Run Smarter Not Harder: AI Training for Fitness Runners [5401]

To many people, running seems like a simple and easy-to-start, fundamental exercise. When it comes torunning, most people think all you need is a T-shirt, shorts, and running shoes to head out. However, as you delve deeper, you'll find that running gear involves more than just these items, and the costs associated with running are not low.

Once you get into it, you'll discover that running can be a very expensive sport. Whether it's a young man from Hangzhou who spent 400,000 yuan over three years to complete 100 marathons, or a Chinese runner who spent 82,400 yuan to challenge the Antarctic Marathon, netizens have criticized these as 'too extravagant.'

So, is it really too extravagant for runners to spend a fortune on running? How much does an average runner spend on running in their lifetime? How much have you spent since you started running? Today, let's break down the costs of running~

How much will you spend running for a lifetime?

Assuming a runner starts running at age 25 and continues until age 70, how much will they spend over a 45-year running career? The authoritative running magazine 'Runner's World' provides some interesting data.

The most frugal runner will spend only 14,100 yuan over a lifetime, equivalent to seven years of a typical gym membership.

An average runner will spend 243,000 yuan over a lifetime, equivalent to a mid-range car.

A wealthy runner will spend up to 1.1 million yuan over a lifetime, almost the price of a house in a second- or third-tier city.

Running expenses include everything from basic to high-end running gear, marathon registration fees, transportation, accommodation, food, and more.Based on a 45-year running span, the average annual expenditure for a Chinese runner is 5,300 yuan. According to the '2015 China Running Population Survey Report,' the average Chinese runner spends 3,601 yuan on running gear annually.

Where did all your money 'run' to?

1. Running shoes (essential)

High-end: Custom brand running shoes 3,000+ yuan

Mid-range: Brand running shoes 800 yuan

Low-end: General running shoes 300-500 yuan

Ultimate: Slippers, clogs, or barefoot running 0-20 yuan

2. Sports socks (essential)

High-end: Professional sports socks 200 yuan

Mid-range: General sports socks 60 yuan

Low-end: Regular socks 10 yuan

Ultimate: Barefoot, no need for socks! 0 yuan

3. Sports tops (essential)

High-end: (Men) Functional compression shirt 1,200 yuan; (Women) Sports bra 1,000 yuan

Mid-range: (Men) Sports top 300 yuan; (Women) Medium sports bra 400 yuan

Low-end: (Men) Free sports vest 0 yuan; (Women) General sports bra 100 yuan

Ultimate: Shirtless! 0 yuan

4. Sports pants (essential)

High-end: High-end functional compression pants 1,500 yuan

Mid-range: General brand compression pants 400 yuan

Low-end: Regular sports shorts 80 yuan

Ultimate: No pants? That's inappropriate

5. Sports waist pack + water bottle (essential)

Note: During official races, there are supply stations along the route, so to lighten the load, these are generally not carried. However, they are essential for regular training.

High-end: High-end brand waist pack + water bottle 1,000 yuan

Mid-range: Brand waist pack + water bottle 150 yuan

Low-end: Regular waist pack + water bottle 60 yuan

Ultimate: I run marathons without drinking water! 0 yuan

6. Sports sunglasses (non-essential)

High-end: Brand sports sunglasses 2,000 yuan

Mid-range: General sports sunglasses 200 yuan

Low-end: Regular sunglasses 50 yuan

Ultimate: Eyes with built-in filters, no need! 0 yuan

7. Pre-race training (non-essential)

High-end: Personal trainer, pacer, three months before the race, 3,000 yuan

Mid-range: Running club fee 100 yuan

Low-end: Self-training 0 yuan

Ultimate: Never train, just run, 0 yuan!

8. Nutritional supplements (non-essential)

High-end: Glutamine, protein powder, iron supplements, calculated for three months 1,800 yuan

Mid-range: General supplements, calculated for three months 600 yuan

Low-end: Eat more, balanced diet, regular meals

Ultimate: Eat nothing but three meals a day!

9. Registration fees (essential)

Domestic registration: 150-200 yuan

International registration: For example, the six major WMM marathons, 350-2,230 yuan

Charity registration: 1,000-20,000 yuan

Adding it all up, running expenses are indeed considerable~

Traveling to various races is the most expensive part!

For seasoned and avid runners, the biggest expense isn't the running gear, but the costs of traveling to races both domestically and internationally.

Domestic marathons generally have three tiers: high, medium, and low, with fees around 120 yuan, 80 yuan, and 60 yuan respectively. Some smaller local races have registration fees between 20-50 yuan. If you only participate in domestic races, the cost of traveling to other cities isn't too high. Including airfare and hotel accommodation, a two-day trip costs about 3,000 yuan.

However, once you start participating in international races, the costs are significantly higher. For example, the New York Marathon registration fee for foreign participants is about 1,650 yuan, and the Boston Marathon is about 1,400 yuan. If you participate in more grueling long-distance multi-day trail races, the registration fees are even higher. A long-distance Gobi race can cost between 50,000-80,000 yuan.

Some runners participate in at least one international marathon a year. According to European standards, visa fees are about 1,200 yuan. If you don't travel for leisure and only run the marathon, the total cost for transportation, accommodation, and meals for a four-day, three-night trip is about 16,000 yuan. For luxury races, the total annual cost is about 20,000 yuan.

Conclusion

Is running really expensive? Many runners don't think so. Many people focus more on the health and psychological benefits of running. Each running enthusiast invests differently in their running.

Compared to the health benefits of running, these varying financial investments are generally within the acceptable range for those who love running. There's no need to compare expenses with others.Running happily is the most important thing!

Life is movement, keep running