Every time I write an intro to these blogs, I want to talk about how inspiring this person is. I probably sound like a broken record, but I truly find these blogs so inspiring and so insightful as to why people connect with November Project. Back in 2016, I had a conversation with the sister of today’s blog writer (who I’ve known for years) and she was telling me how her brother is “hooked” on November Project and how she was so happy that he was part of such a positive community. I don’t think I’ve ever shared that with him, but as I have watched his journey over the years, I keep thinking back to that conversation. I keep thinking of how proud his family must be of his journey and the work he has put into it. So, I’m so excited that he was happy to share that journey with all of you. Meet Sean.
I thought to myself “Omg, Omg, Omg, does no one else realize that Andrew Ference is taking our picture!” That was September 9, 2015 and my very first day at November Project Canada.
Hey Folks, my name is Sean Freeman and I am going to tell you a little bit about my running journey, but also explain how November Project helped me through the toughest decision of my life!
My lovely friend Deirdre had invited me to November Project a few times, and this was the day that I decided I would show up. I could not tell you why I chose this particular day. It could have been the allure of running at the Commonwealth Stadium or the opportunity to meet an Edmonton Oiler, but what I quickly realized was that neither of those things mattered to anyone else. It was just another set of stairs, and he was just a dude. I think that’s why I was hooked immediately… the level playing field.
Two days later, I went to my first hill session. This was back when we were still at Emily Murphy hill. I could not believe this was a thing. I thought it was insane! I have to say that even now, the bounce is still my favourite part (who doesn’t love standing awkwardly close to strangers at 6am), more specifically the greeting. “Y’all good?” “F*@K YEAH!” It’s absolutely hilarious. I know a few of the faithful only let their kids swear in the bounce, its acceptable, maybe even encouraged.
In the beginning, I will admit, I was not weatherproof. I was more “#fairweatherfreeman.” I might show up in the rain or when Dee would pester me enough for liking all the pictures, but not actually being there. If it was too cold I would stay home.
If we skip ahead to spring/summer 2017, I am now full fledged into it, going strong. I start showing up Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I was getting married in September and I needed to get into shape real bad, or maybe I just enjoyed the high fives and hugs! Minus a couple days, this lasted from April until September. Right up until my wedding. After that, it got “too cold” and I went back into hibernation mode.
At the end of 2017, December 21st to be exact, I decided to get sober. I had tried a couple of times before and it never really stuck. This time was going to be different. I didn’t know how I was going to do it though, I just knew I had to for my health and state of mind. At first, I was spending a lot of time in the gym, but needed to switch it up. I was starting to get bored, which in my history, was not a good thing. I knew if I was going to stay commit I needed to find something else. I needed more than just myself to be held accountable. November Project seemed perfect!
Late February, I tweet out a “#verbal”, I commiteed to Mike Freeman and Chris Falconer after seeing them at a hockey game a couple of days before. I state that I will be back, when I think it will be warmer. I was wrong, everyday I “#justshowedup,” the weather got progressively worse! I am talking snow in April! I remember showing up for Jersey Day and massive snow flakes were sticking to everything. I was miserable. However, I knew if I would “verbal” in some way I would show up. Over time, I found I didn’t need to anymore, and my eagerness to get up, exercise and spend my morning with these incredible people took over!
It was around this time Mike introduced me to his older brother Kelly. Him and I were a bit more even on the pace front, so I could not have been happier. It worked well for both of us! I think within the week Kelly and I were friends on Facebook and had exchanged numbers.
Now, in came the era of the pre-run. I was already struggling to show up for the bounce, but then all of a sudden I am getting up earlier to meet these guys for a little something extra. Who am I now?
By the time I hit 6 months sober, it was summer and I was putting in tons of kilometers, way more than I had in the past 3 years combined! I was attending NP regularly, but also doing speed work at Need for Speed, trail running randomly, and even tested my legs with Wildrose Runners. I had never felt better. I even entered to be an Ambassador for the Edmonton Marathon, and got it! I was feeling invincible, without alcohol! I am not sure I will ever will ever be able to give back as much as I’ve taken from the Edmonton run community, from November Project.
Moving along to winter, again. I have never ever ran outside in between October and March. I had no intention of ever doing it. Somehow though, Kelly kept convincing me to just show up. It was annoying. Every cold morning I would say “ What am I doing here, I don’t even like running, I hate running.” Maybe it’s his charming way of making me feel bad for leaving him on his own! It was gross, I was running with a mask over my face, I had icicles in my beard. Then there came a moment when I just began to actually care about a -30 badge. It’s all very weird. All of the sudden I had become WEATHERPROOF!
So now we are a ways into 2019. I have this amazing group of people, Mike and Kelly Freeman (not related to me), Sonya, Baker, Jenn, Lucas, Tom, Dee, Sarah, Chris, Jamie, Donny, and D-Mah… just to name a few. We now have four incredible leaders! Andrew, Jen, Nadim and Rob! How lucky can we get?
I am now almost 17 months sober, and I am registered in 5 races this year, including 2 half marathons. If you told me back in 2015 that showing up would lead me here, I would have told you “go home, you’re drunk!”
THANK YOU!
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Awesome Sean!! Great to learn more about you man! Congrats on the 17 months!
Your extended family is also very proud of the work and commitment you have give to this organization but more importantly the way you have honored your commitment to yourself! Love you Sean!