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Triathlon on a budget...
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 2008-09-02 9:18 PM |
Member  219  Nampa, Idaho |  Subject: Triathlon on a budget...So, I started training for triathlons in March. I did a couple of sprints this year. Registered for a HIM next year. I'm not exactly rolling in the cash and this is kind of an expensive sport to get into but wanted to share a few tips I've learned in paying for my stuff on a budget! 1) Internet sales. Do your homework to see what things cost and then wait until that fantastic sale! I bought my tri suit and wetsuit this way. Go to a local shop to get an idea of your size and what you want so you can feel confident in buying something online. 2) Craigslist! Check it every day a couple of times a day. Depending on what you're looking for! I got my bike for $300. Not a fantastic bike but perfect for me--a beginner. A Trek 1000. The thing was practically brand new and had some nice upgrades and extras. And then I sold my mountain bike for $300 on Craigslist, so essentially the bike cost me nothing. 3) Wait for your LBS to have sales. They do occasionally! 4) Make use of all the freebies you get when you race! They come in handy and let the world know that you've been working hard. 5) Make your own electrolyte drink. Half water, half white grape juice, a pinch of salt, and some fresh lemon juice. Pretty darn cheap and better for you than gatorade. I spent less than $400 for EVERYTHING that I needed to get started in Triathlons. That includes bike shoes, running shoes, tri suit, wet suit, bike, swimsuit, and the few extras here and there. Now if we could get a discount on the registration fees!  Oh wait, you can , by registering early. Add yours if you have any tips. I'd like to see if I missed something. |
| 2008-09-02 9:22 PM in reply to: #1645113 |
Expert 713 Lake in the Hills, IL | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... I like the idea of the electrolyte drink. Is it comparable to whats in gatorade? |
| 2008-09-02 9:23 PM in reply to: #1645113 |
Extreme Veteran 594 Austin, TX | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... Great list. The only thing I would say is figure out what you really "need". The sport can get expensive if you buy every trinket and toy out there. Of course I say that as I'm in the market for HRM's, a new wheelset, dura-ace components... |
| 2008-09-02 9:34 PM in reply to: #1645129 |
Member 219 Nampa, Idaho | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... Yah, I'm jonesin' for a HRM real bad. And the electrolyte drinks are comparable to gatorade/powerade. They may not have B vitamins but there are plenty of other sources for that. But the lemon provides potassium and the salt, well, it's sodium! Another electrolyte. I don't eat/drink high fructose corn syrup and HFCS free electrolyte drinks can get expensive. So this was a healthier alternative for me. |
| 2008-09-03 2:30 AM in reply to: #1645158 |
| Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... chosenprovidence - 2008-09-02 10:34 PM Yah, I'm jonesin' for a HRM real bad. And the electrolyte drinks are comparable to gatorade/powerade. They may not have B vitamins but there are plenty of other sources for that. But the lemon provides potassium and the salt, well, it's sodium! Another electrolyte. I don't eat/drink high fructose corn syrup and HFCS free electrolyte drinks can get expensive. So this was a healthier alternative for me. Here's what I use. I don't like HFCS or refined sugar all that much either: http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=3409 Our price: $6.59 32 packets Description
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| 2008-09-03 3:43 AM in reply to: #1645113 |
Master 2665 The Whites, New Hampshire | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... Half water, Half OJ, pinch of salt also does the trick. Then again, I love the idea that people think triathlons are expensive. I just came from horses... |
| 2008-09-03 6:50 AM in reply to: #1645113 |
Champion 7558 Albuquerque, New Mexico | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... That drawer full of cotton t-shirts...they still work for training... Upgrade your training wardrobe one or two pieces at a time. Walmart/Target/TJMaxx carry wicking gear and occasionally, it goes on sale really, r.e.a.l.l.y cheap (I've picked up wicking shirts for $3-5, and a nylon wind jacket for $5). Shop end-of-season. I picked up a pair of running tights in April for <$10 instead of the normal $25. I picked up some windproof underwear last spring for $10, again, normally $25. |
| 2008-09-03 6:51 AM in reply to: #1645158 |
Pro 6767 the Alabama part of Pennsylvania | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... chosenprovidence - 2008-09-02 10:34 PM Yah, I'm jonesin' for a HRM real bad.
REI garage sales. I picked up a spare Timex HRM (mainly to get a cheap waterproof watch for a trip I was taking to Nepal in monsoon season last year) for around $20. I've even seen a Garmin 305 with a broken strap. And at the last one, I picked up a new bike repair stand, 2 cyclometers (one wired, one wireless), a minipump, a bike headlight (for commuting) and a pair of small LED flashers in white and red for visibility, all for around $80. The stand accounted for about half that. They also had a hitchmounted bike carrier, but I like the one I have, so I didn't get it. And there's an REI about 20 miles from you. And they are having a garage sale on Saturday! Get there early (7 am is not unreasonable), bring a chair and a friend. I usually get some killer deals (like new or nearly new stuff up to 90% off!). ETA: If I could read a calender, I would have said not THIS Saturday, but the 13th. Don't go this Saturday. You will be all alone... Edited by gearboy 2008-09-03 6:52 AM |
| 2008-09-03 8:28 AM in reply to: #1645113 |
Pro 4608 Brooklyn, NY | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... If you volunteer for some races, you can get either a discounted or free entry for the following year. For example in my area, the NYC Triathlon offers a free entry to volunteers and the Mighty Hamptons Triathlon offers one credit per volunteer shift with 3 credits being a free entry. Given these are $165+ races, that's a good deal! |
| 2008-09-03 8:36 AM in reply to: #1645113 |
Champion 7558 Albuquerque, New Mexico | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... Oh, the other cost savings...water instead of gatorade on anything less than 2 hours. Gatorade/GU/energy bars get expensive. |
| 2008-09-03 8:55 AM in reply to: #1645158 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... chosenprovidence - 2008-09-02 9:34 PM Yah, I'm jonesin' for a HRM real bad. And the electrolyte drinks are comparable to gatorade/powerade. They may not have B vitamins but there are plenty of other sources for that. But the lemon provides potassium and the salt, well, it's sodium! Another electrolyte. I don't eat/drink high fructose corn syrup and HFCS free electrolyte drinks can get expensive. So this was a healthier alternative for me. Powdered Gatorade is relatively cheap and doesn't contain HFCS. |
| 2008-09-03 9:04 AM in reply to: #1645113 |
Elite 3371 | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... So is $400 the total after you sold your MTB? I assume it must be, making the real number $700, for those without a bike to sell. If you can get bike shoes, running shoes, a tri suit, a wet suit, a swimsuit, and some extras for $100....I'm coming to Idaho and we're going shopping. |
| 2008-09-03 9:14 AM in reply to: #1645113 |
| Lafayette, CO | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... For those looking at a HRM it does qualify under medical flexible spending so you save some money by purchasing pre-tax there. REI garage and/or clearance sales are great places to get gear. I just got a nice Nike swimsuit for $25 on their clearance. Ship to their store in town for free shipping. |
| 2008-09-03 9:17 AM in reply to: #1645752 |
Member 219 Nampa, Idaho | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... I had no idea about the REI garage sale! That is awesome! And yes, the $400 is after I sold my Mountain Bike. So yah, I"m not THAT good!  |
| 2008-09-03 9:20 AM in reply to: #1645691 |
Master 1240 Knightdale/Raleigh | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... the bear - 2008-09-03 9:55 AM chosenprovidence - 2008-09-02 9:34 PM Yah, I'm jonesin' for a HRM real bad. And the electrolyte drinks are comparable to gatorade/powerade. They may not have B vitamins but there are plenty of other sources for that. But the lemon provides potassium and the salt, well, it's sodium! Another electrolyte. I don't eat/drink high fructose corn syrup and HFCS free electrolyte drinks can get expensive. So this was a healthier alternative for me. Powdered Gatorade is relatively cheap and doesn't contain HFCS. Oh, that's why it doesn't taste good. Craig's list and do without are how I get by. Well, Christmas helps, too. |
| 2008-09-03 9:22 AM in reply to: #1645129 |
| Veteran 395 Randolph, MA | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... fendermh1027 - 2008-09-02 10:23 PM Great list. The only thing I would say is figure out what you really "need". The sport can get expensive if you buy every trinket and toy out there. Of course I say that as I'm in the market for HRM's, a new wheelset, dura-ace components... I got the Garmin FR305 from Amazon for $180. SHould be in any day now, actually... |
| 2008-09-03 8:20 PM in reply to: #1645414 |
Regular 98 , Oklahoma | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... Slugger - 2008-09-03 3:43 AM Then again, I love the idea that people think triathlons are expensive. I just came from horses... Hehe - I started in triathlons after having to sell my horse due to time/money issues while in grad school. Tris are definitely less expensive, by far. Great ideas on here. I will be trying some of them out. |
| 2008-09-03 8:36 PM in reply to: #1645113 |
Melon Presser 52116 | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... Check out the discount racks at your local bike and running stores (and if an item hasn't sold in a while, you can usually wheedle them down even further), and sometimes they have them at big sports stores, too. |
| 2008-09-03 8:40 PM in reply to: #1645113 |
| Lafayette, CO | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... www.chainlove.com and www.steapandcheap.com are a great way to pick up some things. I got a jersey for $30 shipped last week. I see tires, bike computers, all manner of clothing, components and all sorts of things on chainlove and steepandcheap has running gear frequently. |
| 2008-09-03 8:49 PM in reply to: #1645113 |
Elite 2423 | Subject: RE: Triathlon on a budget... Races are expensive. Once you have a bike, wetsuit and some clothes you are good to go except races, which are reoccurring and get expensive at the bigger races. |
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