Letter from the Editor July 2014
The interview with Jon Hendershott of Track & Field News in last month’s issue of The Hurdle Magazine reminded me – as the title of that interview states directly – that every story matters. Mostly I’ve been trying to find people with “big” names to feature for each month’s profile, but this time I decided to seek out someone not so well-known but whose story is quite compelling. That’s why the profile subject for the July issue is Breanna Peabody, a 23-year-old post-collegiate hurdler trying to keep alive her dream of making it to the Olympic Trials. Peabody currently assists in the sprints and hurdles at her alma Mater, Oakland University in Michigan. She also works another job while still finding time to train, travel, and compete. The interview with her was very enjoyable and very inspiring, and I hope you find the profile on her to be so as well.
In last month’s issue I discussed trail leg mechanics in detail in “Teaching Trail Leg Mechanics to Beginners,” so in this month’s issue I follow up with “Teaching Lead Leg Mechanics to Beginners.” This article, like the previous one, includes some photos and short video clips to serve as visual aids.
A topic that has intrigued for some time is that of hurdlers who play other sports and/or participate in other events. I’ve often noticed that knowing what else my athletes have done in the past athletically helps me to understand why they hurdle the way they do and how to better address flaws in their technique and running form. In “Know Your Hurdler’s Background” I discuss this topic in detail, looking over a variety of sports and events and what athletes with backgrounds in these sports bring to the table when it comes time to hurdle.
Since this is the first issue we’ve had come out since the USA Championships, one article takes a look back at that meet, focusing on the hurdling events, of course. I give an analysis of the races and performances that stood out to me.
This month’s narrative article is a continuation of the four-part series, “Go Where the Hurdles Take You.” In Part Two here, I tell the story of my collegiate years, where I struggled academically, struggled athletically, but also began to delve deeply into the concept of hurdling as an art form, and ultimately began to understand that my calling may be as a coach, not an athlete.
This month’s workout – “Back to Back Starts ” – is another championship season workout for 110/100m hurdlers. This one involves a fatigue factor that previous one didn’t, so that hurdlers can work on their start and feel confident about finishing strong.
This month’s instructional video focuses on the lead arm “punch” style that one of my athletes employs, and that I’ve also noticed is used by professional 110 hurdler Ronnie Ash. My athlete, Nia Brown, briefly explains how it helps her, and demonstrates the style in a quick-three-step workout.
Thanks to Breanna Peabody for one of the best interviews I’ve ever done. Thanks to my web designer Chris Brajer for putting the articles into the mag. A very special thanks to all of you, our loyal subscribers, and a “Welcome aboard” to our new ones. As always, please contact me at smcgill@hurdlesfirst.com with any topics you would like me to write about for a future issue.
In the spirit of the Breanna Peabody article, I dedicate this issue to all post-collegiate hurdlers without contracts who are fighting to keep your dreams alive. I know it’s a struggle, but you are an inspiration, probably much more so than you realize.
Steve McGill
