Regarding the $60, they run specials frequently. No one should ever pay the $60.
They have a student discount for those with .edu email addresses.
I've subscribed for two years at separate times. Each time paid only $29.99. Once due to the student discount, once from an Xmas promotion that also came with a free tshirt.
I've heard Athletic writers state on podcasts that if anyone ever needs a promo code, just ask. Reaching out via twitter etc may be beneficial. Or just wait until they advertise it. Typically when they add new writers that writer will advertise a 40% off deal, new writers (and cities) are being added often.