After seven months of pledging, a process that truly makes outsiders think November Project is a cult (not a cult!), we officially made it happen! We put ATL on the NP map!
It was a challenge. Brogan was pushing us “Hit 100. I want to see you guys hit 100.” And every week, 60, 70 members showed up. We couldn’t break it. But we kept trying. And our members kept showing up.
And just a few weeks ago, it happened. And even though our tribe was small, it was four leaders that made it work. You’ll hear from two of us often- Christian Lopez and Alexa Lampasona.
For me Christian
I think when I took the plunge to start the November Project in Atlanta, I didn’t fully understand how fucking awesome the people that showed up would be. In the beginning, I was nervous and full of doubt that I didn’t have what it takes to be a tribe leader. Personally, two years ago I would have called you crazy if you told me I would move from Sunny SoCal to Atlanta and lead a group who meets at 6:27am to jump up and down and give each other hugs before doing burpees to the point of exhaustion.
So, what changed me? Honestly, it was heart break. Not the relationship type when stuff doesn’t work out. I’m talking about the type when you experience the loss of a love one that you can’t imagine life without. Her name was Jenna and for me she was my “Jenny.” When my best friend Kevin called me to tell me she left this world, it brought me to my knees. We all will experience those pivotal moments in life that changes us. November of 2016 I was in NYC to run my 4th marathon in 2 years. I made a promise to my good friend Nell that I would run alongside in her first marathon. That weekend I was invited to attend an event at the Van’s skate house in Brooklyn. Some group called “November Project.” I had no idea what it was about but I was told there would be free food and beer so I went. That night they showed the documentary, “Showing Up” and I was hooked.
For me Alexa
In 2014, I flew out to Denver to race in an Epic Relay multi-day running relay with a friend from my collegiate triathlon team. She mentioned that we would be doing the race with November Project Denver. She didn’t tell me that I would not end up in her team van, so I did the entire two-day race with six people from NP Denver tribe that I had never met before. The assumption that November Project tribe members are welcoming and outgoing was spot on! I met the group and was immediately comfortable. We embarked on our race across Colorado, running through the rugged wilderness on gravel and dirt roads and past beautiful mountain ranges, and by the end of the race, NP had warmed my heart.
10 weeks into Atlanta’s pledging, I found the tribe and knew it was time to step up. I may have been overcommitted in my life already… a full time, stressful deadline-driven job, a part time social media gig, and now this? But I persevered, and despite the chaos in my life, it was November Project that made me sane. Regardless of life, all you have to do here is #justshowup.
Thanks to Jamey and Palmer
This crazy curly-haired guy Jamey was creating this insanely weird but effective workouts. He took photos and shot/edited these killer videos after every workout. Then we find out he’s finishing his PhD and moving to Portland at the end of 2017. We’re enjoying our last month with Jamey, and this won’t be the last you hear of him.
Palmer is here to stay. He is our go-to when Christian or Alexa are gone. He’s the man behind SnapChat, he’s the spraypaint king. He’s like the rock in this fitness madness relationship.
From Christian and Alexa, we are PUMPED to bring NP to ATL!
