I’ll be honest: I’ve been working in my head (and in my notes) on a story about how appeals work and if there’s an overarching process for code of conduct, complaints, investigations. But it was more generally focused on if there’s a streamlined process—and, given the news last week, that feels like something I’m going to sit on for a little bit now. And at the same time, I think it’ll take a little more time to really look into and write about doping.
So, instead, I have a few odds and ends to share.
First off: We have a lot of new paying subscribers (thank you!) and, mostly I just appreciate all of you, but I also want to make sure you all can find all the Sunday evening newsletters that you get as an extra perk:
All our Q&As are here now
The monthly crib sheet of the gear & training news you actually need to know: February, March, April
Story on our volunteer problem
Second: After joking a couple of weeks ago about how female athletes can be things other than vaguely inspirational, I really wanted to make a cute/fun women’s “vaguely inspirational” shirt. So I did. It took a couple of tries, but it’s actually quite comfortable now and looks on vibe.
I’m playing around with creating cool stuff upfront (or at least stuff that I think is funny) and then stocking the inventory, because it lets you do more—but, the downside is you have to upfront the cost. So, I only had a very limited number of these t-shirts made and am just opening it up to you all at what it cost me. [I’ll get pricing better and try fancier things in the future.]
BUY HERE: ‘Vaguely Inspirational’ women’s cut loose festival t-shirt @ cost + shipping
Third: Something I’ve been thinking about for a bit…
The first quarterly Triathlonish book club
**drum roll please**
We’re launching a new book club for our sports. The idea is we’ll all read the book, and then have a Zoom Q&A for paying subscribers only (ideally with a special guest & with drinks). For our first selection, I’m excited about this new book, Up to Speed, from Christine Yu, on the science of female athletes, endurance, sports exercise, physiology, and research.
I have an advanced copy in hand, and it’s a fascinating read. Did you ever read Endure (also an excellent book)? It’s like that but specifically about women!
Christine has also agreed to come and do a special Triathlonish Book Club Q&A for us all on June 8. The book comes out in a few weeks, you can order it at a slight discount here, and then that gives us all some time to be ready to talk about it!
Don’t worry: I’ll remind you and we can chat about it, but I wanted to give everyone a head’s up now.
What books would you want to read next? What’s your favorite sports book? Recommendations in the comments!