This morning I led my final workout as co-leader of November Project San Francisco. It was rather apt that it was on at a Friday Hills. The workout that solidified my love for NPSF those first few weeks in 2013. I love the simplicity of it. One hill to hammer up and down however well you can. By the end of 30 minutes, no-one knows how many reps everyone else has done. It doesn’t matter. But we’re all doing it together. Sweating. High-fiving. Suffering. Smiling.
New Sheriff in Town (NPSF)
Thank you to everyone who came out this morning for NPSF’s 5th Birthday! It was fun, weird, amazing, and a damn good workout (so I heard). As my first post I was planning to talk a bit about my history with November Project; however, I think today calls for something different.
We all live in an amazing city and we’re all fortunate enough to see its awesomeness and explore its beauty. With all its beauty though comes its many issues: homelessness, mental health, gentrification, etc. Lindsey Bolt said it best, “perspective”. We have created and continue to grow this awesome community full of awesome people who support each other through the tough times and the great times, but there are still so many people in SF and around the world that don’t have a community like this. We need to spread this awesomeness, show as many people as we can the power of community.
Some News. Not Goodbye Yet. (SF)
This morning, following one of the greatest botched bounces I’ve ever created and our normal, crushing PR Wednesday, one Paddy O’Leary had a few words for the tribe.
He wasn’t telling us where Friday hills would be (Grant x California in Chinatown) or pumping up a trail race. He broke the news to the tribe that after 4(?!) years of leading, he’ll be stepping back to join the ranks of the tribe in a couple of weeks.
Exciting New Direction
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.
This Is How We Do It (SF)
So I’ve noticed a trend in the past couple weeks since Laura left us where people like to talk about how hard her workouts were. And don’t get me wrong, I remember many a McGreen workout where I could barely get out of my chair at work, but I also recall a few other hard workouts too. And don’t think just because Laura’s off to greener pastures that we’re going to let you off the hook. We can kick your ass into gear too when we want to.
For The Love Of Tacos (SF)
Today, we did what we should have done long ago. And by long ago I mean last week when Paddy was leading. We did a full taco-themed workout.
You ran around the park and then up the steps to pick your taco ingredients to make your perfect taco. Maybe you had to do 20 jump squats. Maybe you had to moo like a cow for 10 seconds. Maybe (and it seemed like everyone got this) you had to tell me (Zip) to do 10 burpees. Regardless, I’ve never seen a better looking or more sweaty taco bar.
Ham Sandwiches -> Seven Summits (NPSF)
This morning’s workout gave us a cultural explanation of the Irish version of the taco. The quick and easy snack. Prepared out of the boot of the car. At the gate of the sports field. In the kitchen. The basic. The glorious. The ham sandwich. Here, my boy from back in Ireland, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, explains how to make the perfect ham sandwich in food form:
Guest Blog: Nikhil Agarwal (SF)
Today’s blog post comes from our current recipient of the Positivity Award. You know, that wooden stick that actually carries a lot of value. Nikhil has been a member of NPSF for a long time and was so deserving of the PA. We’re glad you’re here, Nikhil. Take it away…
Before we get into the meat of this post, I have a confession to make: In general I am not a very positive person, perhaps borderline grumpy and definitely a little lazy. In light of this confession being awarded this positivity stick is a surprise and being able to talk about my experience at November Project is a privilege.
The Fittest Tribe (SF)
A couple of months ago, November Project leaders across the land voted on superlatives for their fellow leaders. There was Shittiest Winter, Best Hometown Pride, probably some other things that I don’t know because I wasn’t a leader yet. While San Francisco is the best city in the world, we have a winter that’s anything but shitty and it’s very few people who live here’s hometown. But one thing San Francisco is known for is being a fit city, and your fearless leaders were voted The Fittest Leaders in the NP Kingdom. Now while I can’t take credit for this because I wasn’t even a leader at the time, I will say Paddy, Zip, and Laura seem pretty damn fit. But when you actually think about it, do leaders ever actually workout? Or do we just wave our hands enough in front of you guys that you think we’re the ones doing the work? I took a look through old photos to investigate.
5 Of The Best Years (SF)
ARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
How am I supposed to sum up 5 years of memories in a blog post?
(Goes to get coffee. Returns to computer)
I already cried in front of you once today, so do I have to get all melodramatic again?
(Goes to get donuts. Returns to computer. Eats said donuts while staring at blank screen)