Stop me if you’ve heard this one.
A pair of lax rowing bros make a pact to hold each other accountable to get up before the sun, fight off the biting cold, and run stairs every day for the month of November. A few people show up, then tell their friends. The group grows; kindling meets flint, a wildfire of #freefitness ignites. Winds carry people to new locales, fanning the flames throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
A gentleman moves from Germany to the US, settling in Phoenix. One frigid evening, warming himself by the fire and enjoying the latest issue of Der Spiegel, he reads a story about a group that preaches free fitness and community. “November Project.” The words dance in the firelight, branding themselves into his memory. An investigation reveals a local tribe. A few weeks later, he finds his way through the desert with nothing to guide him but moonlight and the bouncing of headlamps in the distance.
Upon arrival, he is brought to the center of the huddle, introduced to the crowd, and enveloped by hugs from complete strangers. The workout begins, and he realizes that he can go his own pace without worry of losing the group. There is always someone nearby, reaching out with a high-5 or words of encouragement. The music and group create an incredible energy that extinguishes any sense of fatigue or cold. He is excited for November Projekt Berlin.
Notes:
- Rock n’ Roll cheer station details! We will have a group on the northwest corner of Van Buren and Galvin Parkway. Parking is available at the intersection of 56th and Van Buren, about a quarter mile to the west.
- Good luck to everybody racing this weekend!
- You may have notice that 12News was out this morning, interviewing a few of us and providing some much-needed light for the workout. Look for the spot to drop in a couple weeks; we’ll keep you updated when we learn the exact date and time.
