I have been buying copies of Triathlete long before I could be considered a triathlete myself. I always picked up a copy to see what triathlon was all about and then lost interest in and moved on to something else. Several times I had contemplated, trying a Triathlon but only at the beginning of this summer did I actually do it. Now I like Triathlete even more because it is relevant to me, instead of looking at pictures of all these great athletes I can read the articles and gain something useful from them. I have recently become a subscriber to Triathlete and I expect to enjoy it.
Triathlete is one of two major Triathlon publications; the other is Inside Triathlon. I think that Triathlete is the superior of the two. Judging from several issues of both, it seems that Triathlete has a larger budget and reader base, which obviously helps. Triathlete has a very classy presentation and seems to put more meat in each issue. The magazine does have a ton of ads, which I suppose can be good or bad, because it some of the ads do have pretty sweet deals on triathlon equipment.
The magazine starts with the standard couple editorials and letters to the editor. Following this is some of the major triathlon news. This is always behind what you can get on the Internet, but what do you expect? On this same page there is usually a book review which is nice, because it seems like there are an awful lot of books out there that tell you how you should be a triathlete.
The bulk of the magazine consists of race coverage, feature articles and training features. The race coverage, again is a couple months behind, but since this is a monthly publication it’s silly to expect more. Usually the articles are fairly similar: how the race unfolded, some quotes from the leaders etc. Triathlete isn’t the first place I turn for race coverage, but the articles are still ok to read. The features really interest me; I really enjoy looking into the lives of these elite (and not so elite) athletes. The features are very well written and the author strikes a good balance between personal and athletic life in each feature. The features are probably my favorite part of the magazine.
Most of the training articles I can take of leave. Some are excellent, some are not so great. I think that instead of trying to publish entire training programs they should focus more on technique issues. Most serious triathletes either have a program designed by a coach or themselves. I have never been a big fan of picking a workout program from a magazine, but they didn’t ask me.
In addition, there are a couple columns where people write letters asking specific training questions. The answers have always seemed to be sound advice and can be very helpful if you are in a similar situation. Triathlon legend Scott Tinley also has an insightful column on the back page.
Finally, and another highlight of Triathlete, is the product reviews. In each issue a bike and some shoes are reviewed in depth. Also there is usually a review feature, this month it’s wheels, last month it was wetsuits. These are really helpful, for the strapped for cash triathlete (like myself,) because in case you haven’t noticed triathlon isn’t the cheapest sport around.
I highly recommend Triathlete, especially for its features and product reviews. This is definitely a great outlet for those of us that can’t get enough triathlon stuff. Also for beginners picking up a copy could be just the inspiration that you need to do your first race.
Triathlete Magazine is edited for health-conscious adults and serious athletes who swim, bike, run and cross-train for fitness and/or compete in multi...More at Magazineline
Triathlete magazine is the voice of triathlon worldwide. Each issue of Triathlete magazine inspires, educates and motivates tri-athletes of all levels...More at Magazines.com
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