Then, join Sam Narvell as he seeks out an herbal solution to his sleep problem. Instead of choosing an over-the-counter remedy or getting a prescription from his doctor, he visits a store called Elixir. There, herbalist Kathleen Port suggests an extract of an ancient Chinese herb as a solution to his insomnia.

Finally, take a glimpse into the worlds of Nancy McCabe and Heather Davis. Both are life coaches—pioneers of sorts in a growing new field that is quickly gaining acceptance. Unlike their counterparts on the playing field, these coaches guide clients and protêgês through the personal and vocational challenges inherent in the game of life.

Mountain Biking Facts:

• Mountain biking began in 1971 and is now a medal sport in the Olympics.
  
• Since 1990, the number of mountain bikers aged 35-55 has nearly doubled to about two million.
  
• A top-of-the-line mountain bike is NOT necessary to take on the trails. Numerous moderately priced bikes in the $300 range and under are widely available.

Resources:

Webmountainbike.com
Tips and information about maintenance, safety, and trail etiquette.
www.webmountainbike.com

Gearhead Mountain Bike Magazine
Features constantly updated product reviews, articles, interviews, stories, trail info, race results, shop guides industry links and more.
www.gearhead.com

Mountain Bike Review
Find out what bike is best for you.
www.mtbr.com

Herbalist Tonics Facts:

• Herbs used at Elixir come from China, India, Europe, Africa, the South Pacific, Latin America and North America.
  
• Natural doesn't always mean safe. If you have allergies or take medication of any kind, check with your medical doctor before taking any herbal remedy because toxic reactions or interactions can occur.
  
• Acupuncturists and herbalists are not licensed to make medical diagnoses.

Contact:

Elixir Tonics & Teas
8612 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90069
310-657-9300
www.elixirnet.com

Resources:

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised 2nd Edition
by Michael T. Murray, Joseph E. Pizzorno

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
www.medicalacupuncture.org

Life Coaches Facts

• The term "life coach" was first coined in the early 1980s.
  
• Coaching may be just what you need, but it is an unregulated industry. Certification can be obtained through established coach training programs, but it is not a requirement before a person can claim to be a coach.
  
• Before you meet with a coach, ask for referrals to at least three past clients for objective evaluations.
  
• Life coaching works best when making career changes, and/or when you have a defined personal goal you have a need to conquer. If you have undefined or unclear issues to tackle, coaching may not be what you need.
  
• There are approximately 10,000 life coaches practicing in the US today.

Contact:

Nancy McCabe, personal and corporate coach
nanmccabe@earthlink.net
http:greatviewconsulting.com

Heather Davis
HD Coaching
PO Box 210727
San Francisco, CA 94121
heather@hdcoaching.com
www.hdcoaching.com

Eric Welch
Amazing Parties
Ericmwelch@aol.com

Resources:

The Life Coaching Handbook
by Curly Martin

Take Yourself to the Top of Your Life: How the Secrets of a Leading Life coach Will Help You Achieve Success, An 8-Step Life-Coaching Strategy
by Laura, Berman Fortgang

Become a Life Coach
www.lifepurposeinstitute.com