GUEST POST ALERT! In case you missed it yesterday, I wrote a guest post for fellow CLE food blogger Bite Buff on how to survive a food and wine event. Head over to her blog and check it out!
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Many credit running to being a cheap sport. Just throw on a pair of sneakers and head out the door. I – and my bank account – disagree. So in my usual Tuesday fashion, I present to you on Thursday instead:
TEN THINGS THIS THURSDAY: WHERE MY PAYCHECK IS GOING (AKA MY RUNNING RELATED PURCHASES)
1. SPLURGED ON GREEN MONSTER SMOOTHIES: Much like our new found love for The Office, I know that I’m late to the Green Monster love fest. I always say it takes an extra six months for the trends to get to Cleveland… or at least Parma!
Don’t know what a Green Monster is? This website is a good place to start. Here’s what’s going into my post-workout GMs:
- 1 – 11oz. EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control Chocolate Fudge shake
- 2 tablespoons raw oats
- 1 banana
- 3 cups spinach
- crushed ice (as needed)
Those EAS shakes are not cheap, but they are totally worth it for the 17 grams of protein and thickness they add to my post-run hydration needs.
2. SAVED ON RUNNING APPAREL: I refuse to pay full price for clothing. TJMaxx and Kohl’s are my best friends when it comes to purchasing Nike tops, FILA pants and generic brand fitness socks. I will also admit to visit Lululemon’s “We Made Too Much” page on a daily basis – JUST IN CASE!
3. SPLURGED ON MUSIC: I’m a Top 40 music queen so I’m unfortunately spending a buck twenty-nine for new songs on iTunes. The extra pennies are worth it for the extra motivation when “Dynamite” comes on my Nano.
4. SAVED BUT WOULD HAVE HAD TO SPLURGE ON MID-RUN FUEL: Gu-s, gels, chomps and beans are expensive. But as my long runs get longer, the more fuel I’ll need. Lucky for me, I came in to possession of some gift certificates to Dick’s Sporting Goods. I’ve been able to use them in order to find out what fueling options are available without dropping serious cash.
5. SPLURGED ON COMPRESSION SOCKS: This Facebook status says it all:
Post 10-K, my hubby bought me a pair of SUGOI R+R knee high compression socks. I heard mixed reviews on compression socks in general, but I absolutely love mine. I notice a difference in how my lower legs feel in comparison to my thighs the day after a long run. Kinda makes me want to go back to Second Sole and ask, “do these come in thigh highs?”
6. SAVED ON RACE ENTRIES: Pre-register and save some cash. Don’t wait until the day of: you will definitely pay more and take the chance of missing out on race swag. I most definitely want that darn t-shirt, thank you very much!
7. SPLURGED ON POST-RACE BREAKFAST: This is a food blog after all! I much rather save my dollars for a dinner out on the town, but there is something special about a greasy spoon diner omelet after you’ve run around the city. I have to find somewhere open on Thanksgiving for the celebration post-race after the Turkey Trot downtown!
8. SAVED ON MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS: I do this in a few ways:
- Participate in a magazine swap with my Mom: she gets different magazines than I do. When she’s done with them, she gives them to me – and vice versa.
- Visiting my public library and checking out past issues of my favorite magazines. I just need help remembering to take them back sometimes…
- Visiting the magazine’s website and reading the articles online. I also love reading the forums on these pages for more tips from readers.
I’m also being green by doing this. Hurray for saving trees!
9. SPLURGED ON YOGA: WORTH EVERY PENNY. Again, check the Twitter feed post-yoga last Thursday:
10. SAVED BUT SHOULD SPLURGE ON SHOES: I’ve previously mentioned my shoe issues in previous posts. Even with the limited selection, I’ve gotten VERY lucky at Kohl’s and found pairs of Adidas and Asics that have done me good in the past. As I’m coming up on the mileage marker, I plan a trip to a local running store to have a professional check out my huge foot to ensure I’m ready for those 13.1 miles in January.
What fitness/running related purchase gave you the most bang for your buck? For me, purchasing an iPod nano eventually made me a runner!
I wouldn’t run nearly as long if I didn’t have my iPod with great headphones!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my camelbak for running
Also, you better check out runningwarehouse.com for GREAT deals. I got my discontinued $95 running shoes for $50, free shipping. P.S. You definitely need to get into a running store for new shoes. I used to get shoes at Kohl’s and was scolded at Second Sole because those shoes aren’t truly made for hard core running. I would almost get fitted at a running store and then check running warehouse! Good luck 
I just started following you on Twitter (ChristinaD222). I love going to TJMaxx and Marshall’s for workout clothes, they’re the best! My boyfriend read gummy bears are a good, cheap way to get some sugar on long runs (or bike rides). I agree with Carly, hit up Second Sole to get fitted! I have flat feet so I need extra support and know which brands and styles work for me. I do love saving money (as we all do) but I also like supporting a local store so I usually fork over the $100+ for shoes. They do give you 10% (hopefully) if it’s your first purchase. I’ve gone to the one in RR.
I also like to get on sale workout closes at the Adidas and Nike outlets at the Aurora Farms Outlet. It’s great and I can find a lot of stuff! I recently went to Second Sole and bought new running shoes! $100 well spent.. actually he gave me a 10% discount.. so $90 for heheh! Anywayyyy, I have a camelbak and it is great.. I like to hydrate every mile or two so it works out perfectly!
If you go to the Second Sole in Lyndhurst, let me know. I can get you a discount!
I think good shoes are the BEST thing you can spend money on when training. Good shoes and socks are KEY.
I have to say, the one thing I’ve resisted is the green monster craze. Not sure why, the green-ness thing sorta freaks me out for some reason. Do you taste the spinach mixed with chocolate flavors?? Seems a weird combo but if you don’t taste the spinach, I could totally do it. Not because I don’t love spinach because I do, but not as a drink LOL. Tell me how it tastes and maybe I’ll give it a shot??
I agree with the Nano. I could not imagine running without it.
A lot of my running clothes comes from Target! It’s decent stuff.
I splurge on hot yoga clothes! They’re tiny but expensive. And so worth it:)
First, compression socks/sleeves are a Godsend! I cannot, will not, run without them!
I will always splurge on gear. I have to have something that does an awesome job of wicking because I am a chaffing queen! I like Nike the best. Sometimes I joke I should be their spokesperson because everything I own is from them.
Also, I have a way you can get your favorite songs (or any song) for free that isn’t illegal. If you’re interested shoot me an email and save that dough for the ‘lemon!