December 13, 2004
with over 75 first ascents and numerous difficult free solos on rock, ice, and high peaks,
coach ilg was one of the pioneering spirits from Boulder, Colorado's "new age gang" throughout the eighties...
a gang that included Christian Griffith (founder of Verve outdoor performance clothing, Eric Doub, Eric Goukas, Will Gadd, Cam John, et. al). "I used climbing as a testpiece for my meditation and yogic practices...i wanted my 'zafu' to be a bit more truer than some fluffy cushion surrounded by incense. i preferred to find the OM within the chant of fear in my bones and the rattle of doubt in my mind. Being afraid is healthy. Fear is good. It's mediocrity that kills."
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Dear Steve,� I first heard of your name when I was an avid climber.� I read an article in a climbing magazine that you wrote on training specifically for rock climbing. I followed your program and my climbing abilities improved exponentially. I went from a weak 5.7 leader to a solid 5.9+ leader. Needless to say I was impressed by your knowledge. Over the years I stopped climbing much but always stayed fit biking and cross country skiing. Five years ago I started practicing yoga and fell in love with the inner�strength it gave me. Because of my family and business obligations I couldn't spend as much time with sports, but as long as I practiced yoga I could go out and enjoy�nearly the level of�participation I always had.�
Last year I was involved in a propane explosion I was burned over sixty five percent of my body. I was in a drugged induced coma for six weeks and in the hospital for a total of three months. As a result of the trauma and the extended hospital stay I lost all my muscle mass in addition�I had�a calcium deposit in my knee as well as muscle damage and tendon adhesion (mostly in my left leg). I had surgery on my left knee�three weeks ago and already have thirty five more degrees of movement in�the knee( I have one hundred thirty five degrees now). I had�tried to�get back�in shape before the surgery but always met up against limitations i.e. swelling, fatigue and other circulation problems. I am now just beginning to feel my core strength coming back and with increased mobility I think I am ready to start a training regimen. I know there will be set backs (hand surgeries etc.) but I want to ski this winter and practice yoga. I think weight training might be helpful as well. My left quad muscle won't fire enough to lock my leg however I think I can compensate with the remaining muscle in the quad. I don't know if you have any ideas but you worked once and I don't see why not again.
Thank you.
Sincerely Jack Pickett
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Noble Warrior Jack -
let's begin...again, and again, and endlessly again.
you are h(om)e now.
my humble yet powerful Temple door swings ajar for you..
go here and complete the WF Online Training Application:
http://www.wholisticfitness.com/online_app_form.html
two-gether,
we shall Dance ever Higher...
i bow to you. you inspire ME!
the years ahead shimmer with sweat and fun filled spirit..i cannot wait!
love and Healing Light,
coach ilg