Letter from the Editor, July 2019
Hello subscribers, and welcome to the July 2019 Edition of The Hurdle Magazine. Be ready to dive into one of our most engaging issues yet, as we tackle a wide variety of topics. Freelance writer Melinda Burris Willms has written two articles for this issue, and I have written four.
Willms’ first article, “Diagnosing and Treating Metatarsalgia,” gives an in-depth look at the causes of, symptoms of, and treatments for this chronic foot ailment that has been the source of much pain for runners of all types, but particularly those who spend a lot of time on the balls of their feet.
In Willm’s other article, “Essential Oil Aromatherapy & Sports Performance,” she thoroughly examines a topic that many would not have even considered regarding sports performance. Aromatherapy can make you run faster? Hey, read the article; it’s not as far-fetched as it may sound.
For my first article, “I Said, Lead with the Knee,” I discuss how this element of technique, which seems so basic, is still not done correctly by a lot of hurdlers. I explain what it means to truly leadwith the knee and to avoid letting the foot get in front of the knee too soon. I always provide suggestions for ways to help hurdlers who don’t lead with the knee properly.
In “Surrendering to the Rhythm,” I take a somewhat philosophical yet practical approach to discussing the role that rhythm plays in a hurdler’s success, reaching outside the realm of hurdling for some of my frames of references, but also pointing to specific examples of hurdlers I coach and have coached in the past.
This month’s workout, “Big Race Flat Speed Workout,” is a workout for the 400m hurdler preparing for a big race. The workout should be done early in the week of a big meet.
My final article, “Who are the Big Dogs of 2019?” takes a look at the hurdling events at this point in the season on the national and international scale. In this article, I discuss who the hurdlers are who have made a significant impact so far, keeping an eye on the World Championships that are still a full two and a half months away. Fun stuff!
For those of you still competing, I wish you the best with your training and races, as all races are big races by this time of the year. For those of you who have turned your focus to next year, I hope all is good with you too. Thank you all for subscribing and for your support.
Steve McGill
