Principle of Training and Coaching By Coach Joe I. Vigil

[George Payan]

Clinic notes presented by Coach I Vigil, Ph.D. who is an internationally known expert in middle and distance training, altitude physiology, the scientific principles of training and training methodology.

Coach Joe I. Vigil discussed Principle of Training and Coaching:

1.
Endurance Training is simple. Apply scientific information to the athlete practically and creatively. Teach athletes to listen to their bodies and to monitor training responses and fatigue.

2.
The body reacts to stress, provided you give the time to react. Usually, this reaction is positive in nature. The stressed system becomes stronger, capable of handling more stress.

3.
Do the basics first. Create excellent training opportunities for athletes, develop good relationships between coaches and team members.

4.
Training is specific, the system that is stressed is the one to reap benefits. You don't improve cardiovascular endurance by lifting heavy weights, you can't develop speed by logging lots of miles at a slow pace, or at any pace for that matter.

5.
Maximum oxygen uptake will increase during an athletes career through a balance of distance and interval and interval training workouts.

6.
Training is periodized to maximize training stimulus and promote recovery and adaptation.

7.
Just as is training specific, so is over training the system that is overtrained is the one to suffer.

8.
The body react to a specific stress in a relatively predictable manner the benefits reached within about three to four weeks of training, at a set amount and intensity of work will be about all that the body will ever reach without changing the amount and/or intensity of the work being imposed upon it.

9.
Every system of every body has its limits. Some peoples' limits are greater than others. Whether anyone ever really reaches his or her limits is questionable, but there are limits.

10.
Educate the athlete. The empowered, independent athlete will have more "Training Intelligence". Teach Training Theory and Methodology, Technique, Nutrition and Mental Skills.

11.
Challenge and demand athletes to work hard while providing support and guidance.

[CoachB]

The point that an athlete may never fully reach his or her limits is an interesting one. Did Mr. Vigil elaborate on this point? I would be interested to hear some of the factors that he thinks hold people back.