Saving Money on the Run

"These are the times that try men's souls" - Thomas Paine, The Crisis, 1776

Well, Mr. Paine wrote this at the beginning of the American Revolution, a time that may or may not be looked back on as more turbulent than these, but certainly we've all felt, in some way, the effect of this country's economic woes. We are, as President Obama said, at the dawn of another new era for America. Which leads me to a more light hearted subject of how to save some money on the this addiction/hobby/fitness thing called running.

Running is often referred to as one of the cheapest sports to enter into. You just need a decent pair of running shoes and away you go, right? Umm.., yes and no. You could certainly trot yourself of to Sports Authority or of its many competitors and grab yourself a pair of Nikes that are on sale and go out and jog a few. You'd probably be fine. However, if there are any aspirations of do more than that do yourself a favor and go to a reputable running specific store and find out which shoes is right for you. Here in Dallas we have two great ones. Luke's Locker and Run-On, their links are listed to the right. These stores also will allow you to run in your new shoes for a few miles to make sure they are right for you. This has been invaluable in my experience. Definitely worth the few extra dollars you spend at one these stores versus online.

There is a ton of information on the Runner's World website pertaining to running style, but there are three basic types of foot mechanics, Overpronator, Neutral, Supinator, there are shoes for each of these types and more. They take into account your weight, your sex, your running conditions... and the list goes on. The important thing is though is to know which one you are. This is hard to do on your own, especially as a beginner. I have some favorites at these stores for foot type diagnosis. Luke's Dallas, would be Duncan, he's super passionate about getting it right and knows TONS of stuff, Luke's Plano, would be Patton or Marty, Run-On Richardson, would be Lear. These folks all want you in the right shoes, and will try on as many as it takes to get you there (I have tortured each one personally).

Bare Essentials:

1. Shoes - For obvious reasons (approx $100)
2. Running specific shorts - Or face the wrath of the chaffing gods (approx $30)
   
3. Shirt - Preferably one that is made of a wicking fabric like polyester (approx $25)
   
4. Running Specific Socks - Or enjoy your shiny new blisters (approx $10)
   

That's it. $165 for a new you. Damned cheap these days. You can't even learn how to buy real estate for no money down for that price!! From there you can spend as much as your little heart desires. There are a few things I would add to this list as needed, but not essential:

1. Heart Rate Monitor (approx $100)
2. The book Heart Rate Training by Sally Edwards (approx $15)
3. Map My Run (free)
4. Active Body (free)

Now to the heart of the matter... Saving the dough!!

1. Get a second pair of those $100 shoes. What, you say, I thought I was supposed to save money, and you will my young apprentice. If you get a second pair of shoes, preferably from a different manufacturer, it does two things. First, rotating between two pairs of shoes will extend the life to that of almost three pairs (you just saved a cool hundo). Second, being in two different shoes will avoid small (or potentially large) injuries, by not allowing your foot to land in the same "grooves" over and over, ala carpel tunnel. The body will adapt to each run in a fresher way.
2. Wait. The end of the model year for shoes will provide major discounts. This has actually become easier to do because shoe manufacturers have started introducing new shoes both at the end and middle of the year. So, there are two opportunities to get end of model year shoes. These shoes are sometimes discounted up to half off.
3. Clothing: There are number of ways to save on clothing. You can wait until the seasonal changes, which will yield you a 10-30% discount on the big name brands. Or for these same clothes you can dig through the racks at Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Ross, where your hard work will get you sometimes 90% off, this is not a joke, however, the process is totally hit or miss as there is no rhyme or reason to the size runs or colors, and you often will not find anything in your size. Still worth the occasional peek. You can also try eBay. I have had no luck in this department, but others have. You just have to know it fits because returns are sometimes difficult. Shopping online can save you some money, but again trying things on is often a challenge, as can be returns. Lastly, Target and Kohl's both have a line of active wear that is virtually indistinguishable from their brand name brethren and are every bit as functional. These lines are Champion C9 at Target and Tek Gear at Kohl's, and every day they are half price of the name brands. When they are on sale they are extremely cost effective.
   
4. Sign up. Most of the online retailers, as well as some local retailers, have email sign ups where they will notify you of sales and send out coupons. They will also send out product updates, which you may or may not want, but they do keep you in loop on new releases.
5. Join a club. Local running clubs will give you discounts at some online retailers, and almost all local specialty shops. Usually, you will get some free race events as well.
   
6. Use Google. Sounds pretty tame, but there is so much free information out there for runners, but it does take time to find. You need to be specific or you'll be swamped. You can also check here!!
7. Be flexible. Maybe you'll find what you are looking for, but in a color you don't favor. Weight the cost savings and maybe after a few runs those really cool yellow shoes aren't going to be so cool looking. Maybe you don't look so bad in red!
8. Remember this simple rule and you'll keep more green in your pockets: If you need (stress NEED) it, if you want it, it is a good deal. As long as two of these are true you'll be OK!