Author: Steve

Besides being on everyone’s physical camera this morning (because you used the #NP_Camera so we can crowdsource photos), here’s a blog about hypothetical cameras:

I’ve been trying to say hi to more people lately. Not in the “I’m going to text my friend ‘hey’ because I’m bored and want to explore more about their life” way. More in the “I’m out walking in public and I want to brighten someone’s day” way. Why? When someone smiles at you and says good morning (or just a simple hi), does it not make you smile back? Does it not make you feel more comfortable in your neighborhood/city? read more

Today’s blog post comes from a tribe member that’s  always smiling, cracking jokes, and encouraging every single person out there. From DC to Africa, some of you know a bit of his story. The following just scratches the surface of what November Project represents as more than just a #FreeFitness movement. Read below and then catch some announcements at the end. Without further ado, here’s Luke: read more

Told you guys I’d be back with part TWO. If you didn’t read part ONE, STOP READING, CLICK HERE. Then come back. I’ll wait…

After these messages, we’ll be right back. But first, ANNOUNCEMENTS APLENTY:

• IMPORTANT: Because we want to cooperate with NPS and allow the 6:30 crew to have a full workout, we’ll be trying out NEW START TIMES on WEDNESDAYS ONLY. We will now be starting at 5:25AM and 6:20AM. Tell/remind everyone. Show up a couple minutes early so you don’t miss the bounce!
• FRIDAY’S LOCATION is on the tracker. Bring your friends, neighbors, strangers potentially new friends. 6:29AM.
• BUFFS are being sold for a cool $5. See Maria w/ some cash post-workout or Venmo her at Maria-Randazzo-1. ALL ORDERS due OCT. 30th.
• NOVEMBER PROJECT in the MOVIES: Something isn’t truly groundbreaking until they make a movie about it right? Well WE MADE A MOVIE. Actually, Dooster Film made a movie. If you haven’t see TEASER #1 or TEASER #2 or the TRAILER, watch it now. We will be having a screening of the film here in DC next month. If you have any connections to a theater, large auditorium, etc. that could hold maybe 300 people, let us know (novprojectdc@gmail.com). We’ll be working on finding an awesome space for this. ALSO, stay tuned for a potential contest leading up to this.
• MCM Cheer station/afterparty

And now for more recruiting advice:

1. We’ve discussed how to start a conversation with someone and the benefits of having a support system with you when randomly talking to strangers. We’ve really emphasized that NOW is the time to recruit people. Get them hooked BEFORE the cold sets in and we they all want to stay in their cozy beds in the AM. If they whine about it, tell them they can do that the other four days of the week, right?
2. Start Simple: For someone that has never heard about November Project and/or has never been, it’s intimidating. That’s just a known fact. A large group of sweaty good-looking people that all know what they’re doing is intimidating. Think of it like a first date. If you’re genuinely interested, you’re nervous, your palms get sweaty, your tongue swells up. How do we make it less intimidating for someone? Start simple. Convince them to come to just one workout. Find out in what neighborhood they live. Which workout is closest to them? Can you pick them up on your way and runpool together? Ensure them that you’ll be there every step of the way with them. What do they have to lose by trying it once besides an hour of sleep?
3. Highlight the GOOD GOOD. When chatting with someone I usually insert some guarantees: you WILL have fun, you WILL laugh, you WILL smile, you WILL sweat, you WILL NOT be the slowest, you WILL fit in, you WILL have tons of energy afterward. Think of all the simple things you love about NP and then tell someone about them. Emphasize the accountability aspect. Going on a run or to the gym by yourself is not NEARLY as fun or motivating as workout out with HUNDREDS of people that will constantly hold you accountable and push you to be better person and athlete. If you can move, you’re an athlete.
4. Your success rate won’t be 100%. While we preach that NP is for everyone (meaning anyone that wants to #JustShowUp can and will be accepted), NP is not for everyone. That’s OK. In the same way that only some people put ketchup on their mac and cheese, other people don’t like pickles, and still some aren’t chocolate fans (this is blasphemy but they are out there).

That’s all I got for now. If you made it this far, congrats. I don’t have a certificate of completion but maybe try commenting on the FB album ‘Down to #RecruitEveryone’. read more

You’ve been bit by the bug. You’ve drank the kool-aid (OHHHH-YEEEAAAAAHHHH). You’re addicted. People are starting to notice. You’re friends, family, coworkers are all seeing a different side of you. A smiling, optimistic side. NOTHING can get you down. Last time you cried?? Maybe last Friday because you were laughing so hard at a joke that Steve told at the workout (Steve definitely didn’t not write this blog post). If being happy and positive and energetic all the time is weird, BRING ON THE WEIRD. read more

Prior to the 5:30 workout at Lincoln, a car pulled up to our “bag check” area. Out stepped AE, an NP_DC regular with another woman I didn’t recognize. Moments later, AE introduced me to her mom, Debbie, who’s in her late 70s.

Debbie came to NP. Debbie helped AE hold down the “stuff” area at 5:30. She observed the 6:30 workout. She took selfies with members afterward. NP is for everyone. Bring your mom. read more

It’s about time we had another contest. So that’s what we’re doing. 2 FREE bibs to the Baltimore Running Festival on October 15th. ANY RACE. Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k. Yours for the taking. What do you have to do? First, keep reading.

Sure, many of us recruit on the side for the extra cash (wait, we’re not getting paid commission? Ok, fine). You talk to your coworker about NP all the time. Maybe even your neighbor when you cross paths. When’s the last time you mentioned NP to the person making your coffee? The dog and its owner on their afternoon stroll? That person you keep playing leapfrog with on your bike commute? If NP really is this incredible community that’s changed your life, you should want the same experience for everyone. Scratch that. EVERYTHING. read more

Wait wait wait. DID YOU HEAR? #MapTheDistrict is GOING DOWN on SEPT. 10th. 4PM. ARE YOU GOING??? Need to know more? STAY TUNED……………….

THIS MORNING was GOOD. High energy, somewhat cooler temps, visitors from other cities, newbies, veterans, alleyway sprints, and a small competition for some free gear (thanks Knockaround). Also, Mike, we know it was your birthday because your friend told us but we didn’t even do any announcements so…BOOM, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Collin, we know it was your ‘last day’ before returning to school…so we’ll see you in like two weeks? Was something missing? Nah. It was all there (unless you weren’t there). read more

DO NOT be confused by the image above. This is the blog for the District of Columbia.

I just read a recent article in some sort of print media form (it lives) and said article stated 4 ways for continued motivation to work out throughout the summer. Two of these were (1) find group fitness and (B) work out in the morning when it’s not as hot. PRETTY SURE we’ve got that down. So if you’re out there looking for motivation, look no further. IT’S RIGHT HERE! read more