I have to keep telling myself that progress is progress, even when it’s slow. Perseverance is the name of the game. It’s the strategy the turtle used to beat the hare. It’s the strategy I’m using to get to my final weight goal.

However, while rethinking my weight goal last night, I realized that it might not be realistic given the amount of physical activity I’m doing now. I am not only running, but weightlifting. This is going to build more muscle, and while I will definitely continue to lose some of the fat I’ve added to my body over the past six months, I’m going to be building heavier, denser muscle in its place.

This is why it’s so important to use a number of data points when analyzing your overall health and fitness. While I may never see 160 lbs again, I will definitely be stronger, healthier, and more fit.

I am doing all the right things now: getting enough sleep, eating smaller and healthier portions, and getting exercise. The final ingredient is time: I just need to continue to put in the work, and the results will come.