Yesterday while browsing the small expo for my tri tomorrow I noted the cost of things. I was in need of a tri top (a fitted top that you can swim-bike-run in, FYI) and I saw a few that were marked at half off. Good deal right? Wrong. The top was $85. What-now-what? You want $45 for a top that is no bigger than a tankini? Is it made of gold? Will it make me win my age group? Probably not.
But, guess what? I forked over the cash. My thinking was, I need a top for the race and if I fit this size then I can just buy for less online in the future. But this really got me thinking about the cost of races and merchandise.
If you think about it, the majority of “us” (ie- runners, triathletes, cyclists, swimmers, etc.) fit the demographic that retailers want. We have some disposable cash and have found something that we are willing to spend the funds on regardless how silly it seems to spend $45 on what is essentially the top half of a bathing suit. Or $140 dollars on running shoes. And let’s not get started on the costs of registering for these things coupled with the travel.
So where does this leave us? I mean honestly, would we still sign up for this stuff and purchase all of the accoutrements if they were 20% more, 50% more? Granted, I am a shopper. I like shopping and if I want something I don’t normally worry about finding a better deal if it is specifically what I want.
But…..
I probably should. I am assessing what I have spent recently on tri gear and races and it’s adding up. Have any of you made promises to yourselves to pay more attention to costs with regards to this hobby? And can we put a price on feeling good about ourselves and our accomplishments?
Just some Friday food for thought. I’d love to hear about how you budget for these things and whether the cost of an event or item has caused you to put on the brakes.
My 2nd sprint tri is tomorrow. Wish me luck and I do the same for those of you racing and in training.
Good luck tomorrow! One of these days I'll make it to a Tri – it's the thought of the bike that scares me the most!
I think the cost of workout gear is outrageous. I've become cheap in my old age and really just can't buy anything unless it's on sale. I will NOT pay $80 for a pair of tights or $60 for a shirt – it's ridiculous! I think I have 1 pair of running shorts that I actually paid full price for – they were just so cute I couldn't pass them up.
I was actually just thinking about this. I signed up for my first tri and I was started to add up all the costs. It's definitely worth thinking about drawing the line at some point. I don't feel I spend as much money on running as I will have to spend with the tri. Within the next few months I will have to buy tri clothing and helmet, this in addition to the $80 I already spent to sign up. On the upside, it is nice to know that all this will give you a great sense of accomplishment. And it's not like we are spending the money on cigarettes or junk. Maybe there is a balance?! Good luck this weekend!
I definitely try to keep the spending under control. For instance, I only buy a new running outfit if it's a race that I'm super excited about and know there will be tons of pictures and family there.
On the flip side, if I know I'm running a few races back to back weekends, I'll register for one a month or so out and then register for the other later so that it doesn't HURT as badly!
Good luck girl – you're gonna do great!!
Good luck tomorrow!
I have said I am going to cut back on what I buy but more running gear keeps finding it's way into my drawers.
Good luck tomorrow!! You are going to rock it!! I'm sad to see all my running gear piled up in a drawer right now being I can't wear any of it. It's itching to come out and will as soon as this baby is here!
Ooooh, lots of luck tomorrow!
I know tri outfits are different, but I started buying all my running clothes at thrift stores. Thanks to people having hopes and dreams, then getting lazy, most of the stuff I find is practically new. Score.
If you want a NWT Tri suit that's totally see through in the crotch, hit me up. It was my last big purchase of my triathlon days. I ordered it online, tried it on, realized it was SEE THROUGH IN THE CROTCH WHAT???? and threw it in the back of my closet. So, you probably don't want it. Unless it's some weird nude beach type triathlon. hahahaha.
Good luck tomorrow!!!
I completely agree! I hand over $100 every three months for sneakers without thinking twice! It's crazy! Then the cost of the races as well. I try to watch my spending when it comes to clothes. I haven't bought new tights in a long time….and boy am I due! I try to look for good deals. At the end of the day though you know that you use them enough times to justify the cost…right?
Does anyone have an extra $3000 laying around so I can buy a TT bike?
1st: Good Luck tomorrow!
2nd: Jess and I just decided to drop a relay off of the schedule cuz it was gonna run us about 400-500 bones! I'd rather pay tat money for a real vacation!
Good luck tomorrow! I hope it's not like the video you posted earlier!
This was a really great post about all the money we spend on our sport. And you're right, they know it. We all think that if we have the best stuff it will make us faster. If only. Well I guess with a bike that's true… I just try to work it into the budget and honestly I spend more on athletic gear than normal clothing.
* Good luck in your 2nd tri tomorrow! You are going to rock it! Smooth and strong on the swim. Smooth on the bike, and then rock that run like you can – and you will be flying by folks on the run! (just don't start off that run like you normally do in a stand alone 5K – LOL!)
* The cost for that tri "stuff" is made up for by the shape and feeling you get for finishing and accomplishing it. Wait until the Olympic! Of course – wait until you see the costs for the 1/2 Ironman! (well – not too much more than St. Anthony's, okay – maybe 50% more)
* Granted – running races are definitely more cost effective, but in the summer there is not as much variety with the weekly 5K (against Silky!)
* Anyway – now that you have a Dolly and are starting to get comfortable, you will continue to improve and I had better watch my back!
@ Casey – you would two time your S-Works!?!?
I am kind of out of control right now and I full admit it! I'm doing okay on buying the clothes. I mean I think I am keeping it fairly tame compared to what I could allow myself to do. But my problem is the racing …. I can't stop registering. And then I justify the expenses — but when they are all out of town, and a few out of state, requiring airline tickets and hotels, well …. I vow to try to stop in 2012. Not stop running. But maybe not do every single race I see.
I agree. I just started cycling and have ONE top I wash every time. But heck it was $75! Have a great sprint!!
Good luck today! I'm with you on the cost of stuff…..
I think about this often. The cost does really add up if you like to race. Especially if you like buying gadgets and running clothes all the time!
Hope the race went well today!
I refuse to register for a race that has a cap of 2000 runners but costs $70. Doesn't make sense…if you're gonna charge $70, why cap it at 2000 runners?? Why not leave it open to everyone??
I love shopping online for running stuff. Got my Garmin 305 on Amazon for $125.
I regularly lament the cost of running clothes, shoes, gear, races, etc. They're so expensive!