"There are two kinds of suffering; the kind that leads to more suffering and the kind that leads to the end of suffering. If you are not willing to face the second kind of suffering, you will surely continue to experience the first."
- Ajahn Chah. WF Warrior Brother Secrest collapses after setting TWO WORLD CYCLING RECORDS:
New 12-hour World Record distance = 283.407 miles
New 24-hour World Record distance = 535.868 miles
Coach's note; on the concrete Olympic Velodrome in Dominguez Hills, CA, it was deep honor to help Michael "The Hammer" Secrest to a new 24-hour world cycling record. my account of that tremendous day, so inspiring to witness, is in the DL Archives. Warrior Brother Secrest has taken another pilgrimage unto what surely must be the most excruciatingly painful test of the human spirit; round and around a tiny velodrome for 24 hours, going as fast as possible, urinating into a catheter, overcoming Buddha-like intensities of sitting sores, chafing, hot spots on the feet, and the postural fatigue of each and every muscle on the body; yet the pedals must be kept spinning at a precise and constant Mile Per Hour in order to break the world record. Throughout the years, Michael and i communicate; speaking mostly of Dharmic things and explore with each other the insights derived from the ultra purity of world class endurance intensity.
Last week i received a beautiful handwritten letter from Tribal Brother Michael. it was typed out for DL by HP Yogini devotee Kiari (thank you, K!). it is with deep honor and respect that i Gift unto you, My Noble WF Sangha, his words; each one of which still sing with the Dharma Force of his ride. Let his bravery and willingness to meet, calm, and walk such Mighty Inner Dragons inspire (y)our own efforts along the Path.
special thanks also to Chris Kostman for help in this DL.
i request that you visit Michael's website and drop him a line of congrats. and if you would be so kind to help Michael in the event of all events, and something that he told me that he wants to be his 'swan song'; check out his link; THE IMPOSSIBLE RIDE and donate. this would be just toooo cool! here is the link:
The Guy On The Bike
Michael at the 100-mile mark (photo courtesy of Jeff Kalmus)
"Stay away from drugs,set goals and work hard to reach them, and you can achieve what others think is impossible!"
- Michael Secrest
June 21, 2007
Dear Coach Ilg,
Your presence was felt by me throughout my setting two new world records. At five a.m., the morning of my ride, I listened to your Fear and Fitness CD, you sent, meditation. I continually utilize your words of keeping my fingers and toes “soft”. When I encountered a delay in equipment change, I repeated your words, “ I lovingly accept any challenges that I shall face today.” After 14 hours, I experienced breathing difficulties, which would turn out to be asthma, more or less. Anything we tried would be only a temporary respite. Over the next ten hours, my being would be tested again and again. I would often repeat the words in my mind that “I lovingly accept any challenges that I shall face today.” Your spirit and the universe was working through the instrument we all have come to know as Michael Secrest. This was even a greater achievement than had I reached my mileage goal, because of the obstacles which occurred. I had told my entire crew beforehand that what they were about to witness was a date with destiny. My only regret is that you were “physically” not there to witness which was truly “my finest hour”.
My deepest gratitude to my Brother of the Sacred Sweat in helping me set two world records.
Michael
***
all of coach's meditation CD's are available on the Tribal Catalog, so get them as you endeavor to set your OWN WORLD RECORD!
and if you have read this far and still not subscribed to DL,
dat ain't great karma! support the humble Temple beneath the mighty Peak;
we need your pennies to keep the priceless Path available for all who seek
the strength of spirit beyond daily sweat...
