Free Fitness Movement. All you need to do is show up!
Today we have a guest blog from Dave Nitkiewicz, November Project GR superstar, about his experience at November Project Summit 7 in Las Vegas.
This is not another post railing against participation trophies. This is also not a post about entitlement or generational differences. When I say participation, I’m talking about collective action. I want to explore with you the question: What happens when we embolden a community of people to think beyond themselves and to embrace their inner power?
Although the winter brings countless opportunities for unique activities and personal growth (if you can workout in -20 weather, you can workout in ANYTHING – and if you did workout in sub zero weather read below about the tag), we love the sun and warmth that the summer brings.
Thank YOU for embracing all weather and whatever might be thrown at you at any workout. You bring the energy, positivity, and drive that makes NPGR better and in turn makes this city, state, and world better.
As you know, we’re in the heat of our July #RecruitEveryone CHALLENGE. This month we want focus on bringing in new folks and spreading everything GOOD about NPGR. Our motto for the year is Actify GR. We want to bring the city together through movement and early morning FREE FITNESS.
Now you may be thinking, but Matt, I can’t get anyone to come. No one wants to wake up so early and my friends don’t like working out. As much as Yoshi and I stand up to BS excuses, we know that some (a limited few) have legitimate reasons for not coming. That said, just because someone hasn’t joined us yet, doesn’t mean they never will.
I have a confession. When I first heard about November Project Minneapolis, I wasn’t sold. It was too early (it’s really not), it wouldn’t fit with my work schedule (it could if I made some adjustments), and that large group of neon-clad athletes was slightly intimidating (not untrue – MSP has some killer athletes, but they’re all super nice). Luckily, my friends who were involved with NP didn’t give up on me. Slowly, I warmed to the idea of waking up early and after a couple months of watching the facebook page, I told Heidi that I’d show up only if she promised to be there. Fast-forward a few hundred workouts and here we are today.
I get it. It’s not always an easy sell. Yes, it’s FREE, but that’s not always enough. We each have lives. Fears. Doubts. But, the best part about November Project GR is we will be here when you’re ready to take the leap. And we will be here for you through life’s ups and downs. That’s what #weatherproof and #justshowup are really about.
So our CHALLENGE to you:
Think about what November Project means to you. Think about what value it adds to your life. Think about why you keep showing up at 6:01 AM. As you go through your day/week, think about all the people you come in contact with and share NP with EVERYONE, but focus on two people who you think could benefit from NP. Whether it’s the free fitness, encouragement, hugs, or just the positive vibes.
Make a goal to support them, encourage them, and make sure that they attend the August 1st workout. We’d LOVE for you to recruit many more, but at the least, make sure those two people are there. We can make this world better, one sweaty morning at a time.
Oh yeah, we’re also giving away a bunch of sweet North Face gear at the August 1st workout and have a goal of BREAKING 100 people.
We’re glad you’re here. Thanks for growing this movement with us.
Matt
This morning we pulled off the first EVER NPGR birthday surprise (and it was awesome). Read all about it and then check out all our upcoming events.
Earlier this week we sent out a message to bring a single helium balloon to create a balloon bouquet for Yoshi’s birthday. As 6:01 approached, one by one, the balloon grouping began to grow while Yoshi watched, unaware of the birthday plans and slightly confused. By the start of the workout there was a diverse grouping of balloons including “40”, “Love You Grandpa”, and “Princess” (among other excellent balloon choices). Step 1 of Surprise Yoshi was underway.
After the patented Old McDonald had some rhymes bounce, we celebrated Yoshi with his favorite food, ice cream, and a create your own sundae workout.
To begin, everyone ran to a topping located at the top of the stairs, bottom of the hill, or top of the hill, brought it back to the start and performed the corresponding exercise. And repeat to your ice cream sundae limit. As time was called, we were all a little slow moving, stuffed with our theoretical ice cream sundae.
We concluded the morning with a human sundae relay between Yoshi and a very cooperative volunteer, Laura. Although we were missing the cherry on top, both participants were sufficiently covered in whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
A lot of work goes into creating workouts, editing pictures, posting on social media, and planning events. But, it’s so worth it. Being able to celebrate Yoshi in a way that only NPGR can is fitting.
As Yoshi walked away, bike in one hand, balloon bouquet in the other with a smirk on his face, I thought about what this all represents.
Each week, every person brings their own style (balloon) to the group. Some are quirky, some are serious, but we all are true to ourselves, and the collective bouquet is badass. And just like this assortment of balloons, most of us have met only because of NPGR. Without this group, we wouldn’t have these valuable friendships that add such a valuable spice to our lives.
And just like an ice cream sundae, we go through life acquiring varies toppings. Sometimes toppings are delicious like whipped cream from a can, but sometimes life throws us raisins, but we’ll get through it. In the end, ice cream sundaes are always better shared.
Happy Birthday Yoshi and THANK YOU for all you do to make our sundae better.
UPCOMING
5/12 – River Bank Cheer Station
5/19 – Lions and Tigers and Stairs (Oh My)
6/8 – 1 in 5 Marathon Relay and Volunteer
“You can’t accomplish anything without the possibility of failure.”
The majority of our workouts follow a similar format: complete a set of exercises as many times as you can before time is called. The time, exercises, and spice vary from week to week, but time is always the limiting factor. There is no completion of the workout, just a sense of knowing that you crushed it for 25-30 minutes. Today’s workout was different. The goal was to complete 40/30/20/10/1 burpees, push-ups, box jumps, mountain climbers, and dips with a hill repeat to seal each round. Every single person DNF’d. Are we proud of this? Fuck yea, we are. That was the goal: throw down a challenge, expect failure, and ask the tribe to rise up and prove us wrong; prove themselves wrong.
“At the Barkley, success is about over-reaching our abilities and living to tell about it. Sometimes success is getting our ass out alive.”
Every year around this time I spend a lot of time thinking about the Barkley Marathons, a 120ish mile ultramarathon in the backwoods of Tennessee. If you haven’t seen the documentary on Netflix, stop what you’re doing and watch it. The quirks of the race entry, Laz (the creator and race director) himself, and everything leading up to the race are interesting, but the real draw, for me, is the race itself. Since the first run in 1986, only 15 people (of over 1000) have finished all five loops. Many cannot finish three loops, known as the Fun Run. As Laz says, “For some people, to finish the Fun Run is the accomplishment of a lifetime. And for some of them to finish one loop is the achievement of a lifetime.” For those that get into the Barkley Marathons, it is almost certain that you will DNF. You will fail. And for those that manage to complete the course, there are no rewards/trophies/prizes. All that waits at the finish line is a handshake. And the next year, Laz makes the course just a little bit more difficult, attempting to be just on the edge of what is possible for a human being.
“I know the odds are against me, but I have to believe, who knows.”
As a new tribe, we will experience our very first #NPSUMMIT. What is NP Summit? Read all about it from a 2-time Summiter with facts added in from google and November Project the book. It’s about as accurate as wikipedia, probably.
The year was two thousand thirteen. As the story goes, NHL star and NP Edmonton co-leader, Andrew Ference, suggested that all the leaders (10 cities at the time) come to Edmonton for an Oilers’ game. Brogan and Bojan couldn’t turn down a party in a cold-ass city, so before they knew it, the leaders were visiting NP’s coldest city in the middle of winter for what would become NP Summit.
Word quickly spread about the good vibes, hugs, and shenanigans. The tribe members wanted a piece of the c0-leader’s action and in 2014, NP Summit 2.0 was held alongside The North Face’s Wisconsin race. This yearly event met two needs: an opportunity for the co-leaders to discuss all things November Project and an meet-up for tribe members from all over the world to connect. In 2015, NP Summit 3.0 was held in Utah, with NP Summit 4.0 (<— this video is sick) – at Blue Mountain in Ontario.
Last year, Summit 5.0 brought 43 tribes back to the mothership, BOSTON. On Friday morning, hundreds (probably more) bounced, hugged, and ran the steps of the historic Harvard Stadium. During the day on Friday, NP took over a brewery, went to a Red Sox game, and made new friends. On Saturday, NP raced through the rugged trails of Wachusett Mountain. That night, NP partied in Boston before everyone hopped on flights and went back to their normal lives.
But, NP Summit is more than a fun weekend. It’s a blending of people with a shared experience.
At Summit 5.0, I was at a random coffee shop, no where near the NP Summit festivities. My plans had fallen through and I was looking for a way to get across town to the brewery that had been taken over by 50+ November Project folks. This coffee shop contained an NP member from SF. We made small talk and next thing I knew, we were sharing an Uber, and all sorts of details about our lives. (She’s seriously badass)
After that, I followed up on a random Facebook post to get ramen at what was described as the best ramen noodles in town. As we waited in line, I met members from Utah (NP BOS badass), Amsterdam, London, and all over the globe. I shared my dreams in front of a room full of NP members.
These new friends have kept in touch and supported our tribe.
THIS is NP Summit. A connection made solely on a love of free-fitness. A connection that you’d never make if it wasn’t for NP.
So this is your HYPE notice. At the end of the week, the date and location for Summit 6.0 will drop.
Does it sound like something you’d love? Excellent. Get on it.
Does it sound terrifying or intimidating? Good. This is your chance to try something new. To get to know your fellow tribe-members at a deeper level. To see how big and powerful this movement really is.
Because this shit is so good. And it’s in 45 cities. Every Wednesday. And for one weekend a year, it all collides into a neon-colored pit of positivity, hugs, and awesome.
-Matt
UPCOMING
WE START AT 6:01 AM BEGINNING 4.18
3.29.18 – 6:00 PM – PR Day Social – Creston Brewery
4.18.18 – 6:01 AM – Sunrise 6k – Lyon & Bostwick
4.22.18 – TBD – Gazelle Girl Cheer Station
4.27.18 – 6:30 PM – Mitten Meetup Shakeout – Blue Bridge
4.28.18 – All Day – NP Hurts the Dirt – Luton Park
4.28.18 – 4:00 PM –
Tacos and Beer: Hurt the Dirt After Party
So, this week we decided to Keep It Simple Stupid De Enstructions Are Too Hard. We warmed up with our good friend Sally, played rock/paper/scissors, ran the half hill, and did push-ups and box jumps.
It was simple. It was hard. Our legs are still sore. And it was so good.
We have some good shit coming up. Check it out.
UPCOMING
WE START AT 6:01 AM BEGINNING 4.18
3.28.18 – 6:14 AM – PR Day – We’re tagging! Bring a shirt and a can of spray paint
3.29.18 – 6:00 PM – PR Day Social – Creston Brewery
4.18.18 – 6:01 AM – Sunrise 6k – Lyon & Bostwick
4.22.18 – TBD – Gazelle Girl Cheer Station
4.27.18 – 6:30 PM – Mitten Meetup Shakeout – Blue Bridge
4.28.18 – All Day – NP Hurts the Dirt – Luton Park
4.28.18 – 4:00 PM – Tacos and Beer: Hurt the Dirt After Party – City Built Brewing Co.
Today’s guest blog comes from the one and only Kelly “Pantsuit” Johnson. Kelly has a smile for days and is always the first to high-five, welcome a new member, and bring positive energy to a tough workout. Word has spread of Kelly’s pantsuit and we are privileged today to hear all about it from the source.
Let me set the stage for you:
It’s 7th grade. I wear my pants up to my belly button (this is before it was trendy to do so) and have an atrociously short haircut (think: perm gone wrong, had to cut it off. Different story, different day). I’m 5’8” so I tower over just about everyone in my class and puberty is taking no prisoners when it comes to my body.
Middle school was not a great time for me (was it for anybody?). I was bullied and had very few friends. Pity aside, I’ve grown from it and it’s made me a better person. And it’s also given me some pretty good life lessons.
One of these life lessons came from when I had the genius idea to buy a new outfit to fit in. Maybe if I dressed up, the other kids would like me and think I was cool. I pitched the new outfit idea to my mom and she was instantly on board (I left out the part about wanting to make friends, but she’s a mom; she knew).
We went to the mecca of good outfits, Kohl’s, and began our search. I should have known this endeavor was destined for failure when we began shopping in the Misses section (I was 12 at the time), but I thought it was cool, so whatever.
And then it happened: the lights went out, the angel chorus was singing, and the spotlight was shining on THE outfit: a 3-piece pinstripe pantsuit. Imagine: bulky shoulder pads, black blazer, pants, and skirt with white pinstripes. It was beautiful and it was my comeback. To pair with the outfit, I, of course, also needed heels (because apparently being 5’8” in 7th grade wasn’t enough?) so we also bought me some BIG clunky heels to accompany the outfit.
The next day, I chose the pant option and a white shirt to complete the outfit. I showed up to school and immediately went and hid in the bathroom. You see, I couldn’t just casually walk in and let people see me. No, I had to make an entrance. I waited for the first bell to ring and listened for the other kids to shuffle into their classrooms. I waited until the last second and then began strutting my stuff down that hallway. I was SO eager to see the looks on my classmates faces when they saw how good I looked. Why wouldn’t they want to be friends with someone who has such a good fashion sense?!
I walked into the classroom and stared to the left, directly into the faces of my peers. I remember, distinctly, that their faces were not quite what I was expecting: tt was more a look of shock and disgust than anything.
Confused, I turned my head to the right to see my teacher….who was wearing the EXACT SAME PINSTRIPE PANTSUIT.
Needless to say, I didn’t make many new friends that day. But, I did learn a valuable lesson in showing up. Regardless of the outcome, I decided to show up that day, pantsuit and all. I was confident in my goal, a little bit nervous, but mostly fueled by a belief in something bigger and better than myself.
I made a decision 10 months ago to #justshowup to this group called November Project GR (back then we were Carpe Diem GR). I didn’t know a single person, I was looking for a new group to run with (literally and metaphorically), and I was on a budget. I showed up the first day feeling very similar to that notorious day in 7th grade: confident in my goal, a little nervous, but mostly fueled by a belief in something bigger and better than myself.
I haven’t stopped showing up since that day and it has completely changed my life. I’ve found deep friendships, roommates (!!), running buddies, and a whole tribe of cheerleaders who are insanely quick to give a high five, Strava kudos, or a big sweaty hug after crushing PR day.
Hesitant to show up? I promise you won’t regret it. Heck, I’d even bring the pantsuit back if that’s what it takes for you to show up.
UPCOMING:
April 18 // 6:01 AM // Sunrise 6k // Bostwick & Lyon
April 22 // TBD // Gazelle Girl Cheer Station
April 27 // 7:00 PM // Mitten Meetup Shakeout // Blue Bridge
April 28 // 4:00 PM // Tacos & Beer: Hurt the Dirt After-party // City Built Brewing Company
On Thursday we celebrated our first year of providing free fitness to Grand Rapids. Yoshi and Matt sat down to reflect on the past year and talk about the future of NP_GR.
Matt: Dude, Yoshi, it’s been 52 weeks of free fitness in Grand Rapids. How’s it feel?
Yoshi: The hype is real. The energy, the positivity, the community, the hustle, the freshness. All real. GR has got it.
M: We wouldn’t be here without support from a ton of people. Anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
Y: I wanna thank Meggen for supporting me with this and all the other crazy events and activities that go along with it. Our house is littered with tagging and crafting supplies, props, and reference materials. Matt and I spend hours every week planning and executing NP activities. Without her support, we wouldn’t even be half as far as where we are today.
M: I definitely need to give a huge shout out to my partner, Jess, for always being willing to help with a craft project, give feedback on ideas or social media posts, and being unconditionally supportive of this movement. She never doubted what this movement could be and helped us get to where we are today.
Who else has inspired you along the way?
Y: Shout out to Emily Saul for reaching out when we were still a small pledge group and inspiring us to aim for goals that scared us a bit. My old Chicago running crew Three Run Two for being a role model for me in how a group can be supportive and help create connections in a city where it’s easy to feel lost and anonymous. All the NP tribes out there creating community in ways unique to their cities and coming together as part of a worldwide movement.
M: I echo Yoshi’s statements about the one and only, Emily Saul of NP Boston. She inspires us to hug more, love unconditionally, and dream big. Another big shout out to all the NP leaders that chatted with us on the phone and shared their tips and secrets. You all make this movement great. A special shout out to Ben and Holly from NP_MSP who lead by example in Minneapolis and inspired and supported us to spread NP to Grand Rapids. And finally, to all of you who showed up before we were November Project when it was dark and small. That sense of adventure and openness to try something new drives the feel of our tribe and makes it what it is.
Y: We’ve done a Craigslist Missed Connections post. Let’s get into the NP-Match.com game. If you wrote a profile for me, what would it say?
M: Hey y’all, I’m Yoshi, an internationally renowned latte artist from the deep south. My artwork is largely surrealist with a focus on tulips, roses, and hearts. This year, I’m fixing to become a latte art champion, God willing and if the creek don’t rise. Beyond my art, I am a Youtube connoisseur with a unique focus on Taylor Swift, boy bands, and alt workout videos. In my free time, you can find me hanging on the rock wall, drinking coffee beers, and working on my bike polo technique. On the fitness front, I bring the creative flow. Whether it’s a Michael Jackson inspired bounce or a james bond themed workout, you bring the squad, I’ll bring the party. If you’re looking for that spark that’ll make you just a little jittery, like that last cup of coffee, I’m your man.
I’m on team #bringbacktheaccent, so I threw in some southern phrases for you. What would mine say?
Y: I’m Matt and I’m the main engaging force behind NP GR. I’m the OG who saw how an NP could forge a community that brings together people from different abilities, lifestyles, and activities and wanted to bring that ruckus and noise to the GR. I like to go on long walks and even longer runs through the woods. I’m all about the Beer City life but down for wine and fancy cocktails too. Man of many talents: I can sing, I can dance, I look good in running pants. I’ll #JustShowUp and get things pumped and light things up, especially when the weather is crummy the hype is low.
M: That reminds me, we need to schedule another NP_GR Karaoke Night.
We’ve hosted a workout (or two) and a handful of events over the past year, is there one in particular that sticks out to you?
Y: I loved the Race the Sun mile race that we held in September. It was a 1 mile race with start times based on sunset minus each racers best mile time. We basically had a staggered start with the aim of having a crescendoing wave of runners racing to beat their mile PR AND sunset. Man Versus Nature. It was a gorgeous evening, a beautiful course, and the timing was tight. 70 people showed up and threw down and it was all good.
M: I love PR day. Everyone shows up, brings it hard for 30 minutes, and then enjoys that shared moment of being sweaty and tired, but satisfied. I also loved the Started from the Bottom stair competition. By the nature of the group, many activities are planned by Yoshi and I, but SFTB wasn’t like that at all. From the moment the competition started, teams were scheming, encouraging each other, and planning early morning/early evening/late night stair sessions. People were getting to know their teammates that they’d never met or only saw in passing.
M: So I’ve heard rumblings of part 2 and 3 of the Versus Trilogy. Anything you can share?
Y: We’re gonna #RaceEverything and everybody. It’s gonna be hot.
Anything that you’re excited about for the next year?
M: GR takeover is real. The word this year is #ActifyGR. We’re going to lower barriers to fitness, be in all parts of our city, grow this fitness community, and have a shit-ton of fun doing it. Be on the lookout for our Boston-inspired Log Jam ultimate throw-down workout.
“You’re crazy.”
“I could never do that.”
Those are common responses that we hear when sharing our athletic/early morning pursuits with others. At times this knee-jerk response can be frustrating. For all of us, there was a point in time when our current goals seemed impossible, crazy. There is nothing about us that makes us athletically superior than anyone else. We all remember a time when running a mile seemed impossible. We all have set impossible goals that now seem trivial. That’s one of the best parts of this NP community. Whether our impossible goal is a 5k, a marathon, or an ultra, there is never anything less than full support from the tribe.
This week began a competition that has been called “crazy”. The two teams have schemed, planned, and tackled four parking garages (over and over) in downtown Grand Rapids. The best part, every person’s effort matters. Whether you do four reps or a grand slam (4 reps at all 4 garages), you’re scoring points for your team.
As if we didn’t have enough stairs, the heatwave cleared off the snow at Crescent Park, so we took full advantage by pulling out an OG workout – penny wars. Team Cobralegs took on Team OurLegsHurt in a battle for penny glory with some push up violations mixed in. The karaoke was on point and despite tired legs, the energy was high.
If you want to be average, this group isn’t for you. But, if you want to set impossible goals and have an entire community of people support you, #justshowup. Because at #NP_GR there is no such thing as “crazy”.
UPCOMING
2.24.18 // Started From the Bottom Coronation
3.1.18 // 1st Birthday Party // Location TBD