It’s really common to say “2019 was amazing” or, “2019 was the worst”. When it get’s down to it, it’s really hard to sum up 365 days with ONE emotion. Even though 2019 started as an absolute nightmare for me personally, I can’t write the whole year off as garbage. There were so many great things about 2019, and a lot of those things had to do with November Project. So… that said…
Let’s talk about how freaking INCREDIBLE November Project Woo was in 2019, shall we?
Last winter was our first official winter at the Worcester Common Oval. No one really knew what to expect, and that included Jim and myself. Turns out, it’s a great space that can be utilized for so many fun and different workouts. I think what I like most about it in comparison to being at the stadium is that it becomes more personable. People aren’t as spread out, we are able to do more team workouts/games, and the community building really thrives when we are there. Let’s be honest, the last few stadium workouts before we move when it’s pitch dark out, until the group photo at the end, I don’t even know who is there.
We posed with Edelman Ice Sculptures, had snowman building integrated in to our workouts, we’ve watched many beautiful sunrises come up right in front of city hall, and the common is also the home to Jim’s infamous “Indiana Jim” workout which I have just decided will never be topped. You win, Jim.
Moral to this story, you don’t need to be at a stadium for NP to come alive and be all the wonderful things it is. Variety is the spice of life, something like that.
In the Spring, we headed back to Holy Cross. We had our first full stadium season without anyone fainting from the heat. So, that’s pretty big. People finally started to hydrate and be safe, so that made me happy. Thanks for that, everyone- I don’t handle trauma well.
We celebrated Ben’s Day III. Ben O’Meara was a staple of this community, and although he may not physically be here, his presence is always felt by all of us who knew him. He embodied every single thing November Project stands for, and he made the Woo explode with greatness. The first Wednesday in May will always be celebrated as Ben’s Day because he will always be an important part of what we do.
Another successful pop up of 2019 was Sardines. Jim and I picked a spot to “hide” and we gave you all clues online around every 15 minutes as to where we were. The most hilarious part about this was when Jim dropped his shades in the middle of the road, we ran back to get them and Bill and Julia drove right by us. We thought for sure that was it, and Bill would tell everyone where we were. Well, tricks on you Bill. You fell for our elementary school behavior of pretending we were running the other way. No one found us early. We were starting to wonder at one point if the joke was on us. Eventually you all rolled in, and we had a real fun workout at Dolphin Boy.
We took yearbook photos 2019 to the next level. We were thrilled and thankful to have Unity Mike show up and absolutely CRUSH photos. Our theme was city pride, because I don’t know a city full of people who pride where they come from more than this group. Actually, a lot of us don’t even come from here but you’d never know it. That morning was a fashion show for Worcester Wares , Polar beverages, Table Talk Pies, and then some of you, or one of you— took it to a whole new level of Woo. The three decker. In case you missed it…
November Project joined forces with Brooks Running and Knockaround sunglasses this year. Brooks Running backed us for a 6k that was held in all cities during the same week. They gave each city 2 pairs of shoes to give away. This was without question our largest 6k turnout, and I am so very excited for what’s to come with our partnerships.
A HUGE event for us this year was our 4th birthday party. Thanks to many helping hands in this group, and a lot of generous local businesses, we were able to put together quite the party. Jon Strader provided music and lights, Unity Mike captured some amazing images, our paint crew was in full force tagging well over 100 shirts with a “4”, Local businesses donated refreshments (thank you Polar Beverages, Acoustic Java, and Tabletalk Pies!) and the Mayor came out to declare the first Wednesday in October “November Project Worcester Day”. These are all things made possible because this group works together as one, and this community is STRONG.
We did our annual “Week of Woo” In October. We visited 5 different spaces in the city to have one full week of workouts. We went to Elm Park, East Park, Holy Cross, Turtle Boy, and Bancroft Tower. We had a special tag designed by resident artist Bosco Layne, and ordered by Scott Joubert. Thanks for all of your help this year. We also had great gifts donated by Redemption Rock, Greater Good, and Birch Tree Bread to raffle off.
In addition to Week of Woo, we did a lot of extra pop ups this year and found that the varying locations kept things fresh and fun. We had a pop with Leadership Worcester, We had a couple which involved Pow! Wow! Worcester. Those are always a great time- We are fortunate to have that art in our city and be able to celebrate it and incorporate it in to our workouts. It would be really really hard to pick a favorite pop up from 2019 because we had so much fun…. but honestly- HOW DO YOU TOP THE GREENDALE MALL?
We could go on and on and on because like I said, this year was EXCEPTIONAL. We have seen so many new faces, have had faces we hadn’t seen in a while return. That is the beauty of November Project. When you are ready, we will always be there. If you take a break, THAT’S OKAY, you are welcomed back anytime. In a world of chaos and uncertainty, you can be certain that every single Wednesday morning, this group will gather no matter what. Whether you need fitness, motivation, a friend, a distraction, Whatever your needs are, WE ARE HERE, and we are always glad when you are.
Never too early to VERBAL for Summit 8 which will be October 3 in Minneapolis. This past year the Woo SHOWED UP in Vegas and had a blast.
Sincere thanks to each and every one of you who showed up this year whether it was once, every week , or anywhere in between there. It takes a village.
My brother says “Do you ever just get your feet wet” The answer is no. I AM ALL IN. Let’s go 2020. We are ready. Are you?
