Today in SF Ted Gurman, Co-leader of the MSN tribe, led NPSF through their paces. They ran, they jumped, they awkwardly laughed at Ted’s not-so-funny jokes. Big thanks for TG coming through so the SF tribe didn’t miss a beat. For today’s blog post, we asked Marisa Levine to write about her intro to NP and how it has changed (or ruined?) her Wednesday/Friday mornings. We hoped for the former, but promised not to edit if she chose the latter. Marisa is another Northeastern University graduate (Go Huskies!) and has been one of our leading recruiters with her genuine enthusiasm, that she lightly mixes with a twist of sarcasm. Something all NP leaders appreciate. Take it away Marisa! And a MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
Hug It Out at November Project
Any roommate of mine can attest to my deep love of the snooze button, and the fact that it’s best to not talk to me or make eye contact pre-coffee. But over the past 6 months, I’m more of a “morning person” (as much as anyone can be) than I’ve ever been. Two mornings a week, my alarm goes off before 5:30 am, and by the time I arrive at November Project, I’ve run at least 2 miles to get there. What’s worse? I actively try to convince other people to do the same.I moved to San Francisco last fall after a few years of being a Boston runner, and immediately missed close friends, and especially the running buddies that had helped me go from one mile to a marathon in just two years. But to quote Gretchen, one of my favorite NP recruits and a fellow San Francisco transplant, “I didn’t even know I missed hugs until i started November Project.” I’ve been lucky enough to continue to find amazing communities in San Francisco, and November Project is one of the best circles to fully envelop me.I happily give sweaty hugs to friends and newbies alike. I raced a PR at the Berkeley Half Marathon in large part to the dozen other NP runners I saw on my route and a cheering squad at mile 11. I spot people in tagged tanks all over the city and get non-workout hugs. Peer pressure, hundreds of Facebook and Instagram notifications, and the ever-present FOMO all keep me showing up, signing up for races, and working out on mornings other than Wednesday and Friday. I find myself telling people about November Project at work, at bars, and on the bus, and recruiting like I’m getting paid to do it. I’ll do a deck workout solo when I find myself stressed out and procrastinating, and then get back to business. I’m planning to go to November Project on New Year’s Day (hungover as hell) when I’m back in Boston. Hills don’t seem so bad anymore. (Alright, that’s a absolute lie. But company on hill repeats makes everything better.)
Sure, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, I still hit snooze for an hour and sprint to the bus. But my Wednesday and Friday mornings start early, end sweaty, include hugs, and keep me smiling all week long.
So meet us at Alamo. Bring something neon that will look even better with spraypaint. I’ll be the girl with the long ponytail laughing at the the back of the pack, convincing you to keep running up just one more hill with me.
-Marisa Levine
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