The Hungry Runner Girl: Paying for pain, sweat and tears

Monday, January 24, 2011

Paying for pain, sweat and tears

Workout:

12 miles, 1% incline, 8:03 pace. I stopped 3 times for a few seconds to evaluate how I was feeling and make sure I wasn't overdoing it after the little mouth surgery.

The only thing that was bothering me was the fact that my cheek that has at least 3 lbs. of swollen goodness was jiggling the whole time. People were staring. If it wasn't for the whole having to breath thing, I would have worn a paper sack on my head.

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We all know why we LOVE running/exercise but why do we pay the big bucks to race?

Do I pay a weeks paycheck for a race because of the goldfish, banana's and oranges at the finish line?

Is it for the awesome shirt?

Utah Valley Marathon 30.jpg

What about the free gatorade along the way that I always spill all over shirt, shorts and shoes?

Is it for the feeling of wanting to dig a hole and bury myself alive at around mile 23?

My brother-in-law texted me the other day telling me he signed up for his FIRST MARATHON...YAY JON!!!!!

He asked me if it was normal that the race costs 90 dollars.

Without even thinking twice I said, "YES!!!!"

It never even occurred to me that it is weird that we spend so much ridiculous amounts of money for pain, sweat and tears.

I am not willing to pay for a new taillight for my car (which I need badly) or $17.95 for a book that I just go to the bookstore to read once a week. I even use the excuse, 'I never wash my hair' cause I hate spending money on shampoo.

BUT......$130 to race Boston....heck, I would pay double that and not even think twice. Is it bad to go into debt for races?

Off for an afternoon run with the best friend up at my parents house.......I think we will do 4 for a total of 16 today. Yes, I do wear this pink shirt way too much!

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How much are you willing to pay for a race? Does your significant other think you are crazy for paying to run?

What is the weirdest post race food you have had that was provided by the race?

-At the Utah Valley Marathon they provided pizza and french fries at the end.....yep the hot french fries were delicious after a race that rained the whole time.

Why do you pay to race?

-I love everything about races: the crowds, the volunteers, other crazy runners, yummy food, the shirt, the medals....it is all worth it to me:) Everyone spends a little mula on their hobbies....this one is ours!!! Also, with most races I feel all warm and tingly because I know it is going towards a charity.

86 Comments:

At January 24, 2011 at 4:21 PM , Heather Forcey said...: I have yet to pay big bucks (I've only paid for 5K's), but I do it because the atmosphere of a race is so much FUN! I'm not even a good runner, but I feel like one when I am in a race. It's a huge motivator, so if I need to spend some money each month to keep that feeling, so be it!
At January 24, 2011 at 4:28 PM , Teri @BeePie Runs said...: I have a "race budget" that I use to pay for my races. But if you want a really great, cheap race you should come to Chattanooga and run the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon in November - it's been listed as a top ten marathon in Runner's World a couple of times.
And thanks for your sweet post on my blog! Your blog is definitely one of my faves - I check it all the time!!
At January 24, 2011 at 4:32 PM , Katie said...: I'm pretty sure I'm signing up for a half-ironman and it costs $250!!! and I think this may be considered cheaper than some others.
Matt is NOT happy about the cost, but I'm going for it anyway :D
At January 24, 2011 at 4:33 PM , Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...: I will not pay more then $200 for a race, unless it's in, like Hawaii, and the cost includes airfare. hahahah.

I don;t like to pay more than $40 for 5ks, $70 for 1/2s, and $120 for marathons.
At January 24, 2011 at 4:33 PM , Anonymous said...: I love this post! It's so true. I paid $85 for my first marathon and never once regretted it. I just paid $50 for a race series (2 5ks, 5miler, 10K, 10 miler, and half mary!)--actually that was a really good deal (and the beauty of small town races)!! But races hurt and a lot of times they aren't fun, but I think the feeling of crossing the finish line and knowing I accomplished something is a priceless feeling. :) ALSO--I love getting race shirts!
At January 24, 2011 at 4:34 PM , Anonymous said...: I'd definitely pay to race!!!!
By the way, I like the pink shirt! =D
At January 24, 2011 at 4:35 PM , Katie said...: Forgot: One of my recent races had sausages wrapped in pre syrup-ed pancakes. I didn't eat these, but I asked for a sausage-less pancake for Nolan :)
At January 24, 2011 at 4:38 PM , middleagedrunner said...: .....In my equestrian activities I'm used to shelling out absurd amounts of $ for 9 minutes in front of a judge.... So, relatively speaking racing is uber cheap for me. and I cut corners like crazy to make it happen- I haven't had my hair colored for almost a whole year after all... and I haven't bought new clothes (other than for working/working out) in I have no idea how long. So No, I don't think you're crazy, I think we all choose to spend our few dollars in a way that we can enjoy (and by enjoy, I mean that feeling you were refering to as "wishing to die/bury yourself!) SO ODD!!! But I totally get it.
At January 24, 2011 at 4:46 PM , Stephanie said...: I'm cheap when it comes to everything except for produce and races. :) It all evens out I suppose!
At January 24, 2011 at 4:53 PM , Amanda@runninghood said...: You're so dang cute! I made your cookies again...what have you done to me Janae?! I'm so flattered by your comment today...I'm honored that you would want to be like me when you are a mommy. xo
I am all about paying for races! Yes yes yes! Luckily my husband is the most supportive person in my world...he is my rock and he encourages me to do what makes me happy. Love him! Love this post.
At January 24, 2011 at 5:06 PM , giraffy said...: I paid $145 for the Princess Half, and I'm pretty sure that's my limit :D
At January 24, 2011 at 5:07 PM , the "ME" in this team! said...: HAHA that is so funny your brother in law asking about the price and is it normal. Yes I think the price is high but you get so many good things with it all for 60-125.00 per race. Tech shirt, great medal, timing chip to keep record for you and bragging rights you ran the event or proof of you PR, great pre race foods and amazing post race goodies as well. Don't forget al those people who plan and put the event together just for you to run have to make some kinds of money to pay for it all! =)
Portland Marathon this year it rained the whole time and at the very end they had all sort of great goodies but the chocolate donuts and milk where my favorite and my second fav was the same race with whole wheat toast (hot too) with natural peanut butter. YUM!!!
At January 24, 2011 at 5:09 PM , Anonymous said...: I think paying that much for a race is paying for the experience. It's such an exciting thing to do, especially a marathon.

I was just at a race a few weeks ago and they served pancakes and hot chocolate. It was a fun idea, but I didn't eat any cause I went out to get chocolate chip pancakes! :)

Hope you get well soon!
At January 24, 2011 at 5:10 PM , Anonymous said...: I never even think about the prices, but I usually only enter a few races a year. I race for the t-shirts (I have so many from cross country in high school), the crowds, and all the people, and running in a new place! The best post-race food I've had was free Ben & Jerry's at the finish line for runners...I went back a few times.
At January 24, 2011 at 5:17 PM , Anonymous said...: I wouldn't think twice about spending an outrageous amount of money to run a marathon. The feeling of accomplishment and pride is so worth it!
At January 24, 2011 at 5:17 PM , Heather -Momma Running Amok said...: You are too cute! I believe RNR San Diego was something outrageous like $140 or something NUTS like that. I am hoping for a very fun experience. After a local 5k we got a traditional 'Irish Breakfast"..lots of greasy goodness. My husband knows that I love to race, so he doesn't mind. I am really trying to cut down on shorter races b/c all the $20 and $25 really begin to add up when you run a few races a month. I pay to race b/c I love the adrenaline I get at that start line and the feeling of accomplishment when I cross the line at the end!
At January 24, 2011 at 5:18 PM , Running Ricig said...: Luckily my husband races too so we're both crazy!
At January 24, 2011 at 5:20 PM , Katy said...: I love your expression in your picture! You are too cute. :)
At January 24, 2011 at 5:37 PM , Anonymous said...: I would pay a MILLION bucks to run boston with my dad someday! He is kick ass and has run it three times, he is my idol.

Slash I love the free goodies they always hand out after Boston, and just walking around! It's a gorg city, and I love this post for the fact that race tshirts are the best:)
At January 24, 2011 at 5:40 PM , Gracie said...: Sometimes the price gets to me. I like running back-to-back marathons and I found one kind of close by the week after one I'm running in Feb. But then I saw that it was $125 and I changed my mind. Too much.
At January 24, 2011 at 5:41 PM , Stephanie said...: I have a race budget that I can spend per month, so I am very strategic about my races and when I will register for them. The pricey ones I book waaay in advance before the price goes up, and the others I usually wait until a few weeks before. I have saved a good amount of $ by registering early,but lets face it, racing is expensive.

I pay for that feeling of accomplishment at the finish line when you are so thrilled you manage to run that fast and still not puke on the guy collecting the chips at the finish line. Oh and the tshirt, I can't lie, I race for the shirt:)
At January 24, 2011 at 5:46 PM , Anonymous said...: I've often thought how ridiculous it sounds to most people that we pay ~$100 to run a race, but I (obviously) think it is worth it!!
At January 24, 2011 at 5:48 PM , Sarah Dailey said...: I just spent $70 signing up for my first half, but unfortunately I think it will be wasted. After 3 weeks of training I'm not really improving, and the daily frustration is canceling out any pride I hoped to feel from doing it in the first place! I was a cross country runner in high school (not thaaat long ago!), but I guess I"m not cut out to be a runner anymore. I guess that wasted $70 serves me right for being a quitter...
At January 24, 2011 at 5:54 PM , Kim (Book Worm Runs) said...: You know, it is funny. I never really think twice about the money because I love racing so much!! And I don't even "race" (because I am so slow)...for me it is all about being around other runners and just getting caught up in all the excitement but it is my favorite thing about running ;)
At January 24, 2011 at 5:58 PM , Anonymous said...: I feel the same way about racing...I'm a tightwad except when it comes to races. I thrive on the competition and I want to race all the time!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:04 PM , dawn @ running the dawn said...: i try to sign up early enough so that i don't have to pay more than double digits to run a race. but for boston...anything!

at my last race they had culver's frozen custard. i wasn't into it. i always feel more like salty food. those fries sound amazing. i would have eaten them by the fistful.

races give me an opportunity to be better than i would be normally. when i'm the only one there i tend to short change myself. i hop off the treadmill or take that walking break. in a race i wouldn't dream of that. it pushes me to figure what i'm actually capable for. so its worth every penny.
At January 24, 2011 at 6:13 PM , Kimberly said...: Glad you got to run! You amaze me :)

I often wonder, during training, why I pay to put myself through the rigors. No matter how many times I ask myself, I always have an answer: I love to push myself, the running community, working toward a goal. I usually balk at paying more than $100 for a big race and $25 for the local ones.

At the end of my trail race, we had bison burgers, veggie soup, corn bread, hot apple cider and other assorted goodies. A fantastic ending to a chilly 16-mile run!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:19 PM , Dorry said...: Very exciting about your brother-in-law running a marathon! I'm so excited that my sister is running a half this March. SO excited. She's 34 and proof that it's never too late to start running. I'm exactly the same way about my spending mentality. I can't bare to spend $$ on normal things and then I pay for new running shoes, clothes and races.

I'd like to believe that at least some of the race fee goes to a the cause of the race. The Rock n Roll half supports Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!

Way to go on your run today! Hope the retainer isn't driving you too crazy. Love that you just push on like normal!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:19 PM , Caroline said...: paid $90 for my first half marathon (yesterday) and it was worth every penny!

Bill is 110% supportive, he does not think I am crazy, I don't spend $ for anything else for myself only!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:20 PM , EBURNS said...: This was a good thread for me to read because i need to remind myself to not be so influenced by other people's comments. I used to sign up for a fair amount of events, until someone near and dear to me said,"why would you pay $50 to run a 5k, that you can do for free right out your front door" Because I was more running than racing, I let myself agree with that statement and have not signed up since.

I cannot think of something odd, so i'll share best: pancakes with strawberries and whip cream. ymmmmmmmm.
At January 24, 2011 at 6:21 PM , Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...: Rock n Roll Vegas was $145! I thought that was pretty crazy. Your bro-in-law's $90 for a full doesn't sound that bad. I paid $90 for the CMM 1/2 in Nashville!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:31 PM , Anonymous said...: I don't really think twice about paying for races either - the Husband say the credit card bill after I signe dup for a few and was like.. "umm why are they charging us for you to run? That's so weird." No, honey - not weird at all! :)
At January 24, 2011 at 6:32 PM , Anonymous said...: My husband's hobby (job) is Ironman--and at $600 a pop (plus travel)--I get no flack for my running expenses at all! Its not a bad deal :) We have a lot of 5ks around here that are super cheap too--around $5!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:32 PM , Meg O @watchmegorun said...: I haven't paid anything crazy yet, but I would. It's all about the experience and fun! I think its worth it. The craziest food provided after a race was ice cream and it was glorious!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:33 PM , Caroline said...: You are such a nice gal! Really....thank you for your comment. Now I need to borrow some speed powers from you for my next half ok.?!!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:33 PM , Tara @ Dashing in Pearls said...: It's so funny that you're posting about this today! My boyfriend and I had a conversation on Saturday about paying for races because he didn't know that you had to! Clearly he's not a runner but I love him anyway :)
At January 24, 2011 at 6:33 PM , Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...: hahahaha! Such a good point; we pay how much to run how far?! But, I too am findhing I am addicted to the group of runners, the crowd and happy volunteers. The environment is so worth it!!

I love your pink shirt by the way and you moved up to super hero status as you knock out 16 miles fueling only on Creamies days after a surgery! WOW!!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:34 PM , Anonymous said...: I do pay a lot for races! But I don't think twice about it. Now, I need a new hubcap for my car because somone stole it and I wont pay for it but i did pay to run the Disney Half marathon again, I need new clothes and underwear even a new toothbrush but i;m poor, but not poor for a race entry ;)

yes my fiance thinks its weird BUT he knows it makes me happy so he always works extra so i can race :) I mean he golfs ;)
He sometimes tells me "why do they charge you so much to run" You can run 13 miles at home for free!! But I tell him it's normal ;)

I pay for the races because it's part of who I am I feel like races are get togethers with family :) A very expensive BBQ with a million family members, I love the medals, the shirts, the volunteers, the sense of accomplisment, the fact that I feel like an elite person because not everyone runs :)
At January 24, 2011 at 6:36 PM , All Things Jaime said...: Love this!! My "almost" mother in law asked me this weekend about my race. We started talking about and then somehow the price came up and she was like, "You paid $80 to go run in the cold?" She didn't get it. I never thought twice about it. LOVE IT!!!!

PS: Thanks for your sweet comment today! :)
At January 24, 2011 at 6:42 PM , The Turtle said...: I don't have a problem paying for races, it is just like when I play the slot machine, I know I won't win but I will enjoy the experience. Plus, I figure by paying for races I am investing in my health.
At January 24, 2011 at 6:46 PM , Anne said...: I pay to race because I wouldn't run (as in ever) unless I had a race to train for. And, I race (well I don't know that I could call what I do "racing") because I just love the atmosphere and people cheering for me.

The weirdest thing I've eaten at a race was lukewarm pizza. It was delicious!!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:48 PM , Anne said...: Oh, I forgot. I also race because it's such a cool way to tour a city.
At January 24, 2011 at 6:56 PM , LindseyAnn said...: My 1st half marathon last summer was $120 dollars (Stupid, really--$100 of it was the race, $20 was the fee for using the online sign up, and there was no other way to register!). Luckily, $80 of it came from my parents as a birthday gift, and the rest I covered. That's how I've been paying for my big races--instead of asking for things for Christmas/Birthdays/etc, I ask for the race, and in the end it means that much more to me I think.
As for weird food--after that half-marathon, they had cook out with hamburgers and hot dogs. Yes. At 9:00, in the rain, cold, and wind. It was so strange. Truthfully, the last thing I wanted was a burger, so we headed out of there and got bagels instead. :)
I'll have to e-mail you the rice burn story, it's really quite funny ;) Glad to see you're back on the treadmill and feeling better! That pink shirt is super cute, too!
At January 24, 2011 at 6:59 PM , Anonymous said...: bahahah i remember when i got my wisdom teeth out..i had the face of a 400lb woman..the swelling literally started up at my cheeks and moved down to my neck..double DOUBLE chin for like 3 days..i looked so good
At January 24, 2011 at 7:05 PM , Liz said...: I just registered for the 2011 NYC Marathon - $196!! But I learned this past year it's a priceless experience so the price doesn't bug me.
At January 24, 2011 at 7:14 PM , the hoppe pad said...: Not only are the races expensive but then if they are not near you...you have to pay to get and stay there...this is so frustrating! But I do love to do races...they are the best! Now if I could just win the lottery...
At January 24, 2011 at 7:14 PM , Maia said...: The hard part for me is that my husband and I do all races together- so it's always twice the cost!!! As result, we rarely pay for anything but marathons now b/c it's so expensive...but like most, for an awesome race, you suck it up and pay it.
Grandma's marathon used to have Coke at the finish (my perfectpost-race drink), but they don't anymore :(
At January 24, 2011 at 7:28 PM , Anonymous said...: OMG I absolutely love your blog!!! I hope you don't mind me adding you to my reader..and blogroll once I figure all that out. I'm new to the bloggie world but so far lovin' every minute of it! I'd love if you came to check out my site:)
At January 24, 2011 at 7:32 PM , Anonymous said...: My husband I pay a lot in a year because we like to race often. Let alone the travel, race merchandise and I like to buy the pictures too. :) We love racing so it's worth it! :)
At January 24, 2011 at 7:38 PM , Anonymous said...: I've done a few runs at Disney which are always very expensive but they always go all out. I did the Everest Challenge at Animal Kingdom which was a 5K with obstacles plus a timed scavenger hunt then you got to stay in the park for an after party! It was like a bagillion degrees that night but it was worth the $120 and being drenched in sweat. Plus we got one free Disney ticket, awesome freebie bags, and yummy muffins after!
At January 24, 2011 at 7:43 PM , Nicole said...: NYC is crazy expensive... and if you defer until the next year (I did) you get to pay again!
At January 24, 2011 at 7:58 PM , Danielle said...: Haven't paid crazy yet. Most races are $20 for 5K $35 for 10K... my first half marathon is $50.

girl scouts do a 4 mile trail race and a 10 mile road race here. They serve their cookies afterward along with McDonald's ice cream. I was to tired to consume any, but took some home.
At January 24, 2011 at 8:20 PM , Maria said...: I haven't paid any super crazy fees yet. I think the most I've paid is $90 (which I guess is somewhat crazy) but I think is so worth it. You just cannot beat the race experience!
At January 24, 2011 at 8:20 PM , Anonymous said...: hubs and I both run so that's really not an issue, we did just register for a half IM so that was PRICEY!! I can't say I've ever had weird post race food..hmm
At January 24, 2011 at 8:23 PM , Anonymous said...: Technically Ive only run one race and that was a 5k.. Im signed up for the Relay marathon here and thats been my biggest race so far and it appears the races around here cost a lot less than some others do (like the bigger ones obviously). To run as a relay team of 4 each member paid $50.. Not bad I guess.. So I havent paid big bucks yet but I can see myself heading in that direction. Its all about the experience (and the cool swag)
At January 24, 2011 at 8:26 PM , Trying To Heal said...: i spend an atrocious amount of money of race payments every year...and of course that doesn't include the travel fees i have to pay for things like planes and gas. yep, running makes me broke and I LOVE IT!
At January 24, 2011 at 8:36 PM , Anonymous said...: Don't worry - you'll be getting paid to run races in no time!

I don't ever worry about spending money on racing because I figure it's what motivates me to keep running and stay in shape. AND it goes to charity! I mean, can I be any better of a person?!?!
At January 24, 2011 at 8:58 PM , Anonymous said...: you are SUCH A BEAST girlfrand!!!!!
okay i would wear that pink shirt all the time too if it looked that hot on me!! And seriously, thanks SO much for your sweet comments, they touch my heart SO MUCH coming from such an amazing woman like YOU! for real!
At January 24, 2011 at 10:01 PM , Unknown said...: My significant other doesn't think I am crazy for the moolah I spend but my mom sure does! She totally supports it but she finds it nuts that I pay money to RUN. She always ask "why do you run if no one is chasing you?" She doesn't get it but she loves me for my craziness anyway.

Looks like you're recovering nicely, pretty lady!! :) So glad to hear that!
At January 24, 2011 at 10:20 PM , RunEatRepeat said...: Races are ridiculously prices - especially because so many of us sign up for multiple races every year.

You are soooo fast!
At January 24, 2011 at 10:50 PM , Anonymous said...: I have yet to do a race... but for me I want to do a race because I'll htink of it as a commitment, a goal to work towards, and something to do with a group of people... And that's what i'd pay for :)

You are also absolutely my hero for already being up and running after your surgery. I would totally have wallowed in misery for MUCH longer. You rock. :)
<3
n
At January 25, 2011 at 12:00 AM , ShortSkirts said...: Races are expensive, but I look at the price being spread out over the whole time I spend training for the run. I actually kind of like training better, but I don't think i'd train as much or as often if I didn't have races I'd signed up for.

I look at the cost spread out over the time I spend training and not just the one day event, and then it doesnt seem as bad. Plus come on shirts are cool!
At January 25, 2011 at 12:54 AM , Nicole said...: Yep, my boyfriend thought it was insane to pay $100 to run a marathon, and I guess it kind of is but I love it! I try to limit my races so I don't end up spending too much. And I'm really cheap about other things but not running shoes/clothes or races! I think the most I'd pay for a race would be $120 for a marathon unless it was Boston or NYC.
And your pink shirt is really cute, I'd probably wear it a lot too!
At January 25, 2011 at 4:13 AM , Meg said...: I just registered for three triathlons this summer and when I told Jake how much they cost, he thought I was TOTALLY cracked. He told me he gets the whole racing thing, but why should I spend so much money for pain? My answer was "because races are awesome. I'd spend any amount for one." He looked at me like I was crazy, but I'm glad someone can relate! It's EVERYTHING about racing! Even just little 5ks, the crowd and atmosphere make it all worthwhile. The "free" shirt helps, too.

I think the weirdest thing post-race was the New Year's Day race I ran and they gave out free beer afterwards. For the people doing the 10k, there was even a beer stand (next to the water stand) DURING the race. I get it, new year's, etc. but I still thought it was a little weird. It was a struggle to find a bottle of water afterwards - "No I want to HYDRATE not DEHYDRATE."

I can't wait till you run Boston. seeing as I live like 45 minutes from Boston I'm totally tempted to just show up down there to watch you finish (all stalker-like) but I think I'm actually out of town that weekend. lol
At January 25, 2011 at 5:36 AM , 5 Miles Past Empty said...: So that first pic, the one where you are standing around the finish with other lean mean running machines....yeah, is THAT what it looks like 3 hours into my 4:30 marathon? I guess I'm not missing much, just the rubbing shoulders with the big wigs, that's all.

I pay to race because otherwise I probably wouldn't. $$$$ is a motivator! If I pay $60-$165 for a race I'm gonna train and show up. Even if it is freezing cold and 4:30 AM.

And I love that pink shirt!!! Its WAY cute! And flattering (And Billy did not pay me for that comment....)
At January 25, 2011 at 5:52 AM , Rachel said...: Girl.. we are spending over $2000 to take my fam to Disney so I can race next month... CRAZY! Weirdest post race food was pizza... which I didn't think was weird at the time since it was my first race eva.
At January 25, 2011 at 6:18 AM , Big Daddy Diesel said...: I am paying $495 for my Iron Distance tri, not including travel, food, and lodging

My average tri is $65-$100

I pay for a finishers medal, I am a finisher medal snob, no medal, Im not racing then, I want the proof of pride for my suffering
At January 25, 2011 at 6:41 AM , Unknown said...: there's a half marathon in Jacksonville that hands out ice cold beer as you cross the finish line -- that's weird but at the same time, sometimes that sounds good after a race haha =)
PS: there's a shirt I wear a LOT to work out in but it's so comfy I can't help it and hey as long as it doesn't smell (too bad) I'll wear it again =) I'm not judging =)
At January 25, 2011 at 8:09 AM , Rachel Marie said...: I'll be paying $90 for VA Beach...what's gonna murderize us is going to be the marathon/Labor day weekend hotel bill for the two nights we are staying there. *sigh* I'm contemplating living in my Suburban for the weekend. There will be tons of port-o-potties! And I can just go for a swim instead of showering. hmmmmm. Possibilites. :)
At January 25, 2011 at 9:10 AM , Tiffani J said...: OK I am posting on weird post race food. The last half that I completed was in October and in Portland. The post race food was Buffalo Wild wings and beer....2 things that I was sooo not in the mood for after a cold and wet race! I pay to run because it keeps me committed to start what I have finished and I am not about to stop training or bail when I have already put up money :)
At January 25, 2011 at 9:19 AM , Tiffani J said...: OK so I meant finish what I start in the previous post. I need to proof read more carefully next time :)
At January 25, 2011 at 9:24 AM , Runners Fuel said...: I'm paying $35 for a 10k in a few weeks. My 1/2 marathon cost $40. The fees never make sense.
At January 25, 2011 at 9:54 AM , Pixie said...: I think $50.00 is my limit depending on the cause. But I am only doing 5k's at this point. I would do more if I were doing longer races. But now for 3 miles I only do them if I really want to support the cause. I don't eat at races, I usually bring my own energy bar and eat it in the car.
At January 25, 2011 at 11:07 AM , Anonymous said...: I don't have a limit really, just some sort of internal gauge I use to decide if the fee for a particular race for me at that specific time is worth it. So, I might think nothing of $90 for a marathong on a given date, but $25 for a 5K on the same date might seem outrageous.

Why do I pay? I love the challenge. Sure, I can go out and run these distances any time I like, but the race environment just takes things up a notch for me, even if I'll never be contending at the front of the race.

I can't think of any weird post-race food, but did a St. Patrick's Day 5K last year. People were already out partying and getting ready for the parade, and smelling sausage cooking while I was pushing myself on an almost empty stomack was onle of the most revolting things I've ever smelled.
At January 25, 2011 at 11:10 AM , Anonymous said...: My husband and I each paid $560 to sign up for Ironman WI this year. Then you have to factor in the hotel, astranomical grocery bills, energy food, etc. It ain't cheap by any means. It pains me to spend so much, but it's still worth it. I love everything about racing.
Plus, during Ironman training there is no time to go out and spend money on anything else, so it probably comes out even in the end? That's what I tell myself anyways...
At the end of the WI Marathon they serve the runners brats and beer. Blech.
At January 25, 2011 at 11:48 AM , Anonymous said...: I pay to race for the shirt. And you get to see the world in a different way when you are running. Plus, it gives you a concrete goal to work towards and is a lot more fun than running loops around your neighborhood all alone week after week.

Which reminds me that this weekend a woman at TKD told me that she used to be a runner. She would run 6 miles a day during the week and do a 10-12 miler every weekend. She did this for years. And she NEVER ENTERED A RACE. Or wanted to. I think something is more off for that kind of person than for those of us who want to spend our money on races.
At January 25, 2011 at 11:57 AM , Anonymous said...: This may be blasphemy on here, but I would never pay more than $40 for a road race. I hate the cost of races. I thought about signing up for a 7K/21K road race (I was going to do the 21K/half marathon) on St. Patricks day, but considering it is $60-$90 depending on when you register, I quickly reconsidered. I would have used it as a training race, but that is way too steep. Yeah, you get a sweet hoodie, but I really don't care about the gear that a race gives. I prefer the experience.

This is why I stick with trail running. Some of my favorite races are 1/2 the price of a big marathon and I can run 50K. I love the trail running community. Western States is the Boston of trail running and costs $370. I would gladly pay that to run WS and would pay good money to run a few others that are on my bucket list.
At January 25, 2011 at 1:59 PM , Jen said...: Pizza and french fries after the marathon. Now you're really persuading me to try that one out!
At January 25, 2011 at 2:09 PM , Anonymous said...: I am paying $170 to run TX Independence Relay but that includes during the race van rental. Usually my cap is ~$100

I've seen some interesting things at races, most of which I haven't eaten, especially since races usually finish early unless it's a full.

Some of the odder stuff in the last year: chili and cornbread, lots of sodas, lots of beer, breakfast tacos, hot baked cookies (I ate that), girl scout cookies (ate those too), bbq (at 9 am? no thanks), doughnuts, I see alot of pizza, candy bars, hamburgers,hot dogs, and ice cream.

After a race I usually only want fruit and bread-like stuff. I usually grab 1 of everything (if it's pre-packaged) because i'm a free whore, but only immediately eat the fruit.
At January 25, 2011 at 2:55 PM , clm said...: I ran a 5K in Ohio once that had a chocolate fountain at the end. It was heavenly!
At January 25, 2011 at 4:42 PM , Mallory said...: I paid a lot for the Chicago RnR half and I will never do it again. But, if I were running Boston, I'd probably pay lots for it. My spouse is supportive with what I spend on races/gear and it at every race. I'm pretty lucky.

I pay to race because of the atmosphere, the feeling of accomplishment, and the other perks of the race.
At January 25, 2011 at 6:20 PM , J said...: OK I am a little behind on commenting on all your great posts - what can I say, they actually made me work at work today! the nerve!

I think the most i have paid for a race is 50 dollars. I run all local races and have never really traveled for a race. I just cant spend the money. I can hardly spend 50 dollars on pants for work at express.
At January 25, 2011 at 9:52 PM , Stacie said...: I'm more than willing to pay the $ for a race, especially if I love the event. At this point it kills me that it holds me back in doing a lot of them just because of normal finances. Dang $ anyway. I'd love to do a destination race but get chest pains thinking of the $ involved. I need to figure out a way to get paid to run :)
At January 26, 2011 at 10:51 PM , Anonymous said...: Going into debt from paying for too many races is the new hip thing to do. I know...
At January 27, 2011 at 10:06 AM , funderson said...: OH my gosh! I knew there was a reason I've been wanting to run Utah Valley!
At January 28, 2011 at 10:15 AM , Heather said...: YES! My husband thinks I'm insane to pay to run (but thank goodness he lets me!) :)...in fact, a lot of my friends do to. And, I'm really cheap on most things...but not when it comes to racing! I just love it SO MUCH! I love being out there with so many other people just as passionate as I am about running...I just love the "feel" of races...hard to explain but I think you know what I mean! :) I LOVE IT! Thank goodness I work my P/T job to support my addiction. :)

Paying for pain, sweat and tears

Paying for pain, sweat and tears

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The Hungry Runner Girl

Monday, January 24, 2011

Paying for pain, sweat and tears

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