"It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit." - George Sheehan
Here we are – going into the Mary-thon home stretch and we can see the chute up ahead! YOU are a member of an elite group. We started the Mary-thon with 177 participants. 55 have dropped out. 122 of us are still at it - still exercising - still committed to finishing the race some time during 2011. Congratulations to each of you!!!
It’s hard to believe that we have been regularly exercising for months! WOW!!! Some of us have already finished ¾ of the Mary-thon (or close to it), and even if you started later or restarted – you’re still at it! What an accomplishment! Yes – each of us WILL finish the race and we WILL finish strong! We can see the finish line in the distance and we can visualize OUR medal hanging around our necks. I hope that those of you who have achieved the status of “half-mary-thoner” are wearing your bracelets each day – letting the world know that you are an athlete who has made regular exercise a part of your life. APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!
Here's the new challenge:
As I finish Week #20, I have felt the need to set some new fitness goals to keep me motivated once I finish Week #26. So - I would like to invite you to join me in the Mega-Marython! This is PURELY OPTIONAL – just a way to keep the carrot in front of our cart – if you need a little extra incentive.
Here’s the scoop: There are two ways to complete the Mega-Marython. You can participate in a structured twelve week program or you can create your own. The Mega-Marython requires THREE days per week of 30 minutes per day for 12 weeks! :-)
I have heard from several of you that you would like to start running - but you've never done it before and don't know where to begin. If you would prefer a structured program, I have a 12 week 5K training schedule (it’s only 3 days a week) that will help you get started running if you’re interested. The goal is to be able to eventually run at your own pace (fast or slow) for 30 minutes straight (or 3.1 miles) at the end of 12 weeks. If you THINK you would like to participate, send me an e-mail and I will send you the information.
There are a few stipulations to participating in the Mega-Marython:
1. You MUST have finished the Mary-thon before you can begin the Mega-Marython and you must e-mail me with your commitment to be a Mega-Marythoner BEFORE you begin your 12 week training. In order to be a Mega-Marythoner, you must complete your 12 week training by December 31, 2011.
2. You can use the 5K beginning runner training schedule that I will send you. You will only need to train the required 3 days per week when you start the 12 week training and you MUST finish by the end of the year (December 31, 2011).
3. You can come up with your own training schedule (run, walk, swim, eliptical, weights, etc.) - but it MUST be at least 30 minutes per day and you MUST train at least 3 days per week for twelve weeks.
Is there a prize for finishing?
Of course there is!!! You will receive a MEGA-Mary-thon certificate and another Mary-thon medal – with a Mega-Marython designation on the ribbon (while supplies last).
You will have one “free week” during the 12 week training, but ONLY if you need it.
After Mary-thon training for 6 months, I want to continue my fitness program and would LOVE to have you join me.
Think about it, let me know and…remember to...
Keep Moving Forward!
Mary
E-mail: mary.balagna@gmail.com
