Were you trying to diet at the same time? Have you ever tried exercising more without also restricting your food intake?

Also, have you ever enjoyed exercising while doing it?

Edit: Just to be clear, this isn't supposed to be advice, implicit or otherwise. I'm just curious.

Thanks for replying.

If you don't mind the continued probing: did your ability to lift grow over that time period? Or were you about constant the whole year?