In January of of last year, I was done whining. I weighed 180.9 pounds and got winded going up the stairs to put away laundry. I decided to More More and Eat Less and of course, to scrapbook the whole kit and kaboodle.
Without further adieu I present the fitness year in review (click on each layout to see it larger in a new window):
The journey continues.
One thing I'm learning is this: being thinner will not guarantee happiness. Anyone who believes that it will just might need to hear those words.
However, it will make you feel better mentally and physically.
It will help your body to function at a much more optimal level.
It will give you more energy and a clearer mind.
And what the hell…it will quite possibly put you into a smaller size pair of jeans.
I close this year with a lot of pride and enthusiasm for 2011. I hope that anyone out there who thinks they can't possibly imagine getting into shape will take heart and know that this isn't wizardry or brain surgery.
It's simply the result of Moving More and Eating Less.
And it makes for some dang good scrapbookin', don't it?
I chose the word 'give' as my One Little Word for 2011. While I intend for it to have numerous extensions in my life for this year, giving to myself by caring for my body is definitely one of the top ways I will strive to truly live this word on a daily basis.
Happy New Year to all and thank you so very much for all of the support and comments and stories that you have shared with me this year.
with much love and gratitude,
p.s. see ya next year.
Barb says
Congratulations on a great year of MMEL. And I love the word you’ve chosen. Give is a wonderful olw to live by.
My olw for 2011 is slower. I hope that by slowing down, I will be able to better appreciate the abundance of blessings in my life.
Katie says
That’s an amazing amount of determination. Congrats and keep up with the good work! 🙂
Jeanette says
Dear Cathy,
thanks for sharing your journal! I was smiling when I saw your first picture. Your body was looking linke mine today and I know that I need to change something. I love your journal.
My little word for 2011 is “changes”. Move more, eat less is one part of it 😉
Happy new year!
Jeanette
Ruth says
Congratulations on all you achieved during your year of MMEL! Give is a great OLW, mine is ‘better’.
Mary Jo says
Congratulations! Your posts have been very inspirational to me 🙂 I just signed up for the Wellness Journey over at BPS. I’m thinking 2011 is my year to finally, really take care of myself!
Stacy Simpson says
What a transformation! I am joining you on the MMEL journey for 2011. I purchased my lime Russell+Hazel binder at Target and my page protectors are on their way to my house! My One Little Word is FOCUS!
reyanna says
You know, CZ, you are just too awesome for words! I SO admire the journey you took this year!
And I’m not sure if you “did the math” (I’m sure you did), but the month that you weighed 141 pounds (Sept) still wasn’t as good as December! It may be 6 pounds different, but your “inches” count is smaller than ever! I think because you’re strength-training, you’ve just put on some good ole muscle! And that muscle weighs A LOT!
Look how awesome you are! You’ve lost 33.9 pounds! SEVEN inches off your waist! FIVE inches off your hips! SIX inches off your bust! FOUR and a half inches off your thighs! ONE and 3/4 inches off your arms! That’s CRAZY-AWESOME! 😀
Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I’ve so enjoyed reading along, every step of the way. 🙂
Good luck in 2011!!!
Melissa Mann says
So awesome!!
Megan says
My ‘olw'(took me a minute to figure out what that was) is action…because not only me, but my entire family is all about the talkin’ lately, and not so much about the doin’. I aim to change that this year. Whether they want to or not. 🙂 (My plan is to be a shining beacon and hope they follow along. ) Thanks for all your unbridled enthusiasm this year…made it easier to get off my tush as often as I did.
April W says
Wow, that is an amazing change! Good for you Cathy, fo deciding to change your life and actually doing it! I’ve made the choice, and now my journey of doing it starts…
– April W
Liz says
Pat yourself on the back girl. Not only have you improved your health, how many people have you inspired this year?
Cyn says
What a journey! And to see it all in one swoop is amazing. I’m excited to join you in Move More, Eat Less (with an emphasis on the latter.) Maybe I can convince you to run a half sometime this year? I’m considering it for the fall…
Give is a great word — so many possibilities. Mine is Harmony. Here’s to a great new year!
annie says
Cathy, you give new meaning to discipline. I am in awe. Thanks for inspiring so many of us to move more and eat less.
Rebekah says
Cathy, I must finally come out of my google reader hiding spot and tell you how much you inspire me!! Thank you so much for your posts through out this past year. I am not a runner either, but I’m training for a 5K right now. I’m struggling with having the right mind-set…but when I’m struggling through a training session, I’m reminded of your journey. I’ve got Run Like a Mother on my nightstand and can’t wait to have some free-time to read through it…again! 🙂 Looking forward to following along with you through 2011.
Karen Grunberg says
cathy you inspired me so much!! all the way into action: http://www.karenika.com/?p=11565 so you already gave me a huge huge present!! thank you!!
Christine H says
That is the word I chose as well and for all the same reasons! Good luck in 2011 with less shoulda/coulda/outta and more can/did/done!
Connie says
Thanks so much for sharing. I read your blog daily. I am currently on WW and will be switching over to the online membership next week (cheaper than monthly pass). You are part of the reason I am doing it. I have already lost 10 lbs. and I just ran 2 miles in 22 minutes. Yay me!
Christine H says
What a great way to stay inspired….just looking through what you have accomplished has got to help with the little speed bumps along the way. Way to go!
Claire says
Wow-very inspiring-so honest and strong-thanks for sharing and inspiring me! as a mother of four, with a 7 month old, I have recently started to focus on my health and strength. I am getting there! Happy New Year!
heidig says
Happy New Year to you too, Cathy!
Tina says
OMG just love your review of the year and that you got it scrapped! Love the whole MMEL and plan on continuing on my own journey for 2011, including running that full marathon!
JoLynn says
It’s been great following your journey. Congrats to you for becoming a healthier, stronger you!
Leora says
WOW! All I can saw is Wow! You are amazing. An inspiration. Those pages and the pictures really do tell an amazing story. Thanks for sharing it and yourself. Here’s to a wonderful 2011!!!!
Brenda in Sunny SoCal says
I appreciate how brave you are to let us all into this processs
Happy 2010!
HeatherC says
amazing transformation — congratulations — my mom recently lost 30 lbs and it is amazing at almost 66 years old how much better she is feeling and how much more energy she has. My word for 2011 was actually slow — just because I felt I was was going in so many different directions lately, but maybe “focus” would be better… I know I need to move more and slow does not fit with that!
Megan Willis says
Gosh. I just ate 2 warm chocolate chip cookies.
Love your layouts and thanks for the motivation to change things about myself!
Stacey says
You are such an inspiration! Last year I went vegan to lower my cholesterol, which I did. I was focused on learning to cook & eat differently & less on eating light. I ate way too many vegan cinnamon rolls & treats. I’m starting 2011 doing a project 365 and think I’ll use the 1st of the month to chart my fitness course & take a full self-portrait for reference. I just joined weight watchers & want to lose 20 lbs. This was just what I needed – thanks! and congrats to you on your success! how fantastic to be lean, strong & healthy!
cathy says
way to go, Connie!
Heres to a new year!
cathy says
Rebekah, great to hear this! You CAN do it!
: )
Lynn says
OMGsh you did such a great job!! Congratulations and what an awesome way to document it all! This has to be one of the most inspiring posts I’ve read in a very long time… thanks so much for sharing!!
mrs x. says
It’s been amazing to watch you — less and less of you, I might add — and the journey you’re on. WAY TO GO, girlfriend. Not only are you doing this for you, but you’re bringing a long a whole lotta ladies for the ride. What an inspiration. I was on a journey of my own this year — also took up running and am very proud to say I ended the year with my first 1/2 marathon under my belt, 25 lbs. I lost along the way (and very happy to never find them again, thank you — it’s BS what they say about women in their 40s having a harder time losing weight!) GO me! I will be watching your site for more great playlist recommendations. We have the same taste in music and you’ve given me some good ideas and re-introduced me to songs I had long but forgotten about!
mrs x. says
Got cut off before I had the chance to wish you many, many great miles, excellent tunes and lots and lots of SEX (muffins) in 2011! Best to you!
heidi says
“One thing I’m learning is this: being thinner will not guarantee happiness. Anyone who believes that it will just might need to hear those words.”
That is an awesome reminder!! Thin doesn’t equal happiness, but it may equal healthiness. 🙂 I bought the MMEL journal last night and will commit to using it. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!
Yolanda says
What an inspired year. It has been a pleasure to observe the process, and moving to see all the layouts here in one place. I really hope you consider printing a bound book of these, with the story of one year in a single place.
As for myself, I have had a series of wake up calls this month that tell me the time for procrastinating on my health is drawing to an end. My bones and my heart have simply grown tired of sustaining this much material. Either I will choose to treat my body differently, or it will object violently, perhaps catastrophically.
So in 2011, I will lose weight and gain strength and be able to hold a conversation after walking up a flight of stairs. And on December 31st, a year from now, I WILL weigh less than the XXX pounds I weigh today (I’m not ready to write down that number, but we’ll just say I have more to lose than you did and I don’t expect it all to come off in a year).
Deanne says
Cathy..I’ve been following your blog for quite some time…since my old days of scrapbooking. I have to tell you…you totally inspired me to get moving myself. Running is something ive always wanted to do, but never thought i could. When i saw how good you felt and how great you were doing with it, i thought…why not give it a shot. I’m happy to report that since June I’m down 31 lbs. Have completed the Couch to 5k program and have done 4 5k’s so far! 2011 brings a whole new set of goals for me. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your progress with all of us and for the motivation you are providing! Continued success in 2011!
Jana says
Jogging in place while I read your posts & comments! Here’s to an active new year & an abundant amount of everything we need! (abundance is my word – love how it has dance tucked into it – something I try to do every day!!) Great job with documenting your progress!!! xoxo
2baileydog says
Wow, what an amazing testament to “stick to it ness”! What a great job! And, I love the documenting. You are right, the comparison picture should never get old. Congratulations on all your hard work.
Ginger says
Wow! So inspiring! Thanks for sharing!!
Vanessa says
What an inspiration! I may have to revisit this post as I embark on my own wellness journey. Thank you for posting!!
MonicaB says
Cathy, wonderful job with moving more and eating less. You have inspired me to document my own journey. Best wishes in the new year!
Crystal Cook says
Cathy that is just awesome. 🙂 You’ve accomplished so much! And I agree with you about being thin and happiness. I was just thinking about this the other day. Thin doesn’t = happy. But it does help me feel better about myself which translates into all other areas of my life. I feel more positive, more optimistic, and more like I can do things that aren’t easy. Happy New Year to you too and thanks for all the inspiration and fun at your blog.
chris says
This is wonderful inspiration! I made up my book using your templates for the move more eat less diary and took my pictures. Wow…I am jolted by what I see in the pictures….yuck – not swimsuit worthy by any stretch! I’m ready for a Monday start, although I have unofficially started this past week, but am not yet documenting the daily bits and pieces until Monday.
Being thin might not lead to happiness, but it can’t hurt! I’ve been there (thin) and it is definitely a better place for me to be. I know for a fact, though, that being pudgy and constantly thinking about how overweight you are or how many rolls around your middle you feel every day, all day long, doesn’t lead to happiness!
angie says
just amazing.. wow a year can really do this.. Maybe this will be my inspiration to get in shape for 2011.. I really want to be inspired so I am bookmarking this day and I am going to continue to come and visit these layouts of inspiration.. COngrats on your weightloss.. just AMAZING!!
Emma says
Another great post Cathy – isn’t it about time you wrote another book? I know I’d buy it ; )
Wishing you and your family a very blessed 2011 x
Maureen says
Love the full face shot of October. You really have persevered Cathy. Blessings to you and yours.
I got the ok from the dermatologist today..stitches in foot removed…that I can return to the gym! Woohoo!
Laura says
Absolutely awesome !!! You AND the pics !! I think you inspired me to do the same…..THANKS…and Happy 2011!
Denise Coulter says
You look amazing Cathy! Congratulations on getting so healthy! My hat’s off to you. You put in a lot of work to make it happen. Happy New Years.
Shannon says
You’re an inspiration, Cathy. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us all year long. You look phenomenal! Hoping you have a fantastic new year!
Sherri Stone says
Thanks for sharing your incredible journey Cathy! It’s so inspiring to see the differences each month brought. You have made me feel more motivated to strive for better health and fitness! I normally get discouraged at how much I need to lose but seeing the changes in your monthly pages at your weight AND measurement losses – I CAN DO THIS!
Jen G. says
Congratulations! You are truely an inspiration. I often think of you when I am on the treadmill aka dreadmill. To know that among the others pounding the endless track of moving rubber at my local Y that there is you making it work, is my inspiration. I am slowly working my way to wellness, thin-ness, healthyness, but I know I can do it!
Toootally off point, what is the picture say that is behind your head in your bathroom?!
Happy New Year!
cathy says
wow. that is inspiring Deanne!
cathy says
It says: I dreamed my bathroom cleaned itself. ha!
Giggly Girls says
Awesome!!! And so inspirational. My hubby and some of my close friends are looking to get healthier this year and I’m going to document my journey. I love how you have that to look back on and to motivate yourself.
Did I say awesome job, yet?
MarionW says
Great job – first steps on a lifelong journey. All the best in the coming year!
Mdettec says
Inspiring! I don’t have that drive that last. I did well for 3 months then stopped. The good thing is I haven’t gained.
Heather V says
WOW!!! You go girl!!!
Thank you for sharing this…it inspires me to do just a little more for my journey. Happy New YOU New Year 🙂
Heather
Cheri says
Your transformation over the last year is remarkable Cathy – not just in body (although smokin hot is a good thing!), but also in your mindset and spirit. Congrats!
dawn says
These photos are so amazing, you are amazing, you look amazing, it was an amazing year watching you on this journey. You should be so proud and you’ve helped and inspired me and so many others. I can’t wait to see what you do next year and be surprised each morning I read you blog. I love your OLW of the year, it’s powerful in so many ways. My word is TIME and it will inspire me in so many ways. Have a Happy and Safe New Year and see you in 2011.
Sara G says
Thank you for sharing your journey! I plan to “move more and eat less” in 2011.
Nancy M says
Happy New Years, Cathy!
Barbara says
Congratulations and happy New Year!
Shannon says
Great inspiration! Not sure which folder to put your blog in my favorites – scrapbooking or health and fitness! I’ve got my MMEL ready to go and have started WW online… here’s to 2011!
Dawn Marie says
Okay it’s my OPRAH moment. Signed up for the downloads. This is just what I was looking for. Your candor has inspired me to be honest with myself. Your scrapbook journal is going to be my companion for 2011. Thank you for sharing…you are making a positive change in the world for at least one person!
Denise K. says
You rock, Cathy! Thank you for your inspiration and I hope to move more, and eat less in 2011~~~!
Therese says
Fantastic job! I really like when you started doing the double photos to show where you started and what you accomplished each month. You should be so porud of yourself, keep at it!
madeline St onge says
Cathy you are such an inspitations to me, I have been stuck on the same numbers for way to lons so need to change something in a major way to get to my goal.
Thanks you for a wonderful year long journey
Janet Forrest says
Congratulations! 2011 is my year of change! You are quite an inspiration and this is just what I needed to read this last day of 2010. Thank you for sharing!
Brenda says
Thanks for sharing and being such an inspiration. My One Little Word for 2010 was Wellness and your Move More Eat Less helped my along my Wellness Journey. I have your MMEL journaling pages all printed off and I’m already starting to use them. My One Little Word for 2011 is Discipline – caring for my body (and thus my mind and spirit too) is definitely top on the things I’m hoping to be more disciplined about this year. Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2011.
Diane says
Happy New Year Dear girlfriend~ Cheers to a Very Happy 2011 Hugs, Diane
ann says
You are an inspiration!
Sheri Brady says
So glad I found this post! Thanks for the inspiration! Just had my third child and am ready to get back in the race! I am definitely going to follow this model as a way to track my PROGRESS (my word for 2011, btw)! Best of luck in 2011! Sheri
Imperfectionist says
Congratulations cathy! That definitely worked better Than my year of eat more move less did….. Looking forward to more tales from you in 2011, keep up the good work.
Petra from NL says
Inspirational!
I’m all motivated to get started. I want to be fit and able to walk the Inca trail in June ;-).
Kate says
well done cathy you look fab x
Kathy Griffith says
Cathy, you have inspired me with your year in review. I think it is amazing and while I start out at the same weight you did (though worse looking since I think I am shorter), I am going to take on the challenge. I am also much older so this body will not have the noticeable changes but I am determined to change. If allowed, I am going to scrapbook it like you did to make myself accountable. I love it. Thank you again for the push to Move More, Eat Less.
Mel says
This is so inspiring, Cathy – you go, girl! Seems like you have the healthy body AND mind thing figured out, good for you 🙂
cathy says
Go Madeline!
cathy says
Good luck, Dawn! You can do it!
Lunasea says
Very Inspiring! I want to have something like this for myself in one year’s time. I’m 45, and am finding that being complacent about my weight, surprise surprise, is not doing me any favors. I’m on board for 2011.
Barb in AK says
So inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
Happy new year to you and your family.
Sandra says
HI Cathy!
just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration over the year!
Happy New Year to you and yours!
Stéphanie B. says
Well, it’s been a journey for you and you came out pretty victorious on this one. But like you said, it was just a beginning, changing habits will take longer than a year, but you’ve got the tools to go on successfully. It’s so great to be able to review the all year and see and realize where you come from and where you ended up at the end of this year. As I’m closing my 365 album, I was flipping thru couple of pages and was so glad I kept on tracking my days, weeks, and months. Happy new year to you and your family. Can’t wait to see what you have in stock for us for 2011!!
Alana in Canada says
It’s the incredible shrinking woman!
I wanted to let you know that you have inspired me to move more. (I’m taking my time getting around the eating less part!) I’ve worked out 18 of the last 23 days and I feel great! So, thanks.
(You could put those pictures into a slo-mo animation film–but I’m afraid the year would just blink by).
Happy New Year to you and yours.
Jennifer Sagle says
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I’ve spent 2010 doing nothing but gaining weight. I’ve been “planning” my attack and vowed to be successful in my weight loss journey in 2011. As January 1st approached, I got more and more nervous, but after reading all of this I am TOTALLY INSPIRED!! I’m going to go right now and take my “BEFORE” picture!!!
cheryltaylor_park@yahoo.com says
After a year of being determined to lose weight and trying this and that but not being consistent with any fitness program I approached the end of the year disappointed in myself, overwhelmed and on a major ‘Debbie Downer’. Reading this was so inspirational. I admire your commitment and following through every day, which is all it takes really. 2011 is my year…I want to have another baby but don’t want to get pregnant weighing 15lbs more than I did when my 4 year-old was 6 months old. UGH. I WILL move more and eat less. Thanks for sharing your story and pictures…you look amazing by the way! Congratulations!
Cheryl says
Ummm…clearly I need to slow down and read the instructions! Just posted my contact info for all to see…eeek!
Lanne says
Impressive and inspirational…..go you!!!!!
Sandi D says
Wow! Job well done. I love the October page. As I work toward losing my weight and gaining muscle I will refer to this post as inspiration.
Sandi
Laurie says
The amazing shrinking Cathy. Wow. When you look at all these pages together, it is so obvious the progress you made. You must feel so proud of yourself. Keep up the good work and thanks for keeping us all inspired. Your honesty with set backs makes your journey all the more inspirational. Happy 2011.
Janice S says
Thank you so much for your inspiration!! Thought you might like this story and his suggestion for success!! *You* should be featured in one of these stories!! :thumbsup:
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/fitness/weight-loss-challenge/2010-12-30-WLCtom30_ST_N.htm
Brenda says
Maybe you could start a MMEL community at BPC – a bit like the ProjectLife community that Becky Higgins has set up. And, while I’m thinking about it – a Make a Page Monday community at BPC would be great too – that would be something great to eventually evolve into a class – maybe one of the 4 experts series for next year – I’d love to create a layout a week following your Make a Page design ideas – if you did something along those lines it would be great if you could provide tips for modifying layouts to become different sizes and 2-page spreads. By the way, I’m loving your MMEL journal; started recording about a week ago; finally got the ‘beginning’ photos taken yesterday.
cathy says
Good luck, Cheryl!
cathy says
Do it! I spent all of 2009 gaining weight and doing nothing. Last year was a huge change. Remember: slow steps. It takes time and doesnt happen overnight! Good luck!
Jocelyn says
This is amazing – Well done!! I just wanted to let you know that you have inspired me. Thank-you ^_^
Sara says
You have been so inspiring to me! I’m planning to move more & eat less this year & see where it brings me.
I’d like to point out to you that while your weight went up slightly, your inches in your waist and bust went down. You’re probably building muscle. Which I’m sure you’re aware of. 🙂
tara pollard pakosta says
this is AMAZING to see your transformation cathy! good for YOU! you are a total inspiration to me!! I need to lose about 30lbs. I weighed in today at 162lbs. I am trying to do at least 1-5 miles every day and workout at the club 4-5 x per week on top of that! take care and thanks for inspiring me!
tara
Laura says
This doesn’t have anything to do with your post but I was wondering if you’ll be doing another yearly template set for 2011? I used your templates for 2010 and loved them but want a new look for this years album.
RobynS says
Cathy – I have been away from the PC for a few days. I love this post seeing all of your months together. I am re-energized to start in 2011. My Nike sensor went out but now I have a new one and hope to sign up for the 50 in Jan challenge. Interestingly on Ali’s blog I put down my word as gift for 2011. I had thought about it for a long time. Every day is a gift. My kids and I have been in the Twin Cities for a week and I had planned to exercise and go to Russel+Hazel but my son ended up in the hospital on New Years Eve and was released today. I look at that as a gift that I was able to spend that much time with my 15 year old. So maybe I will have some miles by Wed as tomorrow we fly home. Look for me on the board!
I plan to do MMEL – Thanks for the support. Happy New Year – Robyn
cathy says
Hello Laura, i have fallen behind with my template goals for the beginning of the year!
Are you referring to the Monthly set? Or another one? Just checking!
: )
c
your friend margie says
So happy for you. Amazing progression! Wow. xoxo
Yolanda S says
Wow – the pics, the journal, your journey…amazing. Taking the same pic as you progressed was brilliant. Great job! 🙂
Jen G. says
Thank you! Now… Where did you get it? Or did you make it? And if you did make it… How can I buy it?! I have been looking for something for my bathroom and it is really quite difficult to find the right thing to say in a bathroom!
cathy says
Oh, i made it a while back! : )
Laura says
the monthly set! I am really hoping that you are working on a new set!
Sarah says
so, I TOTALLY love this. I’ve just started a project of my own….and one of 11 (in honor of 2011) goals is to lose weight and keep it off. I love your set up here with the pictures, the journaling, and in terms of seeing the progress- the weight and measurements. I’m snagging this idea and putting it into the album I’m working on. Thanks for the inspiration- and CONGRATS on the loss..you look fabulous 🙂
Juliann says
Wow Cathy! What an amazing journey and story. I am trying to work up the nerve to take a photo of myself in my exercise gear – it needs to be done! Thanks for being so brave and so real.
Laura says
Yes I am referring to the Monthly set-I love it but want something a little different for the new year.
Doreen McKort says
You look fabulous! Thanks for the motivation.
Becki D says
Wow!!! What a year…you are amazing! And to put it all out there….yikes! But what an encouragement for the rest of us who are still trying to find the REAL resolve to actually make the life changes instead of just talking about them. Or is that just me?
Either way – congratulations, and good luck in 2011!!
kath says
In your first paragraph of “A year of Moving More and Eating Less in scrapbook pages” … “I decided to More More” should be “Move More” … no? 🙂
I just stumbled across your site and although I’ve only surfed thru your year long photos, I have to say youre quite the inspiration!
Thanks for doing this …
kath
cathy says
Whoops! Thats an oldy type-o for sure! ha! thank you!
Helen says
Wow, this is amazing. Well done you!!!!!!!!!!! And thanks for the inspiration – so so so amazing to see what can be achieved in just a few short months. I wish I had done something similar to record me losing my pregnancy weight!
Arin T says
Cathy what is the template did you use for your pictures?
cathy says
This one:http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/supplies/product_info.php/products_id/11108