Letter from the Editor, January 2019
Hello readers, and welcome to the January 2019 edition of The Hurdle Magazine. I have some sad news to share with you: this will be the final issue of this online publication. It’s a lot of work, and I’ve basically reached the point where it’s just too much when coupled with all the other hats I wear in my life. In the coming days we will be deleting all automatic payment profiles, and providing partial refunds for those subscribers who signed up for 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month subscriptions. One of the articles in this month’s issue will discuss why I feel that now is the right time to discontinue the magazine, and what I would like for readers to take away from the time you’ve spent reading the articles over the years.
In this month’s issue, we have a great article on periodization from Teige West. In the article, entitled “Periodization,” West explains the different types of periodization, and explains which ones would be best for hurdlers, depending on their competitive schedule and what they are trying to accomplish.
Melinda Burris Willms is back with another great article this month, entitled, “Resistance Band Training: Beneficial for Hurdlers?” As the title makes clear, this article discusses the various benefits of using resistance bands in training, and how the bands specifically can help hurdlers by strengthening the muscles that are used in repetitive movements.
“A Goodbye Song” is the article in which I discuss my decision to discontinue the magazine. It’s a very practical article, but also a very emotional one. As I say in the article, life is all about transition and personal growth. Rest assured, the hurdles will always be a part of my life, no matter what, even if I’m not writing articles about the hurdles every month.
This month’s workout, “Getting Right for Indoor Meets Workout,” is a race-prep workout specifically designed for the indoor distances of 55 and 60 meters. The workout itself is best if done on an indoor track, but can also be done on an outdoor track if weather conditions aren’t too severe.
Finally, for this month’s great race, I take a look back at one of the most dominant men’s 110 races in history – Dayron Robles gold medal performance in Beijing in 2008, when Liu Xiang tried to run through injury in the prelims but couldn’t make it, and Robles pretty much established himself as the best hurdler in the world. It would’ve been thrilling to see a healthy Liu vs. a healthy Robles in that race, but the lack of Liu’s presence in the final made it glaringly clear just how good Robles had become.
Enjoy the articles, and thank you for forever for your support. I love and appreciate all of you.
Steve McGill
