Advice on Seeking Advice
Living in a time when there is information available from a multiplicity of sources, it is often difficult to distinguish the good stuff from the not so helpful stuff. When it comes to the hurdles, many athletes and coaches are looking for tips and advice and examples. We go on the internet searching for drills, workouts, mentors, etc. We’re looking for ways to improve our start, to improve our hurdle clearance. We’re looking for ideas on strength training, plyometrics, anything we can get our hands on.
In my wanderings through the forest called the internet, I have come across a few “go-to” spots that consistently provide interesting, thought-provoking, and useful tips for hurdlers. These coaches have a track record of proven success. Most importantly, they are willing to answer questions, and they operate in the spirit of generosity.
[am4show not_have=’g5;’]
[/am4show][am4guest]
[/am4guest][am4show have=’g5;’]
Go-to spot number one would be good friend Terry Reese. Reese, who was featured for an interview for The Hurdle Magazine back in 2013, coached for almost 20 years at NC State University, where he developed many athletes, most notably hurdler Ebony Foster. In addition, Reese was a world-class hurdler in his own right, competing against the likes of Roger Kingdom and Allen Johnson at the international level on a regular basis. Even in his mid-40’s, Reese still trains on his own, and can still clear 42-inch hurdles with apparently little difficulty.
On his YouTube channel, Reese posts his workouts and drills, and in the description setting he provides the information regarding spacings, heights, rest, etc. These are videos to watch and learn from, and they are also a great source for new ideas. If you haven’t already, check out his YouTube page and subscribe to it. He updates it very frequently. If you follow him on Instagram, you’ll see many shorter postings there as well. He is also on Facebook, and it would be worth sending him a friend request if you want to pick his brain and keep up with his posts more easily. Here is his internet information:
YouTube Channel:Terry Reese YouTube Channel
Instagram: teereesejr
Another go-to coach would be Richard Holmes, another man in his mid-40’s who competed at the elite level back in the day. Holmes has coached dozens upon dozens of hurdlers over the years who have been ranked at or near the top in the nation in the sprint hurdles and long hurdles, and many of his athletes have gone on to do big things at the collegiate and professional level. Like Reese, Holmes’ passion for the hurdles is palpable. He’s not only extremely knowledgeable, but also innovative and creative. While his YouTube page doesn’t have much on it, he posts many workouts and drills on his Instagram page, so following him there would be in your best interests. He also is on Facebook. Here is his internet information:
Website: Holmes Hurdle Tech
Instagram: TheHurdleDr
Relatively new to the internet coaching world, but very good at it, is Hector Cotto, Puerto Rico’s national record holder with a personal best of 13.49. Cotto, 30 years old, still trains and competes, and is looking to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. I have coached him off and on over the years, and have coached with him as well. Cotto has a very keen mind when it comes to the hurdles, and like the others mentioned above, he is more than willing to share that knowledge with hurdlers at all levels. He currently coaches at the high school level, and also does some private coaching as well. In addition, he is in the process of putting together a complete course in training for the hurdles that would include technical aspects, dietary aspects, weight training aspects, and speed training aspects. Here’s Hector’s internet information.
Website: www.sprinthurdles.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ricanhurdler
Instagram: hcotto
In my opinion, the most valuable resource of all for hurdlers seeking advice and tips is the Facebook group started by Cotto called The Hurdles Group. He just started it up a few months ago, but it already has a lot of members, and it continues to grow. This is an excellent site for those of you seeking critiques of your start, of your technique, etc. It’s also a good place to come and ask questions even if you don’t have a video to post. Many knowledgeable coaches and athletes are members, and it seems that they are very open to providing help to those who seek it. Sometimes I’ll see a post that an athlete put up, asking for critiques, and before I even get a chance to formulate my thoughts I’ll see that two or three other coaches have already given the athlete some feedback. I have learned a lot myself from reading the comments from other coaches, and I find it really thrilling that there is such a sense of community within that group. I am one of the moderators of the group, along with Cotto, so I strongly urge you to send us a request to join the group. Here’s the link to the group’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehurdles/
While there are plenty of other sites out there, the ones I’ve listed here are the ones I consider the “best” because of their emphasis on teaching and because of the variety of drills and workouts that are presented. And of course, there’s always my website and The Hurdle Magazine, but you know that already, lol.
[/am4show]
