Today’s continued celebration of AANHPI Month takes us to Washington, D.C. where we check in with Russell (he/him), current Co-leader of NP DC who loves goofing off and connecting with his community.
What words do you use to describe your full identity/all your identities
Filipino born and raised from Hawaii!
Who are some of the Asian and Pacific Islander athletes in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
Paul Encarnacion — ultramarathoner and regular runner of Hawaii’s HURT 100. Yuki Kawauchi — winner of the 2018 Boston Marathon. Erik Spoelstra — Head Coach of the Miami Heat and second-longest tenured coach in the NBA.
When did you first #JustShowUp to NP? How did you come across NP? What is it that you were looking for in a fitness group? How did NP provide that? What was an “extra” that NP has that you found value in?
My friend from Boston recommended NP as a free fitness class with the best peeps! Despite a warning that the workouts may be intense — he threw up at his last workout — I showed up at a Malcolm X workout and found it equally challenging and fun! There are lots of ways to stay fit in DC but few offer the sense of community and excuse to goof off that NP offers!
What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?
After my friend said he vomited during a particularly challenging session at the Harvard Stairs in Boston some may have been deterred but I also love running enough that that didn’t deter me! My first impression was that while there were very many fit people at NPDC the group was also very welcoming and inclusive! I kept showing up because the accountability helps me get out of my apartment when I didn’t really feel like it, and getting to know everyone really felt like getting to know ppl in DC beyond the usual DC convos.
What does it mean to you to be an Asian and/or Pacific Islander Co-leader? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
I once made an NPDC promo using Muna’s “I Know A Place” where the chorus goes “I know a place where everyone will lay down their weapon” and I truly believe that NPDC is such a place. Everyone that attends workouts comes with such a welcoming attitude that goes beyond race, gender or even fitness level.
I once interacted with someone who I hadn’t before — back when I wasn’t even co-leader — and he said that I was always a “reassuring presence” at workouts. Whether it’s my welcoming self or the fact that I looked like him, I’m more than happy to provide that presence to help ppl feel like they belong at workouts.
How does being Asian and/or Pacific Islander influence your leadership? What was it like to be Asian and/or Pacific Islander in your community before you stepped into leadership?
Growing up in Hawaii has always imbued me with a sense of Aloha — the way that community means always acting out of the kindness of their heart for their fellow neighbors. Having that upbringing truly makes me want to make NPDC a better place. NPDC is truly a home-away-from-home in that I feel Aloha from the attendees every week and it’s something I try to reciprocate.
Do you remember the first time you saw someone who identified the same as you in leadership (at November Project or anywhere else)? What was that feeling like?
Young has been co-leader ever since I came back to NPDC in 2021 after the pandemic and I always felt like he brought a lot of energy and fun to workouts. After joining him as co-leader he definitely has been a great partner and role-model — always thinking of both challenging and fun ways we can operate. The most fun thing I can think of is a Limbo burnout!
Did you have any apprehensions to lead this group? Did you experience imposter syndrome when you were asked to lead? What advice would you give to another Asian and/or Pacific Islander person who is nervous about leading a group (at November Project or anywhere else) or coming to November Project?
I feel like most perceptions of Asian culture is that we are timid or quiet — which I can be. That sort of assumption was a little daunting in that I feel like I need to overcome that. However once they see me screaming and yelling at a bounce I think all of those preconceptions go out the window!
When I do feel not as energetic at workouts however I also feel like our community understands that as well as welcomes the different vibes! In that sense I don’t think they have preconceptions on how I should act like — they truly accept me for who I am, like we all do.
How do you celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? How can others celebrate you or celebrate with you this day? How can we celebrate you all year long?
Growing up in the only U.S. state where Asians are the majority, I truly don’t see many differences between Asian culture and other cultures! We’re all human beings and on this Earth and we should all treat each other equally.
That being said, I do think everyone should take their shoes off when they enter houses — it’s just cleaner overall!
What else do you want people reading this to know?
Look up the incredible story of Daniel Inouye sometime! After losing an arm in WWII in seriously one of the most unbelievable fashions, he served Hawaii as Senator for a very long time! Truly one of the best examples of servitude.
