Of course, this means Jeff and I will skip one week of groceries, but at least my feet are comfy.
Just kidding. They were expensive though. So, for anyone out there reading this with dreams of running their own marathon - please do it! But please realize you won't be doing it on a budget.
And on that note, anyone who thinks that we are fundraising for a 'free trip' to Hawaii....aside from the fact that we aren't going to be there long enough, and exhausted from running 42km, try to keep in mind what we are spending to get there. There are easier ways out there.
Shoes - a good running shoe, on average, is somewhere around the $140 mark. Keep in mind, a shoe lasts (according to the woman at the Running Room last night) 500 miles, but they recommend buying a new pair a month before the marathon to break it in. So, in total, I will probably be buying two pairs of running shoes before this is over.
Sports Bras - for decent ones that fit properly and breathe well, I've been seeing $30
Running bottoms (so far I have a combo of pants, and capri-cut but will probably want one good pair of shorts or leggings before the run) - again, proper fit, breathe well, the lowest I've seen on a sale rack is $32
Tops - I'm saving the money and skipping running tops for now...I throw an old tshirt over my sports bra, but usually by the time I am heading back, the tshirt is tucked in my waistband. Once fall temperatures come, I will probably need to invest in something good though. A quick Google search shows me that another $32 for a top is normal.
Socks - yes, socks. I was told last night that my next investment after shoes should be socks. Apparently, in order to have properly wicking socks, you need to buy synthetic or cotton-poly. Otherwise the sweat won't absorb and you'll get blisters. I've heard these run $6 a pair.
Body Gel - yeah, you heard me. This is to prevent chaffing and is basically lube...that costs about $7. I've heard that Vaseline may work too though, so this is something I'll have to test out when my mileage increases.
Sunglasses - since my trendy glasses with the flowers on the side aren't really the greatest for running in, I'll need to invest in something better! I'm thinking, since they are a specialty style, lowest end will probably be $40 or $50
Energy Gels/Electrolytes/etc - about $2 each; although I have to talk to my doctor about how many I will actually need for my diabetes.
Running belt - although I'm making out okay with my free fanny pack, I will eventually need to stop carrying my water bottle in my hand, and pick something that doesn't move as excessively. A running belt will carry my water, and often comes with one pocket (good for carrying those energy gels, or while training....my keys, ID, cell phone). I'll have to buy a spare pocket as I need to carry my glucometer and fast acting sugar. In total, the ones I've been looking at are around the $60 mark.
Registration - this is already paid when we registered with TDC, but Jeff and I both spent $100 to register for the marathon
The confidence boost - before running the marathon, Jeff and I have both discussed the benefits in competing in an event of a shorter distance. For instance, the Downtown Guelph 5K on September 26, which is $30-$35 (pre-registration or not). Or perhaps the Toronto Marathon on Oct 18th, where we could run the half marathon for $70-$80 each. (There's also the Toronto Waterfront the same weekend as the 5K for the same cost as Toronto).
This of course doesn't include the cost of the time we're putting in to training or fundraising, or even the cost of ice packs, tensor bandages, and all of those fun injury helping goodies. It adds up! Luckily, I think I'll do pretty good at spacing out all of these investments over the next few months so we're not hit right away. Not to mention I'm a great clearance rack shopper!
And when I think about all of these costs, I just can't help but picture a Mastercard commercial:
Shoes - $280
Bras - $80
Running Wear - $65
Accessories - $200
Race registration - $100
Confidence Boost - $80
Improving my health to prevent diabetes-related complications and/or finding a cure for diabetes - Priceless.
The 'Flame of Hope' at Banting House in London, ON, was lit by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 1989 and will burn until a cure for Diabetes is found.
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