How do you decide or prioritise what to spend on?

As a semi-experienced (10 years, 25+ marathons) amateur runner (4hr+ marathon), wanting to improve, I find this a deep dark rabbit hole my wallet is struggling to keep up.

My current expense ratios for this year:

Races: 2xtrail & 1xMarathon ~$175 (35%)

Shoes: 2xshoes ~$175 (35%)

Gear: socks & bottle ~$75 (15%)

Tech: Garmin HRM ~$80 (15%)

Next on my wishlist are

  • road shoes
  • running tights
  • replacing my 3year old Garmin
  • running cap/ sunglasses
  • a coach

As a sole breadwinner still wanting to pursue my passion of running ,any tips or philosophies to share to help a brother out?

  • @LanyrdSkynrdEnglish
    5•1 year ago

    I’m a broke runner. Luckily running can be pretty cheap if you need it to be.

    What I’ve spent money on in the last year or so:

    Salomon Pulsar trail in ugly white/blue closeout color: $97.50

    Refurbished Garmin Vivoactive 4: $134.95. I broke the old cellphone I used to track runs and provide music. Love not having to carry a phone, and the watch is much more accurate at tracking.

    Walmart Athletic Works active T-shirts: $7.48 ea x6

    Darn Tough wool socks: $24.95 x2. Expensive for me, but I’m really hard on socks. These last way, way longer than any other sock I’ve owned and they have free lifetime replacement. Buy them a little bigger than you want, they will gradually shrink even if you wash on cold and hang to dry

    Loritta running shorts with liner: $15.95. I don’t really like them, I think I’m going to buy some cheap basketball shorts instead.

    If any of you are also super low budget runners, I’d love some suggestions of cheap places to get running clothes. I lost a bunch of weight this year, so I need to buy more clothes soon. I need shorts, long sleeve shirts and a light jacket for rain days. I’ve tried the local thrift store, but I live in redneck country where few people buy outdoor gear.

    • @Wabbitsmiles
      OPEnglish
      3•1 year ago

      👋 fellow broke runner! I’m based out of central Europe, so the thrift options are always from Decathlon. Mostly decent stuff for the price point. Thrifting running gear is kinda a stretch for me, as I’m conscious about hygiene and durability. Race expos sales can sometimes be a steal, buying previous year’s gears at almost giveaway prices.