after running you may need to calculate these costs

As the saying goes, "Before the troops and horses move, the food and fodder go first." To run, you need a set of gear. Therefore, preparing a set of running gear is something every runner must do before starting to run.

However, when seeing the running gear lists posted on many websites, many people might feel that running is a very "luxurious" activity due to the high prices on the lists, and may even be deterred from running because of it.

Is this really the case? Is running gear truly an expense that ordinary people cannot afford? The answer may not be so absolute. As the first sport in human history, running is something everyone has the right to experience, and running gear can be both luxurious and simple.

To allow all running enthusiasts to fully enjoy the fun of running, I have compiled a list of running expenses suitable for various consumer groups, hoping to be of help to everyone.

1. Entry-Level:

The expenses for entry-level runners are mainly on gear. For beginners and ordinary running enthusiasts, I have removed some less practical gear from the list and focused more on the practicality and economy of the gear itself.

1. Running Shoes:

Running shoes are essential for running. Do not wear basketball shoes or badminton shoes for running, as a pair of shoes suitable for running can not only make running easier but also protect your ankles and knees from injury. For beginners, choose comfortable, lightweight, soft shoes with some rebound and shock absorption. Marathon shoes are lightweight but have a short lifespan, so jogging shoes are a more ideal choice. A pair of jogging shoes lasts about 500-1000 km, and a beginner's annual running volume generally does not exceed 1000 km, so you can buy a pair of jogging shoes priced between 350-600 yuan.

2. Clothing:

For entry-level runners, in spring and autumn, you need 2 sets of soft, sweat-absorbing, moderately thick, and breathable clothing, preferably cotton. If conditions allow, you can also choose quick-dry clothes, costing 150-250 yuan per set. In summer, you only need 1-2 sets of lightweight, breathable sports T-shirts and shorts priced under 100 yuan. In winter, you can add a moderately thick windproof hoodie, costing 150-200 yuan. The total cost for clothing is about 500-800 yuan.

3. Pain Relief Medications:

For beginners, abrasions, sprains, and muscle soreness are not uncommon, so it is necessary to prepare some common pain relief medications like band-aids and pain relief sprays.

4. Auxiliary Gear:

In addition to the essential gear mentioned above, runners can also purchase some inexpensive but practical auxiliary gear to improve comfort and safety during running.

Socks:

Priced at 10-20 yuan per pair, choose sweat-absorbing, moderately thick, soft cotton socks that do not cause blisters.

Headband: Sweat-absorbing, priced at 10-20 yuan.

Headlamp:

Used for running in poorly lit areas at night, priced at 80-120 yuan. Since the body moves up and down while running, the stability of the headlamp is very important, so do not choose cheap but heavy and unstable headlamps to save money.

Waist/Arm Bag:

For carrying band-aids, small towels, phones, etc., priced at 30-60 yuan. Choose lightweight, close-fitting waist/arm bags, and do not place too many or too heavy items to avoid burdening your run.

A set of entry-level gear costs about 900-1700 yuan.

2. Amateur Level:

Many runners have made running an important hobby. These runners set certain running goals, stick to running exercises, and participate in 1-2 marathons each year. Besides the registration and related fees, their demand for running gear also increases.

1. Training Shoes:

Amateur runners usually run 1500-2800 km per year, requiring 2-3 pairs of running shoes annually. They also have higher demands for the functionality, especially stability and shock absorption, of the shoes. A suitable pair of running shoes costs about 600-900 yuan. Additionally, runners need a pair of marathon-specific shoes, costing about 400-600 yuan.

2. Clothing:

You can choose quick-dry clothes or higher-performance compression clothes, costing about 500-800 yuan per set, and a windproof jacket costing 300 yuan. The total cost for clothing is 1300-2000 yuan.

3. Other Gear:

Band-aids, Vaseline, pain relief medications, glucose solution, etc.: 200-300 yuan.

Fitness Tracker: 300-500 yuan.

Headlamp: 300 yuan.

Waist bag, water bottle, etc.: 300 yuan.

Headband, socks, hat, etc.: 400 yuan.

4. Event Registration and Related Fees: About 300-500 yuan.

The total cost is about 4500-8000 yuan.

3. Professional Level:

Professional runners usually run 160-230 km per week and participate in dozens of marathons and trail races each year, so their demand for professional gear is very high.

1. Training Gear:

Training shoes cost 900-1300 yuan per pair, training clothes cost 1200 yuan per set, and auxiliary gear costs 1000-2500 yuan.

2. Marathon Gear:

Marathon shoes cost 800-1200 yuan, running clothes cost 1600-2000 yuan, and auxiliary gear costs 1000 yuan.

3. Trail Running Gear:

Trail shoes cost 900-1500 yuan, and other gear (water bottle, compass, bandage, headlamp, etc.) costs about 2000-3000 yuan.

4. Event Registration and Related Travel Fees mainly depend on the selected events and the number of events participated in.

So, after reading the above list, do you love running even more?

In fact, many of the posts about running expenses seen online are based on professional runners, but there are not many professional runners among running enthusiasts. Most runners are actually at the entry or amateur level, so running expenses are not always that high.

Therefore, running is still a very "down-to-earth" sport. As long as you love it, you can get involved!