That's right. All that stuff you've heard about running being cheap is a bunch of nonsense! Running should be the most affordable sport/hobby/obsession. After all, it requires no equipment except for a pair of shoes. But, as most of us know, it never stops at just the shoes.
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| Check out the full comic about running your first marathon over at the oatmeal. |
I have been known to spend a ridiculous amount of money on races, running shoes, tech gadgets, apparel, fuel, etc. and this training cycle will be no different. For this round of Goofy Challenge training, I've already picked out the tools I'll desperately need [not really but sorta kinda] to be successful. Ignoring the fact that I made it through Dopey training without most of this stuff, the following is my latest running wish list:
- I tried on this pair of Altra Paradigms last night at Appalachian Running Company and I am definitely intrigued. The extra-wide toe box felt really awesome but there was still a great deal of stability and cushion in them. And for $130 (versus $170 for a new pair of Hokas), I think I could work these into my current shoe rotation.
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- I've heard nothing but rave reviews about Sparkle Skirts and I am anxious to try them out- especially on long training runs when I don't feel like wearing a fuel belt or a fanny pack :-) They have three pockets- one on each leg of the built in compression shorts and one large waistband pocket that can be worn either in the back or the front. Prices range from $65- 80 so it's likely I'll just be purchasing one for right now. The pattern I like the best is pictured here and called "Half Crazy" which fits perfectly, don't you think?
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- So, I don't even wear a watch but I feel like it's time for me to have a Garmin. Mainly because I'm tired of hauling my phone (and my Map My Run app) with me on every single training run. It's kinda a pain in the butt to carry it all the time. And I keep dropping it which I'm sure can't be good for the phone. I'd like to get a simple GPS watch that just records my mileage, pace, and route so I can keep track of my training. Appalachian Running Company has the Garmin 15 for $130. Not cheap, but not as expensive as some fancier models.
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Over $300 later, I think I'll be ready for this round of training! And just for reference, that same dollar amount would get me around 12 sessions of therapy :-)
QOTD: What about you? What's on your "running wish list?"
