Wholistic Fitness

Dear Coaches Sheader and Ilg,

I’m writing today because I’ve just gotta brag on ALL of It. WF, herbs, yoga, and WF Teacher Ko (Chris Roche). All so intertwined it’s a challenge to know where to begin.

The short version:

On a tawdry 1100 miles on my bike this season I rode 50 miles of some of the steepest hills I know.

With Incredible Energy, Lightness. No soreness the next day – not even fatigue on the stairs immediately following the ride.

In the past I’ve approached this ride with well over 3000 miles on my legs, and had not-even-close to as much energy.

The longer version:

I spent two weeks off between cycles and one week with a new cycle being nervous about this ride. Indiana’s great Hilly 100. I was supposed to ride to the ride (70 miles) on Friday, and then go and ride 50 miles Saturday and 50 Sunday. 40-degrees out with rain and blustery wind coupled with an 18 month old who was catching a cold (read: up all night) helped me to choose not to ride on Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday – the Universe provided – as I dragged my tired-but-grateful self to Ko’s 9:15 a.m. yoga class in lieu of my ride. He immediately sensed my sleep-deprived fog and started throwing out challenges. Toward the end of class we worked our way into Camel Pose – me with my two blocks under my hands to get toward anything that slightly resembled Camel as it’s meant to be. Chris, sensing (as he often does) the challenge for me, came over and provided support for my hips – only to find that it was my lower rib cage area that needed just the slightest movement. ‘OK – Uncle!’

At the time I didn’t notice that anything had changed. But I woke up Sunday morning to a bright sunny day absolutely jazzed to get on my bike and ride. I took off with a water bottle full of FD, downing a couple of action caps, and for the first 25 miles everything was much easier than I’d imagined it would be. It was at the 35 mile point that I met my nemesis climb — Mt Tabor. 20.2% grade for .2 miles. Not very long, but practically upside-down as far as this flatlander is concerned. Even in my best condition ever, this hill has been difficult for me. So this year, with so little saddle time I really wasn’t expecting to make it up.

But something else happened. Approaching the climb my body positioned itself. Long spine, relaxed upper body, breath down low. Half way up it hurt like crazy and I thought I would have to stop. But even hurting, my breath stayed low and my body felt light and open. I looked up and it just didn’t look like it was that far. I put the hammer down and up I went. I’m not even sure I remember the rest, but I’m enjoying hearing the renditions of my friend who was following me.

So all of this time you guys have known that lungs can be pulled all the way down to the hips to create room for air?? Wow.

Thanks to Ko for wandering over and ‘moving me.’ last Saturday. Providing the connection to make all of the Work come True.

Thanks to Coach Sheader for writing the programs that snuck-up and made me stronger than I had any clue I could be. (And for being patient….)

And to Coach Ilg, the Mastermind of WF. Great Walker of his Talk.

I’ve always been a believer in this work. Intuitively, and scientifically. Now — wow. To know this potential . This connection. This leaves me in awe. Speechless except to say Thank you!!

Much Love,

Student Wendy