RJ Quotes
"I've read the works of the heavyweights in the field and I see gaps in even their thinking, understanding, and organization. They may have more experience than me, but I wouldn't say they know more. Coaches can only apply so many different physiological stimuli in so many patterns and I can outline the effects of most down to a cellular level. As far as we, as coaches, are concerned, the rabbit hole only needs to go so deep."
"And I know a grasp on science alone isn't enough to be a coach. One of the biggest things I've learned over the past couple years is how practice rarely mirrors theory. However, with a good psychology background and people skills (for understanding the athlete), scientific knowledge, a bit of intuition, and the understanding that perfect is often the enemy of great, it's a piece of cake.
"While I'm obviously still not at the pinnacle of my writing/sports science career, skill acquisition is asymptotal and, at least in areas concerning training, I'm near the asymptote. I've put in an ungodly amount of time and I believe I have plenty to show for it. I can compare my works to those of Bompa, Verkhoshansky, and Zatsiorsky and I don't find myself lacking. In areas of specific study, I don't know as much about nervous system function as Enoka, or as much about tendon and fascicle function as Kubo, but I can take their ideas and findings and integrate them into a complete training plan without difficulty. In areas like nutrition and biochemistry, I still have A LOT to learn and I'm working on it."
"Like I said, I know I'm not at my peak, but I would consider myself an expert, albeit one lacking in practical experience. With or without the time coaching though, I still feel that by considering the knowledge and insight gained through years of experience by those with more time on the front lines, I can fore-go making many mistakes for myself and just learn from them. "
Apparently you can know what "works" even though you've never seen it "work" personally.
