glove- $1, arm sleeves – $1, shirt – from a race, skirt – free gift from a friend, calf sleeves – w/ ambassador discount
This Tuesday’s topic is How do you save money on running gear/races?
Ok so this was last week’s topic. Better Late than Never.
I admit it. I’m cheap sometimes. I do not have to buy all the gadgets or expensive clothing.
Here are a few ways I save money:
- Register for races EARLY.
I know that this can be dangerous but I always register when the price is the cheapest. I may have been burned a few times but I know that I have saved more money than I’ve lost.
I’m already registering for 2022 races as they become available.
- DIY Arm Sleeves
Even though I am a Zensah ambassador, I just buy cheap ($1 ones if possible) knee socks and cut off the foot. I can either throw them away or stuff them in a pocket.
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- 2021
- Dollar Store Gloves
Love them. They’re light. You can double up (in colder weather) and most importantly, they’re cheap so you will probably never lose them.
- Older Models of Shoes
Once you find a pair of running shoes you love, they will change them. The good news that that the older models are cheaper.
- Online Used Running Clothes
I have gotten some great deals on clothing in good condition that other runners no longer want. There are many sites. Poshmark is one. Skirt Sports has a FB page as well.
Even better is to sell the clothes that no longer fit or than you no longer wear. Use that money to buy new stuff lol
I runfessed about both HERE.
- Go Low Tech
What did runners do before treadmills, watches and recovery tools??
Don’t hate me for saying this…
But instead of buying a treadmill, run outside! Instead of a foam roller, use a tennis, golf or lacrosse ball.
Do you really need all the stats on the latest running watch?
- Become an Ambassador
I will say that it is not easy to get selected as a brand ambassador especially for the competitive ones (if you do not have a high readership or zillions of followers on your social media accounts).
And the discounts you get (due to the increased number of ambassadors and cost of products) are not as great as in the past. But still it is something if you are are going to buy those items anyway.
My two favorites:
Happy Running! How do you save money on running gear/races?? Please share.
Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner).
I’m also linking up here: 
with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running.
My First 5K and More... 
I totally agree about the fancy gadgets, Darlene!
I’m trying to avoid the treadmill and stationary bike for as long as I can.
I understand that for many who have a busy schedule or small kids, a treadmill is often the only option.
The only thing that I couldn’t live without is my Garmin. And yes, I “need” all the weird stats, haha!
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If you use them, then your watch is important.
And yes if you can’t get outside a tm is useful.
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Dollar store gloves are such a great idea. I usually can never run with gloves after I hit mile 2 or 3 so I would definitely buy a few pairs of dollar store gloves that I can toss.
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My hands are always cold at the beginning. I eve wish I had them yesterday. But they never stay on long.
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Its definitely helpful to have very inexpensive items like gloves and arm warmers. Ive learned that investing in higher quality clothes is worth it for me because they last a long time. Im definitely grateful for my treadmill for the days I can’t get outside but I could certainly live without it. I do think having home gym items has saved us money without having a gym membership all these years.
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I agree about high quality clothes and shoes. But for Throwaways, it’s good to keep it cheap.
With a kid at home, I’m sure it’s essential to have the treadmill and gym items on hand.
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We utilize a lot of the same money-saving tactics 😉 I especially enjoy looking for the funky (and seasonal) knee socks!
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Yes I know. I have some cool knee socks too.
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those throw away gloves are great to have around. Registering early is a great idea too when it works. I also take advantage of off season sales. I bought some great fleece tights in July 🙂
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Yes. I forgot that one. Buy winter and summer clothes off seasons and take advantage of sales and discount codes.
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Down here, it’s rare that we need arm warmers, and when I do use them, it’s pretty certain I’m going to discard them somewhere along the way. I’ve never bought arm warmers or even knee socks for that matter- I just rummage through my daughter’s old clothes to find knee socks she no longer wears. Gloves are always from the Target dollar section- I almost always discard them somewhere along the way, and frequently forget all about them until several weeks later when I realize my gloves are out in the bushes somewhere.
All great tips! Thanks.
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I discard too. I plan pick them up after. Usually forget. Lol.
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My treadmill tip (because there are quite a few that actually feel the need for you, as well as those that don’t) is to invest in a really good one. Because my first one lasted at least 20 years. My guess is the second one won’t but if you average out the cost over 20 years — not really that much, not if it helps me to keep running safely.
I think most (but not all) runners buy older models of shoes.
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I don’t most of the time because they are hard to find. Sometimes though.
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Nice tip about signing up early for races. Many people forget or maybe don’t realize the price increase can sometimes be pretty significant if you sign up later.
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It really goes up a lot. Many are afraid that they will be unable to run. But it you do it all the time you will still save money.
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We have a home treadmill since it’s not always feasible to get outside with a young kid (Especially when the winters are too bad to use the jogging stroller)! It’s definitely been cheaper than the gym membership plus the gas to drive to the gym!
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That makes sense
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