Welcome to the Moving Forward Mary-thon!

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.  

Walt Disney

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 2011 is your year!  Once you've signed up to participate in the Moving Forward Mary-thon, the next step is to design your own REASONABLE personal exercise plan* that you know can stick with as outlined for 26 weeks.  Keep in mind that it probably won’t be easy—it’s a MARY-THON—but it will be do-able and it WILL be worth it in the end!

Here are the FAQ’s about completing the Mary-thon:

1. What is the 2011 Mary-thon?  The 2011 Mary-thon is a  26 week fitness challenge (modeled after the 26.2 mile Marathon event with some changes made by me—Mary, hence the “cheesy name” - Mary-thon).  When you sign up for the Mary-thon, you commit to a minimum of 30 minutes per day of the physical exercise of your choice - 5 days per week for 26 weeks.

2. When do I start?  You may start anytime on or after January 1, 2011. 

3. When do I finish?  You MUST cross the finish line by December 31, 2011.

4. 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—which is measured in weeks rather than miles, we have allowed for “stops” as well.  This is why you have 28 weeks to complete the 26 weeks of exercise.  That gives you 2 weeks to allow for  illness or other unforeseen difficulties.   Remember...if you’re going on vacation you can STILL do some type of exercise for 30 minutes each day.  Walk outside for 30 minutes, check out the fitness center at your hotel, etc.   Since you agree to exercise 5 days per week, that means that there are 2 days in the week that are “free days”.  They are days of your choice—at the beginning of the week, end of the week or somewhere inbetween.  Use them wisely! 

5. What if I need more than 2 weeks off?  As with a marathon– there will 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 in 28 weeks, then you must start over.   Try your best to “push through” the rough times so you will not have to start over.  Remember—there’s a finisher’s medal waiting for you!  You can do it!!!!

6. Is there a fee to participate in the 2011 Moving Forward Mary-thon?  No, there is no fee.

7. Who can register and can participants register after January 1, 2011?  Anyone can join the Moving Forward Mary-thon group. Registration is open until  July 1, 2011.  As long as there are 26 weeks left in 2011 to participate—we will still accept registrants.

If you would like to participate please click here e-mail Mary for more information:
E-Mail Mary

Best of luck to you!  I look forward to Moving Forward with you this year as we complete the 2011 Moving Forward Mary-thon together!

Keep Moving Forward!

Mary


PS - If you would like to read the history of the Moving Forward Mary-thon here's the link:  
http://projectlinuscentralil.blogspot.com/2010/12/2011-moving-forward-mary-thon.html

*Be sure to check with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.