The Cost of Running

I was reading a book today about a woman who ran a marathon. Its called 'Short Fat Chick to Marathon.' Here or Here I thought it might be inspirational.

It had its moments, although it is not the most exciting book I have ever read, but what really got my attention was the bit about how much it costs to run a marathon. In fact how much it costs to take up running, period.

Well I don't know about you, but I thought part of the idea of taking up running against, say, golf, or motor-bike racing, was that it is cheap. You just need a pair of shoes and out of the door you go.

Apparently not.

Your personal trainer takes a big chunk of your money, of course, particularly if you want him or her to accompany you to specific races. Then there is the chiropractic pre-running assessment, to check you are in good shape mechanically to run, and the weekly check-ups to ensure you are not injuring your self. A check-up with the doctor is important too, and in many countries this is an added expense as well.

Talking of injuries, a weekly massage is another good idea to keep those muscles in tip top condition. And the cost of the specialist if, sadly, all this preventative work fails and you do actually get an injury.

Clothes will set you back about $200 a set, and you will need at least 3 sets, of course, plus another $200 or so for the jacket, and don't forget the reflective vest for those early mornings.

And the shoes, oh yes the shoes. It is important to get good shoe advice and a decent pair will set you back about $300, and you will go through a least 2 pairs whilst training for a marathon.

Food is important too, so you had better see (and pay for) a nutritionalist, and then there are the whey powders, and the gels and the special drinks to buy.

A watch is important and a good running watch with lap counters etc will cost at least $300.

Travel to various races adds up, and the hotel when you get there. You will need to run a couple of 10ks and at least one half marathon on your way to your marathon goal.

And on top of all this are the race fees, and having made this huge effort you are also going to want the race memorabilia, the t-shirt, the jacket, the mug, the key-ring and the cute little running teddy for your niece.

All told a marathon is, apparently, going to set you back anything between 2 and 5 grand.

Humm....

I don't know about you, but so far it has not cost me that much. Lets see.

I had a T shirt and a pair of shorts, and I also had a sports bra I had not worn for years as I was too big for it. The girls had shrunk a little by the time I started running and it fits fine now.
The personal trainer is the hubby. He says things like "Are you running today?" and when I get back he makes me a lovely cup of tea. If I ask him nicely he'll even massage my legs, so that is another expense avoided.

So what have I spent?

$15 to the second hand shop for a jacket.
$18 race fees for the 5K race on May 20th.
$35 race fees for the 10K on 3rd June.

AND......on Sunday I brought a new pair of shoes. They are called Brooks Pure Connect, and I love them. I have not had any pain in my feet since I got them. They are minimal running shoes, yet they have enough whatever so my feet don't get bruised.

They cost $230. Ouch! My feet might not hurt but my wallet does!

Grand total so far: NZ$289

I shall keep a record and we will see what its costs me by the time I run the 2013 Christchurch marathon.