Whether you admit it or not, you're interested in how you look and how diet and exercise will improve your appearance. The Challenge presents you a great opportunity to not only get your athletic stuff together but also enjoy the added bonus of shedding some pudge, adding some muscle and getting ready for bathing suit season, that big vacation, a wedding or other significant event. Or just because you want to look as good as you feel.

To that end, we're encouraging all our Challenge participants (that's you) to get before and after pictures taken. You can get the before's done at CFG anytime this week. Karen will take the girls, Tony the guys, just ask. The pics will remain private, you'll be the only person to see yours. This is your chance to actually see the changes all your hard work produces.

This is not (strictly) about vanity. We're not out to create or foster any neuroses. But let's face it, nobody works this hard and doesn't want it to show. When your athletic performance improves it changes your body, i.e. form follows function. You get stronger, faster, more coordinated, better balanced. It shows. Athletes look better than people who don't do anything. You can see it and feel it. Take a look at some '09 CrossFit Games men and women to get an idea of what's possible. Remember, these are highly trained, well practiced athletes. While their results are typical, their dedication and commitment are not.

Get your pictures this week. Remember, you're the only one who'll see. It's a benchmark and a valuable tool to your progress. We'll take another set at the end of the challenge. Who knows, you might want to show everybody those.