I've been open-water swimming with a couple of friends for two summers. I laid off swimming during the recent winter months (crowded lanes + chlorine -- aack!). I had turned into a real couch potato this winter when one of my swimming buds invited me to a cross-fit workout. Lots of barbells and dumbbells. I hurt like crazy the days following but stayed with it and have come to love the workouts.

Now I'm going for it: workout AND diet. I'm heartened by the fact that I dropped 14 pounds in 2010 simply by eating clean and swimming; I know clean eating drops the fat. Now I'm excited for this new journey of adding weights to the mix.

I love the feeling of accomplishment for having pushed myself. And having measurable goals keeps me focused.