Rich Guys Overcomplicate Running

You find these things complex? Thats.... kinda sad.

I am a rich guy and only have 2 pairs of running shorts, 1 pair of shoes and NONE of the rest.

Ye too often people treat different sports like a fancy dress party.

Like its a role playing game and they have to "look the part".

Cargo cult, they imitate the visible aspect

You don't rotate your shoes broseph?

I'm not rich and possess several of those things. Of course, other than shoes, everything has been gifted to me by my rich relatives or won in local road races.

There a difference betweening enjoying that stuff and NEEDING that stuff.

The thing is, how do we define need, brosephine? Do you really need shoes? There are barefoot runners, ask bfef. Do you need shorts or could you fashion a pair by re-purposing a curtain? I'm sure you could do that too for a T shirt (if needed). One can run, free, on the Serengeti unconstrained by all of this.

The OP does bring up a good point, albeit in a very trollish way. Some runners have become like a good portion of the cycling and triathlon community: mediocre athletes with money and a gear obsession. The avalanche of online shoe reviews has just accelerated the trend and some otherwise smart people are just suckers for slick marketing.

This goes beyond a few rotating pairs of shoes and appropriate clothes for weather conditions. It is buying every piece of available wearable tech, getting every book about training and trying to put together a plan based on their latest read (their fifth new training philosophy this year), boasting that they just bought the latest and greatest new carbon thing, and trying very hard to look "pro" while not being anywhere close to pro fitness. You know these dudes at your local club and races - AlphaFlys, Coros watch and Stryd pod, Maurten drink bottle, looking very serious about everything during warmup, blasting out a disappointing also ran 5K time and then quick with the excuses afterwards (too hot/cold, too many turns, dumb course with a moderate hill in the final mile, just training through this one, ran 20 miles the day before, walkers in tutus lined up in the "elite" corral, confusing check in process, etc.)

Get back to basics! Commitment to a solid training plan, a simple GPS watch, two pairs of trainers, and a set of flats are all you need.

Amen, I say to you!

I certainly keep it simple with training plans and gear and I don't really care about looking good. My lack of caring also extends to what other people wear and buy. If they want to buy this stuff, good for them. I really couldn't give a s***. Why do you care?

If they're happy, why not?

It also keeps people in running-related jobs. The more running stores stay open, the better, surely?

Road shoes are complicated? Let us know how barefoot running in the street works out for you. Track and cross spikes have been around since probably the 1800s, not complicated. Tights have been around since Shakespeare - running pants are an interior product invented solely for modesty.

Amen! Nothing better than running down the trail with the wind whipping at my bare ass with my sack swaying free in the breeze and my rod slapping from one thigh to the next. On these runs, I also relish the feel of mud between my toes. I measure the duration of my run by sneaking a peek at the clock next to the entrance to my hut, and I make sure to go directly back home after my run so I can see how long I took. If I forget to look at the clock before I leave home, I can always track the path of the sun through the sky to figure out how long my run is - assuming it's sunny of course. For repeats, I count: 1, 1000, 2, 1000, 3, 1000...surprisingly accurate! Other than a few run-ins with prudish policemen, and a burgeoning doctor's bill to treat my bruised man parts, this minimalist running approach has worked surprisingly well for me.

It would be better if you added:

Physical therapist

Chiropractor

Massages

Altitude chamber

Physician with regular bloodwork

Dietitian

Professional coach

Travel to races

Entry fees to major events

You pretty much listed shoes, clothes and a little bit of tech

I have most of these items, and am considered rich. I also have the satisfaction that you think about me, and your life revolves around me. You also forgot about my destination events, etc. I also wear my Apple Watch since it has cellular and lighter than my phone. I still use GPS due to longer battery life. I also have a fair number of hats and sunglasses. I also have access to health club if needed. I am enjoying life, you should try.

Do you eat stinky cheese too? I need to know.

What? You think that's a lot? Go look up all the gear let's say a cyclist, or golfers have. As far as shoes, I have one pair of trainers, flats and trails. I have one GPS watch and heart rate monitor. Running clothes I have 3 jackets, one pair of tights, some shirts and shorts. All that other stuff you listed isn't necessary. In reality running is one of the cheapest hobbies one can have. Compared to some of the most common hobbies in America today ie video games. I have buddies that spent 2+ grand on a PC video game + all the games they buy. Or compared to cycling, where the minimum for a good road bike is 2000. That's before you get all the other stuff for cycling. Sounds like you just need to get a job so that you can afford to buy 3 pair of shoes, a GPS watch and some running clothes. Or stop being jealous or envious(having a brain fartlek right now in the difference and am too lazy to look it up)

Why U so pressed broseph

I use my money to stay comfy

U not rocking with comfort?!?!?

Yikes! wrote:

Do you eat stinky cheese too? I need to know.

I am not sure, my head is so far up my rear it is all I can smell.