First of all, thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway. It was fun and I hope I get the chance to do more in the future 😀 And I hope to see those new faces around still. Now, are you gals ready to know who won some POM Wonderful Juice??? Well, after using random.org here was the result 🙂

#14 Wins!

Congrats!!!

Morgan from Healthy Happy Place!! Congrats Morgan! She is after my own heart with the cocktails! Maybe we should have a virtual toast 😉 Morgan - email me at [email protected] with the info to get this shipped out to you.

Now onto a book review. This afternoon, before heading out to tutor, I finished my book - Lake News by Barbara Delinsky.

This novel is about a woman who is claimed to have had an affair with a Cardinal of the Catholic Church. The story is false, but her life is discredited which causes her to flee to the small town she grew up in while trying to decide how to battle the ramifications of the news. A journalist in her home town decides to help her get revenge on the man who started the crazy news and of course they grow closer through the process. It also discusses some family dramas in the story as well.

My verdict? I didn't really care for the book. I much prefer Three Wishes by the same author. Lake News continuously dragged on. There was way way way too much unnecessary description and not enough development of the story and characters. Not one I would suggest someone else to read.

After posting yesterday afternoon, the hubs and I headed out to the gym for a workout. I did my usual 10 minute elliptical warm-up, followed by a quick full body workout, and then ending with a 20 minute treadmill incline walk. This workout has been working great for me recently because it is a perfect balance of getting a quality workout in without overdoing it. And for the most part I am perfectly satisfied with it and excited that this is how I am working in the gym right now because it accommodates what I am working towards these days. But there are times (very RARE times these days) that I sill find myself wanting MORE. Not necessarily more as in longer cardio or more exercises or more days of training. But more as in feeling like I really kicked my butt when I leave.

As a lot of you were able to figure from yesterday's post, my current goals and hopes do not really coincide with pushing my body hard. I completely embrace that. Some days, however, something will happen that will make it very hard for me. A big part of who I am is related to my passion for fitness and accomplishing things in that realm of my life. No, it doesn't wholly define me by any means, but it is something I take pride in and something I like having a goal in, even just personal improvement goals like increasing the weight on exercises, speed of a run, number of pushups/pullups, etc. I get pleasure and fulfillment out of challenging myself in the gym.

[Source]

So, yesterday while doing my workout, I saw another really fit and strong girl working out. I was very happy to see a woman representing strength in the gym and the determination to push herself . Then, I started wishing I could be doing those things. I miss feeling like someone that inspired others with my training. I miss feeling extremely accomplished for achieving another personal goal in my workout, leaving the gym feeling strong and like a true athlete. I miss the adrenaline of a GREAT workout, testing my limits and making it through something really difficult. It was a great feeling.

These days, I try to stay comfortable in my workouts and not push it too much. And normally I am very happy with that. I know there is a greater purpose and that it is best for my health. Besides, going balls to the wall every workout isn't healthy anyways...our bodies need different loads of training and adequate rest. It still doesn't negate the fact that I have my down moments where I long to go hard or go home. Last night just happened to be one of those times. It is an adjustment, but I do know that (hopefully) soon it will be well worth it. Plus, today it has already passed and I had a very very fun time keeping things moderate at the Group Kick class this morning. 🙂 So, please don't think I'm mental and seriously struggling all the time or anything of that nature. I just wanted to express that sometimes things are difficult to adjust to and it takes time to completely accept changes that you know are for the best. 😉

[Source]

• Have you ever had to take a step back from one of your passions? How did it make you feel?
• Do you always push yourself super hard in your workouts or do you vary your intensities? Or do you do like I currently am doing and just take a more leisurely approach to your workouts (not ineffective but more laid-back)?

I will announce the Giveaway Winner tonight!!! 🙂 And while you're in the Giveaway mood - check out two more - Kristin from Iowa Girl Eats and Heather from Health Happiness & Hope!