Letter from the Editor, February 2021

Hello Subscribers, and welcome to the February 2021 edition of The Hurdle Magazine. In this month’s issue, there are four articles by me again, and two be freelance writer Melinda Burris.

In my first article, “Healing after the Loss of a Friend,” I take a look back at my relationship with my first-ever national-caliber athlete, Cameron Akers, whom I coached in 2000-01, and who tragically passed away in 2012. Though it’s been nine years, the memories still linger, but I’ve been able to transform much of the grief into action and even serenity. It’s been a long road.

In my next article, “How Young is too Young?” I take a look at the pros and cons involved with beginning to hurdle at the first legal youth age group of 11-12 years old, vs. starting later in life, like in high school. One of the conclusions I come to is that it all comes down to coaching, regardless of when you start.

My third article, “Creating, and Solving, Rhythm Problems,” discusses how advanced hurdlers who elite-level times can continue to improve without falling victim to plateauing. As I discuss in the article, the key is to constantly look for ways to improve one’s quickness. That can often mean creating crowding issues in practice so that the athlete is prepared to adapt to crowding issues in races.

This month’s workout, “Fun Competition Workout,” is based on a fun competition that the athletes did at the last camp I ran pre-Covid in November of 2019. The workout is designed to create a sense of urgency when doing common drills by adding a competitive component to them.

In Melinda Burris’ first article, “Neuroplasticity and Muscle Memory,” Burris takes a research-based look at neuroplasticity, otherwise known as muscle memory, as it applies to repetitive athletic movements, such as hurdling. The article was inspired by a recent video of professional basketball player Steph Curry making 105 consecutive three-pointers in a practice session.

Burris’ second article is not completed yet at this time, but will discuss the relationship between sprinting speed and vertical jumping ability.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support. Enjoy the articles, and good luck with your training and your competitions.