the NEW WF WEBSITE; "It Just Rocks!" Student Intial Input!!!

El Coache!

And I do mean LAUNCH!!!
I have taken a few minutes last night and today to poke around in our new home and it just ROCKS!
in comparison, well there really is no comparison between the two.

I know that there is more to come, the site feels so rich and the content pops in a whole new light.

Searchable archives by topic is brilliant. When we taf that we need juice in a specific area,,,,, it's clean and easy!

I did some software marketing in a previous life and web content and presentation were part of our chores. I can appreciate the tedious pain, effort and time that it takes to pull that off.

Love it, Congrats

NSMM
AR

***

"It's been WELL WORTH the wait! THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS!"
Student KK
NC

***

"INCREDIBLE! PURE MAJESTY UPON THE INTERNET...what else should one expect from ilg?"
RC
CA

***

"GREAT SITE!! soooo well organized- exactly the detailed logic that elucidates the unified nature of WF. Good Job!
in awe,
barely adequate ic
NYC

Egoic Interference subliminated by determination

"Never let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."
- John Wooden

HP Yogin, Brad Tafoya, of Durango honors Father Sky while rooted in honoring our beautiful Mother Earth beside Vallecito Creek above Durango last week. Yogi BT knows the value of doing some HP Sacred Sweat to help mitigate the compression inherent to several day backpack trips.

This week in "The Cave of Champions" is RESTORATIVE WEEK, including the utterly unique HP Prop® Restorative Class on Wednesday.

WALK THE PATH, UNTIL THE PATH WALKS YOU

Hello Steve,

I am here on Amazon.com looking at your TBT book that has been praised by many. I have purchased so many books on fitness and thus far none of them have worked. I also have a personal trainer and I have been training now 3x a week for 3 years and I haven't lost much weight or have I gained much muscle. Oh I am stronger I can bench 240 and I can leg press 505lbs. I think I have lost maybe 10 pounds. I have a conditioned called Klinefelter Syndrome. When I was born I was without the normal level of testosterone; growing up I was in the range of 70 while most males were ranging btwn 400-950. My condition is XXY. I am currently taking testosterone shots and have been doing theat for over 3 years. So my question to you Steve, will your book help me lose weight and not just be strong, but look the part?

Thank you

... Continue creating a wonderful day!

Mick

COACH RESPONDS:

Most Precious Tribal Brother Along The Path,

well, no book will do the Work for you.
however, TBT articulates a most beautiful, wise and Prove Path of Wholeness and Healing
through teaching and imparting Sacred Sweat and Stillness.

it's worth your dinero, trust me. buy the book with High Intent, then, read the introductory chapters, peruse the rest, and get crackin' on the first program; The Green Tara.

if you survive all four of the programs in TBT, you will be more Whole than ever before,
and you will feel the Light and Wisdom from the Ancient Ones filling your everyday life, transforming it
from the mundane into the miraculous.

all-ways remember, Fellow Seeker, that the Path is wiser than he walks It.

or, as we like to encourage each other in WF; "Walk the Path, until the Path walks you."

remember, getting on the Sacred Herbs of WF as well as MAP Aminos is a pivotal Key to our Tribe's unmatched success in harmonizing the regenerative capacities of our physiology. It all starts at the Cell Level!

head bowed and Dharma Blessings upon thy Practice and May you realize your Practice everywhere,

coach ilg

"...easily one of the most transformative, challenging, and enjoyable..."

Just wondering if you were the Steve Ilg of Wholistic Fitness?

If so, I am currently going through your program from your book again. I really appreciate your take on fitness and the personal growth you can achieve through it with the right mindset/heartset. I am a former multisport athlete (wrestling, swimming, and track & field, along with hiking, distance running, and canoing for recreation). My career in swimming (my main sport) was cut short by shoulder injuries, and I have tried many different types of training and exercise philosophy since then. Yours is easily one of the most transformative, challenging, and enjoyable. Thanks.

Guy Von Wiegand
Atlanta, Ga

Voice of an Angel

Some of your input regarding Ananda's spontaneous rendition of The Rose on 11-14-09 DL. Now, can we convince her to do a Tribal Album of chants and some cover songs!?!?!:


Beautiful voice.

Just beautiful.

Thanks for sharing and may Joy not beat your ass too silly for posting this.
- Hakado Ru

***

Amazing...simply amazing
what an incredible gift...

much love,
student~shawna

***

Ananda’s song is literally breathtaking.
I can’t describe it any other way.
Blown away.
You can count on one hand the number of other female singers that could pull that off a cappella – Tori Amos, Sia, Sarah McLaughlin – but she sings that on what, a tape recorder? Speechless.
I bow to her.

Bob Reilly


coach adds;
"i do too...every day!
she sang that song using one of my Injinji socks over the mic for 'enhanced acoustics'!"

Yeah, Well...so is Enlightenment!

Guruji,

tee hee hee hee....
:)
Shakti

Begin forwarded message:

This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It's preprogrammed in your
brain!

1. While sitting where you are at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.

COACH RESPONDS:

Most Precious Shakti,

RE:
"It's preprogrammed in your brain!"


yeah, well, fortunately so too is our Enlightenment Potential!


head bowed and Dharma Blessings upon thy Practice and May you realize your Practice everywhere,

coach

"THIS EXISTENCE OF OURS..." + Some STUDENT INPUT

"This existence of ours is as transient as autumn clouds
To watch the birth and death of beings is like looking at the movements of a dance.
A lifetime is like a flash of lightning in the sky,
Rushing by, like a torrent down a steep mountain."
- BUDDHA

Didn't it seem like yesterday when you experienced for the first time the wonderful rush of water from an outdoor pump? Did it not come rushing by your lips, "like a torrent down a steep mountain"? The ever-present, ever-watchful new momma Joy, reliving that same moment through our daughter, Dewa, last week. photo by coach



Some recent STUDENT INPUT...

"You, sir, are truly an inspiration... Your book has revolutionized the way I think about fitness/lifestyle/spirituality. Your work is truly a blessing to us all. Namaste!"
- Serge Menendez

***

Dear Steve,
"I am at a point in my life where change is due, a second career... I am seriously contemplating yoga, health and fitness. You seem like the perfect role model ;)
Thank you!"
- Angelica

***

"I have enjoyed your writing and work for years.
I am convinced your way is THE way.
Thanks for all the training and life advise."
- Andy Shelton

***

El Coache,
Head bowed..... and sizzling from this morning's Kinlani Flow DVD!
THANK YOU!!!!!!
- hsbg


***
"What you said during your ENERGETICS OF ENLIGHTENMENT lecture
will take years for me to digest...and I will savor it!
And your insight into Kinlani as Manipura Chakra blew my mind!
You are very powerful Teacher!!!!"
- J during the Flagstaff Yoga Festival

Your WF Word Cloud

Noble Sangha,
click to enlarge the above "WF Word Cloud" - though it looks more like a monsoon squall to me! (visit www.wordle.net to make your own cool word clouds).


I'd like all of you who took your time and loving attention to answer my recent WF.com poll that Master Student "MahaManas" Singer and i have been devouring survey results compiled from all the emails. below, i've selected 3 top picks from the survey. i'll share and address more of your compliments, complaints, and suggestions with everyone in future posts. know that your time was well spent and here in the Head Kiva, ilg has Heard you and is following through on creating an ever more beautiful, helpful, cost-effective, and of course FUN, FOCUSED, EFFECTIVE WF Temple in the years ahead.

sometimes, of course, ilg wishes i could move faster. as any full time conscious parent knows however, speed and a result-driving attitude dissolves immediately into the toddler laughter and pure zen of the Little Rinpoche. the Time Bubble expands due to the Zen Effect of Conscious Parenting and before i know it...another moon rises.

ilg prays:

May you injoy your Practice today and remember: make your life your Sadhana and your sleep state your Samadhi...

head bowed,

the big chief at the tiny temple beneath the massive Peak

***

Good morning my dear Coach:

I do business with Wholistic Fitness because Ilg speaks the truth. Underlying all the bullshit in this world there is usually a simple truth..a simple truth like our mind and our body are sacred; our food is sacred; our breath and posture determine everything…Steve Ilg finds a way to cut through everything and get to the derivative truth.

I can think of nothing unpleasant about doing business with WF.

I have looked into other blogs and websites but no one ties the body and the mind to this real world like Ilg. No one is as pure of thought.

On WF, I would like more of a running blog, more of an interactive blog where we comment on our entire world..including social events…I would like tribal gatherings in Flagstaff..

Steve has offered so many great products; I think I am going to go buy some PDF’s and anything that catches my eye! I pass out his CD’s and DVD’s as gifts…

From my heart to WF-Thank you.


Tom Hutchison
Telluride


***


Namaste Noble Coach!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share and add to your quest to
reach more people with WF.


RE: 1) Why do you do business with Wholistic Fitness, or visit us on the Web?

TRUST! From the first moments of Coach ilg’s book Total Body Transformation my heart wisdom knew “ this guy gets it, he is real”. When i purchased HP Yoga Basic Strength DVD i was hit with a blast of Chi that brought tears to my eyes and a sense something very deep is in WF teachings and teachers. It scares the hell out of the whining one (ego), but my heart is taking the lead on this one and is feeling the truth of WF.
i greatly appreciate the personal contact with Coach ilg.

RE: 2) What is not so pleasant about doing business with us?

Not having Sunrider Phase one instructions sheets consolidated into one. When i joined Sunrider i received two phase one guidelines that differed slightly in terms of herb intake. Shortly afterwards a Sunrider missive called “Priority List of SR herbs for Budgeting” came. This list was perfect but added to the confusion because it too differed slightly from the other two information sheets. 



RE: 3) Have you visited similar Web sites/blogs? Have you ever purchased a product or service similar to what we offer from a different company?

i have visited other similar websites but never purchased their products. 





RE: 5) Imagine a totally re-designed WholisticFitness.com that's so cool you can't wait to visit it each day. Beyond our incomparable WF Teaching Blog, what would you like to find there? What would you want to see, hear, and experience if (only) we were SMART enough to offer it to you?

Participating in a live broadcast of a yoga classes
AND…
a “helmet cam” experience of a mountain bike ride into the Sacred Peak!



RE: 6) What new products or services would help you along your Wholistic Fitness path?

A DVD of Total Body Transformation!



Sue


***


Namaste Dear Coach!

1. I do business with WF because you are so awesome.

2. Nothing is unpleasant about doing business with WF

3. I will visit many such sites including Hak's blog Outdoor Journey, the Stronglifts forum, and occasionally and mostly for laughs and what not to do, Tnation. However I don't pay for any of it. I don't pay for anything on the internet and believe that the internet (and pretty much all software) should be free (open source). I do however feel privileged to be able to contribute to the WF temple my meagre DL subscription because I love what you do not just because it's such a great blog. In fact if I hadn't ever met you in person you wouldn't seem so real. To sweat and breathe with someone (especially someone with your chinetic powers) is a very powerful experience.

4. My experience with stronglifts.com was very positive. It's site that espouses a simple 5x5 routine with the emphasis on squatting 3 times a week. There are a lot of users on the forum all sharing their experiences on a daily basis. Beginners, intermediate, advanced lifters recording training logs and sharing with each others. I got a lot of good tips and support from the people on there.

5 & 6 nothing immediately leaps to mind but I will think some more on it.

much love,
ct

STUDENT INPUT; of warrior song, critical workouts, and inspiration

got a quote about your journey (formal or not) of WF? lemme have it and share the Love of our MultiDisciplined Tribe of American-Made Yoga since 1982! keep attacking your weak physical links and your negative mental/emotional/spiritual habits; for that is the way to Wholeness and Truth - coach ilg







Coach,
i've been following your work for like twenty years...always jumping on your Path, falling off, exploring more 'fancy-smancy' ones before reading another DL that just calls to my Heart of your unending Gift of 'multidisciplined sweat and stillness'. so today, across the horizon from you, i bow to you oh majestic teacher; standing strong and humble...i know your Path is a Sacred Way to Walk upon our Mother. Thank you for doing what you do, great warrior who makes my heart sing and life good.
- John Leafbow
North Dakota


***





" Honored Teacher,
look forward to seeing you in Prop, tomorrow evening. Getting back into the 'propped' breath. The complete annihilation of the ego that class provides has been a crucial factor in my temperament this past year. It has also been a critical part of my high level of fitness. When I find myself breathing calmly, through the pain, envisioning sun-stroked granite ridges or soaring lines of ice, I open my eyes to see the other warriors around me in class again, all climbing their own lines. Here's to tying in again. Salut.
- Bantu"
Flagstaff


ORDER YOUR PROP WORKOUT DVD TODAY: stock up on ilg's DVD's


***

El coache’,

Your 4th at Iron Horse is INCREDIBLE!

You’re still killing it. Well done, you lead the way for us all.

Still think of you often, usually when I’m struggling up some climb on my bicycle.

Love the pics of your new family

Best

mike powell
- Los Angeles

***

Thanks for your continued support and humour (go Lakers! And headstand humor – awesome!) hey...and are you targeting me with the last 5 practices in Yoga?? My hips are pretty mad at you!
- CK
Flagstaff





***

Hi Coach,

I see that you will be racing in Pagosa Springs this July 11th. Sorry that I am going to miss seeing you there. I would have really enjoyed meeting you in person. I am planning on running the Devil Mountain 50k there on July 18th and will arrive in town on the 17th.

The Winter Athlete is my go-to book for wisdom, inspiration and advice.

By the way, you wrote about the "climbing wall" on the outside of a saloon in Pagosa, is it still there? What is it called?

Keep on doing what you do.

Dave Bowman

Winnipeg, Manitoba

stock up on your ILG BOOKS now!

***



Great photos on facebook,seems you have more hairdo changes then Madona,I love it. Steve,

It is not just the hair,

I work in the fashion business and you have a ton of fashion "sense" we call it.

Just that gift for change and intuition of the "feel" of things.

Like a chameleon.

Not very common in athletes,that is for sure.

Okay I will get cracking on this program and email you questions which I am sure I will have.

WF Online Student E
- New Mexico


***

Ilg,
There was a bunch of silly posturing leading up to an audit committee meeting yesterday. The Senior VP felt that I was being soft and too accommodating. So pretty much both sides felt I was too the other way. I Zazen-ed prior to the meeting and was able to watch with compassion the president come in nervous and defensive. When he tried to attack, I remained silent and then later when requested, addressed the facts. It went very well. At the end the president was backing me up and the board was asking the right questions. These are baby steps not resolution, but it could have gone very differently where people take their corners and just postured unproductively. I left intact, still breathing, erect in my posture inwardly and outwardly.
- WF Online Student C

STUDENT INPUT plus....."PRANIC JUNKIE" NOW AVAILABLE!

NOW AVAILABLE!!! NEW COVER!!!
ORDER YOURS and some for all the spiritual warriors in your life!
Order Now and get Blessed Hopi Sage from my Hopi Mom as per my Hopi Footracing DL's!

click here to order:
PRANIC JUNKIE, new release by steve ilg

Coach,

Delved in to your book a bit last night before bed. Very nice! I particularly enjoyed reading the story of your journey to LA and back again.

Student Singer

***

Coach!

Congratulations on your beautiful new book. I was pleasantly surprised to see a copy of it on our desk as I arrived at work this week. Of course I have yet had the opportunity to get my hands on it to read, but I was permitted to touch it and gaze upon it. ;-)

Whlie I was gazing I casually flipped the book over. My mouth dropped open to see what was on the back cover. What a wonderful discovery!
My beloved was even more surprised and very touched.

Thanks for the Chi Hit!

Namaste,
Patricia

***

Hey Coach:

O....M....G! I just received your PRANIC JUNKIE book and I am all the way through to Insight #15 - relationships... You are so right!

I want to come out to see you guys next spring. I want to be the glow of your presence again (it has been too long) and see your beautiful family. I am so happy for you.

Thank you for your wisdom and strength and gift of faith - I now embark on the next part of my life, knowing (more) who I am and what I seek...There are no mistakes, just lessons and I am learning how to trust where I am going, without too many questions or judgements.

Your book has been such a gift already in the first hour that I have held it in my hands. I am great-ful to you beyond words.

Sincerely and humbly yours,
Claudia
Chicago, IL

***
Hi Steve,

Congrats on the new book! I was just reading some of the TBT book and it really makes me feel honored that I can call you one of my friends! hope that you Joy and Dewa are all very healthy and happy.

With love, your friend and admirer,
Andrew
Durango, CO

****

EC,

I always feel soooo good after your yoga classes!

It's funny too... I've started bouldering recently. I need to do something with all this 'pesky upper body strength' that I've gained from HP yoga! So if you're ever going out give me a call -- I'd love to tag along.

See you in class...

Kristen
Flagstaff

editor note; (Kristen is a pro cyclist, thus her very funny remark about 'pesky upper body strength'!! love it!)



***

Steve/Coach,
What an inspiration the description of your Hopi running experiences on DL has been. I really have not watched the Olympics this year mainly because of the way the American broadcasters cover it and focus on the stars that the corporations will make money from which is disillusioning and of course the Tibet issue, it just does not make me excited to watch them. I have started a blog, http://diaryofachicagoslacker.blogspot.com/ ,I am on my slow path to holistic health. But when I read about your pain issues, I do feel like a slacker not pushing myself that extra little bit, but some of my old clothes are fitting me now so that is at least a sign of progress. When my financial situation gets back on track I do hope to get out for a private session weekend, hopefully before Dewa goes to high school.

Anyways, the great descriptions of your Hopi races gives me a little taste of the southwest even if I can't get out there ....And reading DL everyday(or I try to) helps move me a little bit more out of slackerdom!!!!
Jeannie
Chicago, IL

***

ec,
feeding off of the latest DL's!
looking forward to the reading of PRANIC JUNKIE!

best,

rick



***

Steve,

Many thanks for HP Yoga class last night: it allowed me access into my breath in ways I hadn't previously experienced. My thoughts flew randomly in "corpse pose" and during the class I felt my concentration wasn't as focused as possible, but after class I was so privately engrossed, it took me many hours to entirely emerge.

With gratitude and humility,

Andrew
Flagstaff

***

Dear Coach,

As the spring buds, my practice evolves. It has become less of a new
experience, and more of a way of life. I cannot imagine life without
Wholistic Fitness. I am so lucky to have found such a powerful and
healthful way of life.

I spent the last few days with some work mates, three men, geologists like
me, all overweight, all huge meat eaters. Two of the three are former
alcoholics. They all skip breakfast and lunch and then eat chicken fried
steak for dinner. Their caoloric intake is less than mine, and yet their
waistlines are huge. They look at me strangely as I consistently choose
not to have meat, and scarf down lunches as they smoke ther cigarettes. A
sorry state of affairs. And yet they are extremely intelligent and
successful people. Very similar paths as I. I don't get it and neither
do they. I can only hope that being with me, they are inspired to make
healthier choices. I love them still.

I awoke this morning long before others, and went through my WF Early Morning Ritual DVD and Green
Tara HP yoga Routine from TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION in my motel room. My day has remained light and energized.


Namaste,
warrior tobe
Steamboat Springs, CO


***

Dear Coach ~

Did it! The “Impossible Panther” 12 hour adventure race is in the books. Started out at 7 am with a 4 mile climb up 900’ Morrow Mountain and ended at 6:52 pm crossing the line after a 45 minute mad dash on bikes, a furious paddle across the river and hauling the canoes (one more time) up to the finish line.

As a newbie, i got a couple of hours off during the paddle section. All told, it was probably 9 hours of racin’ for me. i hung in there, kept up, finished strong, felt pretty darn good afterwards and felt fine Sunday and Monday.


Namaste’

shishya tc

***

I thank you, Steve.
My body thanks you, Steve.
And, most of all, my mind thanks you, Steve.

I have never been quite so motivated by a "class" before. In a few short weeks, your HP yoga classes, along with the fabled, Thursday night "butt-kicking Prop Class", have had a direct and profound impact on my fitness regime. In AND out of class, I feel BETTER. I feel stronger; physically, but MENTALLY stronger as well. I've seen myself running further and faster and finding strength when I thought that I was spent. I push myself to a level in class that I never thought I could go to. On occasion, I have found myself in/near tears in class -- not in pain, but surrounded by more motivation and more energy than I ever thought I could muster. It's amazing, really. You're amazing. Thank you for helping me to find this in myself and I look forward to continuing to make progress through your techniques.

I bow to you, from this blissful state of fatigue and sweat. May you know how wonderful you are, and how happy I am that YOU'RE here.

Namaste,

Megan Burnett
Flagstaff


***

Coach,
I’ve been following your thoughts and teachings now for a year, since I picked up Total Body Transformation.
I decided that I want to take the practice to the next level, so I’m starting with SUNRIDER HERBS!


It’s been a great season so far – IM Arizona, 1st place in every division in both a 12hr and 24hr Adventure race, top 5 in a couple duathlons. And, to some extent because of your writings, I’ve ventured into some mtb races that have kicked my ass and humbled me.

Please keep doing what you do, we depend on you for that.

Very cute kid, by the way.

Bob
New Jersey

***

Dearest Guruji,
Thank you for another brilliant session of HP Yoga this evening.
I returned home full of energy - and (as always) in awe of your impact on my physical and spiritual body.

See you in class tomorrow!


Om Tat Sat,
Shakti

***

Dear Coach,

Thank you for the guidance. By the way, DL is vibing high!! I love it!!

Head bowed,

suet
London

***

EC,


Coach I realize I am working on peeling layers…. (the ego is a tough sum bitch!) I do want to live w/ less suffering, more compassion and experience some sort of real liberation from the bullshit I let happen (see fall from WF). I know I can but the ego pushes the doubts and old behaviors for sure. I am training hard, haven’t had any alcohol in almost 6 months. This year I have put in many miles, ST, Yoga and finally gotten back into bike racing…not sure if I am satisfying my ego or using it to break my ego which is my real effort….anyway I guess I will find out soon as I stepped up big time for a 100 miler….see....Tahoe Sierra 100

I would very much like to wear your
WF Blessed Training Mala
soaked in your spirit and strength…

Thank you very much Coach Ilg.

Humbly,

Student SJ

***


Coach Ilg,
Thank you for your recent DL’s on your Hopi time….dang man, really thank you for sharing.


Not sure why and it doesn’t matter but it moved me literally to tears right now…the kindness exchanged and felt from your Hopi family…


the depth in which you feel, see and share….I feel fortunate to read your writing and that you share. Rockin me bro, chi hits to the max!


Up, up and in. Wow.

Humbly a student,


SJ

Student Input: WF Warriors Cranking the CHI WorldWide!!!

Work hard, but take it easy. Think deep thoughts, but keep high hopes. Believe with passion, but think with reason. Contradictions surround us all. That's not really so surprising. All living creatures are, according to the saints and sages, places where the mortal meets the immortal. Our spirits are eternal. They are surely the most important part of us. Yet we hardly give them a second thought. If something seems crazy now, it's because you are trying too hard to make sense of it! Don't think. Feel your way forward.
- Jonathan Cainer

***
MISSING COACH'S CHI...

Steve, it's Jerry here from Powerhouse Gym. I moved to Oakland in 2000 and I miss the hell out of your class. I tried {a popular yoga teacher}, didn't like him as well. I've gotten out of practice a little (a lot) I've been playing baseball but need to get back to your phylosophy. I wish you were closer to me. I miss those intense workouts. Anyway looks like your doing well, and what ever happened with you and Kathy I loved that girl you guys seemed perfect. If you still see or talk to her tell her I said hello. Peace.
Namaste,
Jerry

(coach's note: i too, miss Jerry's warrior chi! he was so great to have in those intense HP Yoga classes which cracked and broke down some of the world's most strongest bodybuilders in Southern California during the late nineties. Jerry would be in posture, sweating, and grunting and just hurting like hell, and every now and then chastise himself by cursing at himself; 'C'mon gawdamnit Jerry! Bend your friggin' knee!' or something like that...hey, if you laid your yoga mat down next to Warrior Jerry? you'd be amped to a level of effort that is the true mark of a Yogi seeking radical self-transformation! i'd charge out onto the Bhagavad-Gita Battlefield ANY DAY with a Warrior like Jerry!) Oh, and what did happen to Kathy and i? i write about that in my INTRODUCTION to my upcoming book, PRANIC JUNKIE.

***
RAGIN RJ OVERCOMES YESTERDAY's EARTHQUACK and KEEPS HIS ABHYASA!

No shit Bro! I was perched like the Zen cat waiting to bound off my second story apartment building into a tree!

Did a presentation for noble WF Student Crespo and the Pasadena Triathlon Club…a sparse handful of brave souls showed to learn the “mental” side of training! The group was somewhat embarrassed by the low attendance; nonetheless, I thought fuck it! The people that need the chi hit are here to get it…then they can kick the others asses that did not make it! Roberto told me your last yoga session in LA was sparse as well…interesting is it not Bro?

Obesity up another 2% the last two years along with diabetes 15%. Economy going to shit. So much for addicted to comfort as you prophesied! Yet the path is seldom traveled!

On this note, as I drifted off to sleep Sunday night, my phone went off at 11:10 PM waking me. I then realized that after driving all the way to Valencia from Paso Robles (3.5+ hours) then loading up and going to Pasadena and back for Roberto’s noble warriors (another 4+ hours), I had only exercised 15 minutes that day of my minimum 30! My own DWU plus ten minutes of Joy's Yoga DVD before heading to Pasadena! Without hesitation, I promptly put on my shorts and shoes and walked around the block for another 15 minutes at 11:30 PM to get my daily 30 minute “prescription” of “PREVENTATIVE” medicine. While some might think that is stupid or outrageous, I ponder the logic of thousands literally choking to death at night from sleep apnea caused by their own fucking lack of discipline and out of control obesity! DISCIPLINE. I do it—period! Fuck the skeptics Bro! They’d have a hard time throwing a kettlebell with me with an oxygen tube and gastric reflux baby!

Keepin’ in real Bro…which is hard to do in SoCal as you well know! Laughing it off though man…got to…
rj

***
BLOWN AWAY IN TULSA

Hello. I recently purchaes a copy ofThe Outdoor Athlete
in a used book store, and was blown away.

I have been working out now for almost 18 years, and no other book except yours seems to mirror my own experiences inside the gym and outside the gym more, especially now that I have grown older.

I wish I had read your book 15 years ago.

-Sincerely
-Jim Rouse
Tulsa, OK

***
MASTER STUDENT ABU APPLYING HIS WF EDUCATION

Photo; long time WF Devotee and Master Student Sean "Abu" Madine who is a regular in the WF SanghaLounge helping newer students, is shown here leading JAWS FALLS, a old favorite of mine in Colorado.

Dear El Coache,
Thank you for the automatic DL subscription renewal...

I led C'est le Mort on Redguarden last Friday in a style that would have made you proud. Let's just say that when a nut popped while I moved through the crux, I kept it together and moved upward fluidly. I LITERALLY felt the texture of Zazen at that moment, even "seeing" a Siddhasana posture in my mind during the chaos. Yes, C'est le Mort, is definitely slippery and steep through the crux! I've started the BELIEVE in myself on the rock, after some pressure-cooker sessions that shattered my constraining self-image. I'm a slow learner, but, after walking The Path for awhile, this WF stuff might just be working!!! ;-)


Attached is a picture of me on Jaws Falls this past January. My first time on ice since my Little One was born, I displayed Brahma Granthi clearly in the over-protection of the route!!! But, it was a fun, beautiful day in RMNP! The issue of using gear to control uncontrollable chaos (great metaphor for the Bardo, eh?) has been the focus of my recent rock workshops in Eldo/Boulder Canyon -- climbing with an open Heart, not over-protecting with a closed Heart.

Namaste,

--a

***
FAMOUS SCIENTIST YOGI JUT WRITES IN FROM THE ATACAMA DESERT...

Hey y'all!

All is going incredibly well here in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile.
Our team has had a few setbacks, but we've developed some new technqiues for
mapping caves, and we now have several caves and non-cave features evaluated.
We resume our work tomorrow, and will continue with sensor deployment. All is
well and all is on schedule!

I just updated my blog. So, you may view lots of images as well as keep up
with our work as it progresses.

HP Yogi Jut's Blog


Nos vemos amigos!
jut

Cave Exploration
http://www.caveexplorer.org/


"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot -- Nothing is going to get better. It's not."

--From The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

***
WF: MAKING THE PLANET BETTER

Joy & Steve,
i'm deeply grateful for the work you both do...makes the planet and my little world a whole lot better...can't wait!
much love,
trish


***
HOPI DL INPUT:

Steve,

I love the stories on the DL of the Hopi foot races.

I am feeling better and better, hard to explain but just better energy.

Not sure if it is the MAP aminos,the Sunrider or both.


Ellen
Placitas, NM


coach's note:

Most Precious One,

it's WF, baby!!!!!
we leave no stone unturned in the Skillful Art of TRANSFORMATION!

head bowed in the pursuit of Wholeness,
ec

*** WARRIOR VINNIE LOSES 15lbs!

Steve,
I appreciate all of your emails in keeping me in touch with the SUNRIDER promotions. I do plan on getting more involved on the business side of things in the not so distant future...however, at this point in time I am still working on me.

I have to say, that since I read your email about taking 4 action caps during the day, and 2 slim caps at night(or was it 3, well I have been doing 2)...I've easily lost 15 lbs. ...my plan is to go for another 5...which would put me at 165...down from 270 at my highest...7 years ago....the last time I went from slim down mode to muscle building mode...I quickly gained 15 lbs. and it took some time to get that back.

although it seems that I have a better ability to add muscle at this time, while doing a low calorie, high carb, high cardio, lifestyle...I'm curious as to what advice you could give me in regard to switching over to lifting from 2 days a week...upper body circuit, 10 reps, 1 set (and then nothing but, swimming, yard work, tennis, treadmill with a sauna suit)...to lifting 4 days a week...more like 3 sets going 6-8-10...with no more then 20 min. of cardio in a day

my diet at this point in time is basicly 1000-1500 calories a day or whole grain bread in the morning, protein shake, brown rice with a protein in the evening

I think I remember reading something about a amino acid that you use?...not a SR product I think...but with SR...what would you recommend?

the last 15 lbs. has been amazing..I'm seeing parts of myself that I've never seen...and seeing part of myself that I've always had...vanish in front of my eyes...the confidence is incredible...and the feeling of health is even better...at 34 I'm in the best shape of my life...now honestly that has a lot to do with how, out of shape I was when I was younger...but still...its a nice reality...I've been into this for some time now..and feel as though I have set up my later years for the healthiest they can be.

thank you for all of your help...its much appreciated

Vince


coach responds;

Most Noble Warrior Vinnie!

great hearing from you!

"The Path works,
when YOU work the Path!"

congrats on the weight loss!

absolutely get on the "MAP" Amino Acids.

here is the info page:
coach's MAP Amino Acid hook up portal

to join and get my complimentary dosage and guidance intake guidance,
just click on GO TO THE MAIN SITE
and order 2 bottles.
once you have the bottles in hand,
send me an email and i'll forward to you your intake guidance.

buckle up, cuz if you are on the Herbs and MAP? you will be FLYING!!!!!!!!

i'm stoked for you!

great job on the follow through!

head bowed,

coach ilg

*** HOPI LOVING

Dearest ec,

Reading your HOPI running account this morning brought back some precious memories of time spent ( hum that is not quite the word...) up at the Mesas. One, in particular, came into my mind’s eye....one snowy foggy February day , during the closing of Powamu (Bean ceremony) - I had spent the night before sitting on a milk crate in a kiva listening to stories – the juniper smoke thick and sweet – the sound of the storytellers voice etched into my heart – then back into the house for some newly sprouted bean stew- and then up onto the rooftops for the incredible entrance of all kinds of Katchinas. The village was in a timeless state – and so was I.

My Hopi friend, reminded me that this ceremony was for the benefit of all beings everywhere and that if everyone there held that thought, vibration (more the Hopi definition) the ceremony would be completed. It was not until some years later, when I began my practice of Buddhism that I learned of the Buddhist practices of of bodichitta and metta. That humans are capable of embracing that ideal has probably kept me from turning in my human card.

I look forward.

Thanks for the tea and plums at Two Tree yesterday afternoon. It was sweet medicine. The last few weeks have been on the stressful list and it had kind of caught up with me by yesterday. Your offering of tea and plums and watching Dewa frolic in the puddle brought me back. I bow in humble gratitude.

Next Monday is fine with me if it works for you. Also, when you have time would you pass on the information concerning the MAP.

Blessings - LH
Flagstaff

*** HP YOGA METTA

I can't thank you enough for all i have expeinced and learned in your classes.
peace dc

*** MORE HOPI CHI LOVE

Hi Steve,
That's cool you were so moved by your HOPI experience. I did the Louis Tewanima footrace there a couple of summers ago, and it was a very special experience (have also been to a dance or two there...). Also, I lived on the Navajo Rez for seven and 1/2 years before moving here and just went back Fourth of July weekend to participate in a ceremony that my Navajo family was having...so I can relate at ot what you're saying about the spiritual depths of these cultures! I found your e-mail to be reflective of the humbling impact your sojourn had on you...I also returned from my brief trip all inspired and grounded.

Sara
Flagstaff

"Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are."

-Ancient Chinese proverb



*** MY 4th of JULY DL HITS H(om)E

Dear Coach Ilg,
Thanks SO MUCH for posting the text of the original Declaration of Independence today on Direct Lines.
As I read through it once again, it occurred to me: Throughout the Clinton years, the GW Bush years, and
anticipating what is to transpire based upon their stated policies and past actions in the McCain/Obama
years (doesn't matter which one wins in this case), we will have endured as a nation many of the same
transgressions and travesties that forced our country's forefathers to such bold action.
Just for fun (sort of), I asked a friend of mine who is a brilliant observer of sociology, anthropology, and the general
human condition (and who also loves a good wager), what the line is on some subset of our United States
declaring themselves independent over the course of the next 4-8 years.

Wishing you and your family well,
John
back east



*** AUSSIE HP YOGA LOVE

Hi Steve,
Hope this email finds you well and where you want to be.
I am really thankfull I found you and your inspiration.
Looking at buying Hallway Yoga and a HP Yoga...
Thanks for the wisdom to look within.
Thanks Steve for the quick reply,
I am surprised again and again at my learning from your knowledge and wisdom.
E.G "Metta" it humbles me that you truely live your beliefs.
You do truely inspire us to be better people .
I struggle to put into words what I really feel about your inspiration.


Namaste
Rodney Darke
Lismore
Australia

***
A GREAT SOURCE OF MY INSPIRATION

Hi Steve & Joy!
How are you both? I still miss taking classes with you even though it's been almost 4 years! I still never found another Yoga class that I have wanted to commit to since your studio! I wish you still had a location here! You both were always such a great source of inspiration!
Glad to have found you on the net (thanks to Google)!
Miss you guys,
Eric West
Woodland Hills, CA


***WOMEN'S RIGHTS OR WRONGS?

http://aeltc.wimbledon.org/en_GB/about/guide/prizemoney.html

Dear EC,

wondered as You did if there was a difference between the mens' and womens' payoffs at Wimbledon. i'm frankly shocked to find out that the prize amounts are the same...? Seems quite odd considering the difference between 3 sets for gals and 5 sets for guys with the potential accompanying lengths of time, entertainment value, display of skills, etc. i wonder if there are bonuses not laid out on the site above...

playing usta league tennis myself right now for the second summer after many years of childbearing/rearing hiatus. what a space to practice in! including played another yoga teacher in singles a few weeks ago and prevailed, but it was a wonderful *joust*.

hugs to all kilpatrick/ilgs :)

yogini j9

*** WHAT YOU KNOW 'BOUT LOVE?!?!

Coach Ilg,

Who ever said leading by example is not effective.
Thank you again for introducing me to HP Yoga and WF. Not just the practice of the asanas, but fully integrating yoga into every fiber of my existence.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT LOVE?!!!

Mucho love to you and your beautiful Angels!

I bow to essence of who you continually choose to be.

namaste,



"When we feel responsible, concerned and committed, we begin to feel deep emotion and great courage"
-The 14th Dalai Lama

Dorman Baltazar, C.P.T

www.dormanbaltazar.com

*** POWERSITS PIVOTAL!

I loved today’s DL re PowerSits. These have long been my secret practice, as they can be done anywhere: at a desk, in the bathroom, in the car after parking, you name it. Even more importantly, I’ve come to see these as a crucial step in narrowing the gap between long focused meditation sessions and turning ALL of living into one perpetual opportunity for practice. In this sense, PowerSits are like intervals for the soul. While longer meditation sessions allow you to perhaps go deeper, one crucial benefit of PowerSits is that they are as much about improving your ability to enter/recover as they are about the “session” itself. This is one of the things I love about WF, the connections I’m constantly finding between different disciplines.
WF Student Singer

One In A Friggin' Million...

Steve-
One in a {friggin} million...all these analysts and journalists and pundits and entire fucking networks....about one million pundits on Russert and the only one who gets it is Steve Ilg....

Nobody said....the truth...except you..Nobody pointed out that "while heralded as bright," he ignored his health, took palliatives instead of action, as he worked himself to death...most importantly, by not knowing the pleasure of lungs screaming for air as he ran intervals up hills, he died in fear as his body ran out of life,"...

Feeble Ilg. Humble Ilg. One in a million....

I am in...the online studies ...what kind of damn fool would I be if I ignored this light in the darkness...

Will be out of the country through July 7th, can we start the 8th...My DL runs out then, lets just do it all at once..I will be getting the PDF's downloaded..I arrive back on the 7th late...

And the powersits...just wtf I needed...grasping...instead of sitting...indeed, you are in motion...

I bow.

Tommy H.

MY EYES ARE REGENERATING...+ STUDENT INPUT

click on photos to enlarge




down to wearing my final pair of contacts. make an eye exam cuz they won't let me re-order without one. so i go. doctor forms. as a yogi, i must answer their little forms with Satya;

Occupation: Wholeness Professional

Years At Current Job: Lifetimes

Physican: Self

Date of Last Exam: this morning, in Meditation

Insurer: God

about an hour later,
"Well Steve, unlike most men your age, your eyes are actually regenerating. most men your age i see, are losing both their hair, like me, AND their eyesight!...what are you doing?" asks the 'doctor' of feeble ilg...

so i say the same dang thing i've been telling everybody from doctors to athletes to yogis for over 25 years; "SUNRIDER HERBS, plus MAP Amino Acids, plus living a WHOLISTIC FITNESS lifestyle."

he looked at me blankly. instead of being interested, i could sense the overwhelming of his intellect on this subject. which all-Ways fascinates me. i'd think "experts in healing" would be fascinated by how i keep regenerating instead of aging and deteriorating.

"Hmmmph," was the doctors only response.

Our Eyes reflect the physiologic and energetic clarity and harmony of our internal organs. Our Eyes, as the saying goes, reflect our Soul. so, if the WF Path obviously regenerates our organs and our Soul Nature,
why
aren't more people interested?


that's what makes our Precious Path so Precious;
it's rare.
it's High.
it's so Sweet to live...

we are Blessed, Noble WF Yogis!


now,
off to just a fraction of your STUDENT INPUT...THANK YOU for writing and those of you who are not making your weekly visits into the WF SanghaLounge are missing utterly and equally PRECIOUS exchanges and teachings and sharings among our WorldWide Tribe! visit today and take a turn at tending the WF Campfire!


head bowed to your Practice,

your loving coach


photo; last week in Oak Creek Canyon. Walking Practice with Dewa. by Ananda.

***

Please share this with the coach and let him know that without our collective work this would not have been possible for me:
George @200ft checking out the wreck of the Typo, a 140yr old three masted schooner in Lake Huron. The water temperature was 39F!
WF Student George Watson
Boulder, CO

***

Hi

Wow... are you really Steve Ilg, author of The Outdoor Athlete? That book was my bible back in my whitewater kayaking days in Washington State -- actually, it was a frequent topic of conversation among my buddies.

Thx
Nancy
Flagstaff

***


Coach Ilg,
Thanks for the email and the encouragement. Took awhile to get back to you, grueling week at the fire station, about 12 hrs sleep over the course of 5 days. But enough whining about that, Joy's HP Yoga class was amazing, challenging yet nuturing, what a gift. I left class with a greater understanding of HP Yoga, and a light hearted blissful feeling throughout the day! Decided to try another first that same day and took the family to the rock climbing gym for the better part of 4 hrs and had a blast. My 3 yr old son thought he was spiderman. Anyhow, we will be back in Flag. June 11-14 hope to try and catch your thurday class,(from what I've heard it sounds painful). possibly more rock climbing as well. Also, before i forget, the question i have relates to being at a very busy and physically demanding station where time and energy/recovery can be issues as far as training goes. Would the ROCK VINYASA DVD be a good fit at home in the morning pre and post shift, and possibly the QUICK FIX YOGA DVDwhen at the station? Coach, any input would be greatly appreciated.

With humble gratitude, Sincerely, Marty Salomon
Tucson, AZ



COACH RESPONDS:

Most Noble Warrior of the Fire,

the Rock Vinyasa would be absolutely, utterly PERFECT!
you just gotta find a Sacred Stone (tis a mandatory and traditional pilgrimage of sincerity)
although some have found success with using just a couple of yoga blocks, a railing, ...whatever Brahman provides!

Joy's QUICKFIX is perhaps the simplest, most artful, most time-effective asana session ever created...
3 ten-minute segments to fit your available time or link all 3 together for a BEAUTIFUL 30-minute Practice!

jump on BOTH now!

oh, and don't think of my Prop Workouts each Thursday as painful; think PURIFYING!!!!
in the DEEP FIBER PURIFICATION Way of the Ancient Warrior Yogis!!!

you'll love it!

see you in the Practice Cave soon...
be sure to introduce yourself!


head bowed in mountain sweat,

coach ilg



***


Steve,

Hi, I am reading your book Total Body Transformation and I am up to the green tara (the first phase)
and I am looking forward to starting it.
I was just wondering if you could help me out with some ideas/recipes/meal plans for food. You mentioned
in the book that you ate a lot of tofu and raw foods. Anything you could offer would be very helpful.

Thanks,
Kelly



COACH RESPONDS:

Most Noble Yogi Kelly!

great to hear you are crankin' along on Green Tara...She will
provide much inSight, protection, and chi.
just keep Practicing awareness during your Journey.

there are recipes and much nutritional Guidance in TBT as you continue your journey.

to be fair to my online students however, private counsel - which i am happy to provide for you -
is available via online or phone consultations available on my website catalog.


let me know if i can Serve you further,
and be sure to subscribe to my Daily Blog; DIRECT LINES...
i promise,
it's the best Training Partner you can have for $12/month!

head bowed along the Upward, Inward Way...


coach ilg




***


Dear Coach

Yes, i've just placed my order for my EARLY MORNING RITUAL DVD and MULA BANDHA CD !! THANK YOU for all the work you put in. The very least i could do is trek the path as steadfastly as i could muster from my highest self.

Blessings to the CAN DO CLAN!

Namaste,
suet
London



***
Coach:
Thanks for the reply. I was not expecting personal attention, but since I have you on line, let me tell you that your book TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION has been a gold mine for me and formed the basis of a couple of successful fitness courses I taught in Toronto for three years. I just wish I lived closer so I could tap in to "the source" more.

thanks again,
shanti
Mike Fox

TEMPLE MANAGER NOTE:
i just have to...well, smile when i read such letters. where others in Coach's position capitalize on clever "Teacher Trainings" or outright sue beautiful people like Mike for copyright infringement and intellectual property rights for using Coach's published works in courses without permission, Coach just smiles and continues to offer his Lifework publicly as he has for decades. "All Karma is God, and well, Ripples make Waves..." is his steady reply when i approach him on such common, unacknowledged use of his Work. "The Ancient Dharma Protecters never sued anybody, did They?" is his back up response if i push the issue. because i live with our Beloved Coach, i see and marvel at how deeply Open is his Heart, regardless of his Work being often abused. he carries his hurt nobly. i reMind people however, that if you are going to use Coach's Teachings or writings, please at least ask permission. thank you!
WF Temple Manager Ananda

***

Dear Coach,

Got to watch my mind pitch a fit tonite in your HP Yoga Slow Flow Class...”let’s just pack up and get out of here”....well...”we/me” stuck it out but I was really interested in how “mad” I was about ???? That said, thanks for addressing my question and thanks for the opportunity to watch a temper tantrum in slow motion....
love ya Student LH



COACH RESPONDS:
Most Precious Yogini LH,

our Anger arises from tight hips (Brahma Granthi) and rounded spines (clogged Sushumna).
yoga very Self-Confrontational.
it's that way by design...weeds out the Finders from the Seekers.
you know all this, i know.

i did my best to pepper my Dialogue with Suzukisms just for you...
i could feel Thy's anger
and
feeble ilg
bows to the Invincible Practitioner known as Leslie H.


got you in for next Wednesday...

Dharma Blessings oh Maha Yogini...

ec





***

Namaste Noble Sangha,

Once more that hat is off to our No-Bull Coach Who Don't Ever Poach (i.e. lift ideas from other people or writings) How many times have I heard neti recommended during sinus infections? Well enough times to really screw up my recovery from various colds by trying to do it. I eventually learned not to attempt to fight my body's own defense mechanism of massive snot production and just go with the blow. So it's refreshing to read Herr Ilg's likely experience-based suggestion to can the neti until you're basically clear.

What's more the whole concept of IDEOs (Immunological Defence Enhancement Opportunities) really gave me a fresh perspective on a recent cold. Instead of getting really depressed and franticly taking a bazillion different types of remedies (that probably made me sicker) I just chilled out, put my feet up, ate some chicken soup, and took time to let my body, mind, spirit clean itself of some excess. It actually felt GO(O)D!

During this down time I read a book called the Paradox of Choice that discusses how our afluenza ridden society has really gotten so mixed up. It summarizes a lot of good research on how expectations and "coulda, woulda, shoulda" thinking really confuses us. One such study really made me think of our WF tribe: a study of Olympic medallists showed that bronze medal winners were consistently happier with their results than silver. How's this? While the silver medalists are all thinking "damn, two less seconds and i could have been #1!" the bronzers are all thinking "pfew, two more seconds and i wouldn't even be standing here!" Smile

cheers,
ct
China


***

Namaste

Wonderful sage advice coming from a moment of learning, this Direct Lines. I admire a teacher or coach who teaches from direct experience. Your tempered tenacity is inspiring even when it takes the form of an admission that something did not turn out as hoped. I have had a little of that going on lately myself and Ananda's words are just what I needed to hear. Thank you!

Bowing,
Rick
Pasadena

***

Thank you, Steve, for posting your morning Teisho ( dharma talk). This week, I listened to myself rattling on about this and that and listened to others rattling on about this and that. My early morning practice of tending to the garden, tending to the birds, hanging with my dogs, in silence has become my morning vinyasa. I hand wrote your final meditation to carry with me - to be memorized perhaps as a kind of mantra, to bring myself back when the rattling on begins !!! as it always does!!! and come back to the WE lifestyle principles that point the way through the thicket and reminds us that our basic sanity and good heartedness does indeed matter and is always there.

Leslie and Kai and Yoda


**

Student Quotes of the Week; Konryu and Coop

"my sink is a second puja table. complete with candle which gets lit daily for this sink cleaning ritual. a wooden flute from Sedona, and an angel from my mom.
~ my sink is a breath and posture 'station' in this house.

...and as far as the importance of my WF Early Morning Ritual (EMR)...well, when i do get to build that special deluxe puja space, it will have it's own bathroom!"

- WF Online Student Wendy Cooper, whose Practice has really been accelerated by a shift caused by the only thing which matters in the spiritual journey; perseverance!

Above, Wendy with her 4 year-old daughter Jessica and husband Brian.

soon to be released on DVD:
THE WF EARLY MORNING RITUAL: Level One!

***

dear coach ilg,

i apologize for the tardiness of my updates, however, i think and feel that you will enjoy this one, late as it is. HR data for tempo running workout: 140-150 BPM; HR data for stair running workout: 159 BPM max and i was really pushing hard. the norse god of winter, ullrr, seems to be sending me a message on my stair running days.
last week, he blessed me with a few inches of beautiful white fluff before and during the training. this week, he challenged me with a beautiful fluffy 7 inches on top of a few inches of base. it would have been easy to postpone stairs, instead, this humble stair climber took his snow shovel and cleared a path for his efforts.
it has been my observation that i have been weak of will for the past year and my choice to shovel and climb instead of staying
indoors and doing something safe and easier is a giant step for me.
thank you! konryu

***


WARRIORS UP!!!!!!


Keep it cranked, fulfilled by these two glorious WF Students who understand that unless a Personal Fitness Path includes progressive development of both the Outer and the Inner...it ain't 'fitness' at'tall!


God Bless Our Path
and
God Bless your support of it through sincere sweat and stillness...

this is my Prayer today...


and watch for the release of my EMR DVD!!!

COMING UP NEXT: the conclusion of "Go Sell It On The Mountain"...the Mt. Taylor Soloist Chronicles

click to enlarge

"Just as surely as there is mental power in the body, likewise there is this cosmic power which yogis know as "kundalini." In athletes living only in the sweat plane, and in yogis living only in the studio plane, it remains covered by tamoguna...the layered thickness of addictive, lazy patterns accumulated over lifetimes. In the Wholistic Fitness warrior, however, he who is unafraid to sacrifice specific strength for wholeness, the kundalini begins to tremble, spiritual ignorance dwindles, and suddenly a divine zeal, patience, and wisdom starts to awaken the Higher Self within."

- steve ilg in an excerpt from my upcoming final chapter of "Go Sell It On The Mountain," only available in the electronic scripture known as, Direct Lines.


photo by www.Naggan.com
Kilometer 31 = top of "HeartBreak Hill" sees the ilg payback time, as i leave behind me a trail of human debris like so many ants as i pass all the athletes who passed me like a bad case of meat-eater farts on the Run Up. elevation; approaching 10,300' with another 1,000 vertical feet to go. you have GOT to do this race! i've been telling you that for 20 years now! test yourself, see your true self in the reflection of the summit snows...


examples of some fan mail so far on my Mt. Taylor Chronicles;

***

Noble Coach Ilg,

What a beautiful journey it must have been. Congratulations on attaining a Higher step on the podium than was possible the last time you soloed the Quad. Very inspirational on so many levels. I am ever more grateful for this steep and direct path of ours.

Head Bowed,

hsbg
LA, CA

***

Dear Mr. Ilg,

Damn bro your Go Sell it Part 1 rocked my world first and then also part 2 and 3. You know what I am talking about…it’s deep bro very deep.

You are the schnizzle and still my inspiration. Really.

Congrats on your journey upon and with TisDool…head bowed.

I am hanging outside the cave and someday I hope to enter again, catch up and embrace.

Thank You for every teaching I have ever received from you.

Your forever student,

Stephen Jones
WA


***

Dear Steve, Congratulations on Mt. Taylor. What an inspiration. In your honor i completed my own BIG SKY QUADRATHON this morning(bike, treadmill, stairclimber, then bike). i gave it everything as you did. Why don't you go out and play some golf tomorrow to relax.
Love, Kendo
CT

***

Dear Coach Ilg,

you know, you don't have to go risking your life to inspire us. and yet you do. and it does. whoah. your saturday DL just rocked my world. spoke to all of the reasons that i was drawn to WF and just love this Path so much. Thank you!

speedy recovery to you, Coach!

love
student coop
IN

***



Steve,
Out of curiosity, were you able to do the yogi squat for 30 seconds every five minutes on the run? I would TAF that having competitors hot on your tail would make it difficult to make that stop.

love,
hak
NV

(answer coming up in the next final chapter!)


***
dear coach ilg,

i am excited to hear that you are going to be racing the mt. taylor quad this weekend and especially excited to hear that you will be doing so as a soloist. pin pe obe, beloved teacher, pin pe obe. hopefully i have spelled this correctly, i went into my archives to check the spelling from your race report of a few years back and alas, my copy is missing. i will be running the tribal mantra for you on saturday.
thank you! konryu
PA

Don't ever give up...

click on illustration to enlarge...

contributed by long-time WF Devotee Ken "KenDo" Doyle, who uses the WF Teachings and SUNRIDER herbs out on the links each day as one of the nation's top PGA Golf Professional in Connecticut.

Thanks, KenDo, i'm bringing this with me to this Saturday's running of the Mt. Taylor Winter Quadrathlon...i'll need it! Several inches more snow is anticipated the night before the 75-kilometer, 4-Discipline race. High winds are likely to howling around the 11,311'summit on Race Day...it's gonna be a looong solo effort; my first as a soloist in...in...15 years or so?! ooooooh boy...Mantra Work? here i come again! Thanks again, Kendo, for your spiritual and physical support of our humble, powerful Temple...

Only DL Subscribers will read Coach's account of this "GrandDaddy" of all winter mulitsport ultra-endurance events; don't miss the multi-time Champion of Mt. Taylor toss the dice as a new daddy, broken-back thriver as he toes the Start Line as a soloist; this SATURDAY!! From the Coach who still does...