Letter from the Editor, January 2017

Happy New Year readers, and I hope your 2017 is off to a good start. The January edition of The Hurdle Magazine has a heavy focus on teaching, as that is what I do best.

This month’s workout, “60m Hurdle Prep Workout,” is designed specifically as a pre-meet workout for the short hurdler racing indoors. My version of the workout probably includes more volume than it would for some coaches, as my mind is always focused on the outdoor season.

“Transitioning from Four to Three” is an article in which I discuss how to facilitate a young hurdler’s process of making that transition – from being a four-stepper to being a three-stepper. As I’m currently working with a girl dealing with this very issue, this article provide me an opportunity to provide you with some first-hand information.

“The Coach as a Source of Confidence” is a bit of an introspective piece about how important it is for the coach to be aware of the emotional state of his or her hurdlers heading into big races. I use my background as a teacher as a frame of reference, since teachers, like coaches, are tasked with the job of bringing out the best in those under their charge.

“The Joy of Private Coaching” takes a look at my current coaching life, which almost exclusively consists of private coaching. And yes, I am enjoying it immensely.

In “What Makes for a Great Hurdler,” I continue my thoughts from last month’s article, “What Makes a Great Hurdles Coach.” Here, I list the qualities that I feel make for a great hurdler, based on my experiences and my personal philosophy regarding what being a hurdler is all about.

“Liu vs. Trammell” is this month’s featured great race. Here, I take a look back at the men’s 110 meter hurdle race from the 2007 Reebok Grand Prix meet in New York, where Liu Xiang edged Terrence Trammell, 12.92 to 12.95, overcoming Trammell’s superior speed with superior technique. In the article, I break down the reasons why Liu was able to come back and steal the victory despite Trammell’s incredibly fast start.

Enjoy the articles, good luck with your training, and thank you for your support!

Steve McGill