Many of the hot concepts in training regard inputs and internal workings of the body, yet for any athlete or performance coach, the most important factor is the outputs… or performance (or attitude/affect or any other outward physical signs). In the athletic setting, results matter, and although the internal workings can give a deeper understanding, ultimately, it rarely dictates outcomes.
In Aaron’s blog, the black box concept is very important as results matter. I do think sport science is important, but after reading tweets of various coaches I wonder if they are looking at the same information the rest of us are? Some teams are highly focused on the ANS and Omegawave, but the non-contact injuries are there. No matter how many green lights one is getting, hamstring pulls are happening and we need to calm down. I was told that getting HRV via mobile options was limited, and I agreed that a few numbers can’t summarize the body. Yet after three years it’s sustainable daily while many teams are hunting for new options, and seeing the obvious such as athlete moods is just as important. Other details how often they ice after practice, and crude data such as practice times and meet results help.
What you do with what you have is very individual, but if an athlete comes in at 22.75 and runs a 21.3, something is working. If they come in at 10.6 and leave at 10.6, some answers are needed. Track isn’t easy as one is pushing the body to the maximum. Injuries, a second job, poor nutrition, it happens to everyone. What I have learned is that keep it simple is nice on paper, but life is more complicated than movement screens and omegawave readings.