Mail Call It’s Not Raining Men
T
he June edition of Triathlete has inspired me, not just to increase my training and clean up my diet so that I look as good in a bikini as the models featured, but also to write to you. As far as the swimsuit edition is concerned, all I have to say is, where are the scantily clad men? You feature a number of beautiful, fit women in multiple styles, including many two-piece training suits that highlight their well-toned midsections and lean legs. But there is only one male athlete wearing chestcovering full racing suits. There seems to be an imbalance. I’ve seen men at the pool, and that’s not what they wear when they train. There are many handsome, fit men to pick from in the world of triathlon. Triathlon races are not just a smorgasbord for male eyes. We females also appreciate the eye candy and six-packs that abound at races. With more and more women entering the world of triathlon and reading your magazine, I think you need to offer more of a balance. Fair is fair, midsection for midsection. Amy Blizzard Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada
One Triathlon—That’s it?
W
hy did you use a model in your June issue that just completed her first triathlon last weekend, while the caption claims that she enjoys competing in triathlons? And another model has not completed a single triathlon. I would think there are enough attractive, experienced triathletes in San Diego County, or you could have stated that she is completing her first triathlon in mid-May (which is a great accomplishment). For a magazine I consider to be true to the sport, this was very disappointing to see. I put the issue back on the shelf and am questioning whether or not the gift subscription I am waiting to receive is something I am looking forward to. Brannen Henn San Diego
Breast Implants: Good for “Baywatch” Bad for Triathlete
I
was disappointed with your June 2009 cover photo featuring Stacy Kamano. When your feature story has to do with body image and whether or not triathletes are obsessed with it, I was disappointed to see someone on the cover that doesn’t look like she has achieved her looks completely naturally. (Yes, I’m talking about breast implants.) Whether or not I’m right about the photo in question could be another argument, but it’s just the 20
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fact that it is highly questionable that made me write to you. I’ve always enjoyed reading Triathlete because it seemed like one of the last few places where female athletes could be proud of their bodies in all areas, without artificial enhancements. It was refreshing and impressive to see what pure hard work and proper diet could do for our bodies naturally. I know triathletes are obsessed about everything else, but what’s next? Carbon implants? Kim P. Powell, Ohio
Just Like Calcium, Triathlon is Great for Kids
A
fter the Ironman 70.3 Florida this year, I had been beating myself up because my run was terrible. I was even questioning if I should compete in this distance or stick to the shorter ones. The very next day I went to a yearly meeting with my school about my 9-year-old son who has a hearing problem. (He can’t isolate sounds and had to use a special device for about eight months.) He had to struggle with this all his life and sometimes he feels frustrated. In our most recent meeting with his school, they told us that he has tremendously improved in the last two weeks. He is more independent and the teachers do not have to follow up on him at all. They asked us what had happened? What had changed? I then realized what the change was, and I could not stop my tears while I told them that he did his first triathlon on May 3. His confidence has grown so much that they are recommending that he be taken off special standards for fourth grade. He seems to be into it so much that he wants a tri bike, and one of the first things he said after he finished was, “I am a triathlete.” Hannibal Garces Via e-mail
Swimsuit Issue Inspiring
W
hen I received my copy of Triathlete, my first response was, “Wow! She does triathlons?” It was also super cool to learn that the June cover model is from Hawaii. Having run a number of marathons and having done the Waikiki rough-water 2.2-mile swim when I turned 50 more than 10 years ago, I recently decided it would be not only healthy, but more fun than my past many years of just running three times a week to take up triathlons from time to time. And I must tell you and any negative readers that I was further motivated by your cover, as I have a picture in my mind of triathletes being rather beat-up looking.
Keep the swimsuit issue up, including the fashion part, and why not compete with Sports Illustrated? It just might help increase your subscriptions and introduce more athletes to this elite sport. Simon Bebb Somewhere, Hawaii
May I Suggest My Husband?
A
s a 30-something mother of two children under 2, an Ironman triathlete and a Triathlete devotee, I am writing in regard to—you guessed it—the swimsuit issue. I have a board on the wall of my office with clippings from magazines, everything from hot legs in high heels to lean shoulders in a little black dress, which provide my daily motivation to put on my running shoes and work off my mommy middle. I find inspiration from beautiful women in bikinis. I know Stacy Kamano’s body lies somewhere inside mine. I just need to strip away a few layers to find it. What bothers me about your swimsuit issue is the men, or in this year’s issue, man. Lewis Elliot may be a fine athlete, with swimsuit-worthy shoulders, but speaking on behalf of the female triathletes out there, please give us more, not just more of Lewis. There are so many buff athletes in triathlon, –just close your eyes and point your camera. If you have trouble finding someone, may I suggest my husband? He’s hot. Or if you need someone from within the triathlon community, how about Keith Simmons, or look to your own Mitch Thrower or even John Duke, (I haven’t seen him in years, but I’m sure he can still make a statement in spandex.) Thanks and I’m looking forward to next year’s swimsuit issue! Nicky Schmidt Milford, Conn.
Praise for Andy Potts’ Column
I
really enjoyed the article by Andy Potts in the June issue. I must have told at least 15 triathletes, runners and others to get the issue and read how great a point Mr. Potts makes about focusing and breaking down big challenges. I can’t wait to read his next installment. Please keep them coming! Eugene O’Donnell Via e-mail
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