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Well, I found great success and loved the challenge portion of my first six week challenge. Before the first challenge, I was weak as a kitten and now I can say I am more like a moderately ill-tempered alley cat. Since the goal is to be a strong and lean cheetah, I still have some work to do, and I can't wait to get rolling. Last challenge was difficult because I had a lot of travel to do in the last two weeks, which killed a couple of my goals. With that in mind my main goal is... MAIN GOAL - Work Out and Diet Consistency This goal is super important with traveling and all the other little things that come up in life. I have dietary restrictions, so it is important for me to follow them otherwise there are serious consequences. With that in mind, I have 3 goals: 1. Strength Train 4x a week The Reasoning: I made great progress during the first 4 weeks of the last challenge and lost it with a business trip and the early holiday rush. I also have a tendency of shifting my workouts around in the week, which throws off future weeks and means sometimes I may never get to them. I am going to accomplish this by doing the following: ​Follow weight lifting program with a focus on the big three lifts When traveling, get a gym guest pass or do body weight circuits Track everything in Fitocracy for that sweet, sweet, instant gratification (can I tell you I am dying for Rising Heroes?) Grading: A = 4x per week, B = 3x per week, C = 2x per week, D = 1x per week, F = 0x per week 2. Cardio for 120 minutes per week The Reasoning: Because I made such great progress in the weight room, I slipped doing cardio and I have been struggling to regain my endurance. I have been struggling with imbalances in my back which has made it hard to breathe (basically giant knots around my rib cage), so I am hoping to find some form of cardio that meets my needs. My favorite forms are the stairmaster and running, but I may have to dial it back depending on how I feel. I plan on accomplishing this goal by doing the following: Leave the house by 6:30 so I can fit in both strength and cardio before work Work on building up my endurance with treadmill interval workouts (too cold to be out side near Boston!) Make any needed changes to the type of exercise depending on how I feel (switch to bike / elliptical)​ Track everything in Fitocracy for that sweet, sweet, instant gratification Grading: A = 120 min/week, B = 90 min/week, C = 60 min/week, D = 30 min/week, F = <30 min/week 3. Make 4 Paleo Dinners and 4 Paleo Lunches each week (8 meals total) The reasoning: I already eat GF and I liked how I felt with less sugar in my diet last challenge. This one will be a bit more challenging since I eat a TON of dairy even though I don't feel that great with it, rice and quinoa are big staples in my house. I also have to contend with my fiance who loves all the unhealthy stuff, so there may be a rebellion of a different sort! Here is how I plan to do this: Grocery shop and do a massive prep at the beginning of the weak - Get 2 paleo cooking staples per week Make meals from a paleo cook book - currently leaning toward make ahead paleo just for the ease, but may also get the against all grains one. Bring some paleo snacks to stock at work to keep me honest Grading: A = 8 meals/week, B = 6 meals/week, C = 4 meals/week, D = 2 meals/week, F = 0 meals/week Life Goal - Pay of $2000 of my CC debt The reasoning: My last goal was to cut back on my impulse shopping when stressed. This goal takes it a step further to help get rid of some of the consequences of my impulse spending from before the last challenge. I am not sure the best way to go about doing this, but my goal is to start the flow back toward a $0 balance. Grading: A = $2000 B = $1500, C = $1000, D = $500, F = $0 Stats Measurements as of January 5: Height—5'8.5" Weight—Starting, 141 lb Waist—Starting, 26 in. Hips—Starting, 40 in. Bicep—Starting, 11.5 in. Thigh—Starting, 23 in. Calf—Starting, 13.5 in. Best of luck to everyone, and I can't wait to read about everyone's progress!