Letter from the Editor, November 2020

Hello Subscribers, and welcome to the November 2020 edition of The Hurdle Magazine. In this month’s issue, I wrote three articles, and I got all my freelance writers back, which means Savannah Cress wrote one, and Melinda Burris wrote two.

In my first article, “Translating Training into Races,” I discuss how difficult it is to implement new changes to one’s style during the adrenaline-filled environment of a race. My athlete, Brandon Johnson, had his first race a couple weeks ago, and though he won and ran well, there is much we are working on that didn’t show up, letting us know what we still need to work on.

My second article, “College Programs on the Chopping Block,” focuses on the recent COVID-related phenomenon of collegiate track and field programs being blasted out of existence due to cost cutting. The article centers around the Clemson University program, which has been one of the most successful programs in the country for decades.

This month’s workout, “Hurdle Speed Workout,” is a good workout to use when transitioning from the fall season to the winter season, as athletes want to start cranking up the speed in preparation for races. The workout involves block starts with and without hurdles.

Savannah Cress’ contribution this month, “Why Christian Why?,” takes a look at the somewhat bizarre Christian Coleman situation, in which the world champion sprinter has received a two-year ban due to not being available for drug tests three times in the past year, meaning that he won’t be eligible to compete in the 2021 Olympic Games.

In Melinda Burris’ first article, “Gaining Weight during Covid-19,” Burris takes a look at the ways the pandemic has affected the way people exercise and how regularly they are able to do so, as well as the difficulties that come with not being able to follow usual routines. In her second article, “All About Ankle and Foot Tendinitis,” Burris discusses causes of these common hurdler ailments, as well as preventative measures and treatments.

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