Hey guys, remember when about three months ago I was getting really whiney about how out of shape that I was getting? Well that’s stress fracture recovery for you. Granted, I now more than ever, know that I should have really tried swimming.
Well as of almost three weeks ago, I’ve started going to the most f***ing intense workouts ever. November Project.
(They use that word a lot, so I’m allowed to here too. I’ll censor it for my grandma-reading audience though. Hey Mamaw : ) )
Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 6:30 a.m. all over Boston come rain, snow, ice or shine. And these workouts are hard. as. hell. But the community that’s there is incredible. You show up and you don’t know 95 percent of the 100 people there. But somehow as you’re doing this workout at the crack of dawn, you feel a weird endearment and bonding to all of the people sweating, hurting and pushing alongside you.
New Balance really said it best with the video about the group and honestly, watch it. Like seriously. Watch it:
We joke that it’s like a cult. But seriously, I’m knee deep into the kool aid. Like can’t even stop talking about it. Since my first Friday hills workout I went to class afterwards and told new friend Jeanna. The next time I went it was me + Brian + Jeanna + Roxanne and the next time Dana + Andy came. It’s an addiction. (And also, obviously good for making friends.)
To get that kind of adrenaline kick at 6:30 a.m.?
It’s all great in September when workouts are a balmy 60 degrees. In January? This is going to be ROUGH. But more than anything I’m seeing the importance of accountability which is what this program is all about. This morning and Monday morning, there is no doubt that I probably would have flaked out if I hadn’t told Jeanna that I would be there and then know she would be waiting for me.
But beyond just working out. This is so good for my mindset when it comes to recovering from the ongoing stress-fracture debacle.
In four months of recovery I had done a few lame runs. Towards the end of my time in Winston-Salem I think I did three or four walk/run days.
Since I’ve started November Project? *Mind you, these are MWF days. So not consecutive.
- Day 1: Hills. A total of over 4 miles including my first long solid run (HA, 1.2 miles) home.
- Day 2: Stadiums. I did half of Harvard Stadium. 19 sections. I couldn’t do stairs right for four days after that.
- Day 3: Hills. Over 3 miles of hill running. There was walking. But it wasn’t because of my leg. It was because that hill was kicking my butt.
- Day 4: I ran 3 miles. THREE MILES. All the way to a circuit workout.
- Day 5: I ran another 3 miles. THREE MILES. No stops. No pauses. No walking. No checking the clock. But I finished it in less than 30 minutes. And I felt good enough to then do 12 stadiums at Harvard Stadium.
First day at Harvard Stadium. You guys, this is where thighs and butts get wrecked. So. Steep.
You can BARELY see her; but my girl Jeanna finished the whole freakin’ stadium this morning. 37 sections. Her second time. She’s a badass.
Like seriously, that’s the dedication? I missed my alarm clock this morning and missed my ride. So instead of taking a cab or whatever, I ran three miles. I booked it to get there just in time to start with the last group.
I’m so excited to be reclaiming what was an active lifestyle. These guys are badass. I’ll never be quite like that. But you know what? Just being around that energy makes you find something else a little deeper you might not have ever discovered.
There are November Projects starting all over the country. Don’t live in a city that has one but want to get involved? This month November Project is doing a #DeckADay challenge. You can find out all of the details here (all you need is a deck of cards); but suffice to say it’s an amazing bootcamp for your core and arms–and it’s pretty straightforward. Love me some simple workouts.
Man, I love running.
Now, about that GPS watch I’m asking for for my birthday. Any tips on brands or what to look for?
Next up in fitness posts: I’m finally starting a book that I got from Lily over at Sincerely Lily. Can’t wait to share some more running good stuff.
actually on the line 
OHhhhh yay! its always fun to get invovled with a new workout routine and fall in love with it. Running love <3<3<3
I have a garmin 210 and love it. Sometimes it does take a while for it locate a satellite but it works well and is durable. i choose it b/c it was one of the smaller garmin gps watches and i have tiny wrists and well, other ones just looked ridonulous on me!
YES, ENJOY THAT BOOK! i was going to ask if you read it yet…. i have a feeling you will post something about it. so much good advice and tips and stories in it!