You probably already know this, but our dear Tribemember, Melani Robinson (AKA MelRo), was awarded with the Positivity Award this past Wednesday. If you don’t know Mel, you should. She can be seen at workouts, usually flaunting pink, and chugging hills for breakfast–typically while simultaneously training for a marathon.
You get a badge! And you get a badge! And you get a badge!
Mel embodies the spirit and vibe November Project–she shows up, works hard, and spreads the NP gospel outside of workouts as well. As you’ll hear in the testimonials sections of this blog, Mel’s friends are not shy about gushing over her ability to plan/coordinate/build HYPE for November Project.
To get to know MelRo a bit better, we gave her the good ole 5 for 5 Q&A. Here we go:
1)How were you introduced to November Project?
My friend told me about it and asked me to come with him. He stopped coming something about too many happy people 🤷🏻♀️ I continued to show up!
2) What do you remember about your first workout or thinking at/after your first workout?
I remember being way over dressed. I also remember being very intimidated by all the FAF [FESTIVE AF] people. After the workout I hurt but I knew it was something I had to go to again.
3) What motivates you to keep you coming back?
Sappy, but the people! I really enjoy everyone I’ve met through NP. I never regret going to a workout because I love spending time with everyone.
4) If you were a workout, which one would you be and why?
The Cherry Blossom Jefferson Memorial Workout.
A. Because everything is pink my favorite color duh
B. Because it’s one of my favorite monuments in the city and you truly feel like you are on an island.
5) Would you rather fight one human sized duck or 100 duck-sized humans and WHY?!
One human sized duck and kick it back into the reflecting pool.
When I asked MelRo what the PA meant to her, here’s what she said–
“Winning the PA to me is one of the greatest honors in November Project it’s a sign that you truly exemplify what NP stands for. NP has been a huge part of my life for the last two and a half years. This is just another gift of many NP has given to me.”
ALL PINK EVERYTHING
To give you an even better picture of how stellar Mel is, we went to some of her squad for personal anecdotes:
Kate Rust, friend, arm-cast afficianado:
“Mel embraces the true meaning of NP. She relentlessly promotes NP and spreads the love in our community. I have not met another tribe member who exemplifies positivity and inclusivity as much as Mel. From workouts, to planning happy hours, and ordering custom swag, she wants everyone to experience the happiness that NP can bring to your life. “
Natalie Beach, TribeWoman, Lover of cats (maybe?):
“Nobody eats, sleeps and breathes NP quite like Melani Robinson. She’s the most dedicated NP member I know. She rarely misses a workout or social event and attends each with a smile and a hard-working attitude. In fact, she’s a big reason we have breakfast plans and social events, as she took it upon herself to successfully plan monthly PR Day Happy Hours. Mel’s a great friend to have, and lucky for us she’s a friend to everyone at NP.”
“Mel personifies the idea of #justshowup. She’s almost always the first person to reply to the Best Caring Run Pool Ever (yes that’s the name of the Columbia Heights run pool and no, it’s not something Mel was too happy about but that story would require its own blog post) for next day workout role call and is ALWAYS the first person to respond to happy hour/fundraiser/bonding activity invites. Mel doesn’t break a verbal and will be at the meet up point still somewhat drunk from the night before if that’s what it takes to show up. Even if she spills water on her brand new iPhone she’ll still find a way to BEAT you to the run pool meet up. I honestly can’t remember the last time I went to a workout where Mel wasn’t there. I’m not sure what NP would be like without her because I’m not sure I’ve ever experienced NP without Mel.
In addition to leading the charge to get people to workout, Mel is always working on ways to encourage people to connect outside of NP as well – post-PR day Happy Hour, breakfast plans for Friday workouts (where are we getting breakfast tomorrow?), cheer stations for races, long runs, pre-marathon carboloading – and she does it without ever complaining about how much time she puts into logistics. Mel lives for NP and she makes that lifestyle contagious. “
Are you still there? Are you breathing? Are you AMPED about this week’s PA winner? I hope: yes, yes (please still be breathing), and OH MY GOLLY YES!
So proud of you Mel.