I'm stronger than i ever thought i would get

(its not just the lunges and bicep curls).

It's the kind of strength John warned me would build

beyond every rep i sweat in that gym.

The only thing harder than

shaking the undulation rope

is believing that i can.

"Ignore the pain!", he yells."This is easy!"

Every ounce of me wants to quit.

Every mucle in my body has walked away

5 minutes in

but there i am--squatting, sitting-up, stepping up, jabbing--

repeating that it's worth it.

15 pounds.

It's coming off slow.

But i'm not afraid of weigh-ins,

or anything, really.

I'm happy.

I'm happy.

And just like that, it all fell into place.