Cathe Friedrich STS Meso Cycle 1

When STS was first released (about a year ago) I was very leary of giving it a try. I was big into short, easy workouts at the time and didn't really want to push myself too hard. I was doing some running at the time and figured I didn't have the time to give this program a try. I mean there are 12 DVDs in each cycle. That's a.lot.

However, the idea to do these Cycles haunted me. I contemplated giving them a try, but then I'd get a new workout and push the thought to the side. Well, over the summer months, I tried a couple of different things and I was feeling pretty strong and assured. I completed a 10K and a 1/2 marathon. I even continued doing some running while on vacation in Northern Minnesota (as in almost everyday I was there not including the swimming, canoeing and hikes.)

We got back from vacation and I thought why not give this STS MesoCycle 1 a try. I've been doing some weight work, how hard can this be? I'll do this whole Cycle just like they recommend.

Like I said, 12 DVDs in total in the Cycle, but not as daunting as I initially thought. The program is broken down like this: Week 1: Monday Chest, Shoulder, Biceps; Wednesday: Back and Triceps; Friday: Legs. Weeks 2-4 have the same set up. Each week the program alters just a little bit. You either do a few more reps of an exercise or the exercise itself changes. Each of the programs (DVDs) are set up basically the same way. You do about 3 sets of each exercise varying the number of reps in each set. Some are straight 8s, some are 16s and some are 24s. Then she'll even alter the counts by the second set; drop sets, pyramid, etc.
These workouts also require a few pieces of equipment. Not only do you need  a variety of dumbbells, you also need resistance bands and tubing (unless of course you have a chin-up/pull-up bar), a stability ball,a chair and a barbell.

I'm not going to go over all the different moves in these workouts. Let's just say she covers each and every body part (except specifically abs) and pushes each muscle group to exhaustion. Each workout takes about an hour. However, Legs is a bit different in that the base program is about 40 minutes then you have the option of continuing on in Barre-type moves - very intense.

I do not have a chin-up/pull-up bar so I used a resistance tube strung over the door to the room (a similar option is shown in the workout.) I also did not have a chair available, so I used my stability ball.

I liked this workout. I thought I was able to increase my muscle endurance, which of course, was the goal. I think I could have used heavier weights for some of the moves, but overall I was pretty impressed with how fatigued my muscles became. I liked how the workouts were only slightly different each week - very similar with subtle changes. And, I really liked how quickly the time passed in each program. I was never staring at the clock hoping I was almost done.

Ever have those days when you know you want to write something, but just can't get your head around what it is you want to say?

I am having one of those days. I have many things I want to write about, but just can't decide on one, so I'll just give a little update on where I am right now.

Today, I am so. very. tired. I didn't think I'd be at this point so early in the school year, but I am. This level of tired doesn't usually hit until mid-December or January when my ice-hockey season is in full stride.

However, I started my hockey season nearly two months early (using the excuse I needed to break-in the new skates I'd received 5 months earlier.) So, I find that I have been pushing myself harder this last while than in years past (due to running, working-out, work, being a mom and all-those-other-last-minute obligations). I guess it's only to be expected. Ah, well. *sighs*

I am quite sure I will adjust. Now, if I can only convince myself to go to bed before 11 pm, I would be miles ahead of where I am.

A Proud Moment

Last night was parents night for my daughter's soccer game. I was a little excited and nervous. I had made other plans for last night and was quite anxious that I was not going to be able to be there on time.

Luckily, my earlier appointment went well and I was done fairly quickly. I canceled my second appointment and headed to the soccer game.

They had the parents line up across from their girls down by the team benches. Then they called out the girls names and parents according to their jersey number. The parents and girl stepped toward each other and the girls presented their parents with a chocolate bar and bottle of A&W Rootbeer. It was very sweet.



Fridley Girls Soccer Team



The game started out with a great goal for Fridley from none other than my own daughter. She plays right mid-field. She caught a pass, then turned on her speed, cut through 2 defenders and up the sidelines, then she made an awesome cut toward the net and shot the ball hard and high. The ball was in the back of the net before the defending goalie even knew what was happening. Oh, so exciting! And what a happy mom on the benches.

The next goal for Fridley came shortly after the first by a striker. It was another beautiful move. She cut around 2 defenders and strode right in for a face on kick that sent the goal diving toward the ball and the ball sailing into the net. Awesome!

Not 10 minutes into the game and my daughter took the ball in for a third goal. It was another thing of beauty. I was so happy for her and that third goal really energized the rest of the team. They came back with a fourth goal just before half-time.

No one scored again until the last few minutes of the second half, but you could tell the girls were feeling the game.Their smiles lit up the field and they were having a great time. They played a very smart game; both defensively and offensively. It was really fun to watch. And they ended up winning 5-0. Victory is sweet!

SparkPeople Quiz: Are You Obsessed with Exercise?

I recently took this quiz SparkPeople Quiz: Are You Obsessed with Exercise?

I was a little bit disappointed with the result because I ended up doing exactly how I thought I would. The end result told me that I have a 'healthy obsession' with exercise, which I already figured since I exercise almost everyday and sometimes more than once per day (always depending on what I classify as exercise).

Have you ever taken a quiz (in a magazine, online, in a book) only to find out that you already knew how you'd end up? It's a bit crazy, isn't it? In the quizes you've taken have you ever been frustrated by the leading answers they give as options to choose from?

I find it so annoying that in every quiz I've ever taken in this type of format leads you to the 'correct' answer. I sometimes find that I am not completely (at least don't feel as though I am) honest with the answers.

In any case, I have yet to amaze myself with some sort of revelation into my psyche or personality. However, the quiz is fun and only takes a couple of minutes. Give it a try. Maybe you'll surprise yourself. :-)

Crock Pot Potato Soup

The other day I was reading my sisters' cooking blog and came across a crockpot potato soup. I thought I was in heaven.

I love potato soup and almost anything I can cook in a crockpot. So, combining them together was almost too much for me to resist. I decided right then that I'd make this soup sometime over the weekend. It sounded so delicious, I could hardly wait.

Sunday morning finally came (I usually have more time to do things on Sunday mornings, so that's the day I decided to make the soup.)

Humble Beginnings

I printed off the receipe, gathered all the ingredients and set out to put the soup together. I got everything together and set the soup on to cook.

Soup's On

All went exceptionally well. The house smelled great and the soup looked good too. However it would seem that my math conversion skills were not really working that morning. I ended up using too much Chicken Base since I didn't have chicken boullion cubes and I added a tad too much salt. The soup was inedible - waaay too salty. I was very disappointed.

Finshed soup in Crockpot

But, all was not lost (read: enter husband to the rescue.) He drained all the liquied off the soup, diced up and some more potatoes, added some liquid (water and chicken base) and put everything back in the crockpot. He then made the roux and added the milk. He added no salt, but did add in a couple of slices of Provolone cheese - to give it a bit more body. He then let the crockpot melt and meld everything together.



Lunch



The end result? Absoulte deliciousness! We didn't eat much on Sunday, but Monday night we had the tastiest potato soup to come out of our kitchen in quite a while (we don't make soup very often). I can't wait to try this soup again - maybe this time I'll follow the directions more closely.

My Birthday 9/9/2011

My birthday was a week ago today. I can't beleive how fast time files!

I thought I'd share a bit about my day. It started out beautiful. The sun was shining and the air was warm. I did my my workout and got ready for work. My children woke up without any problems and I was greeted warmly by my 16 year old with a hug and a Happy Birthday (after he realized that it was my birthday and not the day before).

I was given the opportunity to take some time off work that day, so I seized the opportunity. I was a bit giddy at the beginning of the day knowing that I'd only be at work for a short time and then I'd be free to enjoy the weekend. My boss surprised me by bringing me a beautiful bouquet of flowers - giant yellow daisies, I beleive. They are gorgeous and brighten up my office nicely.

It was finally time to leave and I was so excited to go home and be with my family. I got home and my husband greeted me with one dozen long-stemmed red roses and a box of Turtles (yumm-y). He then gathered me up and took me out for lunch and a surprise. We went to Noodle & Co for lunch - another favorite of mine - for something filling yet light since my oldest child was preparing dinner. I, of course, ordered the same thing I always get - not much for adventure with food when I find something that I absolutely love and it is consistently delicious!

After lunch, we went on a short driving tour (read as, husband got turned around and somewhat lost, found a couple of dead ends before realizing where he was and found his destination). We stopped at yet another of my favorite stores - Ulta. I didn't need any new make up or anything, but he likes to bring me there on occasion just in case I need something. We loitered and I looked and drooled over different items and new cosmetics. I was ready to go and said so, but my husband told me I needed to wait a little bit. I had no idea what was happening until a store associate come up to us and told us she was ready. I figured it was me who she was seeing, but I didn't know for what.

We followed her to the back of the store and there is when I realized I was about to have a salon service that was not a haircut. I was surprised and a little nervous and then delighted when I found out she was about to give me a facial. Awesome!

My husband accompanied me into the room, found himself a corner to sit in and I laid down on the table (much like a massage table). The technician covered me with a sheet and explained a little bit about what she was doing. She didn't talk much and I didn't ask any questions. It felt so good and relaxing. The product she put on my face felt so decadent and she used just the right amount of pressure throughout the entire facial. I was entranced by the continuous movement and the warmth of the room.

I was a bit sad when the time was up because it felt so incredible. My husband found the dazed look and glassy eyes to be a good sign and scheduled me for another facial at the end of the month! What an awesome afternoon.

My oldest son made a delicious breaded chicken (think chicken picata without the picata sauce) and pasta. Absolutely delicious.

The day ended a bit early since I hadn't slept well the entire week, the facial was entirely too relaxing and I had been up since before 5am. But what a completely satisfiying day. I loved every moment of it - and it still continues...

Split Sessions

This week I tried Kelly Coffey-Meyer's Split Sessions workout DVD again. I still love it. I did it four times this week. This workout is broken into two workouts (each about 30 minutes). You can see a preview here.

The first workout is upper body. It is really good. You move fairly quickly through the moves so it also raises your heart rate a bit. She has you work everything in a push/pull format - meaning you work the back then the front or the front then the back. You will use a step bench in an incline poisition. You will also use two to three sets of dumbbells - one heavy (I used 15 lbs) and one medium (I used 12 lbs) and one lighter (I  used 10 lbs (this was for shoulder work)). I find this workout efficient and fun.

The second workout is for the lower body. In this workout you only use one set of dumbbells and a resistance band tied in a loop. The resistance band work is hard. You can feel every muscle in your outter hips and thighs. You can even feel the glutes and inner thighs as you move through each set. The great thing about a resistance band that you tie yourself? You can adjust the resistance by how small the loop is. It's great. After the resistance band segement you move into weighted leg work. She has you do many squats and lunges and some are performed with weights. Again a very time efficient, effective workout. The moves are sequenced well and you will move quickly through the series, so your heart rate will raise a bit.

In both programs she has you do each set twice and she alters the repititon (rep) count on almost each exercise.