Free Fitness Movement. All you need to do is show up!
EVERY MONDAY, at ROTATING locations at 6:00AM
(check social media on the Sunday before for the location)
& EVERY WEDNESDAY, join us at Champions Square at 5:15 and 6:00AM.
& EVERY FRIDAY, join us at Shelter 1 on Lakeshore Drive at 6:00AM.
Connect with NP – New Orleans via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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?
Notes From the Editor:
Amy DK is a longstanding member of November Project Chicago. Beginning her journey just over two years ago, Amy has never missed an opportunity to show how much the entire November Project community means to her. She loves us SO MUCH that she has donated one of her organs to recruit more people. Yes, she is that BAD-ASS! Now it’s our turn to show our gratitude for this wonder-full woman. Amy, you are amy-azing. You are so much more than amy-eer mortal. You literally can’t do amything wrong. Don’t think we have amy more puns? When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s Amyore! Ok, ok, we’re done. With no further ado, Amy take it away!
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.
Over the last six and a half years, the co-founders of November Project, Bojan & Brogan, have been expanding the movement while it continues to grow organically through passionate and dedicated volunteer leadership, weatherproof workouts, and supportive communities, all at the cost of zero dollars. But with expansion comes evolution and November Project is proud to announce the next chapter of the movement, as a nonprofit organization. This year, with the support of everyone in our community, the structure of November Project (NP) will be one that involves more than simply two co-founders.
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.
By the time I finish this blog & post it, you’ll probably be in your seat, reading this post and anxiously avoiding switching to “Airplane Mode.” Order a drink while you can. I hear everywhere else is a lot stricter about drinking.
I’m going to keep this short & sweet, and try to give everyone a chance to learn something from my #SoleSendOff. Your friendship has provided me with more than I could have ever asked for. You have taught me and so many others how to go pursue your dreams. You have shone bright and have begun to change the world. So the following list includes a few of the things you have taught me (and for the sake of this blog post, everything y’all can learn from Soledad).
Wisconsin Notes
Last week, Chloe S. received the Positivity Award. For those of you who don’t know Chloe, she’s fast, friendly, and has a warm & welcoming charm to her. She was an obvious choice. What we didn’t realize is how much it would mean to her. When we find out that this award, a cut up oar, can mean so much to someone, it’s reenergizing for us. It’s a reminder of why we love being here for each and every one of you. Thank you, Chloe, for sharing such an awesome tribute to this tribe. Enjoy!
Four years ago, November Project New Orleans was born. It started with 2 siblings and their friends wanting to start a tribe after reading about it in Runner’s World. New Orleans was a small town with a touristy feel, but the fitness community hadn’t yet exploded into what it is today. These OG leaders built the foundation for something way bigger than any one individual here. One where you can just show up and know that we will be here, smiling, bouncing, and starting our day right. And we owe it to these four for gifting us this community.
This one is going to be short and sweet. It’s a reflection of sorts. A chance for me to reiterate what I said at the end of the workout this morning.
Today, I want you to be there for someone who matters to you. Hug them a little harder, listen to them a little longer, laugh with them until it hurts, and remind them that they matter. Remind them what about them makes you so glad they are in your life. Tell them you love them & mean it. Support them in whatever capacity they need from you today. And smile while you do it. You never know how much that person might need that hug, that smile, that encouragement.
It’s Monday morning post-workout and I’m sitting on my couch in denial. The weekend is over and we have to go back to reality. But before I put my big girl shoes on & go to work, I’ve got one thing to say…
Thank you to the Crescent City Classic and Ms. Gini for letting us speak at the Expo on Thursday night. Thank you to the crowd of people who stuck around and listened to Glenn and I go on and on about why NP is the greatest thing. Thank you to my fellow leaders who helped advise on the best way to go about speaking to a crowd. Thank you to Rob who helped me pull together NP pics last minute because one of us had to focus on our day job. Thank you to Glenn for letting me be the queen of sap & never picking on me too much for it. If you didn’t have the chance to come by the expo, have no fear…