Running Is Cheaper Than Therapy?

When I first started running, I was able to validate my new hobby financially by rationalizing that it was a fairly inexpensive way for me to maintain sanity, and stay in shape. 

All I needed was a good pair of running shoes. 

 

Or, a few good pairs of running shoes.

Because as I discovered once I got a little more serious about running was that shoes can wear out quickly.  Also, if it was raining one day, it took a few days for those shoes to dry - so it helped to have an alternate pair.  Or two.  Or three.


Then, with the help of Fitness Guru, I learned that it was important to monitor my distance, pace, and heart rate.  Well, I needed a heart rate monitor (HRM) for that.  These range from basic to fancy.  I'm surprised there isn't an HRM yet that does the dishes, while one is out for a run.

Of course, there are purists out there - I am not one.  I like to run with music.  Now, I've had an iPod Nano for a long time, upgrading a couple years ago.  But my husband would make fun of me, as I got ready for runs - HRM strap, HRM watch on wrist, Phone in arm band on one arm, iPod on strap on other arm.  You can picture this, it really was quite funny.

After running my first couple races, I was hooked.  What could I do next?  A Half Marathon?  Check.  A Full Marathon?  Check.
As I ran longer and longer distances, I learned that there are all sorts of goodies one might need to survive, I mean, do her best.  My legs would be terribly sore after runs of 10+ miles.  So I invested in compression gear - calf sleeves (nice to wear after a long run), and compression tights (awesome for long runs).  Not cheap, but totally worth it for running recovery.

I also learned, the hard way, that I needed to take water with me on longer runs (longer than 6 miles), or anytime during the summer months.  So I needed a handheld water bottle.

If I have my handy dandy water bottle, with the cute little pouch in the front, I can carry my keys - and gels and beans, in the pouch.  BUT, if I am running without the water bottle (with said cute little pouch), I need an easy way to carry my keys and GUs and beans.
So, I bought a SPI-Belt.  Totally worth it.  This thing can hold my phone, keys, money, gels, beans, etc.  It doesn't bounce while I run, which was a big pre-purchase concerns.

Hold on. . .Wasn't this supposed to be affordable? 

Let's talk about race fees.
Due to budget issues, I have cut back on racing this year - but I still like to register for one race a month, to keep me honest in my training.  Most races will run at least $25 for a 5K up to $85+ for a Half.  I try to keep my races to a registration fee of $50.  Let's not forget that this fee includes an awesome medal and t-shirt! 

 

Then, there is all the other stuff. . .Stuff that you don't NEED to be a runner, but it is certainly nice to have if you run a lot. . .the reflective clothing, the various jackets to accommodate all kinds of weather, hats for summer, hats for winter, headbands with ponytail holes in the back, running gloves,

gels, GUs, sports beans, electrolyte tablets, electrolyte powders. . .

chafing sticks, muscle gels, ice packs and recovery bars. . .

And, while I have all this. . .Stuff. . .I have found recently that what I am really enjoying most about running, is running with a great friend.  I was able to run this past September with a very good friend, in beautiful Massachusetts (Cape Cod Zooma). 

While it was a wonderful "Girls Weekend", running with my friend for 6 miles was an added bonus.  Time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and talk.

Now that school/work is back in session, I have regular weekday runs - One afternoon with a good co-worker friend.  We run at least one afternoon a week together, and have found that it throws off our whole week if we do not get this quality run time together.  We are currently training for a Half together this winter.  We talk about everything under the sun, and I always feel better after our runs.

I also have another co-worker friend with whom I try to run another afternoon a week, although our schedules don't always line up for success.  She is also a lot faster than I am - so it is a good challenge for me to run with her, but I have a lot more trouble carrying on a conversation when I run with her (perhaps that is planned on her part?!).


So really, I've found, what I am enjoying most about running lately is to NOT run with the HRM or the iPod, or my phone, or ten extra pounds of gear, but a really good friend,


and a really good pair of shoes.