Over the course of the past week we made November Project history. For having the most people at a workout? No (although we’re working on it, #recruiteveryone!). Did we do something insane at a workout? Like singing Backstreet Boys classics while doing push-ups? Been there, done that. Nope. WE hosted the first-ever #np_poetrycontest to raffle off bibs for the Baltimore Running Festival.
I can’t lie, I thought this idea was ridiculous when Jake mentioned it. Who likes poetry? Who has time to sit down and write a poem? Y’all. I have never been more wrong (except for that time I had bangs as a child, big mistake, huge). The response was completely overwhelming; people got down with their creative side, and it was a complete joy to read everyone’s work. I wish we could give you all free entry into the ‘fest, but nay, in contests there must be winners. So, in no particular order, here we go:
1) Yoga Julie
This poem has spunk, just like it’s author, YJ. Not only is the rhyming scheme is amazing, it’s dissection of how to listen to your body is a good perspective to be reminded of, especially when we surround ourselves with lots of hardcore athletes who constantly push themselves–it’s nice to know that yes, it’s okay to take a break. Without further delay:
Pulling Back
I recently won the positivity oar,
the handle reminiscent of rowing days of yore.
I got it because I often holler and hoot.
But mostly because I did so while in a boot.
A reward for showing up against all odds,
for ignoring my doctor and defying the Gods
who dealt me this injury to tell me to rest,
and put my mental, not physical, self to the test.
For too many months I’d been doing too much:
Yoga, and NP, and biking and such.
I needed a break and something had to give,
a pause button on the crazy life that I live.
Turns out it was my foot, a spot right over the ball,
from a freak yoga incident, a good friend’s fall.
When it first happened I said, “Oh, it can’t be that bad.”
I still ran and did yoga and walked around sandal-clad.
Two weeks later I caved and went to the doc in West End.
And Booty McBootface became my best friend.
I still just showed up and did what I could,
Even though that was more than I knew that I should.
It took a dear friend to make me finally see
that pushing through now was hurting future me.
I promised her ten days, a seemingly endless stretch of time
to rest, do nothing (and now come up with this rhyme).
I still got to teach yoga, which I thought would be cool.
But teaching without doing is unusually cruel.
And so was showing up, watching others run.
Being at workouts became more upsetting than fun.
The yoga classes I teach are designed to be tough,
but if my student just lie there for an hour, that’s enough.
Because I want them to take it to heart when I’ve said
that it’s a challenge to their bodies as well as their heads.
Sure they can handstand or touch their nose with their toes,
but we all have bad days, that’s just how it goes.
I tell them to feel that, to pull back if they need,
because when their bodies say stop, they absolutely must take heed.
Now, I’m terrible at taking my own advice here,
especially as I watched my MCM plans disappear.
And fear of missing out is strong, as we all know.
I feel like my whole life is ruled by FOMO.
But for my own mental health, I’ve had to stay away.
Even injury deck would be an unsafe gateway.
NP stresses that you should always make it.
Even the injured get shamed for verballing if they break it.
I don’t begrudge the culture, encouragement, or support,
it’s so inspiring that we get attendees of all sorts.
Fast and slow alike under the rising sun,
even my Grandma Phyllis at a young 81.
But what must be said is “It’s okay not to go.”
I’ll hold you accountable if your body says no.
#Justshow up should have some fine print:
*only if you would benefit from it.
Now most people will and it’s an effective tool
to get sleepy people to the park and the reflecting pool.
But be real with yourself and if the answer is no,
I’ll respect you just as much for deciding not to show.
So here I still am, my time I still bide,
with a heavy heart but this oar by my side.
Knowing that there are people, whose faces I miss,
who have supported me through every bit of all this.
With me every step towards recovery, big or small,
Even when that’s meant taking no steps at all.
Just by them showing up with positivity to share,
I know that November Project DC will always be there.
2) Kelly Harley
This girl needs no introduction. A ray of sunshine on the coldest winter morning, this poem is reflective of Kelly’s perpetual positivity, and her consistent willingness to do anything/meet anyone. Quite simply, it will make you believe in the magic of November Project mornings.
I Believe in Mornings
I believe in mornings, and the crisp smell of a new day.
I believe in mornings, also when the sky is gray.
I believe in you and you believe in me,
and I believe in the community that is, NP.
I believe in hugs, sweat and tears,
all of which tear down and break through fears.
I believe with all my heart and with all of yours,
that November Project is a place with infinite, open doors.
I believe in our community – just doing what we do,
just a bounce can make my day, and maybe a burpee- or two.
I believe in the power of a sunrise- it sets my heart on fire,
and I let it take me through the day, of it l’ll never tire.
I believe in all good mornings, and to begin the day anew.
I believe in all good mornings, especially with you.
3) Sean O’Neill
I loved Sean’s ability to transport the reader to a Meridian Monday workout with his descriptive language. The ode to the snooze button is one every NPer knows, and it is articulated beautifully here:
I Once Loved You, Snooze Button
It ended last December,
I started seeing other people.
Lots of them, Mondays, Wednesdays, sometimes three times a week.
There were mornings where I missed us,
missed bed’s comfort and the successive
9 minutes of sleep stretching between soft iPhone stirrings.
But I came to appreciate new rituals,
the 6:15 jump from bed, the grabbing clothes off the floor,
the hurried ingestion of two gummy vitamins,
the half-sprint to Meridian Hill park,
“what time does the 6:20 workout start again”
bouncing in my head as I pounded pavement.
I pass the early commuters, the dog walkers,
the just-walking walkers, the baby strollers, the birds.
I throw my keys on the bench, alongside
two dozen brightly colored water bottles
advertising their brightly attired owners.
We murmur soft hellos,
more alive than awake but getting there.
Half a mile away, in my still-dark bedroom,
my alarm sounds again, in case I hit the snooze button.
But I didn’t, and the air smells of aerosol paint, grass, communal sweat,
we breathe it as we crowd in,
listening, understanding, understood.
Y’all good?
Fuck yeah.”
Now I know we said we were only going to have 3 winners, but these poems were SO GOOD, so insightful, SO FIRE [insert emoji here] that we couldn’t help ourselves. We have ourselves a fourth winner:
4) Sharlene Simon
This flow of this poem is incredible; plus a bathroom reference?!? COUNT ME IN. Great work, Sharlene–a well earned bib for a well written submission:
Mondays…
You’ve seen me walk, you’ve seen me run, November Project is always fun.
6:29 is the starting time, my favorite part is, it costs FREE 99.
It might be light, it might be dark, rain or shine, we meet at the park.
Whether coming up or down the street, my music pumping, never miss a beat.
Kids, dogs, and friends galore…if you’re willing to wake up, we open that door.
In between running, there is always a spice. Maybe squats or dips, depends on the roll of the dice.
No matter if you’re fast or slow, chunky or slim, or even have a fro.
Together we whisper, together we hug, and after each lap, water we do chug!
I’m pretty unmotivated so I’m grateful for you, if I have to potty when running, what’s a girl to do?
There is sweat and smiles and many many miles, of joyous torture to lasts you a while.
In the heat, in the cold and even when we whine,
we keep coming back… so that must be a sign!
Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who took the time to write a submission–y’all continue to astound. Readers, be on the lookout for some of the honorable mentions as the week goes on. HAPPY MONDAY!!
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