The Dutch Girls’ Guide to Gear

I am Dutch.  In West Michigan, this is a common ancestry, and the most common thing we Dutch are known for is being thrifty.

It’s no lie, I am thrifty.  Frugal.  Cheap.  Dutch.

When it comes to being a runner, it’s easy to get caught up in getting gear.  When it comes to being Dutch, it’s easy to skimp on gear.  So how does one know where to skimp and where you simply cannot?

• Shoes.  Never, ever, ever skimp on shoes.  Ever.  Shoes are crucial to your running experience.  You need to have running shoes that are fit at a running store.  Period.  Running store personnel are trained to fit you with shoes that work for your body type and foot.  Shoes are a true investment for a runner, and are foundational to your running health.  However, once you are fit with a good pair of shoes, you can sale shop if you’re savvy.  When we became Road Warriors we had a shoe fitting at Gazelle.  I knew that I would need more than one pair of shoes to complete my 25k training, so I went to the Brooks website, and found my shoe on sale.  I ordered 2 more pairs at $35 off of the listed price because they are discontinued.  I feel comfortable doing this because I have been fitted for those shoes, and they are copies of what I was fitted for, and also because the Brooks website has a 30 day money back guarantee, so if they aren’t what I expect, I will be able to return them.
• Safety gear.  It’s important to have your safety gear, especially ID and reflectors, but you can often find these items on sale, and RoadID is pretty reasonable with their pricing.  RoadID also sponsors many smaller races, so check your race bib for a coupon.
• Shirts.  Running shirts should be tech shirts, and they generally aren’t cheap.  However, if you race even a few times a year it isn’t hard to get plenty of tech shirts from your races.  This is an area where you can save money by purchasing from big box stores and discount stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls too.
• Tights and Shorts.  I’m not going to lie.  I love the fancy schmancy tights with the reflective threads sewn in that you can get from the higher end stores and lines.  But I don’t have any.  I find that using less costly tights and being careful in the laundry does the trick for me.  As for shorts, I have no qualms with going el cheapo on those either.
• Socks.  Maybe I have a foot fetish, but socks are another area where it pays to invest.  In the Michigan winter, you simply need a few good pairs of wool socks for running.  Wool is a natural wicking material, and even when you are slopping through slush your feet stay cozy when you have a good pair of wool socks.  I have purchased off brand wool socks from big box stores…..and they blow out.  They don’t even last a season.  It’s just not worth the price difference.  Summer socks are critical as well for preventing blisters and sores.
• Hydration.  This one is up to you.  If you aren’t running far, you don’t really need hydration options.  I haven’t yet found anything that I love or can’t live without, so if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

What else?  Where do you save money and where do you spend?  Do you have a super secret place for getting all the deals?  Leave a comment, I’d love to hear about it!

 

Who Needs a Comfort Zone Anyway?

Like almost anyone, I have my comfort zone.  I have my habits and quirks, and of course, I like to stay where I’m already settled.

When I signed up to be considered for a Road Warrior position, I knew I would be stepping out of many comfort zones.  I am a rather solitary, introverted person, who generally prefers only one running buddy, and she has 4 legs (you will hear quite a bit about her, she’s delightful and her name is Abbi).

Alas, doing group training at the gym and public training runs is out of my comfort zone.

I went to our first outdoor training run Saturday with mixed feelings.  I’m going to be doing a heck of a lot of this, what if I hate it?  What if I’m the last place runner?  What if I put myself out there and…….(insert ridiculous scenario).  Yet, there was also a some excitement in the mix of emotions, trying to stay afloat amidst the waves of irrational worry.

I walked in and ran right into someone I knew (phew).  I made small talk with several people, saw our coaches, and sat down to listen to Greg Meyer share his running wisdom.  Thankfully, Greg brought out some laughs, which eased the tension for me just a bit more.

Next thing I knew it we were headed outside to start the run.  Not too far in, I connected with a friend.  We strode along together for awhile before breaking off.  I did run solo for a couple of miles, then saw another friend who had planned on the 2 mile distance approaching the 5 mile turnaround point.  I was halfway up the hill but ran across the street to join her, and the other friend.  We ran the last 2.5+ miles together, as a group.

And you know what?  It was pretty nice.  I liked it.  A lot.