I'll make it public so that maybe I have a chance at achieving it. My friend Joel and I have agreed to a "six-pack by summer" challenge. We are both reasonably muscular, reasonably athletic people but have never had a six pack. I've always had a nice layer of insulation although, maybe like everyone, I can feel my hidden six-pack. We've decided to help each other achieve this goal with a formal challenge.

Here are the rules: On or before July 1 2008 we both need to have a visible six-pack. By visible we mean that we need to clearly and undeniably see at least the vertical and one horizontal cut. If we achieve this then our two families will go on a reward weekend to NYC. If only one achieves this then the reward is gone but the one who did not achieve has to pay a penalty to the other, which has yet to be decided. The goal is for BOTH OF US to make it.

We started about two weeks ago. My stats at that time were as follows:

• Weight: 192 lbs
• Cuts: 0
• Pants: Tight after Christmas. Cannot slip a piece of paper between tummy and pants.

Approximately 14 days later am at:

• Weight: 185lbs
• Cuts: 0
• Pants: Loose.

Approximately 1 month later am at:

• Weight: 179 lbs
• Cuts: Am starting to see the top two of the pack!
• Pants: Belt at smallest notch and still loose.

 Approximately 6 weeks later am at:

• Weight: 179 lbs, about the same as before, but I think some of it is net gain of muscle.
• Cuts: They're not mythical anymore.  You can definitely see them starting to come.  Top 4 are or can be made visible under most lighting conditions.
• Pants: Belt at smallest notch and very loose.
• Energy:  High, have increased the excercise.

My strategy has been to restructure the diet. Eliminate simple carbs and reduce volume of food, substituting protein and fibre mostly. Increase excercise (although I haven't scheduled this much yet). So far these results have come almost entirely from the intake side of the house.  I expect to strongly increase the excercise over the next month as the weather starts to allow safer running.