Pro athletes, who are living their dreams, and idolized by many, are thought to be powerful and in control, but is this true? It can be, but, I’d like to offer another perspective.

Power can be defined as having control over ones [...]]]> Inner Wisdom, Part 4 of 5 of my recent FEAT speech…

Pro athletes, who are living their dreams, and idolized by many, are thought to be powerful and in control, but is this true? It can be, but, I’d like to offer another perspective.

Power can be defined as having control over ones life, but fan appreciation, financial reward, and expectation to perform, can leave the pro in a painfully powerless position. When you’re under contract, your job is to take the risk, day in and out, which can slowly skew and over-ride inner wisdom and thus enjoyment of the sport, this I experienced many times.

When my creative expression and contribution in the world through bike tricks was no longer able to sufficiently deliver ‘all of me’, I found myself trapped and longing to contribute to those things in the world I saw as most important, but not knowing how. I began interpreting my job as if I was a monkey who had to jump on cue.

For these reasons, psyching myself up to do something that deep down I knew was a bad idea was often easier than saying no– contributing to the world in new ways based on my inner wisdom could-inner conflict built.

Accessing and acting on this inner wisdom takes courage and mindful practice, and is necessary for the healthy evolution of sport. No longer is it sufficient for pros to pass along just technical skills, their inner experience needs to be communicated so future generations of athletes can integrate this wisdom and build healthier, bodies, minds, and spirit.

With risk, comes fear, and when conquered, there is a high. Similar to addictive drugs, this risk/fear process releases a flood of dopamine into the brain. I know from experience that this temporary riding high can become very addicting. However, as the body [...]]]> Risk Addiction: Part 3 of 5 from my recent FEAT speech…

With risk, comes fear, and when conquered, there is a high. Similar to addictive drugs, this risk/fear process releases a flood of dopamine into the brain. I know from experience that this temporary riding high can become very addicting. However, as the body adapts to the risk, you’ll have to take a bigger one next time to get the same dopamine and endorphin rush, etc etc.

Along with this temporary high, our conquering of risky adventure brings peer praise and attention; this validates and perpetuates the behavior on a human to human level, we begin to crave the attention.

Risk also can free us from our relentless and often cruel internal dialogues. Without conscious awareness training, this addiction will eventually lead to burnout and injury, short-changing the transformational potential of sport.

Do these types of behaviors qualify as a healthy relationship to sport? Is your engagement in these choices contributing to your ability to serve in the other facets of your life? It is often these other lifestyle patterns and challenges that contribute to the health of our connection with sport.

Next Topic: Inner Wisdom

Pro athletes often separate themselves from ‘life-stuff’ to focus on their sport; in many Olympic sports this is part of the structure from a young age. When success strikes, they are considered role models, not only for their sport achievement, but for their [...]]]> Balanced Development: Topic 2 of 5 from my recent FEAT speech…

Pro athletes often separate themselves from ‘life-stuff’ to focus on their sport; in many Olympic sports this is part of the structure from a young age. When success strikes, they are considered role models, not only for their sport achievement, but for their entire approach to life.

A Pro Athletes relationship to their sport and life, spoken from experience of course

Backed up by media, athletes usually buy into the assumption that sporting success = life success. The image below is a basic and exaggerated psychograph of a typical athletes development across multiple developmental intelligences.

An exaggerated average of a pro athletes development

The consequence of this imbalance can lead to inaccurate self assessment, alienating the athlete from their true sense of self. This can lead to a conflicted existence during their “dream years” as a star. As some pro’s have discovered, not even Olympic Gold can shield realities strong bite when navigating this territory, especially when going-it-alone, which is most often the case.

As a coach, it is beautiful to experience how personalized and unique athletes lives are, thus each needs a unique developmental approach to effectively and efficiently round-themselves-out as role models, this not only contributes to optimal performance in sport, but for healthy ‘real-world’ engagement and contribution; not to mention the enjoyment of sport!

Next topic: Risk Addiction

So my question was: [...]]]> I was recently featured as a guest at FEAT Canada, which stands for Fascinating Expedition & Adventure Talks. Along with rock climbers, long distance hikers, free divers, extreme skiers, Antarctic kayakers, was my talk, which wasn’t about trials biking, but about healthy relationship to sport and common sport-abuse patterns.

So my question was: Are you using sport responsibly? Personally and as a pro, I often struggled with this question, my outward display of skill often masked the inner conflict I felt. My urge to understand this inner landscape eventually replaced my urge to push the boundaries in mountain biking; so I began reading books and then decided to ‘real’ize some of this knowledge by earning my certification as a Professional Integral Coach™, my mission is to serve in this under acknowledged realm of inner-challenge.

In this blog post features the first of five topics I attempted to give-voice-to and articulate at FEAT,  which were Escapism, Uneven Development, Risk Addiction, Inner Wisdom, and Spectator Influence.

Escapism:

When you’re in a sporting flow, sharing the outdoor beauty with friends, it provides much needed solace and therapy from the strains of life. However, it can become unhealthy when consistently sought as an escape.

For instance, have you ever needed a ride? I mean really/desperately/urgently needed a ride (or whatever the sport of choice is)? If so, what was going on in your life at the time? If you continue to sidestep the background “issue’s” they will eventually and quite sneakily turn your desperately needed ride into a “bad” ride. Your shadow (first you escaped it, then ignore it, then forget about it, then it’s suppressed and fully dissociated/disowned) will always win, and the lessons will get louder and louder until dealt with.

Sooo, great ideas will begin to emerge during the still bliss of sport experience only once your sport intimately compliments your life versus hides you from it. Einstein did credit the theory of relativity by saying “I thought of that while riding my bicycle”.

As a coach, my initial role is to help clarify and see where the “house fires” actually are; this often takes some prodding, but is necessary to recognize for full the development of deeper enjoyment, longevity, and optimal performance in sport.

Next topic: Uneven Development across Multiple Intelligences.

1400 km’s off road with 14,000 meters of climbing. This is a big deal. But is it a life changing experience? Your choice–there is a big difference between a temporary high and sustainable change–yeah you might conquer Mongolia by bike, [...]]]> Thrilled to announce my Integral Coaching® partnership with the Mongolia Bike Challenge…

1400 km’s off road with 14,000 meters of climbing. This is a big deal. But is it a life changing experience? Your choice–there is a big difference between a temporary high and sustainable change–yeah you might conquer Mongolia by bike, but will it be in sacrifice of escaping the most meaningful challenges in life professionally, relationally, emotionally, and spiritually? To be sure your MBC experience radiates positively before, during, and after the event,  combine it with my private and a personalized Integral Coaching®. This includes:

• Registration for the Mongolia Bike Challenge (Value $2500)
• Eight 60+ minute one on one Integral Coaching® sessions (Value $1500)
• Daily on-call-in-person support during the 10 day event
• Daily post race restorative yoga
• Bonus Swag Bag

But be careful, by signing up for this coaching package, I’ll be challenging you to step-up in service of your deepest aspirations and those you care about most, you can’t hide by going out for a training ride. Note: this does not include a bicycle fitness training program, though I may give you a few technical skill pointers as a bonus

My partnership with the MBC has made this package available to you for $3200.

Is this right for you? Lets have a chat! Contact me directly with questions or to arrange a conversation: trials (at) ryanleech (.com)

Last year, I requested one go-go-gatchet trail bike, it was delivered in the form of a Norco Range. For 2012, [...]]]> Happy Early Christmas to a spoiled Pro-Rider! A brand new Norco Truax, decked with the best of Shimano and Rock Shox. Oh how that hard knock life turned buttery smooth on my first ride out…

A factory team custom build

Last year, I requested one go-go-gatchet trail bike, it was delivered in the form of a Norco Range. For 2012, I thought I’d add some variety. My two bikes of choice are The Revolver (for which I’m still in lively anticipation of), and The Truax. Jay Hoots = Truax, yes; but Ryan Leech < Truax. In other words, I’m not worthy of it’s magnificence (Jay, that means I’m not worthy of you too brotha!).

My first interpretation of the name is based on the fact that it’s a Shore style bike, and the Shore is dense with trees, and you need a True Ax if you want any hopes of navigating and surviving out there. You gotta have the right tool, at least that’s what Dad always said. Good luck with that argument kids My silly interpretations aside, the real reason is that an employee summited Mt. Truax, a 9450 foot peak near Bralorne, BC.

Post Build Smile

My first ride was solo, roll on the road for 10 minutes, hit the trails at Burnaby mountain for a climb up and rip down. Sunny skies with lingering mud made for a true break in blast.

Pedaling up proved true to the ART suspension platforms claim that a rearward rear wheel axle path combined with pedaling eliminates unwanted pedal bob. Seems that the leg energy I saved transfered directly into grinnage on the way down Gear jammer; the pleasing ease of bump compliance is due partly for the same reason it pedals up so nicely, a rear wheel axle travel path gets the wheel out of the way faster on sharp hits, good deal indeed.

The bike isn't the only one absorbing

Now, it would be easy for a technoweenie to overindulge in the marvel of such a well balanced red beauty, but for a true experience, the scenery needs to be acknowledged by stopping every now and then to oogle at more than the bike. This isn’t a race bike, drop down into a Norco Phaser or up to an Aurum if youre concerned with times; but havin’-a-time on this bike in the forest means feeling the air and wind on the skin, smelling rotting logs, listening to birds and the tree branch rustle, acknowleding passers by, sensing the interconnectedness of the delicate ecosystem that functions with such effortlessly ease. This kind of tuning-in brings another layer of free to the freeride experience. Ride ON!

Post Ride Grinnage with Grime

Introduced, in conference style, the

Telus Athlete Voice Leadership School

I attended this opening yesterday as an Athlete Mentor, and have been matched up with two High School Athlete Leaders.

We’ll jam together over the next four months!

The conference featured 3 guest speakers, by Senior Athlete Leaders Steve Podborski, BC Athlete Voice

The conference featured 3 guest speakers, by Senior Athlete Leaders Steve Podborski, Diane Clement (or Mumma C), and Dr. Dory Boyer.

They presented to the 12 mentors and the 24 student athletes, at the Richmond Olympic Oval.

Some common themes emerged from their words, the top three points were very similar.

Steve: (Olympic Medalist and World Cup DH skiing Champion 1982), only non European ever to hold this title)

1. What you learn as an athlete will be applied to life

2. Have impeccable preparation (his teammate filed binding for less wind resistance, though it didn’t make a difference physically, mentally it was impeccable and he won that day)

3. Teamwork: He radioed up to teammate to give tip on course helping him win a world cup, a faux pas of the day that other teams wouldn’t do

Diane: (Olympian & medalists at Commonwealth games in 1958)

1. Lessons learned in sport are with you for life

2. Honesty and Integrity (Impeccability) with yourself, be truthful with yourself, (this last one is a huge topic!)

3. Most important, become a team player, teamwork

Dr. Dory Boyer: (Orthopedic Surgeon & Medical Services manager for VANOC)

1. Hard work, but it was a chance to make a difference and experience is with you for life

2. In his VANOC prep, he left no gap in services, (again impeccable preparation, led to VANOC being new standard in medical service orchestration)

3. Building a strong team with great communication is key for success

It has been almost 15 years since my high school graduation, so I’m excited to tune into the world of a teenage athlete and show up with them such that the four pillars of successful mentoring are fulfilled:

Support

Empowerment

Challenge

Communicate

What do those mean to you? What I do know is that at 32 years of age these words may have slightly different meanings than they would at age 15. So I’m excited to learn a thing or two about the world of today’s highschoolers.

Thanks BC Athlete Voice for including me in this program, and allowing a unique venue to share and grow my experiences.

http://www.facebook.com/BCAthleteVoice?sk=wall

I [...]]]> My coaching specialty is working with those whose success has led them into a position of role modelship, which often results in myriad professional or private life challenges that can affect performance, enjoyment, and well-being. If you’re considering my services in this realm, or any other, I hope these testimonials will support your decision…

I wanted to acknowledged your gift as a coach. I find you to be an empathetic, non-judgmental listener and by this, able to gently guide explorations of self and self-improvement. I am impressed by your ability to guide what feels like a focused conversation, yet keep careful notes (mental or otherwise) that are reflected in both the foundation and the focus practices you offer me. I feel really fortunate to have taken the risk with something so foreign to me some months ago, and to be continuing to reap the benefits since that first leap of faith. Thank you for sharing you wisdom and ability to identify ways to achieve one’s goals. It’s a gift that you share so comfortably with others.

-Gini

“Ryan was sensitive, inspiring and supportive coach who helped me work through an uncertain period of my career, by creating a program that mixed reflective and active exercises that helped me gain greater awareness of my tendencies and to clarify my goals. In response to my initial situation, he crafted a program that challenged me, and refined it over five months according to my progress and active feedback.”

-Germaine Koh

Ryan’s compassionate nature allowed me to really feel safe to trust open up about my career challenges that I had been having. Working with his relaxed yet structured pace he was able to guide me to a new way of seeing my ‘problem’ which ultimately led me to having a big breakthrough!!

-Treena Neil

“My Integral Coaching® journey with Ryan was amazing. The skills I developed through practice helped me grow and achieve goals in key areas of life. I will cherish the knowledge and depth he has allowed me to discover and am looking forward to the next stages in my life.”

-Melissa Walkley

I highly recommend Ryan as an Integral Coach. His commitment to his clients and this program is clear and focused. With his easy going, positive, and engaging personality, Ryan is easy to build a trusting relationship with. His coaching strategies are insightful and constructive, and he genuinely wants to help you succeed in your goals.

-Roger P.

“For those interested in pursuing Integral Coaching® through with Ryan Leech, I’d like to relate some of my experiences and perceptions.

There is much in life that becomes habit not so much out of intention as happenstance. My coaching experience with Ryan really brought to the fore perspectives and practices that I’ve been able to use to create new ways of being, new habits, that reflect a more genuine me. Practices that helped bring about a more intentional me.

Beginning with some foundational practices tailored to my lifestyle, Ryan helped me reestablish some long-lost habits related to my physical wellbeing. These exercises, spread throughout the week, formed the basis from which much of the remaining changes ensued. Intimately coupled with these practices were opportunities for thoughtful reflection; again tailored to my specific goals… and throughout, journaling helped me solidify ideas and perceptions that were being revealed throughout the time we worked together, and continue to today.

Ryan is a gifted listener. Unhurried and settled were our times together. We followed a clearly delineated agenda for each meeting which was pertinent and had a natural flow, an agenda focused on my needs and goals for growth. The insights provided by Ryan were flawless and continually had me in awe of the growing revelations I was experiencing about myself. Ryan’s skill in discerning potential for, then eliciting those changes in perspective is inspiring. The ultimate host, Ryan has genius for creating a low stress environment for exploring deeply personal landscapes. This said, the Integral Coaching program is rigorous, both physically and intellectually. The degree of change, as in any training regimen, is directly related to the effort one puts in. Ryan’s commitment to my desired change was palpable, and I was confident from the communication before our first meeting, that I was going to be pushed by my coach to achieve more than I thought possible at the outset.

The results of the time I spent in introspection, and expression through writing and talking with Ryan have manifest themselves in amazing ways. After years in a position that I complained often sucked the life out of me, I made some changes that have altered the course of my career. I began to advocate for things that will improve my situation and those with whom I come into contact professionally. My satisfaction in my work situation has changed immeasurably. Working to acknowledge my self-doubt, and understand its roots, I applied for a change at work that has me in an extraordinary new position. A position with huge challenges that I look forward to meeting. At home, I have been far more deliberate in how I relate to my family. My family life has never been bad. Through consistently downplaying my own perspectives though, I’d created resentment within myself for situations of my own making. The intentional valuing of the perspectives of those whom I love, as well as my own, has allowed me to approach formerly frustrating facets of our lives together with greater tenderness for all involved.

I don’t think it outrageous to say that I am a changed person. A person closer to who I want me to be. A more genuine reflection of the person I’ve longed to rediscover. There is always room for growth. I am grateful to Ryan for the care and focus. I believe that I am now in possession of many of the tools I need to continue the growth begun through the Integral Coaching™ program offered by Ryan. For this, I am profoundly grateful.”

-Evan Ritchie

Contact me to arrange for a free conversation to explore whether my service as an Integral Coach™ is right for you.