What is that cliche? "Other than your bike, a wetsuit will be your biggest triathlon purchase." Something like that?
Last night while plunking down another $25 plus tax for a pair of Aqua Sphere goggles, I realize that goggles are really what cost you long term in this sport.
What has been the constant or repetitive purchase of one item that you have made in the sport of triathlon that you figured would not have been as expensive as you initially thought when you got into the sport?
Tubes? Tires? Do you go through gloves? Goggles? Gels? Have you gone from the same pair of running shoes since college to having a closet full? Destroying iPods?
Last night while plunking down another $25 plus tax for a pair of Aqua Sphere goggles, I realize that goggles are really what cost you long term in this sport.
What has been the constant or repetitive purchase of one item that you have made in the sport of triathlon that you figured would not have been as expensive as you initially thought when you got into the sport?
Tubes? Tires? Do you go through gloves? Goggles? Gels? Have you gone from the same pair of running shoes since college to having a closet full? Destroying iPods?
23 comments:
ALL OF THE ABOVE. Including Aquasphere goggles. :(
I've definitely gone through more shoes in the last year than I have at any time in the past.
And my knees thank me for it.
Nutrition.
Didn't bother to figure in advance what that number of hours of training would translate into respective of Gatorade, gels, Clif bars, Succeed tabs... became pretty evident!
Only $25 for goggles? ;-) (An AquaSphere Seal Mask is $49.95 here!!)
I think we'd all be shocked if we added up what we spend on nutrition. I was doing the math one day just on the cost of Nuun, Cliff Blocks, carb drink, recovery drink, etc for a single long workout and realized I was better off not thinking too hard about it!
since starting triathlon and getting the standard wetsuit and bike... i have spent an untold sum on gels... what they charge for Gu today is CRIMINAL. oh, and endurox. we found some for $40 and purchased 5... i had to sell a kidney. let's see... what else? there's also the $300 shoes that i had to have... just so kevin at TRIBE would respect me. i've also been through two iPod shuffles and am currently on my first nano.
it. never. ends.
since starting triathlon and getting the standard wetsuit and bike... i have spent an untold sum on gels... what they charge for Gu today is CRIMINAL. oh, and endurox. we found some for $40 and purchased 5... i had to sell a kidney. let's see... what else? there's also the $300 shoes that i had to have... just so kevin at TRIBE would respect me. i've also been through two iPod shuffles and am currently on my first nano.
it. never. ends.
wow, I definately don't swim enough...I still use, on occasion, the orig. goggles I bought when I first started swimming. They don't leak.
Biggest purchase: Gas to get to a safe bike spot. Tampa - you no ride on roads here.
Travel and entry fees add up to the biggest expense for me!
But I have to replace my shoes at 250-300 miles or so or my knees complain, so that's the most annoying recurring major expense.
Tac's with Nancy...shoes. Tac needs lots of shoes.
Goggles are a close second
Good question and are you in for IMFL?
cLOTHES - dri-fit shorts, t-shirts, jerseys..... I didn't realise these are ADDICTIVE. Shoes.
I've been wearing the same $7 Kmart goggles for the last year (I bet they break now LOL)
Nytro is so right about gels! It's robbery.
For me, it's socks. My big toe pokes through the sock, makes a hole. The rest of the sock starts to go.
After socks, it's those damn inner tubes and the fact that tires for my bike cost as much if not more than cheap tires for my CAR.
I am going with entry fees. I don't even want to add up what I have spent.
Clothes takes a close second. Can't wear the same tri suit to every race.
nutrition for me.
then shoes.
I'm forever making runs to my LBS for small amounts of stuff - gels, powders, etc. I $20 myself to pieces.
Since I seem to run in the most expensive shoes known to man, it's 2nd - but they only get replaced every 4 mos. or so.
Washing powder
Definately nutrition. And my gym pass. It used to be swim suits, until I learned about polyester suits that last FOREVER.
helmets - crack them or leave them places.
And Clif bars... they are so good.
My goggles seem to last quite awhile. I think we spend quite a bit on gels and bars....and traveling to and from events!
RACE ENTRY FEES!!!!!!!!!
and, nutrition always kills my budget.
googles?? how do you wear out a pair of googles? I have 4 pairs (2 colors of tint, clear, and a Seal Mask for cold water open water swimming.) I'm good in that department for at least a year or two.
Now shoes are a different story. Every 10-12 weeks or so at 300 miles/pair.
Um, What is "heart rate monitor/watch thingies," Alex? I've purchased three timex watch/heart rate thingies and lost one, broke the other. But wait, that's not all! I bought a Garmin in March, lost it in June, ran over the replacement in September, and now own the most expensive watch ever.
Nutrition and travel- it's a toss up followed closely by celebration meals :-)
I go thru about 5 goggles (Aquasphere none the less) every year. It's maddening.
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