November Project...What?

This is a follow up to my post on Running in DC.

On Saturday shortly after committing to join November Project DC (NP DC), the @November_Project_DCA tweeted that he met two Boston runners and they planned to attend the Monday workout. Well those two Boston runners are us. For some odd reason I felt the need to tweet back reaffirming our commitment to join the workout on Monday. Now at 5:45am on Monday, we weren't so sure about going...As we stumbled out of bed questioning our decision to join this November Project thing, we slowly got ready for the unknown.

Eventually we made it out the door of the hotel running in the general direction of where we thought the workout would start. Although the NP DC leader told us the meeting location, we seemingly forgot to do any research as to where we had to go. We knew we needed to be at or near the Capitol so off we went in that direction. As the time ticked closer to 6:30am, the meeting time, we increased our pace to ensure we would arrive on time. After a few wrong turns (mostly my fault) we arrived at the steps of the Capitol Building where about 30-40 fellow fitness fanatics stood. 


As everyone stood around chatting with their friends, we awaited the leaders to give us instructions on the day's workout. Eventually everyone came together in a tight huddle to participate in a ritual of jumping and yelling politically themed sayings. This was awesome! Soon after Steve, the leader who we had met while running on Saturday, explained we would be doing hills, hoistees, and burpees. A key detail he left out for us new comers was how many or for long we were expected to do these. 

We warmed up together by running up to the back of the Capitol and back down to the front. This is where we partnered up and did hoistees. While holding hands and facing each other, Linda and I, at the same time, dropped our butt to the ground and hoisted ourselves back up. After 10 of these we ran off to the top again but in opposite directions. Once at the top we did 10 burpees before returning to our partner at the bottom for 10 more hoistees. We continued doing this over and over again not knowing when it would end.

At exactly 30 minutes we heard yelling to meet back in the middle. Relieved that we completed our first NP workout, Linda and I high fived. That's when our fearless leaders told us to pair up with another pair to do sprints, push ups, and mountain climbers. Feeling nervous for the possibility of 30 minutes of sprints, we cautiously walked to the starting line with our partners. They seemed to be regulars so we tried to sound confident and not like lame out-of-towners. Thankfully we just did one round and were finished within minutes.

Immediately afterward, we caught up with Steve to talk about our experience and if we would ever do it again. Both Linda and I emphatically said yes! I find November Project to be a wonderful activity for an active person looking to try a different style of workout. For beginners, some particular exercises might be difficult, but you can go at your own pace and everyone is very supportive. We are excited to one day try NP Boston!

NP DC Group photo 4/27/15