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Saturday's Do-It Clinic at Reggie Lewis Center featured a large representation from NA track alumni. Besides my presence at girls' hurdles, Jerry Espinosa was at boys' high jump, PJ Allessi at girls' high jump and Latif Thomas and Pat Beith at sprints. Another alumnus, Vanessa Megna assisted me at hurdles.

Added to that group were a few present athletes. Amanda Walkins helped me out with demonstrations while TyLynn Graham split her time between hurdles and high jump.

This has been quite a year for my team in respect to their contact with international level athletes. It was pretty special to have Kate and Laura O'Neill at the indoor banquet. Then at the clinic some of them got to spend quality time with Olympic medalists. I caught Ty discussing the 400M with DeeDee Trotter. And I was just e-mailed some pictures of Tiffany Badger, Steph Riesenbeck and Kelsey Achin with Adam Nelson. They were sky high!

I was happy to have spent time working with some dedicated hurdlers. There was a lot of talent there, all at different stages of development. I hope to see some of them making noise at the state level.

What I anticipated and proved itself to be true was that no matter how good the hurdler, there was always something that could be improved. Isn't that true with any event? What I didn't anticipate (even though I should have) was the gap in terminology and the large number of athletes that are stuck trying to make the transition from 4 steps to 3 steps. My only defense for not anticipating the former is that the hurdling tradition at North Attleboro is deep and perpetual - I always have some pretty smart hurdlers passing down the bulk of their knowledge. I don't have to sweat the easy stuff. I only have to make sure that the important details are covered. That makes my job infinately easier.

My new goal is going to be an in-depth primer on the event. It will start as easily as the first question I received "What do you mean by three steps?" I'm also going to include some new ideas about how to determine when to switch from 4 to 3. The project will go as deep as my mind can delve - don't worry. You won't drown.

I was a little jealous to hear from Bill and Alice Iacuessa (former XC coaches at the American School in London) about their February vacation. Arlene and I had intended to spend the vacation with them in Luxembourgh until I decided to re-enter the indoor coaching ranks.

They spent the week hiking the Luxembourgh/German border along the Mosel, Oure and Suer rivers. I still remember the hike we took with them along the Mosel last year - especially though the vineyards that overlook the river. Hopefully we can join them for a repeat in years to come.

Congrats go out to Matt Taylor's runners that performed well at the indoor NCAA's including a new GT school record.

Back to reality tomorrow for me. It is a hurry-up mode in training. Our first meet is Thursday against a very strong OA team. At least the snow is gone.