Letter from the Editor
Welcome readers to the November 2014 issue of The Hurdle Magazine. We hope this issue finds you well as we head into the holiday season of Thanksgiving. We also hope that you will find some time this holiday to rest up a bit and relax with people you love.
Our November issue features the continuation of the “Seven Steps to Hurdle Heaven” series, with the focus here being on Step Five, which involves becoming being a voice for the event, and mastering the art form.
A while ago on our Facebook page I brought up the question of whether or not hurdle people enjoy “hurdle fail” videos. So this issue includes an article in which I explore the positives and negatives of hurdle fail videos from my perspective as a hurdle coach. While I predictably could do without them, I do find them to have some redeeming qualities. So have fun reading that one; I try not to make it too serious of an issue.
Continuing with my 2014 reviews of the hurdling events, in this issue I take a look back at the men’s 400m hurdles – an event that was a bit lacking in excitement, despite some good races from Javier Culson, Michael Tinsley, and Cornel Fredericks. The most attention-grabbing story of 2014 was the splash made by decathlon great Ashton Eaton, who more than held his own against the world’s top one-lap hurdlers.
The technically-specific article in this issue is “Using Cones for Beginners,” in which I explore how to use cones in order to help beginners develop a rhythm between the hurdles, to expose and address their technical flaws, and how to help them ingrain efficient mechanics so that they can face real hurdles with less fear, more confidence, and more control of their own bodies.
This month’s workout is an uphill sprint workout designed to help hurdlers get in the habit of being in a forward, attacking posture when running, and to help develop a strength and conditioning base prior to the start of the indoor season.
Finally, my good friend and hurdling warrior Keare Smith has contributed another article to The Hurdle Magazine. In this one he further explores the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, this time focusing on the benefits of juice cleansing. Here, Smith introduces us to the topic; he plans in future issues to provide more details on how juice cleansing can help athletes to maximize performance.
This month’s video is not yet completed. I expect to have that up within the next week. My apologies for the delay.
Big thanks to Smith for once again writing a very informative and thought-provoking piece for our readers. Thanks to website designer Chris Brajer for his technical expertise in putting the articles into magazine format. Extra special thanks to all of you subscribers who keep us motivated to do our best by you. If you have any questions thoughts or questions you’d like to share, feel free to email me at smcgill@hurdlesfirst.com, or leave a comment on our Facebook or Twitter page.
Take care.
Steve McGill
