It’s not enough to decide to do something. It’s the first really important step to take: commitment. But then, you have to persevere. You have to work through adversity. You have to keep going even when your face setbacks. That’s why you need to be dedicated to the change you want to see, the change you want to feel, and the change you want to realize.

I’ve allowed myself to slowly gain weight. It’s not all my fault: this Achilles heel injury has been a larger setback than I gave it credit for. I’m back to my pre-running weight, but holding steady. That has been really good for one important reason: it shows me that my initial weight loss plateau was no fluke and that the diet I eat is good to get me to 185 lbs. It also reaffirms to me that to get lower than 185 lbs, I need to run.

I’ve been lifting weights and getting very strong, but I haven’t lost a single pound of weight (although I also haven’t gained any while gaining muscle size). I know: muscle weighs more than fat, body reconfiguration is more important than weight, etc. I get it. BUT, my gut is bigger than I like. My pants are tighter than they were. I need to slim back down more, and running gets me there.

I’m starting a physical therapy plan for my Achilles heel that I’ll begin tomorrow, and I’m also going to start the stationary cycle on Wednesday since I’m doing my standard weightlifting and push-ups tomorrow.

I’m dedicated to doing what it takes to get back to where I want to be with my weight, strength, and cardio. It’s going to be a long and hard road, but I’m up to the task. This isn’t my first or even second time climbing this hill, and I know I can do it.