November Project

THE NOVEMBER PROJECT: BREAKING THE CYCLE OF WINTER FLABBINESS
(AND INSPIRATION FOR EARNED RUNS!)
“Part of the November Project's success is that it addresses some fundamental barriers that stop us from exercising, like weather or financial cost.”
- from “November Project Aims to Remove Financial, Motivational Barriers to Exercise”

This FREE fitness movement was founded in 2011 in Boston by two former collegiate rowers, Bojan Mandaric and Brogan Graham, who had difficulty staying in shape during cold New England months. Locations have grown to 27 cities across North America. The most recent city to form a “tribe” (NP version of a local chapter) is Victoria, British Columbia in Canada. Leaders in this newest city discuss the project in the article that is featured. The movement motivates and encourages “people of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels to get out of their beds and get moving”.  Activities are mostly scheduled in early mornings, many in the dark in the deepest winter months. Information and motivation is spread through social media, one of the most unique features of this unconventional running club.
 
Learning about the NP movement in 2012, I was inspired!  I lived in a small city.  Could I start a tribe? I suspected (as an expert in the article below suggests) that a high density population was needed for success. Was it another organized fitness activity I had to pass up due to my particular situation?  At that time I was struggling with how to feel part of the larger running community; I yearned to participate in many fun races but circumstances and finances just would not allow it. Eventually I came up with the concept of EarnedRuns™, which is like a micro-mini-NP that also aims to remove the barrier of financial cost and bring people together (but in groups of 4 or less!) to have fun running, regardless of the size of their city.  

Many of you ARE ABLE TO JOIN this “grass roots morning fitness tribe” since the movement has spread so far and wide to large cities. To read more and FIND LOCATIONS there is a link to the website and an early article about NP beginnings. As the founders say when asked how to participate,  "JUST SHOW UP"!
 
http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2012/11/november-project-free-fitness
http://november-project.com/

RUN HAPPY!!!