Letter from the Editor, January 2021

Hello Subscribers, and welcome to the January 2021 edition of The Hurdle Magazine. In this month’s issue, as in last month’s I wrote four articles, and  freelance writer Melinda Burris wrote two.

In my first article, “Quickness from the Lower Legs,” I discuss the importance of lower-leg strength when it comes to explosive quickness for hurdlers. In the article, I begin by referring to great rebounders in basketball as a frame of reference for what quick explosiveness looks like and how it is advantageous.

My next article, “Will There Be a Tokyo Olympics?,” takes a look at whether or not the 2020 Olympics, postponed to July of 2021, will actually take place this year, based, obviously, on pandemic-related issues. The article takes a look at a recently published New York Times article in which Tokyo officials and the President of the International Olympic Committee give their thoughts and insights regarding whether the Games can be held and, if so, in what capacity.

My third article, “When it Comes to being my brother …,” is a personal piece of writing in which I provide my perspective on some of the turmoil taking place in the United States these days, focusing on a personal friendship of mine with a close friend and one-time neighbor with whom I used to run on a regular basis, and with whom I still keep in touch.

This month’s workout, “Speed Ladder Workout,” is designed to be challenge sprint hurdlers to improve their speed and to improve their ability to maintain their speed. It’s a good workout for this time of year, as well as for the early outdoor season.

In Melinda Burris’ first article, “Stride Length vs. Stride Frequency,” Burris takes a research-based, scientific look into the age-old question of how stride length and stride frequency interrelate.

In Burris’ second article, Proper Training for 3-Stepping,” Burris addresses another issue vitally important to hurdlers. In both of her articles, Burris includes some input from me as a long-time coach.

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