Wisconsin Notes:
Thank you everyone!
- Co-Founders ( DG and Bojan)
- Co-Leaders ( all of you but especially the two that co-lead NPMAL with me)
- People I have met in Miri when you come to the workouts and people I met through November Project when I was in Boston
- Thanks George a.k.a @np.keychains for making the NP keytags and Erica from NY tribe for bringing them for us.
I am not a runner but NP made me do it, you all did!
It’s always more fun when we do it together, as a tribe!
Those that know me knows that I have never been a strong runner. Actually until 3 years ago, I never ran recreationally at all and my extent of running distance was probably a few rounds around the track during my football days. I have just always been a gym/weights guy dating back to high school and running sounded like such a chore. Ask me now what November Project has done for me? It has allowed me to work with two amazing co leaders, allow me the opportunity to build and co lead something Miri has never experienced before, met a few hundred strangers and along the way compiled more kilometres running this past 2 years than I had all my life.
November Project Malaysia is obviously because of the tribe as they chose to show up, bring the vibes, pass on the positivity and encouragement the newbies and making sure everyone is welcome. The identity or culture of the tribe is established by the leadership and Harry, Ing and I are very proud to see the growth and evolution of the NP Malaysia tribe. No doubt there are faces we have missed from the people that used to come out more frequently, but we are also delighted to see new faces that our existing tribe members have recruited. #Thisshitisgood.
As we head into the last month of 2017, I want to show my gratitude not just to November Project, the tribe but also my co leaders Ing and Harry. Thank you for taking the leap of faith and taking on the challenge of bringing and co leading November Project Malaysia. There were some challenges and obstacles but I genuinely think that they have made us stronger both as a leadership group and a tribe. It truly is a special opportunity to be able to build and co lead this movement with you guys.
To highlight some of the thoughts, challenges, fears of the co leaders, here is a game of “Guess which co leader said this”:
- Wonder how many would show up if it rains tomorrow?
- I am not a morning person, now we gotta do it twice a week?
- Just do burpees…
- We can’t make them do that many burpees…
Since we became November Project, there is certainly more coordinating and planning involved for workout, social and pop ups and I am pretty lucky to have two individuals who cares as much about the tribe, community and just overall doing good as I do. To Ing and Harry, Thank you!!
To the hundreds of strangers I have met both locally and from the Summit in Boston. Wow! The ones that showed up to November Project Malaysia but never came back, I appreciate you giving us a try. That in itself is commendable and maybe the early morning isn’t for you, the high 5 and hugging was too much or you find #Fuckyeah offensive, for all that, I apologize as we were merely trying to connect with each other on a different level. We would never impose anything that you are not comfortable with on you, and perhaps if it is something I can do to make you come back, please let me know. To those who are still on the fence and not quite sure what you are getting into, well I am glad you are still here. I assure you #wearenotacult #maybe and what we are trying to do here is indeed connecting humans, building community, giving everyone a sense of belonging and accidentally providing free fitness. All we want form you is to #justshowup bring your awesome, positive vibes and give the workouts your 100%. (not the co leaders’ expectations of your 100% or your tribe members’ expectation of your 100% – YOUR 100%) Last of this group, those hardcore, badasses who has been with us even before November Project and continues to show up, talk about November Project, recruit for November Project Malaysia – I bow to you in respect and gratitude. Thank you for believing in me,us and this movement. I was beyond ecstatic to be able to share the ride with you from Myyfitnessfeat to #NP_Pledge to official November Project Malaysia. This is not my tribe, this is not the co leader’s tribe #thisisyourtribe. The co leaders of the tribes were told not to refer to members of the tribes as “core” members as we want to make everyone inclusive. Everyone that chooses to show up on Wednesday or Friday mornings are all core members of the tribe so we refer to this group who has been with us from the beginning to this very day and continues to bring and share the vibes as our “OGs” A.K.A Original Gangstas. To the OGs, thank you and I am so grateful you are here.
To the strangers I met in Boston because of November Project (100 plus co leaders of other tribes included) you have all at one point or another help restore my faith in humanity through your passion, dedication to your community and overall support to me personally as well as the November Project Malaysia tribe. I have never gotten so many random hugs as I did in Boston, and I have never received so many random messages from people even after only having met them once. It really shows how small the world once you are part of November Project because people are always so willing to help once they know you are part of the movement. #wearenotacult.
I suppose all of you are also partially to blame for me running more than I ever had. The constant facebook and instagram news feed of running events and PRs are not just motivating but also makes me feel like I am slacking when I don’t run. It was about 2 years ago when I decided I should start running and got on a treadmill. My first run was 3km before I decided that was enough of that nonsense. Fast forward to today, I have done several 10 km races, ran a few runs over 20kms (although not officially in any race) and have set a personal goal to do two HMs and two FMs in 2018. November Project, now look what you have done! This is all only possible because of November Project, the Malaysian tribe and all the inspiring individuals that pop up in my newsfeed. As the tribe grows, we are also getting a lot of fast runners, experienced runners who are always looking to help and encourage the tribe (more motivation). We are not a running club and joining a run/marathon is not required but as some have experienced, it sure is fun to run and cheer as a tribe. I hope you will all join us for the Miri Marathon in March 2018 as we are hoping to get everyone enrolled. Trust me, I didn’t think running could be fun but when you do anything with the NP tribe, it’s always fun.
This is getting too long and if I haven’t lost you and you are still reading, I just want to share my gratitude and gratefulness for all that November Project, along with each and every one of you because you have made the early Wednesday and Friday mornings so worth it, you have also pushed me further than I ever intended to in terms of running. Thank you.
Recap and upcoming stuff:
- So we added a Friday workout, not so you can chose which one to show up for because its closer to home but because we want to see you more than once a week. Get it together, #justshowup.
- We will try not to get into any territorial disputes as we make Bulatan Park our Friday morning home. Be courteous, greet the strangers, and same rules apply for the runs as you do for driving. Slower traffic on the left, pass on the right.
- We have a Christmas/ December gathering coming up. It’s on Friday, December 8th. There will be food, games and gift exchange. Put your name on the list, get ahold of one of the co-leaders.
- Miri Marathon 2018 registration is open and we have a special discount rate for November Project Malaysia. Only catch, you gotta be one of us…send us a message if you haven’t signed up. If you are even considering it, read the blog again, it’s more fun when we do it as a tribe!
