From a classroom, to a marathon cheer station, to a member of the tribe, D’Ann shows up for life, the hugs, and the people!
When Manuel asked me to write a blog entry telling my story of how I got involved with November Project Dallas, and what it means to me, my first feeling was total anxiety! I’m an 8th grade Algebra teacher, and therefore writing is not my strength (give me a math problem any day!) However, Manny and the tribe have done so much for me, so I wanted to give back.
I first met Manuel and his lovely wife, Mariesa, back in November of 2016. I was volunteering at a local half marathon, and struck up a conversation with Manuel. He told me that he was co-leader of a grassroots, free fitness tribe called We Run Big D, and that I should come join one morning. The funny thing was, I had just started following this group on Instagram just a few days before. I knew this was a sign! I needed to go check this group out! Unfortunately, I live in Plano, and could not drive all the way downtown, workout, and then make it to school on time. I would have to wait until Christmas Break.
When December rolled around, and I had two weeks off from school, I took the opportunity to try a workout with We Run Big D. I was so nervous about going. Was I too old for this group? Could I keep up with them? I was pleasantly surprised to see all ages and fitness levels, and I was hooked within the first 5 minutes. In those 2 weeks, I went to as many workouts as I could before my break was over. I could not wait to join them again during my spring break!
In March, I ran the Dallas Rock n Roll half marathon. Because I still followed the tribe on Instagram and Facebook, I knew there would be some of the members at mile 11 cheering on the runners. I had only been able to workout with them once since December, so I assumed they wouldn’t recognize me. I was having an extremely bad race due to a skin cancer surgery I had on my left leg just 10 days prior. By the time I got to the group at mile 11, I was in such pain, I considered quitting the race. To my surprise, the tribe members did recognize me. Noticing I was in pretty bad shape, one member, Tywon, ran about half a mile with me. He encouraged me to keep going, and that I had the strength to finish the race. He had only met me a few times before that day, and yet he went out of his way to help me. From that moment on, I knew this was a group I wanted to be apart of.
Now that summer is here, I’m able to join November Project every week. I’m training for my 6th marathon, and the workouts have been great cross-training, making me a stronger runner. This group has been such a blessing for me, and I encourage everyone to grab a friend, and come work out with us. You will be so glad you did!
Hope to see you soon!
D’Ann
Tribe Member from Plano, TX
HAPPENINGS:
PR Day: Wednesday July 5th Winspear Opera House 6:15am #raceeverything
PR Day Social Hour: Eastbound and Down Ice House 5 July 7:30pm
Sunrise 6k: July 14th 6:00am 200 Continental Avenue, Dallas, TX
Your Free Fitness Tribe:
#NP_Dal
Instagram: @NovemberProjectDallas
Facebook: @NovemberProjectDallas
Twitter: @Nov_Project_Dal
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