You know, the first time that you decided to #justshowup ? When you finally got the courage to stop socially lurking, were tired of your friend nagging you to try it “one time please”, figured November Project might just be FOR YOU! I am pretty sure that we all remember that morning. You checked and double checked the location and time, googled directions & exactly how much time you needed to find parking. Maybe you got there early and sat in your car second guessing why the hell you were doing this. Or perhaps you got there late and questioned whether it was worth it to go anyway. Needless to say, you took that chance and showed up to your first November Project Virginia Beach workout.
Walking up those long steep stairs to the top of Mt. Trashmore is pretty damn intimidating. Seeing masses of people lining the horizon all engaged in conversation, looking like they belonged here. “Do I belong here? This was a bad decision!” you may have said to yourself under your breath. Fearlessly you pushed on and crested the top of the mountain.
“OMG, why are these people so happy? They are all looking at me. Shit, they know it’s my first time. Hurry, move to the back so no one notices you.” It’s ok, we all had this same inner dialogue the first time. Perhaps a friend invited you and you now franticly scan the crowd like a kid on the first day of school looking for the only person that you know. They aren’t here, now what? You quickly move into the shadows and begin desperately texting your friend. “Where are you?????” Someone comes over and introduces themselves to you, they ask you if you prefer hugs or high fives. Ugh, no brainer, handshakes!
The leaders call everyone in, “It’s 6:15, bring it in” they scream. They give some explanation of what November Project is, but you don’t hear anything, you are still looking for your friend. Then they ask if this is anyone’s first time. No way you are going to raise your hand, but then the leader remembers that you are new, and asks you to tell everyone your name. You quietly respond, hoping they move along to the next newbie victim quickly. Suddenly they all start to BOUNCE! WTF??? You are 100 percent questioning your sanity now, but then find yourself singing back with the crowd. There is a smile appearing on your face, and you try to hold it back. “Give out three hugs, high-fives, or elbow touches” the leader yells. You prepare yourself but are really surprised by how many people greet you by your name as they smack your hand in the air.
Someone explains the workout and you are pretty sure that you understand. Your friend is still not there, and you are most certainly going to kill them. You fall in line with the exercises and realize that no one is paying attention to what rep you are on, or how terrible your form looks. Everyone is just working, smiling, and truly having fun. You are starting to get tired as someone runs past you saying “Great job, you got this. We are so glad you are here.” The positivity is all around you and somehow it seems genuine and not forced. “These people are actually OK after all” you tell yourself.
“TIME!” you hear shouted above the crowd and thank God that you didn’t die. But wait, they want to do a burnout? A game of Leapfrog? You are pretty sure that you have nothing left in the tank, but want to play, because who doesn’t love leapfrog. You find yourself laughing like a school child all the way up the hill. You don’t want this morning to end, you are having too much fun.
Everyone files in on the stairs and finds a seat. You sit next to your partner who you are pretty sure is going to be your new best friend. They talk about announcements, socials, Summit and then take your picture. “Straight back, straight face!” they yell and you follow everyone’s lead. As quickly as it started, everyone is on their feet quickly giving goodbye hugs and racing to their cars. Many people come over and tell you bye and once again say that they are so glad you came this morning. You find yourself back in your car, covered in sweat, grass and goose poop; and you smile ear to ear, “That was amazing” you say. And then, you wonder why it took you so damn long to #justshowup
Wisconsin Notes
-Leapfrog is freaking awesome!
-NPVB Triathalon Event (Aug 25th) is live on FB Come out and give the Tri a Try!!!! https://www.facebook.com/events/733240060469379/
-November Project Summit 7.0 (Nov 15th – Nov 18th) Join people from around the world in Las Vegas for a weekend of fitness, fun and racing at Rock & Roll Las Vegas. VB is rolling deep, so please come with us. You won’t regret it, Promise! Event info is now posted here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2766712056702998/
To all the newbies that took a chance this morning, We are really glad you are here!
~Love, Jill
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This shit is good….. Family! Love my tribe ….. WOOOOOOOOOOOO 👊