Welcome to the MOVING FORWARD MARY-THON!: Let's Keep Moving Forward in 2012

"Anybody can do just about anything with himself that he really wants to and makes his mind to do. We are capable of greater than we realize."

- Norman Vincent Peale, author

Although our 2011 Moving Forward Mary-thon is not finished - it's time to commit to and prepare for 2012! No looking back, no standing still...we will continue to moving forward!

Why has the 2011 Mary-thon been so successful? According to statistics, only 8% of New Year's Resolutions are kept. That means that 92% of those who set a goal (or resolution) NEVER finish. So far, 30% of those who started the Mary-thon have already crossed the finish line, with a projected 70% committed to finish by December 31st! We have ALREADY beat the odds! That's why this works!

Originally, the 2011 Mary-thon was created to give me a way to keep myself motivated to exercise throughout the year. It was to be a 1 year program and I hoped to have a few friends and family join me. It turned out to be VERY successful - and I was so grateful for the inspiration and help each of you were to me! As Mary-thoners crossed their finish lines, I received many e-mails asking me to continue the Mary-thon in 2012. I know that we all need to continue to "Keep Moving Forward" but as I thought about continuing the Mary-thon for another year, I realized - first of all - that I would not be able to purchase and mail medals to everyone. The "big question" was: "Would anyone pay to participate?" After doing a little research, I discovered that, statistically speaking, if you make a commitment and you have secured your commitment with a monetary investment, your chances of fulfilling your commitment are much higher. So - I created a brochure advertising the 2012 Mary-thon...started handing it out...and the response has been OVERWHELMING!!!

I knew there would be those who would not be able to pay to participate and I didn't want to leave anyone out of the Mary-thon - so I came up with the following guidelines:

In 2012 you can register as a Premium Full Mary-thoner, Premium Half Mary-thoner or a Basic Mary-thoner.

A Premium Full and Half Mary-thoner will receive the following "participation perks" for a $35 fee. Of that $35, $15 will be a tax-deductible donation to Project Linus www.projectlinus.org - our 2012 recipient charity.

Premium Mary-thoner

 Mary-thon bracelet

 2012 Mary-thon T-Shirt

 2012 Finisher’s Medal (when you finish!)

 Downloadable Tracking Sheet, Pledge, Finisher’s Certificate, Racing Bib and motivational support through e-mail and blog updates.

 Tax-deductible receipt for $15 donation to Project Linus.

 $35 Fee

Basic Mary-thoner

 Downloadable Tracking Sheet, Pledge, Racing Bib, Finisher’s Certificate and motivational support through e-mail & blog updates.

 No Fee.

*Basic Mary-thoners MUST have an e-mail address and the ability to open attachments in order to participate.

There will be no charge to be a "Basic Mary-thoner" but anyone participating as a Basic Mary-thoner will only receive their "perks of participation" through e-mail. This will include those items listed below under "Basic Mary-thoner". Due to the cost of purchasing medals and postage, there will NOT be a medal included in this package and the participant MUST have an e-mail address (or access to one) in order to participate.

Most marathons and fitness events sponsor a charity - and I am thrilled to make Project Linus a recipient of our hard work and dedication. There are so many of our family, friends, associates, and co-workers who would LOVE the Project Linus mission and want to support Project Linus in some way but they simply do not want to make blankets. What a perfect way for them to "team up" with others (or participate on their own) and commit to 26 weeks of exercise in 2012! When you register as a Premium Mary-thoner, Project Linus receives $15. Think of all the children going through a life-crisis who will receive a hug of comfort from a Project Linus blanket as a result of YOUR efforts! In addition to all the goodies listed below under Premium Mary-thoner, you will receive personal health benefits as a major bonus and completing a 26 week fitness goal will be truly life-changing!