Collective Efforts - November Project

Man did we SHOW UP this morning! The tribe was big, the tribe was strong, and we all left exhausted. I love these workouts because every week is different. The workout is different, the group is slightly different, every once in a while it rains… but what I find most interesting is the current state of each individual – their background, mood, and current circumstances. And this isn’t something that we all notice all the time (It would be impossible – just too many of us!) But it’s important to recognize that, in the same way you deal with things happening outside of the workouts in your own life, everyone else is showing up under the same conditions, good or bad. But we do something special each week- We show up and that issue fades away. A practice in being present forced upon us. So, show up for the individual that you know, or don’t. Hold yourself and your tribe members accountable, because some days we need it more than others.

Emily Torres is a badass. Athletically, mentally. She’s an inspiration for anyone who’s paying attention. So, if you haven’t been, listen up – she’s got some powerful things to say…

“Yesterday marked my one year anniversary. No, not my NP-versary. No, not my relationship anniversary. Instead, it marks my anniversary that I got off crutches and learned how to walk – and eventually run – again.

Let me rewind.

I moved to San Diego around a year and a half ago, with absolutely zero friends in a two-hour radius. Two weeks after my move, I decided to just show up at November Project. I was lonely and was already a morning person. I also loved running. So, even as an extremely awkward introvert, I headed out to La Jolla Cove bright and early and ran hills with NPSD.

I loved the friendships I formed at 6:29 in the morning, but honestly, I loved the workouts more than anything. The workouts allowed me to push myself in ways I wouldn’t do alone, and I felt myself getting faster and stronger daily.

But…just a few brief months into my move to San Diego (and in the midst of marathon training), I found out I fractured my hip. At age 22. With no fall or impact. What?!

Amidst all my tears and daily breakdowns about not being able to run, to walk, to carry my own things and a short stint of moving back home, I decided I needed to come back to November Project. I craved the positivity and energy more than I thought I would. And it was then that this group became so much more than just a place for me to get a solid sweat sesh in.

For months (even when I felt hopeless), I showed up and did ab workouts on injury deck. The outpouring of positivity, the unsolicited visits in the hospital, the texts and calls and referrals to PTs, the personal yoga sessions and the constant smiles and high fives…it meant more than I could ever say. I felt welcome from every single person – from leader to friend to people I’d never even met, even when my movement was limited, even when I couldn’t keep up with anyone. This tribe lifted me up (often, quite literally) when I fractured my hip.

When I got off crutches, the tribe still stood by me. They pushed me through the ups and downs of physical recovery and showed me the bright side to everything. When I ran my first race post-injury, dozens of tribe members showed up to cheer me on. Where else can you get that love and support?

In September, I fractured my second hip. While I assumed the crew would be tired of taking care of me, NPSD still stood by my side – in the hospital, on injury deck, and now while I slowly learn how to run again.

So, between two broken hips and almost ten months without running, last year should have been my crappiest to date. But, the tribe transformed the year into the best year of my life full of laughter, memories and unparalleled kindness and support. For that, I am grateful in a way that I can’t put into words.

At the end of the day, this tribe celebrates your success, mourns your losses, provides company when you need it most…and is always down for a good sweat sesh (and maybe a beer or two).