How to Keep Running a Reasonable Hobby

I just did a post on How cheap is Running, so to keep the scales a little balanced I’ve written this post.

A bit ago I wrote a post on how to keep costs down in regards to racing. If you are behind you can read that money saving piece of gold here.

This post will only cover clothes, gear and the clincher..Suggestions on how NOT to injure yourself. That my dear folks is COSTLY!

Let us first begin with SHOES!

My babies. I love them! If Brooks wants to send me any of their shoes I promise to sleep with them on and blog about it.

Shoes are hard to cut costs because you actually want a great one for your feet.

But here are some suggestions:

1- Watch for your shoe to go on sale. Buy in bulk and BUY last years model. If it worked then why don’t you buy a few when they are almost gone. I saved over 50 bucks per shoe doing it this way!

2- You can also check out your shoe online and buy it there. I have not yet done this, but some of my friends swear by it. I like to feel my shoes on my feet and bond with them before I buy.  Call me old fashioned.

Now that you have shoes since we can’t run naked (do we really wanna see this?) Let’s chat about clothes.

CLOTHES:

1- Check out Thrift stores. Stop making a face because you think it is gross. Put it in the washer. It will be clean. I got some great finds there (especially for hiking).

2- Check out Target, Ross, TJMax and Walmart for bras and wick away shirts & socks.  I personally am on a hunt for a really good UPLIFTING bra, which are not carried at these places and run a bit more, but these can be a good beginning. This gal just did an amazing sports bra post.

3- Use your racing shirts for your wick away shirts. This way you get to brag you ran a race & get a wick away shirt.  I have gotten some shirts from TJ Max, but all I use otherwise are my racing shirts. It saves me money, so I can race more.

4- Pants- I actually went and purchased a few pairs of Nike capris. I LOVE them! I got them for $25 bucks on clearance. The reviews are perfect and they fit amazing! Totally make me look thin! (hence my having three pairs, my momma didn’t raise no fool). I found my actual pair here and here.

Staying Injury free

Learn from the injury prone over here on what to NEVER do.

1. Never stop stretching! In fact stretch more! Take Yoga.  Yoga is expensive. My studio costs $130 a month. But you can get them on the daily deal sites for a steal. I just found a studio that is amazing & you pay 10 -12$ a class.
2. Do STRENGTH training! Another reason I got injured was I stopped doing weights. My legs were beyond strong. I could lift 200 plus lbs on the leg press. A month ago I was at 40lbs. Stay strong to prevent injuries!
3. CROSSTRAIN! If you just run, then your body will not be strong. You might be able to run far and fast, but if you work your ENTIRE body, then you will soar. Swim, bike or play a sport. When I do spin, I swear my run gets easier and faster.
4. Work your core! Make that core strong!!! Your core pretty much carries your entire body and encompasses not only your abs but your oblique’s too. Work them! When you run you get your strength to propel yourself forward via your core.

These tips do not include ways to keep running reasonable if you are RACING! This is just for running in general.