General Discussion Triathlon Talk » I can't afford to race.... Rss Feed  
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2011-06-21 1:20 PM

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Expert
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Roswell, GA
Subject: I can't afford to race....
Who all has had this same moment? When you realized that 'wow, this sport is killing my bank account.'

I am wondering who out there has had to say no to racing a preferred event because you simply can not afford it at the time? I had plans to do IM Augusta at the end of September, but after thinking that the event is going to run me back around $500 (race fees, hotel, travel) I am having some second thoughts. It is just for fun, not like I am going to qualify for Worlds or anything, so the priority is getting less and less the more I think about it.

I feel bad about going back on my original race plan for the year, but I don't know how much of a choice I have right now. I can likely opt for a local, less expensive race instead, but it won't be the same. I love racing, so shouldn't I spend my hard earned money on the sport that makes me happy?

Has anyone else struggled with budgeting this sport into their lives?


2011-06-21 1:25 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Elite
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Spring, TX
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

Yeah, it's an expensive sport.  I don't think that's a bad thing, but it can definitely make it difficult at times for some folks.

At times when I first started I struggled with the cost of it.  It's a hobby that we do for fun, so once the cost starts to have a negative impact on the rest of our lives, it's time to put your racing plans on hold until you can afford it.  I see you also have a coach, which is another expense that is unneccessary and can easily be cut to allow you to race.  I'm coached and think it's well worth the money, but it's clearly not a need.

Local races are fun, so go into those with a great attitude and enjoy! 

2011-06-21 1:27 PM
in reply to: #3560354

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Expert
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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
AndrewMT - 2011-06-21 2:25 PM

Yeah, it's an expensive sport.  I don't think that's a bad thing, but it can definitely make it difficult at times for some folks.

At times when I first started I struggled with the cost of it.  It's a hobby that we do for fun, so once the cost starts to have a negative impact on the rest of our lives, it's time to put your racing plans on hold until you can afford it.  I see you also have a coach, which is another expense that is unneccessary and can easily be cut to allow you to race.  I'm coached and think it's well worth the money, but it's clearly not a need.

Local races are fun, so go into those with a great attitude and enjoy! 



As far as the coach goes, I only use him for half of the year. Last year, We started in February and ended right after IMKY at the end of August, letting me do my own thing in the off season. It worked out pretty well, and I think I am going to do the same route this year, just have to think about when to take my "break". I have zero intentions of permanently dropping my coach, but going on my own to focus on other things during the off-season is likely.

Edited by 15step 2011-06-21 1:28 PM
2011-06-21 1:30 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Alpharetta, Georgia
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Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

Totally agree with Andrew... it's hard to be sympathetic to complaints like this when you openly admit to (what most people perceive as) an unnecessary triathlon expense... does that make sense?

 

2011-06-21 1:32 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Marin County, California
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
What she ^^^ said.







Edited by LittleCat 2011-06-21 1:38 PM
2011-06-21 1:32 PM
in reply to: #3560361

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Elite
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Spring, TX
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
15step - 2011-06-21 1:27 PM
AndrewMT - 2011-06-21 2:25 PM

Yeah, it's an expensive sport.  I don't think that's a bad thing, but it can definitely make it difficult at times for some folks.

At times when I first started I struggled with the cost of it.  It's a hobby that we do for fun, so once the cost starts to have a negative impact on the rest of our lives, it's time to put your racing plans on hold until you can afford it.  I see you also have a coach, which is another expense that is unneccessary and can easily be cut to allow you to race.  I'm coached and think it's well worth the money, but it's clearly not a need.

Local races are fun, so go into those with a great attitude and enjoy! 

As far as the coach goes, I only use him for half of the year. Last year, We started in February and ended right after IMKY at the end of August, letting me do my own thing in the off season. It worked out pretty well, and I think I am going to do the same route this year, just have to think about when to take my "break". I have zero intentions of permanently dropping my coach, but going on my own to focus on other things during the off-season is likely.

Makes sense.  I did the same thing leading up to IMCdA in 09; took a break after the race, but picked up the same coach again 6 months later.  It's really nice to build a relationship/rapport with a coach over time.

Seriously though, the big national races are great experiences, but I've always had the most fun at local races.  You usually see a lot of the same people from race to race and the lower cost allows you to race more often.



2011-06-21 1:35 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Pro
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Parker, CO
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
Triathlon can be expensive but can be done on a budget as well.  IMO, many people spend way too much on races and never race to their potential (not saying you do).  If budget is a problem train for a local A-race and train hard!  I see many people using races as training...at least with the number of RR I read indicating that they were "undertrained".
2011-06-21 1:38 PM
in reply to: #3560382

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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
AndrewMT - 2011-06-21 2:32 PM

15step - 2011-06-21 1:27 PM
AndrewMT - 2011-06-21 2:25 PM

Yeah, it's an expensive sport.  I don't think that's a bad thing, but it can definitely make it difficult at times for some folks.

At times when I first started I struggled with the cost of it.  It's a hobby that we do for fun, so once the cost starts to have a negative impact on the rest of our lives, it's time to put your racing plans on hold until you can afford it.  I see you also have a coach, which is another expense that is unneccessary and can easily be cut to allow you to race.  I'm coached and think it's well worth the money, but it's clearly not a need.

Local races are fun, so go into those with a great attitude and enjoy! 

As far as the coach goes, I only use him for half of the year. Last year, We started in February and ended right after IMKY at the end of August, letting me do my own thing in the off season. It worked out pretty well, and I think I am going to do the same route this year, just have to think about when to take my "break". I have zero intentions of permanently dropping my coach, but going on my own to focus on other things during the off-season is likely.

Makes sense.  I did the same thing leading up to IMCdA in 09; took a break after the race, but picked up the same coach again 6 months later.  It's really nice to build a relationship/rapport with a coach over time.

Seriously though, the big national races are great experiences, but I've always had the most fun at local races.  You usually see a lot of the same people from race to race and the lower cost allows you to race more often.



I have definitely found me having a coach to be invaluable. Not to mention being a part of a "team" is a lot of fun, especially at events where a lot of training partners participate. The rapport and, more importantly the accountability of having a coach, is super important to me.

I am doing my big event this year this coming weekend, CdA, and will talk with plans of suspending coaching soon after that.
2011-06-21 1:44 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Master
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Bellevue, WA
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

I think we all would like our hobbies to be less expensive, and I think we all have to make the cost vs. benefit analysis as we budget for our hobby.

You can participate in triathlons fairly cheaply if you do local races, go light on the equipment, etc.  Even so I'm not a fan of $100 sprint entry fees. 

Or you can spend as much money as you have on destination races, top of the line equipment, and so on.  Again I'm not a fan of $895 IM entry fees, but I'm a fan of capitalism so I'm stuck.

 

2011-06-21 1:48 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Veteran
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Atlanta
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
I'm there as well.  I have a straight commission job and business is so slow that I prefer to just do a couple of races this year.  I had already signed up for and paid for IMFL, so now I am only going to do a few long organized swims at $30 a pop, and a few centuries at the same price.  I will do Augusta 70.3 because it just seems too weird/unprepared to have my first tri of the season be an IM. (I have done a couple of 70.3 relays this year).  I have invested money in a good bike and great cycling clothes.  Hoping the economy improves soon because I like doing lots of races.
2011-06-21 1:49 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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

That's one of the reasons why I haven't done anything in the past year - my kids, mortgage, etc. etc. come first.



2011-06-21 1:59 PM
in reply to: #3560368

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Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
lisac957 - 2011-06-21 12:30 PM

Totally agree with Andrew... it's hard to be sympathetic to complaints like this when you openly admit to (what most people perceive as) an unnecessary triathlon expense... does that make sense?

 

As someone who hires a coach I will stand up and say it's worth everything to me.  I will reduce the number of races I do in order to pay for it so I can understand it being a high priority race. 

By the same token, I am always on the lookout to do small, local races that are generally less expensive.  I really want to do a race in Vail later this summer but between a higher entry fee plus gas and meals out and such it's just not worth it so I'll do a local one here and save myself around $100. 

2011-06-21 2:05 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Expert
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Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
Perhaps there are other areas that you are spending unecessarily that can be cut back to allow for your hobby?
2011-06-21 2:08 PM
in reply to: #3560484

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Roswell, GA
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
thebigb - 2011-06-21 3:05 PM

Perhaps there are other areas that you are spending necessarily that can be cut back to allow for your hobby?


I would if I had the means. I take home a pretty nice amount of money per month for my age, but 75% of it goes straight into debt payoffs (mostly student loans). I am way better this year than I was last year on tri spending, but cutting back even more might be necessary if I want to get my debts paid down as quickly as possible.
2011-06-21 2:08 PM
in reply to: #3560460

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Alpharetta, Georgia
Bronze member
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
COSkiGirl - 2011-06-21 1:59 PM
lisac957 - 2011-06-21 12:30 PM

Totally agree with Andrew... it's hard to be sympathetic to complaints like this when you openly admit to (what most people perceive as) an unnecessary triathlon expense... does that make sense?

 

As someone who hires a coach I will stand up and say it's worth everything to me.  I will reduce the number of races I do in order to pay for it so I can understand it being a high priority race. 

By the same token, I am always on the lookout to do small, local races that are generally less expensive.  I really want to do a race in Vail later this summer but between a higher entry fee plus gas and meals out and such it's just not worth it so I'll do a local one here and save myself around $100. 

I wasn't trying to imply a coach is not worth the money (I too am coached).
I just found it a little ironic, that's all.
 
 

2011-06-21 2:12 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Boise, ID
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

 

I hear ya, I was all set to volunteer at IMCDA this year then sign up for next. After much thought and a talk with the wife, I made the decision to hold off for a year. Tis a bit difficult to justify spending $600 on one race, not to mention getting up there and being there for a week.

Hopefully I can afford to be an Ironman in 2013.

 



2011-06-21 2:17 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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

If I understand correctly, you "can" afford to race, but it doesn't make current financial sense.  It's priorities.  Just like these people who say "I didn't have time to [accomplish a 15 minute task] yesterday."  Actually, you did - you just didn't prioritize it.

So, for me, there are plenty of things related to triathlon that I might want to buy or do, but based on my mortgage/retirement savings/kids' needs/household needs/savings for college, it doesn't make current financial sense.  For example, I recently bought a very, very nice aluminum bike with 105.  Fantastic for me.  I could have bought carbon with DA, but that additional cost would only come at the expense of my more important financial priorities.

Figure out what's important to you.

 

2011-06-21 2:44 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Champion
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Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
I haven't raced much lately, but it hasn't really been due to finances. But really, this is why I'll never do an IM-branded event, Tri-Rock, Rock-n-Roll anything... I'm way past wanting, or for that matter even enjoying, the circus atmosphere surrounding these races. I prefer smaller, homey-type events. Bonus is they're usually a lot cheaper.
2011-06-21 2:48 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Veteran
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Bucks County
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
And what does 6 month's of coaching run everyone?

Maybe I should look into it...
2011-06-21 2:49 PM
in reply to: #3560588

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Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

briderdt - 2011-06-21 1:44 PM I haven't raced much lately, but it hasn't really been due to finances. But really, this is why I'll never do an IM-branded event, Tri-Rock, Rock-n-Roll anything... I'm way past wanting, or for that matter even enjoying, the circus atmosphere surrounding these races. I prefer smaller, homey-type events. Bonus is they're usually a lot cheaper.

Yeah, I'll do Denver Rock n Roll this year to see what kind of improvement I'll have but I suspect going forward I won't.  I'm pretty sure I won't do Bolder Boulder again as well because of not only the cost but the craziness surrounding it.  I'll do my first local HM in August this year and really looking forward to it.  And it has better schwag anyhow. 

2011-06-21 2:50 PM
in reply to: #3560607

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Elite
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Spring, TX
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

michael2_19030 - 2011-06-21 2:48 PM And what does 6 month's of coaching run everyone? Maybe I should look into it...

6mo of coaching can run anywhere from $500 to $2000+.  You don't always get what you pay for...



2011-06-21 2:54 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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Extreme Veteran
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Straight outta Central Flurrrrrida
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
you can always rob a bank
2011-06-21 2:58 PM
in reply to: #3560607

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Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....

michael2_19030 - 2011-06-21 1:48 PM And what does 6 month's of coaching run everyone? Maybe I should look into it...

I am run only for coaching (well some cross training in there too) but I pay $350 for the year which includes ~ 4 months of Strength Training for Runners in the Jan/Feb and Nov/Dec time frames.  Personalized training plans to goal races for the entire year which can be regularly updated based on how things are going.  2x per week group speed/hill work led by the head coach or another experienced coach under her direction. Unlimited email and phone support (although she's better at email for sure), 15% discount at the run shop, 2 rainy day passes to the rec center, other local discounts such as massage and chiro services and random free race entry drawings through out the year. 

2011-06-21 2:59 PM
in reply to: #3560631

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Veteran
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Bucks County
Subject: RE: I can't afford to race....
WHAT...???!!! I think I much rather attempt to determine my performance potential through trial and error.

Plus I would think that I would need some guarantee that I place somewhere in my Top 3 AG.

and a 1:10 per 100/pace, average 23.0-24.0 mph on the bike and run a sub 7:00 min/mile and THEN a coach might be worth that money...sorta like buying Zipps. But that's just me....:
2011-06-21 3:13 PM
in reply to: #3560334

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