I get the point of this consumer piece: Running ain't cheap. But I question some of the "essentials". I buy my running shoes at a running store, so I'm not aware of what other sports-specific shoes cost. Do tennis players, aerobics enthusiasts, walkers, etc., pay $90 to $180 for shoes?
MSN Video: The Cost of Running
21 comments:
I don't know how much tennis or aerobic shoes cost, but hiking shoes (my previous sport) were about as expensive.
And my thought is the only *essential* is shoes. (I mean, I won't go out without my specific shorts and shirt because they are wicking and I'm a gear-head and need technical fabric, but really, all I truly need are the shoes.)
I'm gonna add socks to Angie's comment. For those of us that suffer blisters, the right socks are essential.
I like my tech fabrics too, and my watch and my Garmin - but none of them are essential, rather, they just make for a better experience. I'm one of the runners who don't get the ipod thing. I like the sounds around me and the echoes of my own thoughts.
From my time working at Nike I can say that other shoes are almost as expensive but running shoes with technology cost more. ie. you may pay more for a nice pair of walking shoes than a no frills pair of neutral lightly cushioned running shoes. but on the high end, there are not many non running shoes that beat the cost of a $150 pair of "high tech" running shoes.
Nike? I can't even wear them, so that problem is solved. I swear on Asics, plain Asics:-)
shoes are insanely expensive - good ones at least - but then again, I'm a shoeaholic - I have way too many pairs. Luckily, I only have one ipod.
I'm with you - I've undergone a sort of technology purge over the past year. Back to basics, baby!
P.S. Even shoes aren't essential - remember those Tarahumara guys? I haven't gone that far yet, however.
I suppose it's all relative. Yes, other sports enthusiasts do spend some big bucks on their sports, including shoes.
I need the shoes with the cush in the right places or pain will be an issue, and running socks, but most all of the other gear is just frosting. :) Gotta love sales and outlet stores!
PS... I really love the frosting!
Not sure what the "sport" is, but it is possible to spend several hundred dollars for dress heels.
Ha!
I think anyone into any sport buys a lot of crap that goes along with it (myself included). I went thru the aerobics phase in the early 90s and stocked up on the leotards! I went thru a tennis phase too - bought a bunch of cute skirts.
I did just fine without an iPod for a year and a half. It definitely makes my run more enjoyable, but I agree, not an essential.
I did just invest in Underarmor tights, and oh my, these might be essential for folks that run in temps under 30 F...
I've been getting a bunch of tech shirts from races, and that's all I'm going to wear up top from now on. Short and shoes I still need to buy for myself.
I can due without Nike (I guess I knew they made running shoes), but I've done a complete 180 on the iPod thing. A year ago I just couldn't figure out why I needed one. Then I bought an iPod mini one on a whim and discovered the wonderful world of podcasts. What a great combo; long slow runs and podcasts. Who knew? (evidently nearly everyone but me)
The other essential gear I can't live without are my technical socks; expensive when compared to coton, but not a blister in sight. All told, I probably spend $400/year on shoes and another $100 on other assorted running gear. Not too bad considering the benifits.
The nice thing about having a relatively short attention span is that I'm never ever bored, especially on trails. My life is so busy and complicated, I rather enjoy simplifying my runs by carrying as little as possible.
I'm also terribly cheap/thrifty. I own ONE pair of tights for the last 4 winters, and I run outside in Canada. I splurge on shoes and Yaktrax, but the rest of my running clothes come from carefully chosen races.
I have toyed with the idea of running barefoot, but this IS Canada. Mebbe not.
One of my favourite races gives away my favourite socks. I like that race so much I've become the director for it. (ha. this year I can order socks in the colours I want)
ipod, schmipod...
If you ever get into traithlons.. The cost is crazy just to get basic gear for racing..
On that note I do believe in good gear, especially for crappy weather.. Makes the difference in the world..
One word for finding equipment ~ "EBAY"...
I have spent way to much on running stuff (sad face)
Stupid gadgets. I run with a hat. That's all.
Well, and some pants. I don't want to get arrested...
i think any sport requires a good amount of money. at least we don't have "equpiment" and it's the cost factor of owning a bike that prohibits me from doing triathlons.
and forget the cost of shoes. my custom orthotics had i not had stellar health insurance would have been through the roof!
maybe yoga is the only thing you don't need anything for?
Very crazy.
I love gadgets but cannot justify the expense. I have an old ipod shuffle that somebody gave me and I love it...but don't need it. I listen to podcasts most of the time.
Like downhillnut, I need to wear gear for all seasons which adds to the overall cost of the sport.
Not matter the task or sport, the right clothing certainly helps you enjoy the experience a little more. There will always be a cost.
Try $900 for a pair of custom boots for riding. Fortunately, they last much longer than a pair of running shoes. If you want to go off-the-shelf, a decent pair of Ariats will only set you back $150 to $300. Maybe I should take up running. Or then I'd be stuck with both like Linda. ;-0
I'm in love with my Vibram Five Fingers! I got them when they first came out from some guy on ebay for $30 and I've had them for years! But my ipod.... ($300) has been dead for about 2 years... hmm... Coincidence?
Post a Comment