Are Runners Cheap?

I buy all all running clothing and shoes at Goodwill. You can't beat getting a pair of shorts, a shirt, and a pair of shoes with 100 miles left on 'em for 6 or 7 bucks.

:D wrote:

well, i haven't done a laundry load in about 4 weeks and have been rewearing the same running shorts for numerous runs...does that make me a stingy cheap person? :)

My friend once went into the shower with his shorts still on. I thought he was going crazy or was some sort of homophobe or something, but he explained that he always does this so he doesn't ever have to wash his shorts. One of my more valuable running lessons- right up there with wearing socks on your hands so you don't have to buy gloves.

I'd characterize runners as strictly business, out of business, back in business, business as usual, business never personal, and by any means necessary kind of creatures. The USATF hospitality tent at Van Cortland was absolutely pillaged by 2 pirate emcees who are still swilling the Gleukos beverages they bagged that day. One witness yelled out, that he was dressed in black. Stupid dookie link, with a Fisherman hat. A cop said, "Yo, how'd he flee from the spot?" In a black sports car, I think it was an Iroc, but the windows were tinted, and we couldn't get a look." (Why?) There was smoke from the rubber he cooked.

The big payback

Did some check one-twos, and some yes yes y'alls

I have just found that as I get older, I don't need as much new running stuff. The clothes I have accumulated over the years is more than enough.

I consider myself thrifty. I don't spend money on myself unless I need to and I look for a bargain. However, I can't stand cheap people... like the jackasses that don't leave tips or flip out at the kid working at Blockbuster when the prices go up.

And to answer your question, yes, I think many runners are cheap.

notcheap wrote:

If we are cheap then why do we pay race fees from $10 up to $100+ for a freaking marathon???

We do it for the groovy t-shirt.

Mr. Anonymous wrote:

1. No I wouldn't.

2. I'm not poor, but I am fine with being called cheap.

3. Yes I can make fun of you. I just did.

Out.

Rich tri-geek wrote:

If you had the money, you would spend it on cool stuff too. Just because you are poor (and/or cheap) doesn't mean you can ridicule those of us who can actually afford expensive things without a second mortgage.

My guess is that you are not poor because you still live at home and are constantly mooching off your parents. Grow up, start paying your own rent, and determine what is really important to you. I bet you see a lot of your money going towards it, and you will quickly classify yourself as poor. I, of course, will simply consider you stupid.

My guess is that you are not poor because you still live at home and are constantly mooching off your parents.

Untrue.

I, of course, will simply consider you stupid.

Very probably true. But I can laugh at myself.

(Channeling Kilgore, not actually Kilgore)

Out.

Good to hear - because everyone else is laughing at you (not with you).

I have new insite into the bikers, tri-geeks and yuppie back of the packers. My wife works with a large number of people that all make big coin. Over the past few years they have migrated to running (5 hr marathons, biking, and triathons.

It is hilarious. I've been running since age 11. Watching these people pour thier money into god only knows what, has just been very entertaining. Private coaches, expensive bikes, helmets, clip less peddles, you name it. And they all suck, I don't mean they suck like an 18min 5k. I'm talk WAAAYYYYY in the back, regardless of event.

I watch one lady decide to "get into biking" after doing one 30 mile ride on a friend's bike, and drop 2 grand in the local bike shop that afternoon. I was amazed.

They should be spending their money on art and not wasting it on a bike that will end up gathering dust in the garage.

Rich tri-geek wrote:

Good to hear - because everyone else is laughing at you (not with you).

We're all laughing at you, too.

You are only upset because I have more money than you do. Ha!

Really cheap people wear their thriftyness like a badge of honor. Clearly, running has plenty of tight fisted people within the sport (evidenced from what we have all seen and plenty of the comments provided so far). However, there are fiscal hawks everywhere too, participating in all sports. Plenty of cheap triathletes riding crappy bikes.

There is a former 7-11 pro cyclist living in my city who will periodically show up at some crit races, ride his circa 1986-87 team issued HUFFY bike and smoke the crap out of the local and regional studs on their $3-5k Colnagos and Treks. Does the equipment make that much difference? Probably not. Still doesn't alleviate or excuse the deplorable behavior the runners demonstrate scarfing up bananas and bagels like some sort of homeless person at a buffet table.

Mr. Potter wrote:

Really cheap people wear their thriftyness like a badge of honor. Clearly, running has plenty of tight fisted people within the sport (evidenced from what we have all seen and plenty of the comments provided so far). However, there are fiscal hawks everywhere too, participating in all sports. Plenty of cheap triathletes riding crappy bikes.

There is a former 7-11 pro cyclist living in my city who will periodically show up at some crit races, ride his circa 1986-87 team issued HUFFY bike and smoke the crap out of the local and regional studs on their $3-5k Colnagos and Treks. Does the equipment make that much difference? Probably not. Still doesn't alleviate or excuse the deplorable behavior the runners demonstrate scarfing up bananas and bagels like some sort of homeless person at a buffet table.

I am a triathlete who is generally thrifty. I don't see much of a reason to spend wads of cash on the latest tricked-out bike (probably because I am comfortable with the size of my penis). I simply enjoy the sport and being out there doing my own thing. But I have to admit that nothing makes me happier than zipping past some wannabe on his multi-thousand dollar ride (probably rich tri-geek) while I'm pedaling a simple stock bike I got used off ebay.

You can't buy speed and endurance. And, remember, it's not about the bike - it's about the engine pedaling it.

[quote]Mr. Potter wrote:

There is a former 7-11 pro cyclist living in my city who will periodically show up at some crit races, ride his circa 1986-87 team issued HUFFY bike and smoke the crap out of the local and regional studs on their $3-5k Colnagos and Treks.quote]

Those "huffys" as you so clearly point out were top of the line custom bikes when he was riding for 7-11. Roughly equivalent to a $5k bike now.

trust me, those HUFFY's don't have the components, gadgets and are much different bikes, etc. than all the new bikes do these days. they may have been top of the line 20 years ago, but they are much more peared down version of stock low end bikes you can get today.point was, they 7-11 guy could probably ride a big wheel and still beat most guys riding well in regional cat 1/2 races.

altitude adjustor wrote:

[quote]Mr. Potter wrote:

There is a former 7-11 pro cyclist living in my city who will periodically show up at some crit races, ride his circa 1986-87 team issued HUFFY bike and smoke the crap out of the local and regional studs on their $3-5k Colnagos and Treks.quote]

Those "huffys" as you so clearly point out were top of the line custom bikes when he was riding for 7-11. Roughly equivalent to a $5k bike now.

altitude adjustor wrote:

Those "huffys" as you so clearly point out were top of the line custom bikes when he was riding for 7-11. Roughly equivalent to a $5k bike now.

Oh, please.... Ask yourself this: How would you feel if some dude beats you riding a 20 year old huffy and you were riding your $5000 LA autographed trek?

Dude is a former pro? I would feel honored to ride against him.

Yup.