Journal

A weekly dose of information, information, and reflection to complement our workout.

Journey XV

Journey XIV

Journey XIII

Celebrating Three Years of Metamorphoses

Three-year Monarchs. They've been with us from the beginning. From left to right: Becky Heiser, Cindy Haegelin, Katherine Mudge, Katherine Romanak, Kathleen Parker, Leslie Pohl, and Louise Pincoff.

“If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.” — Author Unknown

Action: CELEBRATE the changes you've made since the beginning of your Journey and look forward to the positive changes to come!!

When iGnite began three years ago we met at just one location, had just one instructor (yours truly), and just fifteen cocoons. But just as the cocoons changed little by little to become Monarchs, so did iGnite change, adding more locations, more meeting times, more leaders, and a wider variety of offerings.

This week iGnite is turning 3 and we have much to celebrate with:

But the core of iGnite has and always will be YOU!, it's very special Monarchs. I thank you for your support and friendship and for playing, dreaming, exploring, risking, jumping, sharing, skipping, giving, laughing, being adventurous and LIVING!!

Meet Our Three-Year Monarchs

My iGnite birthday wish is that you'll join me and draw comfort and inspiration from the three-year Monarch birthday biographies below and CELEBRATE the positive changes you've made as well as your successes to come.

Becky Heiser

When Becky joined iGnite she was completely unaware of what it was. She found out about it through her friends and thankfully she decided to give it a try. Becky has always exercised, ran and speed walked the trail, but never combined outdoor strength and cardiovascular training. Becky is dedicated and lively and we miss her spirit during the summer, as she cannot always participate in iGnite due to the strength of the sun. In the fall and spring Becky is back in action, eager to be challenged and share life and laughter with her Monarch sisters!!

– Neissa Springmann

Cindy Haegelin

When I came to iGnite I did not have much of a can-do attitude. I had exercised periodically throughout my life but never as regularly as I have during the past few years with iGnite (despite a torn calf muscle, bum knee and shoulder, and a badly sprained ankle). My joints used to hurt all the time but now I can do almost anything and.....I CAN SWIM!! I have an increased physical self confidence, I'm much more firm, I have more stamina and even when I fall off the wagon I know I will be able to get back in shape when I am faithful again. I never feel totally out of shape anymore!! As for exercising outdoors, I have always liked being outside but have never experienced nature like this. If I am stuck inside for too long my spirits are effected. I need the sunshine! I am inspired by how great I feel, not how good I look. I also enjoy the way I feel mentally and physically and I love the women in iGnite. We are so lucky to live in Austin and be able to always try some new things. When you are tuned into your body, everything else seems to fall into place. It is never too late to start. Becoming a grandmother this year was awesome. I feel young and I know I will be able to keep up with my grandkids and they will not think I am old and grouchy.

— Cindy Haegelin

Katherine Mudge

I started iGnite three years ago when my life seemed very dark. Mentally, physically, and emotionally—I felt lost, alone, and broken. Growing up, I was athletic and had a close set of friends—but all of that seemed so distant. I also knew that if I wanted to grow old with my kids, I had to get out of this darkness; there was a sense of urgency to start getting “me” back. Neissa had been a good friend even before iGnite—always bringing a smile and good cheer. She talked about iGnite—the new program that combined physical, mental and spiritual growth working outside to enjoy the wonderfulness of Austin. Frankly, at first I was dubious about the idea; I wasn't certain that iGnite was really meant for someone like me. What I've learned is that iGnite is meant for anyone, regardless of their background, looking for opportunities to grow physically, mentally, or spiritually. So we started iGnite one very dark October morning on our special slab on Town Lake three years ago. We laughed and got over being embarrassed about doing dynamic stretches or dribbling our udder balls on the Hike and Bike Trail. We said “Good Morning” to everyone that passed us and we climbed our concrete “mountain” that was originally only meant for water run-off. We gained confidence being in the early morning dark—knowing that collectively, we'd tackle anything or person who might wonder what a group of ladies were doing gardening and then doing push-ups on the benches. We did worksheets and homework assignments; we dreamed and shared life experiences, feelings, and goals while stretching after a great workout. I have stuck with the 6 am class now for 3 years and dealt with successes (lots), injuries (some), and just life hurdles. But, for each setback, there were and are many more successes in my life and, in large part, I believe that's because I've bought into iGnite. And, that's what keeps me coming back. iGnite is now part of my way of life; it's not just an exercise class. It's unique and part of what makes it so is that we work out outdoors. I watch the sunrise, the ebbs and flows of the city waking up, and experience the seasons and weather. Frankly, I feel more part of Austin than I have in a long time (and I was born and raised here).

Am I where I want to be? Not yet, but I have come so far and I am comfortable that I'll get where I want to be. There has been so much progress (when I'm forced to look back) over the past three years. I look and feel so much better—it's much easier to tackle physical and emotional issues these days. My body type has changed and I don't mind being in shorts or a bathing suit (well, sort of). I like my arms and how strong my body is. I like my outdoor summer and winter gear and getting new running shoes every few months—not because I want my shoes to look good, but because I've worn them out! I notice that now, I don't get winded (as much) when hiking, walking or being outdoors with friends who either are not working out or are doing some one kind of exercise. I am significantly more confident in my beliefs, faith, and who I am because with iGnite, I'm one of the geeks who actively works at the weekly challenges because it just feels right. I love to laugh with iGniters, many of whom are now good friends. And this last summer, I laughed and had more fun than I have had for a long time, outside of being with my kids. Now, as a next step, I'm going to train for a sprint triathlon—need to learn to swim and remember how to ride a bike—but these are challenges I want to meet and conquer. I feel very blessed with taking that first step into the iGnite world. It has given me a chance to get “me” back; to find who and what I am outside of being a great mom and attorney. I am proud to be and truly love being a Monarch!

— Katherine Mudge

Katherine Romanak

When I came to iGnite I could not even walk around Lady Bird Lake because I was so sick. I was also in a job that I was not passionate about. I decided to join iGnite because it looked like more than just a workout. It appeared to be a community of women that supported physical, emotional, and spiritual growth that would also hold me accountable, which I needed. Since starting in October of 2006 I've experienced a total life transformation. Now I am very healthy, I have the necessary knowledge of how to maintain my health, I am living my dreams in a job that I have always dreamed of and my relationships are better! I've also realized the importance of focusing on changing myself, not others. I can now let others be who they are and not let it effect me. What I love about iGnite are the quality workouts, fun parties, outdoor exercise, seeing the sun rise over the city, feeling the sun on my face after a workout on a cold morning, seeing the steam rise off of Lady Bird Lake, the opportunity for cross training, wonderful friendships, emotional support, THE WEBSITE, the friendships and NEISSA! I feel happy, energetic and more like myself.

— Katherine Romanak

Kathleen Parker

I have always preferred outdoor activities over anything indoors and most of my workout consisted of running. From running in the neighborhood, the trail, the beach, or anywhere I could run. I also practiced intermittent Bikram yoga and did push-ups and sit-ups at home but I had not practiced much strength training. I was getting bored with my monotonous routine and was ready for a change. In addition, with three senior daughters in high school and one daughter already in college I was almost an “empty nester” and the start of iGnite was perfect!

During the first several Journeys of iGnite I learned how to get a total body workout in ONE class. Combining cardiovascular training with strength training yoga as well as basic stretching was perfect! After iGniting for a year and a half I truly noticed a change in my whole being! My body had changed and my outlook for the future had significantly changed. During each Journey we focused on life goals, both short and long term as well as enjoying a more fulfilling life through reaching for our goals. I must admit at first, I just went along with it for fun but I then started realizing I DID have goals, and I DID want to fulfill them.

In April 2008 I approached Neissa with a new life goal. I shared with her that I had seen such change in my life, both physically and mentally, that I wanted to help other women realize their potential as well as the benefits they too can experience through iGniting. With her encouragement I began studying to pursue my goal of becoming a fitness trainer. Within six months I received my certification and soon after was invited to join the iGnite team— a huge step for me!

Words cannot describe how much I love my new career. From the very first Journey to now, Journey XIII, I GET to spend time with the most amazing women who are a constant source of inspiration. The relationships I have developed from iGnite are lasting and precious! Each day I wake up and thank our God for the gifts He has given me…His son, a healthy body, and a loving husband and four adult daughters who encouraged me through my new journey of learning. Three years later, and my life is so full!

— Kathleen Parker

Leslie Pohl

I joined iGnite because I was friends with Neissa, it sounded like fun, and I've always been an “outside gal”. Although I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to get out of iGnite I thought that organized outdoor exercise sounded great. Since iGniting for three years I realize my moods change and are directly proportionate to the weather and how much time I get to spend outside....enjoying sunshine, breezes, birds and the moon! Being outside rejuvenates my soul! I get much more out of iGnite than exercise. iGnite encourages me, gives me fun things to focus on and helps me stay positive. It's also been fun being active with other fun Monarchs, and I think our iGnite experience has bonded us all.

— Leslie Pohl

Louise Pincoff

When I joined iGnite three years ago my only exercise was regularly walking. It had gotten boring and I needed to change. Also, I didn't go to the gym much because I just didn't like working out inside. My Mother had just passed away and I was shocked at the reality of how short life can be. AND, there was also selfish motivation, I admit! I was going to be a Mother of the Bride and I didn't want to look dumpy next to the (fabulous looking former model) Mother of the Groom! No matter what the reason, this turned out to be the best decision I made in the last three years. It has been life changing in so many ways. I have stuck with this workout (#1) because of the precious friends I have made throughout the experience. (#2) It is never boring and I wake up looking forward to the day. (#3) I have explored and enjoyed more about Austin than I had in the previous 31 years I had been living here. Lastly, my family and friends have noticed a big difference in me, mentally and physically since I joined iGnite. OKAY, another reason, I will confess, is that I am now going to be the Mother of the Groom (yesterday, 10/3/09) I sure don't want to look dumpy this time either!

— Louise Pincoff

This Week's Video

It wouldn't be a CELEBRATION without Kool & The Gang leading us in a CEEEEL-LA-BRAT good times, COME ON!!

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