My Father was a man of concise statements. He told you like it was and pulled no punches regardless of who it was he was talking to.
Dad Story #1: Many years ago, I failed to make the basketball team. I came home bitching up a storm about coaches favorites and how I was robbed. He basically told me he felt my pain and said to get my ass outside and practice so it does not happen again. Never blamed players, coaches or parents. Take matters into YOUR OWN HANDS. By the time 8th grade rolled around, I was a team captain.
Dad Story #2: Many years later I went on to describe a training routine to my father that consisted of super duper this and that and a special rep scheme that I felt allowed for my amazing progress at the time. I described my eating and rest between sets,etc.
So he said,”You think that you are recruiting better from your chest and shoulders and this is driving it up better for you?”.
“Absolutely”, I said.
“Your triceps are no longer your weak link I bet as well”,he said.
“Absolutely!”, I said
“So you are making your best lift because of all these things?”, he asked questioningly.
“No doubt!”‘, I said.
“Wrong. You are making your lift because of this.”, he said as he tapped his head several times.
Well said Dad. Thanks again. Your wisdom lives on.
HONORING ED WIETHOLDER SR. 1944-2006