General Discussion Triathlon Talk » I can't afford to race.... Rss Feed  
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2011-06-21 3:18 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
For this reason, I prefer non-branded races. I don't need M-dot or Team Magic (the local brand) to make me feel accomplished. Non-branded races are way cheaper so I fit as many of those as I can into my schedule and minimize the branded races.


2011-06-21 3:28 PM
in reply to: #3560676

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
Scout7 - 2011-06-21 4:13 PM

Consider this a learning opportunity. You are gaining an opportunity to enjoy what few races you do end up doing even more because they are so few at this point.

If you want to truly enjoy something, think about never being able to do it again.


Absolutely! I found this out last year. Timberman was the most expensive I have done (almost $300 entry+gas, tolls, rent, etc). Add that into the other local races I was doing and I was pretty close to $1k for the season. Between the added volume of training hours required for 70.3 and the cost - I came to the conclusion that the local sprint races I do are better suited for my current lifestyle. So now most of the sprints I do are roughly $65-$85 and NJ State is the only one above $100.

Between not getting hit in the wallet as much and not having to put in hours of training - I am much happier right now.

...and no coach either - Thank God I don't have to worry about that expense.
2011-06-21 3:36 PM
in reply to: #3560714

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

michael2_19030 - 2011-06-21 3:28 PM and no coach either - Thank God I don't have to worry about that expense.

No one has to, but some choose to!

2011-06-21 3:45 PM
in reply to: #3560611

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
COSkiGirl - 2011-06-21 1:49 PM

I'm pretty sure I won't do Bolder Boulder again as well because of not only the cost but the craziness surrounding it.   

Interesting...I much prefer smaller races but Bolder-Boulder is an event I really enjoy!  Very well organized, awesome course, and you get to watch an elite field finish while enjoying a beer!  I don't run BB every year but I've run it at least a dozen times and I know I'll get out there again...it's a great event!

2011-06-21 3:57 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

I don't see this hobby any differently than any other hobby.... it is simply a luxury. Not having enough money to spend on a hobby is not really a problem.

Spent plenty on MTBs over the years... then I got into Jeeps... just empty every pocket.... then I hit the mother load... Salt water aquariums.... many many thousands later I had to say enough is enough.... and here I am with a "smaller" "less exspensive" hobby... triathlons, and wanting a road bike so bad I can taste it.

 But I have a stable job, I have a secure home, I have a beautiful wife and a healthy family. I don't have any real problems right now.



Edited by powerman 2011-06-21 3:59 PM
2011-06-21 4:00 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
All very good thoughts. I think I know what I have to do, and that's fine by me. I don't really plan on doing any big events next year anyways; not focusing on an IM (costly) will give me time to work on more speed stuff for shorter races (cheap). I like what I do and have no intentions of quitting it, just maybe refocusing next year.


2011-06-21 4:01 PM
in reply to: #3560769

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Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
rayd - 2011-06-21 2:45 PM
COSkiGirl - 2011-06-21 1:49 PM

I'm pretty sure I won't do Bolder Boulder again as well because of not only the cost but the craziness surrounding it.   

Interesting...I much prefer smaller races but Bolder-Boulder is an event I really enjoy!  Very well organized, awesome course, and you get to watch an elite field finish while enjoying a beer!  I don't run BB every year but I've run it at least a dozen times and I know I'll get out there again...it's a great event!

I will probably still go down to the ceremonies in the stadium and cheer on my teammates as I do enjoy that part but I'm kind of over battling the crowds on course (it's much worse for us in the non-qulified waves).  One of my teammates ran her race in the AA wave this year then came back to run with her mother in the non-qualified waves.  She couldn't believe what we have to battle back there and had a much better understanding of why it gets so frustrating.  Maybe if I get a qualifier this year (I'm very close) I'll consider it but the Sunrise Stampede is a week later and has a great reputation and is only $10.  I wish BB had a just the race no t-shirt package as well.  We'll see how next year plays out but that's where my head is right now. 

2011-06-21 5:07 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
I enjoy races, but I enjoy training more. I could set up a race calendar with a lot of events, but when the sprints run $80-$90 a pop, I can't justify that for such a short distance. I have two races on my calendar so far, hope to add a third tri, and possibly a half mary and maybe a marathon. Normally I wouldn't do the running events, but since I have ample time to train, it seems like I should make good use of it.
2011-06-22 8:10 AM
in reply to: #3560334

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

I really enjoy races, but I mostly use them as checkpoints or motivators to enforce a training schedule. I will admit to being tempted by some of the branded events, both locally and within a day's drive from here, but I simply can't afford that (I think this is what the OP is getting at). I can stay plenty busy w/local, non-branded events and not break the bank:

April: local sprint: $75

June: local long-ish sprint (1k/30k/8k): $70

August: local olympic: $80

November: local 70.3 $125

Early registration saves me $10-20 per event; since most of these are within 20 miles of home, the travel expense is nil. I will spring for a hotel for the 70.3 since it's about an hour from here and I want may family to have a "home base" during the race.

 

2011-06-22 8:15 AM
in reply to: #3560334

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
There is a Wednesday sprint sort of local here next week.  $12 entry!  No crappy shirt, just a venue in the country to test yourself is what I am thinking.  I have to miss out due to some other obligations or I would have seriously looked into this.
2011-06-22 9:52 AM
in reply to: #3560334

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
It amazes me how much some people spend in this sport, but I guess like any hobby, if you've got it to spend, then good for you.  I've got 3 kids and my wife is a stay-at-home mom, so my budget is pretty tight. But for me it's all about the personal challenge and staying fit - I'm not a contender to win and I can't justify the expense.  So I do 2 or 3 local tri's a year, riding a 1984 Schwinn Letour that I found on Craigslist - I don't even own cycling shoes - the shoes, cleats and pedals would cost more than my bike.  I know I'm bringing a knife to a gunfight from a competitiveness standpoint, but it feels pretty cool when I do pass someone on more expensive equipment.  Plus, biking in my running shoes gives me some killer T2 times!


2011-06-22 11:46 AM
in reply to: #3560334

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

Make your own race!!

 

My bike = 250$ off craigslist

swim suit = 50$ off cl

 

I did a half iron man for fun with a bunch of friends, my wife did the timing.  I even had my sister in law make us all brunch for the finish!



Edited by synthetic 2011-06-22 11:47 AM
2011-06-22 12:14 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
thats why a poor kid like me prefers 4-6 multisport races a year and looks for big races ie 70.3 to be in the vicinity of families so i get free housing for a few days. remember budget and plan, personally id go for a non brand wtc race, they are cheaper
2011-06-22 12:22 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
I'm of the opinion that a person's finances are their personal business and it's up to them how they spend their money. 

I think it's a bit self-righteous to make value judgements for another person. 

If you can afford something without skipping a mortgage payment or letting your kids starve, then that's your choice.

If you can't afford it, well that's how things work sometimes.  I'd like to own a Ferrari someday, but that's not quite in my budget at this point either.

I'm fortunate that I'm an empty-nester with a comfortable amount of disposable income.  I mostly do triathlon training for health and fitness.  I really enjoy doing local races, and have no overwhelming need or desire to travel to any big events even though I could afford to.  But that's just me.

Mark       
2011-06-22 12:44 PM
in reply to: #3562174

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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
RedCorvette - 2011-06-22 1:22 PM

I think it's a bit self-righteous to make value judgements for another person.         


I don't think the responses in this thread are self-righteous or making value judgments for anybody.

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