Earl, what is the difference though? I lift/train hard. Most of the competitors at my gym couldn't handle my workouts/intensity. Yet, I do not consider my self an athlete. Here's another thing, I actually do cardio work, and not the kind guys juiced up do (I.E. walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes

).
Now, where is the difference between someone that works out, and some who competes? I train hard, I eat clean (year round). I just do not oil up, pose in tiny trunks. I fail to see how the latter makes ANYONE an athlete.