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!