November Project Experience

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An innocent comment made on the Edmonton Elks Labour Day Bus to Calgary leads me to write this story whilst nursing  sore quads. Introduced to us "Mack bus" patrons as an Elks rep, one of the many roles Maria had was walking up and down the moving bus serving drinks. "Wow Maria your legs are gonna be sore tomorrow!"

"Thanks to the November Project, I am prepared for this. If anything this is preparing me for Wednesday."

THE NOVEMBER WHAT?

The November Project website is https://november-project.com/edmonton-ab-canada/.  The Edmonton Chapter uses Instagram stories for their latest updates. The short version of a long explanation as to what is the November Project:

A come as you are fitness movement that started in Boston and was brought to Edmonton by then Edmonton Oiler Andrew Ference. Focused on being outside throughout the year and all its seasons, their motto is simple...just show up!


I'm in the 46-54 age bracket, about thirty pounds overweight. Never one to be accused of being athletic, the November Project encourages everyone to "just show up". They emphasize "everyone", you do not need to be "in shape". You do not need to be a member of anything and you do not need to pay to participate. Going back to the bus conversation with Maria the only "requirement" is a good attitude. 

When I showed up at Commonwealth Stadium the morning of September 23rd at 6am my assumption was the collective we would be going from row 1 to row 80 then back down again. Nice straight lines. 

The actual scenario is you choose if you want the lower or upper bowl. Choosing lower, you go down the stairs to row one, walk across the section to go up the stairs to the concourse then walk across the section to go down and continue snaking your way through the stadium. I made it from the goal line to the far 30-yard line before having to walk the rest of the stadium to get back to the start point.

Zero judgment from anyone. Not so much as a side eye from any person passing me. Some hellos, some funny one-liners, and a LOT of stairs without any stares.

Next Wednesday at 6am, now that there is a baseline for a goal at Commonwealth Stadium, going one section further than the 30-yard line is the plan. All I have to do is just show up!

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