Ruth is a normal office worker like everyone else who move
from Kuala Lumpur back to home sweet home Miri. Has been enjoying Miri life
work balance for the last 10 years and still does. I would describe Ruth as a
spiritual fast learning generalist with a passion for outdoor activity.
That’s enough of talking about myself in the third person.read more
…to #justshowup and help us! Bring scrub brush and bucket…READ ON!
OMG it’s a November Project Malaysia blog! For those of you who missed the blog, here is the latest edition. We have not been posting these as regularly as we had because quite frankly, we really didn’t have anything great to share or big announcements to make…until now.
Some hip-ups which ended up more like some use your pants to clean the deck…well no more! when we are done, you’d be able to eat off this floor *try at own risk* Actually wouldn’t recommend it.
As many of you know, we are big into our community and giving back, here at November Project after all this is kind of what kick started November Project Malaysia. 2017 was a good year as we were official granted November Project tribe status, we were able to build out free fitness community as well as give back to our city (the bigger community). #NPGiveback in September 2017 consisted of PCAM Charity run and also Donation to Zero Strays in our Dog walk workout.
Our bounce before the PCAM Charity Run for Love 2018 #weatherproofSome of the tribe getting in early and preparing to race …#grassrootsgear Photo credit to PCAM Facebook page.Dog Walk Workout, raising funds for Zero Strays
This year, we are looking to start earlier and hopefully be able to have more workouts/events that involves giving back and building our community. Our first giveback workout will be on January 26th and it involves some cleaning. We challenge you to invite your family and friends to join us, it would be a good time to show them how November Project incorporate workouts and fun times.
Our Friday morning workout location; Bulatan Park is huge and it would be nice to keep this place clean for us and as well as others whom we share this park with. As we use the deck quite often, we proposed to the tribe to have a deck scrubbing workout so our clothes aren’t dirt brown after some burpees and situps. So far this has been met with positive response as we have already had over 20 #verbals from the tribe. I am sure the list will grow as we approach the date and we look forward to more support from the tribe and the public on this and future #NPGiveback events while we continue to grow this #freefitness, #adultrecess, #connectinghumans #freehugging community.
If you opted to snooze this morning or stayed in because of the rain, you miss this lady’s bday!! Happy Bday Audrey!
Other News…
Buff update – there is no update
Miri Marathon 2018 – unfortunately, our group registration for special rate have closed but you can still register individually or as a group for discount and join the tribe on race day. Deadline is January 30th, 2018. Link to register is here.
Haven’t read the latest article about us that is generating some national awareness about November Project Malaysia, here is the link to Rojak Daily’s article.
Six years ago this month, two guys dared each other to a daily workout in the cold winters of Boston. One month turned into two, two months turned into six, six months turned into 6 years and this movement is still going strong. The attendance have also grown from the two of them to thousands of people gathering every Wednesday, Friday and Monday for free fitness in farty-four (44) cities in the world.
First Friday workout for November Project Malaysia
To do our part as the only tribe in Southeast Asia, November Project Malaysia have also added a Friday morning workout this month. November 3rd was our first session and over 30 tribe members showed up for some pushups, squats, mountain climbers, plank and dips at Bulatan Park. A new venue, a new vibe and hopefully a lot more newbies in the upcoming weeks. #recruiteveryone. The addition of Friday was due to several requests from the tribe but as the tribe grows closer, once a week was just too long between workouts to see your beautiful faces and glowing 5 AM smiles.
Trio mountain climber, plank, dips relay…Squats and Push ups…
On another note:
I want to personally thank all the out pour of condolences and support this past week during a very tough time for my family. On November 1st, I lost my aunt and uncle in a car accident while my cousin was in critical condition. Sadly, she too passed away on the 2nd of November. I appreciate the thoughts and prayers and am especially touched by the private messages from the other co leaders and members of the other tribes.
Their funeral was held this past weekend and the number of people who came and paid respect was overwhelming. Just goes to show that they must have touched a lot of lives and there was a lot of sadness from this unfortunate tragedy. From this event, I have a few things I want to share :
“ If you are thinking of giving your mom a hug today, or saying I love you to your dad, or a thank you to a sibling…do it because you never know, once this opportunity passes, you may not get another chance”
“Do good! Be a positive influence on as many lives as we can so that when our time is up, we leave this world a better place that it was before us.”
“Be grateful! Have dreams, hope and goals but appreciate this very moment for there are others who have less, or is unable to do the things you can. Be grateful”
Up Coming stuff:
Wednesday 515AM Bumiko Hill, we will continue and wrap up our co leader challenge ( from October). This challenge was based on which co leader’s team would be the most consistent in showing up, which was fittest and fastest. Points were allotted for attendance, repetitions and also winner of races. Wednesday will be one last race. Current Score; Team Ing in the lead with 53, Team Ridley at 47 but still holding on and not out of the race is Team Harry at 36.
Friday 5:18AM Bulatan Park, our second Friday of the month, tell your friends and family in the neighborhood. Always fun, usually weird, definitely a hard sweatsesh. #justshowup #recruiteveryone
Lastly:
As we roll into year end and school holidays, we are certain people have planned their holidays, we also can’t wait for parents to bring their kids out to join us.
…because of you. Everyone of you who choose to show up every Wednesday!
Picture from this morning. Photo credit to Ing
When I talk about November Project to people I recruit or just people who wants to know what we are, there are three things I always mention; We are free, We are for everyone and We are different. At first, people are skeptical, but when they show up to the first workout then the second and hopefully more, these three points become clearer to them.
The bounce prior to our race. Photo Credit to Ing
Ask anyone of the tribe members of November Project Malaysia and you will get a sense of gratefulness that such a great movement is offered at zero cost. The co leaders put in time and effort to plan challenging, fun, weird, unconventional workouts and all they ask in return is that you #justshowup and be awesome as you are. And when the weather is not perfect, show up anyways because you just went from awesome to straight bad ass! In offering our time to the tribe, we are hoping that our effort will lead to more positivity in the tribe which in turns lead to more kindness in the community. After all, we are more than just fitness, we are connecting strangers, building relationships, strengthening our community and along the ways, people are getting fitter and faster.
Post pop up gathering sponsored by Su ChungOverheard at the event ..”Beer never tasted this good..” Can you guess who said it? Photo by: Audrey.The party is never over when Audrey, Stacy, Jill and Perry is around. Poor Robert.
Different pace, different fitness level, different goals but one tribe
Before we were November Project Malaysia we had already established a very strong foundation of committed tribe members but since our first official NP workout in June, the tribe has seen people from all walks of life show up. Some are runners, athletes, fitness enthusiast but we have also had others who are getting active for the first time or returning to work out after a long break. To be able to have a workout consisting of various fitness level and have them motivate and encourage each other is truly what November Project is all about. When you show up Wednesday mornings, you just enjoy the experience which includes camaraderie, the free hugs and high 5s, the challenging workout and the connection you are making. I do have to warn you, as you begin to show up more regularly and become a full time tribe member, there is a strong chance you will get a boost in your self-esteem, notice some improvement in your fitness and may run a race or five in the near future. Looking back just this month, we have had several first timers completed 5Kms and 10km runs and we (the tribe) are proud of each and every one of you. As another tribe put it, whether your goal is for speed or just to complete the distance, this tribe will be at the finish line to celebrate your accomplishment. That is something you can count on just as you can count on the tribe being there every Wednesday morning, rain or shine. #weatherproof.
Work hard, Push hard, Pose hard!
Being free and adjustable to all fitness level already distinguishes us from any group workouts or boot camps around but when I say we are different, it is something that cannot be described because it’s not one specific thing, it’s the tribe dynamics and culture. For one, our bounce at the start of every workout is pretty ridiculous and that is great as it loosens everybody up and breaks the ice for first timers. The tribe in general is pretty open to shenanigans and out of the norm things but we won’t divulge them *here because you have to show up to experience the whole thing or at least read the whole blog. . The tribe love and support for each other is pretty amazing too, whether is someone running an upcoming race or just Mat crushing PR Hills for the first time. This tribe is also full of generosity when it comes to charity and fundraising. But if I have to choose one thing that makes us different that I am most proud of, it is that no matter the diverse background we come from, this tribe brings us all together with no personal objectives except to see each other break out of their comfort zones and crush goals.
PR Hills record holder, Mat… hence the Hills PR is now know as “The Mat”
So if you are still thinking about showing up? Take the plunge and make next Wednesday the day you join an amazing global movement because it’s free and different and although you won’t see it initially, but I guarantee you are also getting fitter and faster. If you are already part of this amazing tribe, share this blog and recruit your friends, family, strangers because when you find a good thing, you spread the news! #thisshitisgood
What are we doing today? You looking at me? I don’t know… Photo by Ing
*Things that happened at the bounce:
New Kids On The block throwback
Boom Chick-a-laka
Earlobe massages
Who let the dogs out
#FOMO is real
Upcoming stuff:
We are still working with Miri Marathon Association to get us a discount code to register for the 2018 Miri Marathon. It’s coming so be patient and start training. We hope the whole tribe will run (10KM is a good starting point) we will take over the race.
Next Wednesday Oct. 25th we will be doing our first ever year book pictures. The theme is a sports party, dress up in your favorite sports attire, come as a soccer ball, get creative! Let your imagination run while!
It is also the last week of the Co leaders team challenge and as it stands; Team Pink and Blue is ahead by 1 point, followed by Team Black/White then Team Yellow/Orange trailing by 10 points. (34-33-24) victory is still up for grabs so #justshowup
Congratulations to our newest November Project Tribe out of Atlanta, Georgia, US. Welcome to the family!
Sunday pop up with Zero Strays Miri, there were some who walked the dogs, and then there were some who burpee’ed with the tribe.
September has been a good month for November Project Malaysia. In the spirit of #NPGiveBack, we just wrapped up our fundraising through the amazing people of the November Project Malaysia tribe and raised over RM1000 for Zero Strays Miri; they are a volunteer group helping to control the stray dogs and cats population through trapping, spaying and neutering then releasing them. They also help treat any illness or diseases the strays may have and have a feeding team that goes around the city to feed the strays. You can read more about them and they are always looking for volunteers and donations.
Sunsets and Dogs…two of the best things. (Photo credit to Ing)Raised fund for charity, run with the tribe, awesome cheer squad, breakfast club after the race…your Sunday is about to get #lit
Keeping on the giving back to the community vibes, on Oct 1st which is this Sunday, over 60 tribe members will be running in the Palliative Care Association of Miri “Run for Love 2017” Charity race. There will also be a cheer squad to create an awesome vibe for all runners so if you can’t run but still want to play a role in generating some kick ass vines, #justshowup. Palliative Care of Miri is a non-profit organization that provides medical care for people with serious illness, focusing on relief of symptoms and stress of the illness as well as improving quality of life for the patient and support for their family. You can find out more about what they do here and you can donate to them or volunteer as well.
This month we also threw out a recruitment challenge against November Project Hong Kong and we have seen the tribe bring out their friends, colleagues, neighbors, family to our Wednesday morning workouts. As we continue to spread the word about NP and generate more awareness of who we are and what we do or don’t do, we hope to get more Mirians will join the tribe. Going into the final week, we are up 2-1 (with a total count of 171- 155) so it looks like Carrie, Lloyd, Jay and the rest of the NP Hong Kong tribe will need to bring their strong recruiting game like they did in week two while we need to seal the deal and #recruiteveryone and #justshowup. We will know in less 24 hours who owns NP Asia bragging rights, which tribe will be holding the other tribe’s country flag for their first Wednesday group pic in October.
The Bad (Well for us but still good for her)
This is Emma. lover of food, travel, fitness and canines. Give her a follow @emmaxoxolee on instagram.
Last but not least, this Wednesday, we will also be saying good bye to Emma, who will be leaving us for a job opportunity in Kuala Lumpur. Emma has been with us even before we were November Project Malaysia and she will be truly missed because she is all about the positive vibes and the no quit attitude. Good luck Emma and all the best, don’t forget about us when you come back to visit #thisisyourtribe
Other stuff about this week:
We will be doing a special 2nd #grassrootgear tagging this month so everyone running the PCAM race will have fresh gear. Don’t forget to bring a shirt, make sure it’s not a black shirt and no, you cannot bring a shirt for your bf/gf/partner/spouse/child/etc…you have to earn it by showing up and working out!
“WHO AM I?” is the name of the workout this week. The co-leaders will assign you a personality (real or made up, human or animation) in the form of a label stuck to your back. You have to figure out who you are by asking anyone and everyone in the workout YES/NO questions only. This means the answers to your questions can only be a YES or a NO. If you get a yes, its 1 burpee and you are on your way to figuring out who you are. If you get a no, its 3 burpees and ask another questions.
Doing a little Sunday Workout with the tribe because we wanted to celebrate a 5 day long weekend.
The recap:
Crate Escape.
Victor is hearing Impaired but still volunteered to share his story. He typed it out so I can read it to the tribe while he signed it. We thank him for being inclusive with us and also because he is a Badass! Recently finished 5 in the Veterans category in 12KM for MerdekaRun 2017
Our latest edition of crate escape was small in numbers but the 20 some that did show up brought their willingness to share and as always, the positive vibes. We didn’t get any volunteers to share their story except the always fast and badass Victor but the rest were opened to stepping up to the crate when their names we drawn. We had 9 tribe members step up to share about changes in their lives since being in the tribe. Most shared about fitness, personality and mentality change; from never running to tackling 10kms/21kms, others talked about being more open and talking to strangers and some shared about how the tribe have inspired them, and made them more comfortable in stepping out of their comfort zone. All in all, as individuals and as a tribe, we have come a long ways but always with the love and support of each other.
The current:
Change (my untold story).
So with the overwhelming participation of our tribe at the crate escape, I never got the chance to share my story and I thought it should be shared here for not just the tribe but the NP global family as another means to get to know me. One of the biggest change in my life was definitely going from being a bachelor to being a husband. Having been single until I was 39 years old, there have been formation of some selfish, inconsiderate habits because I never had the need to consult with anyone on my decisions cause there was no one to consult. That all changed in January 2015 when Esther and I got married.
A little Vacation to have our Wedding pics done in paradise
In hindsight, I guess I never put enough thoughts into how vows take effect in real life, that my decisions are no longer solely mine and that any and all consequences will be shared. This consulting with my better half thing is definitely a work in progress and often a hit and miss but I would like to think its getting better. (Take my word for it, don’t ask her). Through it all, I am glad that I have her to lean on and bounce ideas off and so far she has a pretty good batting average. The MYYFitnessfeat free fitness thing in 2014, ya she was the “Do it” to my “I am not sure”, the let’s get married thing in 2014, she was the “yes” to my “will you…”, that where should we go for our honeymoon where 10 of my buddies from Canada would be joining us?, again she was the voice of reason, that OMG we are having a baby all the way to OMG the baby is coming from 2014 to 2015, again the pillar of strength compared to my chaos of panic. Even to the 2016, should we pledge for NP and finally the should I go to Boston in June 2017, she was the resounding “yes” to my uncertainty. So all in all, this getting married thing has worked out pretty well for us. (Again, take my word for it, don’t ask her).
Change is not always easy because sometimes we are just set in our ways, this along with the lack of desire or reason to change makes it even harder. I am certainly still adapting to this big change in my life but I know that there is love, support, encouragement and an occasional kick in the ass behind me. All the changes we chose to make starts with our why? The desire needs to be there and I see this in the tribe from not a morning person to showing up every Wednesday, the not a runner to knocking off 10KMs and more ( myself included), o pushups to 15 pushups,from shyness to embracing strangers, and the list continues because this tribe gives each other the love, support, encouragement and definitely a kick in the ass when needed. This is my inspiration every Wednesday, to continually see the changes before my eyes of these 30-50 strangers who have become a tribe and family.
The Upcoming:
Tomorrow is PR DAY!!! Recall back to a month ago, how many loops of the hill did you do in 30 Minutes? Tomorrow, lets crush it!!
So not all of November Project is lovey dovey, handshakes, hi5s and hugs. There seems to be tension building up between two tribes in trying to see who can have a bigger turnout every Wednesday in September. Yes, the first of what I am certain will be many more “my tribe is more badass than your tribe” Asia is about to kick off tomorrow.
This is how we do it:
Every Wednesday will be a round of its own where the tribe with the bigger turnout will be declared the winner. ( Loser has to pay in Burpees the following week and the rate of payment is 5 burpees for the tribe for each person they lose by. So if NPMAL have 60 and NPHK has 30, they would owe 150 burpees the following week)
In the event of a tie because there are 4 Wednesdays, total attendance shall be deemed as a tie breaker
The group photo to be posted on social media on the 4th October to include the losing tribe members each holding a flag of the winning tribe. Caption of the photo to be determined by co leaders of the winning tribe.
They came, they got wet, they sweated yet they are still all smiles. Top row standing (left to right): Andy, Ying, Harry, Farourke, Carberry, Kendary, Celestine, Valentine and Teck. Middle row (left to right): Robert, Victor, Shayne, Abigail. Bottom row (left to right): Blue, Beatrice, Audrey, Davina
4:00AM Wednesday morning, time to rise and grind, get ready for the weekly meeting with the November Project Malaysia tribe. Getting ready to head out, I thought I heard rain on the roof top but we have had this before, light rain before the workout and by the time 5:15AM rolls around it turns to drizzling and eventually stops before we bounce. Thought nothing of it until I opened the front door, this was no usual light Wednesday morning rain, it was a downpour with a strong gust of wind to back it up. My phone started to buzz, messages started to roll in:
“Its raining cats and dogs!”
“Good morning, is it raining at Taman Awam?”
“Heavy Rain”
So August 23rd would be our first true weatherproof test. How many of the tribe is actually going to show up? Would it be just the co-leaders huddling around telling jokes like BG , Bojan and Derrick did during the snow fall of 2014? (Read the book). We had initially planned a workout involving running up and down the hill but due to wetness and slipping hazard, we had to improvise. As I arrived and surveyed for alternative workout options, I was nervous about the turnout while anticipating what size of a group the workout had to cater to. Expecting to see my co leader Harry show up next, I was surprised by the line-up of tribe that began appearing at the top of the rainbow stairs. Robert was the first, followed by Davina, Blue, Abigail, Carberry with his newbie recruit Valentine, then the siblings Beatrice and Celestine, Teck and Andy followed by Harry and Kendary. Here we stood, 5:00AM Wednesday morning in the pouring rain, taking in the scene and having a good laugh while wondering how many more would be brave crazy enough. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Victor come up the stairs and my excitement may have cause my voice to crack a little as I call out his name. Audrey who had initially brought her parents to join us was dropped off next; they were having no part of this madness.
Planking with smiles while we wait for our relay relieve. (Abigail, Audrey, Victor and Carberry)Squat holds on the bridge (Celestine, Audrey, Andy, Carberry, Beatrice & Abigail)
We started our bounce, we chanted some ridiculous chants, had some laughs, exchanged some wet hugs and commenced our Plank/Stairs/Squat hold relay in groups of 3s. We eventually did have 3 more tribe members show up; Farourke, Ying and Shayne rounded up our weatherproof tribe this glorious day. November Project pride ourselves to hold workouts despite weather, tragedy or any other circumstances as long as it is safe for the workout to continue. We will never place any members in harm’s way nor do we force anyone to show up if they feel uncomfortable with the environment we are working out in. In a way, we want our members to know that on Wednesday mornings come hell or high water, we will ALWAYS be there for you. You can definitely count on your co-leaders and your tribe to be full of positivity, hi5s, hugs and cheers while we sweat it out for the 30-40 minutes. Above that, I am beyond proud and frankly surprised by these 15 tribe members who did show up. The workout was challenging, wet, slippery and cold for some but there was a bond shared that day and a lot of respect gained. As the local culture goes, we don’t wander outdoors when it rains, nevermind voluntarily show up to get wet.
Our fearless newbie Valentine, in great spirit despite the wetness
Now we look forward to the next weatherproof opportunity, let this past Wednesday be the pathway for more tribe members to #justshowup and share in the wetness and madness.
Upcoming stuff:
November Project Malaysia Edition
We will be tagging a special crate on your grassroot gear on Sunday so bring your shirt.
This Sunday, we will hold our #Thecrateescape at 5:00PM meeting at X Cross Border in Marina Park City. It will be a slow run to explore the city with random stops for story telling (Change is the theme this round) followed by a social. ( Bring your NP Grassroot gear as we have a specila tag for those who #justshowup for this event.
The recruiting challenge continues for this week, every new recruit you bring, the co-leaders Harry, Ing and Ridley will pay you in #Burpees (10 burpees per newbie is the rate)
Palliative Care Association of Miri Run for Love on Oct.1st, 2017. As it stands, we have 55 tribe members running that day, the bigger the group the more fun it will be. Besides, lets get this organization some funds to continue their difficult but much needed work. If you can’t run, we can use you for the cheer group so sign up for one or the other ( if you are really fast, sign up for both)
This is your tribe! #Justshowup because we are so glad you are here and we love the shit out of you!
Blogs from the other NP Malaysia co-leaders Ing and Harry have given you their perspective of November Project and what it means to them and this city. Initially, I wasn’t going to three-peat with a “What November Project means to me” blog but something happened recently that challenged my believe and impression of November Project. As the co leader of a new tribe, I needed to re-affirm this to my immediate community.
Whatever your reason for showing up, just know that the tribe is there to support you. This is where strangers become friends. Find your tribe, love them hard!
Kelly, Joann, Mark and Dunstan; post group picture pose.
My immediate community is every individual that choose to #justshowup on Wednesday mornings, it is every individual that have tried to spread awareness and recruit their colleagues, friends and family for us. My immediate community is also Miri the city I live in and the people I interact with on purpose or by coincidence because one day, they may show up to a November Project Malaysia workout. On a bigger scale, my community is everyone who has been to a November Project workout, social, summit, and ECS who believes in the purpose and the good that is this global movember Project for what it stands for has been an inspiration since 2013 when I came across *Andrew Ference’s tweet about an early morning workout. I have followed them from afar with my own version of free fitness; providing Mirians with an avenue to get fit outdoors at zero cost while doing what we can to raise funds for local charity. The biggest draw about November Project to me was what it does for a community and city and that is still true to this day. As this movement continues to grow, I believe more and more people are seeing the good that it is and what it can do.
I was passionate about bringing November Project to Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia because I wanted to expose Mirians to this amazing concept of free fitness that is community focused. I also believe that you shouldn’t have to pay for fitness, that there are people willing to support and encourage each other without agendas and these initial strangers with common interest can become friends. The positivity and vibe created in this small group could spread to others they come across in their daily lives and eventually make Miri a better place.
At NP Malaysia, if you are okay with it, we will hug the shit out of you…(Yi Ting and Ing are Huggers)Hi5’s are good too… human contact comes in many forms, whichever you are comfortable with is fine with us, but the encouragement and support is coming; like it or not!
For those who have never been or don’t know what November Project Malaysia is about, we meet every Wednesday morning at 5:15AM (regardless of weather) on top of Bumiko Hill. This 45 minutes consist of the a short introduction, a “bounce”, some human contact in the form of hugs and hi5s, a challenging 30-40 minutes of workout with lots of encouragement from co leaders and each other. Finally, we take a group photo, do announcements,birthday celebrations and some form of positive message or homework focused on pushing oneself or betterment of community. This is just what we do here, break the ice, offer human contact and connection, work our asses off, acknowledge the hardwork and send everyone off with positive vibes to carry them throughout the day. An extension of all this is the willingness to support and help each other (within the tribe and hopefully transcends to neighbors and strangers) even when it comes to matters outside of the workout.
This is what November Project means to me and what I intended it to be. Above all that, I wanted a place where people can come and belong (inclusive is the word we have been throwing around). November Project Malaysia is for everyone in the literal sense of the word. I don’t care how young,old, fast, slow you are, what shape or size, gender, religion, etc as long as you are willing to give us 100% on the workout and brings positivity/can do attitude to the tribe, then this is your tribe. November Project Malaysia is also a place for everyone to be comfortable in their own skin and be who they are with the respect for others in mind. Being sincere and genuine to each other in accomplishments and challenges without agenda.
Supporting each other and strangers during a run, spreading some #NovemberProject love. That is what we do for the community.
With that said, I want to touch on the NP anonymous blog, the shift of culture PSA and talk about the human contact factor of NP/NP Malaysia. In terms of culture and practice, it is important to note that hugging strangers or even a handshake may not be common practice or at times permissible in Malaysia. We as a tribe have come a long ways as well, all all that we have build and establish will remain. This means while we certainly encourage hugging in the past, it is not mandatory. If a simple nod is all that you are comfortable with, or a high 5 or perhaps a fist bump, it is okay with us. If you are a hugger and likes to hug, thats great! but we ask that you seek for consent to ensure the other party (the huggee?) is open to hugs. I want November Project Malaysia to be a place where it is okay to share your thoughts and feelings when it comes to how a certain interaction makes you feel after all, #thisisyourtribe. At the end of the day, “no means no” and we need to be respectful of that even if it means our feelings and ego gets a ruffled up. Forcing yourself on someone or ignore someone else’s space is not tolerated here. This concept should apply not just to hugs and human contact, it should apply to all interactions that puts you in an awkward situation. Mutual respect for everyone is what we strive for around here, and we hope this carries onto the other aspects of live outside the tribe.
To me November Project Malaysia isn’t about me, it should be about what I can do for the tribe and I hope that messages resonates loud and clear with my actions as a co leader. I encourage everyone in my tribe to do the same. #Justshowup and workout, push yourselves and each other physically, have fun, be weird and silly but at the end of the workout, or your day, ask yourself, how have I made someone else’s day or the community better? This is what I intended November Project Malaysia to be.
“I believe I can fly”… sometimes, I don’t even know what I am thinking…but the laughs and siles are worth it!
Other notes:
All the best to the tribe members running in the Kuching Marathon tomorrow. #Seahorse #NP #Grassrootsgear will be represented.
Next event will be #TheCrateEscape, we need story-tellers so drop your name in the hat. This will be followed by a social so stay tuned to Instagram and Facebook.
I love the shit out of you guys and gals! See you next Wednesday!
Ridley
Andrew Ference, for those who don’t know is a former NHL Player who played in Boston, where he joined November Project. He signed as a free agent in Edmonton (I am a huge Oilers Fan – don’t hate) and that is how November Project Edmonton (Canada) started.
We have come a long ways, from nodders to shakers to hi5’ers…and now we hug!
Being a first time father about 2 years ago, I really wasn’t sure what the full responsibilities entailed. I had equal parts of excitement as well as fear but the only way I knew how to deal with things was head on (Not like there were any other options here). And in this 24 months, I have seen and experienced change beyond my 40 (fine 41) years of existence.THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME EVER AGAIN!!!
My Madison’s growth and change from an infant to now a toddler as we face the terrible two’s has brought me some “WTH” moments as well as “OMG I am so blessed” moments (latter wins by miles). Some of her accomplishments and antics (as mischievous as they are) really does make me proud. I have had to choose my battles when it comes to her and mostly just embrace the change in my life.
Though not as drastic as having a child in my life, the change in our tribe, the culture, the people; their fitness and mentality has also been astonishing. We have gone from an evening workout tribe to the earliest November Project tribe in the world. (Although I noticed NP Nola getting in a 5:15AM recently as well; threat acknowledged) Getting our people to change their routine and #justshowup before the sun is out was not an easy feat and they have passed with flying colors. High fives were far and few between when we first started but gradually, especially since we officially became November Project Malaysia; (pride has taken over) the hugs, even the sweaty ones are happening before my eyes. We are no longer as reserved as we used to be and our bounce are getting better and louder, participation is increasing despite slight hesitation by the newbies. We are slowing going from no contact to half huggers half shakers tribe.
All the changes we have gone through, the biggest I have noticed in the tribe, are the people. They have gotten fitter, stronger, braver and more confident to take up challenges. Some have not stepped out of their comfort zones, they just leaped and the tribe have been there to catch them. Most of these men and women have done things that they would not have attempted without the support of the group. I am certain some have gone from cursing me under their breathes during workouts to taking on 5km, 10km runs, obstacle courses, half marathons, full marathons and even consider venturing into the Ultra and trail races(The cursing probably continues while racing). They are no longer intimidated by their limits where before 10km may seem to be a challenge, they have now ran several HMs. Where pushups started with knees on the ground, now they are firing off 15 straight unassisted pushups. They are inspirational in overcoming their limits but that only happened because their mentality changed.
Abigail also know as Jill also know as Sleep Runner running her 1st HM at Miri Marathon Insta @kila1183 (Photo courtesy of Miri Marathon)
Our Anastasia; insta as @anastasiameliasimon (aka Chili Padi lose translation birds eye chili, small but potent as hell) running her Spartan Beast. Muddied but deep inside she is really happy! We swear! (Photo Credit Ing)
Aunty Audrey check her out on Instagram @aunty_audrey running her first 10KM, have gone on to run another 10KM at Miri Marathon and now signed up for HM in August at the Kuching International Marathon (Photo credit: Ing)Alien running his 2nd FM at the Borneo International Marathon in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. First was at Miri Marathon.
“It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the new” – Alan Cohen
Watching the transformation and accomplishment by the group tells us that we are on the right path and #thistribeisstrong. They have embraced all the change I have thrown at them to make us the November Project Malaysia tribe that we are. The NP culture of hugging, encouraging each other, throwing out random hi5s, caring, spreading positivity, improving the community, etc is slowly starting to show in this tribe and there is no one prouder of them than me. Ask me a year ago if we would be doing runs in a park in DIY superhero costumes, my answer would have been a confident no. Ask me 6 months ago how many tribe members would show up at a charity run to cheer not just for the tribe but strangers and I would probably say less than 5, yet weeks ago a dozen of them showed up to bring some #NPvibes and noise to the Dynasty Charity run.
Dynasty Run 2017, first official outing for the NP cheer squad. (Photo courtesy of Bulatan Park Runners’ Club)
Word is spreading about this bunch of yahoos who does #free workout on a hill at ungodly hours .Miri is starting to hear about November Project Malaysia, they are starting to see the #grassrootsgear and the tribe is growing. All this because the tribe is embracing the change along with the weird, the newbies that #justshowup is experiencing something they have never been exposed to. Talk to strangers, hugging not shaking, bringing positivity and make our community better is on its way!
To get to where the magic happens, which we refer to it as November Project Malaysia around these parts, you have to step out of your comfort zone. (Picture from stepping out of your comfort zone blog @ doTerra.com)
Important stuff:
This Sunday, we will be having our first ever social event at Ming’s Café. We spend so much time sweating, pushing and hugging each other, here is a chance to get to know each other minus the workout…maybe. It will be weird, it will be awkward, it may be a little bit uncomfortable but it is guaranteed 100% fun! #Chuckchicken #Crateescape
We are still trying to give away some November Project Key tags this month and there are two ways to win.
