Just Show Up

Blog post by: Lindsay Somers

I’ve heard about The November Project for a while now. It’s a mysterious exercise group that meets 6:15 am every Wednesday at the skatepark at The Forks. No cost, no intimidation, “just show up.”

So, I finally showed up.

When I arrived, a group of 100 people were ready to workout and I quickly realized, OH THIS IS A THING.

There were hugs to start. New for me, but I’m friendly, so I roll with it. My past group exercise class experience was boxing, so this is a welcome change to punching.

Winnipeg is one of 30 cities that operate a ‘tribe’ under ‘The November Project.” TNP is a grassroots urban exercise movement. Started in 2011 by two Bostonians who wanted  “a simple sense of accountability to motivate and encourage people of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels to get out of their beds and get moving.”

Winnipeg’s tribe is run by Rick Duha, Thomas Hall and Derek Page. They are eager, positive and motivating guys — exactly what you want at 6:15am.

This isn’t any ordinary exercise class. The world is the gym. Your body is the weight. Using the skatepark, Esplanade Bridge, CMHR, Festival Stage, the grass, hills, the Red River Mutual Trail in winter- basically using the entire world of The Forks, the leaders craft fun, inspired and different workouts. Even snow angels are fair game.

On this particular morning, we did an easter egg hunt. People took turns running up giant-sized steps on the Festival Stage to grab an egg. Inside the egg was an exercise the entire group had to do until the next person grabbed an egg. Burpees, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, plank walks. Your fitness level is irrelevant, you can do 2 or 25, it’s all good. There’s no winning, it’s just about doing.

It was fun. Even the seven minutes of burpees. Not drill sargeant-y in the least. Enthusiastic and positive. It felt like we were a bunch of neighbourhood kids playing outside. There was chatting, encouragement, laughing and good times all around.

Who are the people that do this? All kinds of people!  A variety of ages up to 60. It’s the anti-gym. No stare downs. No judgement.

We finished with a giant game of rock, paper, scissors. If you lost you had to do five pushups.

I was surprised at how much I liked working out in a large group outside in the world. I felt like I was a part of something. Something bigger. Winnipeg was quietly sleeping and there I was standing among 100 people doing jumping jacks admiring the sunrise against at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Pretty cool.

Post workout, I trotted away from The Forks feeling energized, happy and motivated to start my day.

The November Project has a goal to get 200+ people by early June. Set your alarm, sleep in your gym clothes, wake up and go. You won’t regret it, even if you’re a not a hugger.


Lindsay Somers is a Lifestyle Health Coach. You can follow her healthy lifestyle adventures on Instagram and Twitter@lindsayhsomers.

Photo from November Project Instagram.

Next Phase of The Forks Market Renovations Takes a Horse-toric Turn

With The Forks Market renovations nearly complete, The Forks is thrilled to announce the second phase will focus on the history of the building by refurbishing part of the Market back into horse stables.

“We are proud of our history and are always looking for ways to incorporate it and make it part of the visitor experience,” says Paul Jordan, Chief Executive Officer, The Forks Renewal Corporation. “The Forks Market building used to be two separate stables when the site was being used as a railyard. Empty tenant spaces will be turned back into horse stalls allowing guests to pet and feed horses, making it a truly interactive experience.”

The new stalls will be located in the north and south aisles of The Forks Market, leaving the soon-to-be open Food Hall as the main eating area. Construction will begin in the north-west part of the Market, and will also include a hitching post outside where visitors can tie up their own horses when riding them to The Forks.

The Forks History during the Railway (1886-1923)

Beginning in 1886, The Forks emerged as one of the key sites of early railroad development on the Prairies. The rail yards of the Northern Pacific and Manitoba Railway Company, the Canadian Northern, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad and the Canadian National Railway dominated the site. Many of the buildings now seen at The Forks date from this time. The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway stable and the Great Northern Railway stable were joined together to fashion The Forks Market and the National Cartage Building is now home to the Johnston Terminal. Northern Pacific and Manitoba Railway Company’s Buildings and Bridges Buildings (B & B) now houses The Manitoba Children’s Museum, while Union Station (built by Warren and Wetmore, the same architects who designed New York City’s Grand Central Station) is still in operation.

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Have a happy April Fools’ Day!

The Top 10 Spring Things To Do at The Forks

We've said goodbye to our beloved Red River Mutual Trail (and winter), but it isn't quite time for soaking in the summer sun. So - what's there to do during the spring?!
Here's a round-up of some fan favourites we think you'll love — whether this is your first time visiting The Forks, or you've lived here your whole life and you're due for a refresher.

1) Try the cinnamon buns from Tall Grass Prairie Bakery OR the mini donuts at The Mini Donuts Factory.

Both are sweet, soft and sugary classics. The Tall Grass Cinnamon Buns are baked fresh every single day (the smell is absolutely heavenly in the mornings), and they are made with ingredients from Manitoba (Manitoba organic cold-pressed sunflower oil, whole grain flour, and organic unbleached white flour). Mini donuts are little sugar-covered deep-fried rings of heaven, not to mention they are portable so you can walk and snack at the same time. 

If you're not in the mood for something sweet, you can check out some of the other food kiosks and 6 full-service restaurants on site.

2) Visit the Travel Manitoba Visitor Information Centre

The place to go to find out about all the great things and hidden gems our province has to offer. This new building has interactive exhibits, including a "Heart Wall" to help you create a custom travel plan. Whether you're from out of town or just need a new adventure, Travel Counsellors are available to point you in the right direction. The Travel Manitoba Visitor Centre is open daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, and 9:30 am to 9 pm on Fridays.

3) Contemplate the world around you at The Canadian Museum for Human Rights

The exhibits and galleries in the nationally acclaimed Canadian Museum for Human Rights will leave you speechless, and the view from the tower will leave you breathless. Spend a day learning about human rights, walking through history in deep reflection, envisioning the future, and inspiring change.  For hours and admission, visit their website for more information.

4) Rent a bicycle from White Pine Bicycle Co.

When your own two legs just won't do,  rent a bike or unicycle from White Pine Bicycle Co. inside Johnston Terminal, and trek all 56 acres of The Forks on one or two wheels. Take your bike for a trek down the riverwalk, one of Winnipeg's most scenic urban walkways. If the riverwalk is flooded, don't fret, there are still plenty more paths to take!

5) Adventure through the Manitoba Children’s Museum

Crummy weather? Bored kids? Bring em' to the Manitoba Children's Museum to burn off some energy and learn something new! This award-winning museum has twelve permanent galleries with super-interactive exhibits, like the tumble zone, splash lab, and lasagna lookout. Open Sunday to Thurs 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday & Saturday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. 

6) Shop at The Forks Market

The Forks Market is full of independently owned and operated shops that all have something special to offer. You'll find wine, skateboards, soap, action figures and moccasins — talk about variety! Pop in for a walk about, you might be surprised what you'll find.

Bonus: The Forks Trading Company on the second floor sells strictly Manitoba made merchandise, including our "Roasted Nuts and Warming Huts" collaboration candle with Coal and Canary (check to see if it's in stock because it seems to keep selling out). They have a great selection of locally made goods you can't get elsewhere.

7) Listen to the buskers

Phil Natividad and his ukulele (singing his heart out in the picture below) is one of the buskers who adds to the ambience in The Forks Market. Nearly a hundred buskers audition in front a panel of judges each year, and a select group are chosen and awarded with busker passes to perform at The Forks. Grab a coffee and enjoy the sounds from all sorts of musical backgrounds. Fiddlers, guitar players and singers park themselves at our busk stops daily to play music for your enjoyment. 

8) Relax at The Inn at The Forks

Need a day to relax? Check yourself in at Inn at The Forks for the full treatment: start your escape at Riverstone Spa with a spa treatment, followed by some fine comfort food and craft cocktails at SMITH Restaurant, and cap it off with getting some rest in a room with a view. Who says you can't find peace and quiet in downtown Winnipeg?

9) Take the kiddos to a play at Manitoba Theatre for Young People

With musicals and plays catered to kids, MTYP will spark their imaginations and entertain them. MTYP also offers theatre school for the little ones who want to get into acting. Visit the MTYP website to see this season's lineup and to buy tickets.

10) Take in the view of the city from the tower

Take the elevator, or hike up the stairs up for the best view of The Forks and downtown Winnipeg from our look-out tower. Bring a camera to capture the experience.

BONUS: Come to The Forks and choose your own adventure! Mix and match from the list above, or go for a walk around the site and explore The Forks to find your own hidden jem.