Today’s blog post is brought to you by a newcomer to the November Project universe. He joined us (appropriately) in November, but if I didn’t know better, I’d say he’s been around for years. It’s always cool to see new friends come out to the workouts and really get it – the vibe, the community, the work. If you didn’t get a chance this morning to meet our guest blogger – because you decided your bed was warmer than PR Hill, or you were to busy chasing down a PR of your own – do yourself a favor next time you see him, and say “Good morning!”
“I’d heard of November Project a few times from friends in the San Francisco area, but it wasn’t until I went to my first NP workout three weeks ago that I actually began to understand what the movement is all about. My college rowing buddy Adam was visiting for a few days and looking for a new group of friends. I’d recently talked with Jenna and Kat about November Project San Diego so, Adam and I decided to #justshowup the following morning. Adam and I both showed up, the workout was tough but there were so many positive comments from people we’d just met a few minutes before, it was fantastic.
I was eager to show up for the Wednesday workout in Balboa Park. I woke up before my alarm clock on that Wednesday, wow I was genuinely excited to hop on my bike and head over to see my new friends and meet more enthusiastic and positive people. I decided to invite my friend and California SwimRun co-founder, Andy to November Project. We’d had a few of the NP athletes compete in our last race so Andy needed to come see what NP was all about.
That Wednesday was a tough workout combining running, hills, different exercises and more high fives than I’ve had all year (I like high fives a lot). Andy and I had a great time and we decided to invite our rowing friend Carmen for the Monday workout. Each time I’ve been to a workout, I’ve met cool new people and have come away feeling great! That following Thursday was Thanksgiving; my new friends invited me on a bike ride up and down Mt. Soledad 5 times! The workout ended up being really tough, but it was a really great chance to get to know people better and we had a fun time grabbing coffee afterward.
While on the bike ride, several of my new friends talked about the North Face challenge coming up the following weekend and how it was one of the best NP weekends of the year. Despite the events being full, I decided to buy a plane ticket up to San Francisco to cheer my new friends as they challenged themselves to new heights.
This past Wednesday was my first PR workout day, Andy was there, so was Carmen and our friend Luca decided to #justshowup. PR day was really tough but with so many encouraging friends, giving up was just not an option. When we finished up the workout, I was breathing harder than I had in some time but, the high five from Ashleigh and Angelo gave me a high five at the top, it was all good!
When we gathered around for the group picture, I was surprised and honored when Ashleigh asked me to come up and receive the positivity award which is a wooden oar handle. I’m still rowing at the San Diego Rowing Club so; it was quite cool to receive this award! I’m excited to head up to San Francisco this weekend and cheer on my new friends and get to meet new friends from some of the other tribes!
Thanks November Project!
Sean Durkin”
NEXT MONDAY: Morley Field Tennis Stadium – 6:29AM #justshowup
Good luck to everyone heading to the North Face Endurance Challenge this weekend. RACE HARD!
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I’ve been following from rural Montana and wished we had a November Project here….. In January me and a friend will be in San Diego and plan on joining up with the tribe. So looking forward to my first experience! How do I get my hands on a couple t-shirts?