So, the last two nights, I didn’t get much sleep at all for one reason or another. That means no weight loss. It’s very predictable for me: no sleep = no weight loss. There’s also the matter of not having regular bowel movements for the past few days and, well, I’m heavier: 3 lbs, to be exact.

It’s annoying when I’m making good progress to have the scale tell me that I weigh more when I know I’m still doing everything right. That’s the real struggle and the test of working toward losing weight. Right now, I’m in weight loss mode, and it’s these little speed bumps that used to derail me. Now? They make me more determined than ever.

The way I see it, or at least the way I’ve trained myself to see it, it’s like my weight is a foe that I need to defeat. It works for me. Different people need to find their motivation and what works best for them. My goal weight is more than just a number. It’s also where I feel physically at my best, where I fit my uniforms and my clothing the best, and I feel the most nimble. Running is easier when I’m lighter, and I’m much faster. I am just between 9-11 lbs away from my goal which, according to my schedule, I should hit sometime by the end of November if I can sustain my rate of loss.

I will continue to do what I need to do: trust in the process, keep eating well, keep exercising, and continue to keep motivated. Perseverance is key. I’m in this for the long haul, and this is a long-term process. Short-term gratification with bumps in weight loss are nice, but it’s not what the game is about. It’s about getting to my goal safely, and steadily, even if my weight bumps up a bit every now and then. It’s all a part of how this game is played, and I’m going to continue to kick it’s butt.