“MOVING FORWARD” IN 2012!
“Whether you believe you can or believe you can’t, you’re probably right.”
–Henry Ford
When was the last time you set a fitness goal and actually completed it? Or—have you EVER completed a fitness goal? Well, I’m here to tell you that 2012 is your year!
This is your invitation to register for the 2012 Moving Forward Mary-thon or Half Mary-thon. You design your own, personal, twenty-six week fitness plan following the Mary-thon or Half Mary-thon guidelines and then complete it before December 31, 2012! There’s NO RUNNING INVOLVED – unless you want to, of course! Your registration as a Premium Mary-thoner or Half Mary-thoner entitles you to a Moving Forward Mary-thon T-shirt, bracelet, downloadable tracking sheet, pledge, racing bib, motivational support, and a finisher certificate and beautiful finisher medal when you cross the finish line!
When do I start? You may start anytime on or after January 1, 2012.
When do I finish? You MUST cross the finish line by Dec. 31, 2012 in order to qualify for a medal.
What if a stumbling block gets in my path and I must take some time off? Can I still finish? In every marathon, there are potty breaks and water/energy drink stops allowed during the 26.2 mile race. In the Mary-thon and Half Mary-thon – which is measured in weeks rather than miles, we have allowed for “stops” as well. You have 28 weeks to complete the 26 weeks of exercise. That gives you 2 weeks to allow for illness or other unforeseen roadblocks.
What if I need more than 2 weeks off? As with a marathon – there will always be some who are unable to finish for a variety of reasons. If you are unable to finish the 26 weeks of the Mary-thon or Half-Mary-thon in 28 weeks, you must start over. As long as there are 26 weeks left in the year, you will be able to cross the finish line.
Who can register and can participants register after January 1, 2012? Anyone of any age can register. Registration is open until July 1, 2012. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning the Mary-thon or Half Mary-thon.
Why does the Mary-thon work? Working together supporting each other, being accountable to someone, and being rewarded for completing a goal is why the Mary-thon and Half Mary-thon is successful. You make a financial commitment, sign a pledge, advertise your commitment by wearing your t-shirt and bracelet, record your progress on your tracking chart, report your progress to me as I send you motivational support and in the end you earn a beautiful finisher’s medal when you “cross the finish line”!
What types of exercise qualify for the Mary-thon and Half-Marython? Walking, jogging, jump-rope, push-ups, any type of exercise qualifies! It’s up to you to select the exercise that best fits your physical capabilities. If you feel you cannot exercise for 30 minutes straight, break up your workout into manageable increments (5-10 minutes each) as you build your endurance, energy level and strength.
Best of luck to you! I look forward to Moving Forward with you this year as we complete the 2012 Moving Forward Mary-thon or Half Mary-thon together!
Keep Moving Forward!
Mary
Glad you got the updates and tracking sheet and pledge Kevin. For some reason – e-mails don’t always go through. Good Luck! I WILL see you at the finish line!
Keep Moving Forward!
Mary
I’m excited to finish my fourth week. I asked myself at the beginning why I wanted to do this. At first all I could come up with was I should do it. We all know we need to lose weight or get in better shape but that hasn’t seemed to be enough for me in the past. I looked deeper for another reason why… after having faced many health problems I felt my best reason was to celebrate being healthy. Whenever I think of not doing my mary thon (not very often so far) I think of celebrating and don’t want to miss my celebration.
Cheryl – you are truly an example to all of us! What a great reason to “Keep Moving Forward”! I’m going to celebrate being healthy as well! Anyone care to join us?
Have a GREAT WEEK #5!
Mary
Helping Project Linus will be my motivation.
How do I let you know when I complete a week?
You keep track on the tracking sheet that came with your Welcome e-mail. It’s the honor system but I will check up on you periodically and ask everyone to let me know their planned finish date when it gets close. Then, you will need to e-mail me when you’ve finished so that I can send you your medal! Also – there’s a section on the “Fitness Forum” where you can share your progress with everyone. I think it helps to be able to let everyone know how I’m doing – so that’s the place to post your successes! Good Luck – and Keep Moving Forward! Mary
Wow, great blog.Really looking forward to read more.
Thanks for getting me excited to exercise. It’s been a long time since I felt this motivated.
We’re so excited to have you join us Laura! Welcome!
I’m in! I just lost my job and will start looking again very soon. The Mary-thon will give me something to accomplish and help keep my spirits up until God opens the next door for me.
What a wonderful attitude Maggie! Sounds like this will be the time to keep active and healthy – so that when that door opens, you’ll be ready to tackle your new assignment with gusto! It’s a pleasure to have you join us as a Mary-thoner!
Project Linus is Totally Terrific! I’m registering for the full Mary-thon, even though I’m scheduled for a total hip replacement this month!
Congratulations Lynda! This will be a perfect way for you to get that new hip up and running…or walking…whatever works for you! We’re so happy to welcome you as a Mary-thoner!
Who does the registration fee go to, or where does it go as far as benefiting someone? Sounds like a fun thing to do.
Hi Debbie –
Please see our FAQ Page and Registration Page
We’d love to have you join us in doing a Mary-thon!
The address is on the registration form – and the $15 donation goes to Project Linus. If you click on Registration 2012 on our marython.net Home Page – it will give you all the details. Hope you join us! It’s going to be a banner year!
Never stop moving. You will be a much happier person.
I totally agree Linda!