Rainmaker Publishing just published a book of 50 great US triathlons.
Whether you are training for your first triathlon or are a seasoned veteran, this unique guide will help you decide which race is best for you. Athletes of all ages and abilities share their favorite triathlon experiences at the intermediate, long and ultra distances. From well-known favorites like Wildflower, St. Anthony’s and the big show in Kona to lesser-known gems such as SavageMan and Survival of the Shawangunks, readers learn about the swim, bike and run courses, race logistics and special features of each race. Get the most out of your hard training hours with the reward of the right triathlon. Our second publication in our popular “50 Great” series is a must-read for all triathletes.
It’s actually not just a list, but each race has a short chapter written by athletes of all abilities.
I did the write-up for Eagleman from a MOPer perspective for the race in 2007, when I went 5:45.
I think now that if I had a chance to go back and rewrite my chapter on the Columbia Triathlon, I’d mention that it was a race where I outbiked and beat Andrew Yoder…and how I’m not going to let him forget that, even now!
I am looking forward to seeing how the editors present the 50 races and how others wrote their stories. It is very safe to say that this book was a deliberate project, rather than the editors scouring the internet forums for 50 race reports and dressing them up. The editors did encourage the contributors to present a first-person perspective, and I think that helps the reader understand the writer’s journey and background, and why the writer thinks the race is one of America’s 50 best. At the same time, there has to be facts presented like the layout of the course, the proficiency of the race staff, awards, local culture, and similar things like the stuff we rate on the Slowtwitch calendar. You might have a “life changing” experience at your local triathlon (or duathlon), but does that really make it one of America’s best?
I’ll also be curious to see how the book’s 50 races compare to their Slowtwitch calendar ratings. Why do we only give Columbia 3.3 stars?
**I’ll also be curious to see how the book’s 50 races compare to their Slowtwitch calendar ratings. Why do we only give Columbia 3.3 stars? **
I received my copy of the book today. It doesn’t rate the triathlons, but the book is laid out by distance and when they take place by month. The races include intermediate, long and ultra distances. It doesn’t include short distance triathlons since there are so many and most people don’t travel far to race a sprint.
There are reviews by age groupers and pros. Some of the names people may recognize are Brad Culp who wrote the review on IM WI and professionals David Glover who wrote the review on the full Vineman, Tara Norton on Steelhead, Margie Shapiro on Life Time, Chris Martin on Musselman, Justine Whipple on LA and you Dan Frost on Columbia.
There are several Kona qualifying age groupers included as well.
I am happy to report that there is a review on the inaugural Savageman in 2007 and another of my favorite races on the Luray International written by one of the hardest partying triathletes I know, Shawn Clark.
