Twas the morning after Christmas, and a group of hardcore humans gathered before the sun had risen to get in one more 2018 workout with some of the coolest people in town. We took in the crisp, cool Boxing Day air as we warmed up with a little kickboxing action. We shuffled, jabbed and kicked our way right into the main workout. The 12 rounds we set out to accomplish proved to be a formidable challenge for the strongest in the group, while modifications allowed others to keep on their path to becoming the strongest.
Maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more (ORL)
A chill was in the air early Wednesday morning, and everyone was gathering at the base of the lighted treepole. We huddled together for a nice warmup bounce, followed by warming hugs all around. Our spirits continued to soar as we jogged around the fountain, belting out our favorite Holiday tunes. It sounded something like “haul out the jingle bells, fa la la la la, la la la I have a little dreidel, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?!”
After we had our fill of hard work and high fives, there was one final challenge: a good, old fashioned holiday plank-off. The contest was called a tie, with three still planking. Rays hips were a little high, and #angelface was slightly droopy, I think we all know there really was a clear winner.
That brings us to the burn out, where he seemed to be rethinking that choice. For every time a group spun ‘shin’ they added candy to the pot. At the end of the game, they learned that each piece of candy in the pot represented one burpee they would do for the burn out. A rare grievance aired by the overachieving Ray Bazzi added a long sprint to the 16 burpees, which will be known from that day forward as the #BazziBurnout. A strong finish by everyone was an encouraging start to their day. 
I honestly didn’t know much about Hanukkah before preparing for this week’s work out and writing this blog. I was inspired by what I have learned about the perseverance of Judah and those who fought with him and stood up for what they believed, despite the odds against them. At the heart of the Hanukkah celebration is the lighting of the menorah. This tradition has many significances and, if nothing else, let it remind us that no matter how dark it is outside, a candle of goodness can transform the darkness itself into light. We all have a fire inside of us, and November Project helps to fuel mine. I mean, who knew that leading November Project would give me a lesson in history and religion? This. Shit. Is. Good!
We also had a couple of traverballers-John brought his fast feet from 
A fun little finisher of jogging in place, planking, and jumping jacks-all with our eyes closed, gave us a new perspective on time. A fresh perspective is something we can apply to so many aspects in our lives. It’s easy to get stuck with tunnel vision, which can prevent us from seeing how we can move ahead or make a change in a particular situation. I encourage you all to expand the way you look at things, and to seek opportunities to build on the positive aspects in your life. We all can all make positive choices that help to enrich our lives, and those around us.
No matter where you placed in the Great Pumpkin Relay, you were a winner. Treats went out to everyone for showing up and participating whole-heartedly in our weird games. We appreciate you all for pushing yourselves, and encouraging those around you to push themselves as well.
Valiant efforts were put forth by both teams, and the game ended in a dead heat. 55-55. Tie goes to the runner, and everyone who showed up Wednesday morning earned their place on base. The closer was a prep for the next week’s festivities. A Ghostbusters Burpee Burnout, where reverse burpees were the devil.