about my friendship with one person. There is a moral to the story. A few actually. And I’m hoping you’ve stayed around to get to it.

1. Don’t judge a book by its cover… especially at NP. Every person has their story. But the cool thing about NP is that we are coming together in hopes of no judgment and complete acceptance. Get to know someone you are intimidated by or jealous of. You may end up becoming best friends.
2. Let your best friends know that you love them… This morning as I said bye to Alex, I didn’t really have the words to say how I felt. She has been a rock for me in and out of NP since basically Day 1. She cares so much for others and is a bright light that everyone deserves. And so now I’m using a silly blog post that she may not even know how to access to tell her I love her. And I’m going to miss her.
3. Remember that NP is full of amazing potential best friends. Take advantage of the time you have with these great humans.

Alex, if you’re still reading and not yet crying… I tried. Know that you will be missed by so many in NOLA and that we expect you to come back and visit very soon. (How about next week?)

Everyone else, thanks for reading my sap as always. Win your day.

Announcements

Monday is at City Park Practice Track

Global Running Day Run with MOM – RSVP HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/global-running-day-tickets-46642460856

Picture Day on June 13th – 80s Aerobic Workout Theme

Recruit Everyone!! Team Mom – 20pts, Team Dad – 16pts

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Today I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how amazing Wednesdays are. How powerful they can be. How the movement we are building and growing and continuing thrives because of Wednesdays.

This morning, a little before 3:00 a.m., my grandpa, “Papa”, took his final breath. It was a peaceful scene. At 92 years old, he’s been surrounded by family and friends and love for weeks as we prepared for this day. No one really knew when it would happen. But I’m glad it was on a Wednesday. It makes this day of the week that much more special.

For those of you who were at the workout this morning, you are likely confused as to why I was there, acting my normal self, rather than mourning or sad. Well the truth is, I didn’t know yet. I had a feeling, but I hadn’t received any calls of confirmation. I am not upset about it though because my family knew that in that moment, on this Wednesday, I was exactly where I needed to be – with my NOLA family. They wanted me to start my Wednesday like I always do, in the best way.

You see – I am my best, happiest, most-alive self when I’m surrounded by this tribe. Even on my worst days, I crave the energy I feel from your hugs, high fives, laughs, and even curse words because of the workout. My day is always better when started with y’all. I have no doubt that the next few days at home in Houston are going to be difficult, especially on Friday when I can’t watch the sunrise on the lakefront & get the jitters from Russell’s bottomless coffee. Being with my family is going to mean so much to me, but almost equally as meaningful is knowing that when I come back to NOLA next week, I’ll be embraced by my family away from home.

Wednesdays aren’t just the halfway point of the week. They are so much more. They are our chance to connect. To work hard. To push ourselves and each other. To hug when we need to be hugged and to cry when we need to cry. To laugh with strangers who eventually become our best friends. To know that no matter how bad the rest of your day or week or month or year may be, that all you have to do is just show up to feel supported.

Thank you, each and every one of you, for showing up on this Wednesday and any other Monday, Wednesday or Friday in NOLA with this tribe. By showing up, you’re adding to the light and life and community that lifts us up more than anything else. Keep showing up. Keep inviting friends to show up. And never forget that all you have to do is just show up.

I love you, New Orleans. Thanks for helping me win my day on a day that could’ve easily been the worst day. Go tell someone you love that you love them. And as always, win your day.

-Mia

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Team Dad has 15 points. Team Mom has 13 points. #recruiteveryone #especiallyifyouareTEAMMOM
• Fat Boy Run this weekend!
• Yearbook Photos on June 13th
• Be nice to Dad while mom is away for two workouts. I’ll see y’all next Wednesday 🙂