Letter from the Editor, February 2020
Hello Subscribers, and welcome to the February 2020 edition of The Hurdle Magazine. This month’s issue features two health-related articles from freelance writer Melinda Burris Willms, one article from freelance writer Savannah Cress, and three articles from yours truly.
In “E-Stim Therapy,” Willms discusses one of the more recently popularized methods of self-healing and recovery for athletes, as well as for people in the general public who suffer from muscle soreness and strains and inflammation. In the article, Willms explains what E-Stim is and how it works.
In Willms’ other article, “Exercise Induced Asthma (Or EIB),” she discusses this ailment that is fairly common among runners during the pollen season, which is right around the corner.
In Savannah Cress’ article, “Tragedy in 2020,” she reflects on the tragic helicopter accident that took the life of NBA legend and father of four, Kobe Bryant, as well as his daughter Gianna and seven others. This tragedy is the kind that affects the lives of everyone, across the various sports in the sports world and beyond sports itself, which is why I asked her to provide her perspective on the accident and its aftermath.
In my first article, “From Scrub to Legend,” I discuss my journey in the hurdles, from being a mediocre DIII hurdler to being called a legend by another coach a couple weeks ago. This article would fall under the category of personal narrative, and my purpose in writing it was to show that you don’t have to be a great hurdler to gain much from hurdling, and for hurdling to set the course of your life, which is why I never turn down anyone who seeks my assistance, no matter their ability level.
This month’s workout, “Speed-Endurance Workout for the Long Hurdler” is a workout designed for long hurdlers in the late-winter / early-spring part of the season. The workout doesn’t involve any hurdling, which is indicative of the fact that long hurdlers can definitely benefit from training with the quarter-milers at least once a week.
My last article, “The Influence of The Art of Peace on The Art of Hurdling,” is where I talk about how The Art of Peace, written by martial arts sensei Morihei Ueshiba shortly after World War II, influenced the book that I just published—The Art of Hurdling—which is now currently available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats. My influences have largely been non-hurdle related sources, as I like to make connections between hurdling and other disciplines and art forms.
Enjoy the articles, thank you for your support, good luck to those of you who are still competing indoors, and to those of you who are starting up their outdoor season.
Steve McGill
