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Fitness

How to Save Money on Endurance Events, Gear, and Coaching

This article is for the 30% of triathletes who are students, blue-collar workers, and government or military workers.

Written by Alan Kipping-Ruane Last updated on Nov 22, 2021

According to USA Triathlon, the average triathlete is 38 years old. The average income for a triathlete is $126,000. But according to the stats, over forty percent of triathletes make less than that average. In fact, thirty percent of triathletes are students, blue-collar workers, and those working government and military jobs. It’s this thirty percent I’m writing for today.

The Money Dilemma

These days, entering even a running race can cost upward of $60-100, especially if we are talking about some of the trendier runs. You also see obstacle races closer to the $150-200 price point, yet these races still sell out.

“With the average monthly fee being $160, it’s tough to justify paying for coaching when you are just starting out.”

As a coach, I hate seeing this because it means less disposable income available for individuals to purchase better or faster gear or pay for coaching. In 2012, Training Peaks sent a survey out to all its coaches. With just over 600 responses, these coaches reported the average cost to train with them as $162 per month. My fee is only $129. I refuse to raise my fees at this point in time because I believe it isn’t fair to that thirty percent of individuals who may not make anywhere close to $126,000 a year.

Save Money on Event Expenses

Typically, Ironman races cost anywhere from $500-1,000 to enter, and that doesn’t include the cost to travel to these races. Students probably can’t afford that, yet they are the future of endurance athletes.

To bring down event costs, consider racing locally or making up your own races with friends. Let’s be honest, that does sound fun, right? For my local athletes, I set aside a day to run a mock triathlon. I even drive them from the pool to the “transition”(normally their house). But they get to race.

Save Money on Gear Expenses

The cost of equipment can be steep, but if you spend wisely, it won’t be as much as you’d think. A regular road bike, basic wetsuit, and decent running shoes should only cost around $1,500-2,000. While that sounds like a lot, the most expensive purchase will be your bike, bike shoes, running shoes, and tri-suit. If you have all the other gear or get used gear then the overall cost comes down significantly.

ADD IT ALL UP: The Hidden Costs of Pursuing a Passion

Purchasing used gear or beginner gear will enable you to stretch your dollar, but I have an additional secret that most don’t ever consider. If you want to do a triathlon, consider participating with a friend or training partner in a relay and doing the swimming and running portions. If you compete this way, you get the experience of racing an endurance event without the need to invest in a bike.

Save Money on Coaching Expenses

Of course, the last expense involved with triathlon training is coaching. Coaching fees increase year after year. And while the endurance coaching market becomes saturated with mediocre coaches with no educational background, paying for a coach becomes much harder.

My fee is $129 per month for online coaching and higher for in-person coaching. I have restrained myself from raising these rates because I don’t want to exclude someone from the sport just because he or she can’t afford a coach. With the average monthly fee being $160, it’s tough to justify paying for coaching when you are just starting out.

RELATED: 5 Things to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Coach

To save on a coach, look into group coaching or joining a bike club. Also look for a local masters swimming program. These are much cheaper ways to get coaching, though not as effective or personal as having your own coach. But they are still effective when it comes to what you are trying to achieve, which is participating in the sport of triathlon and bettering yourself and your performance.

These are just a few suggestions on how to bring down the price of endurance sports. But this is not a complete list. I am sure there are tons of nuggets I left out or don’t know about. How have you found ways to save money when it comes to running, swimming, and cycling? Post your ideas to the comments below.

References:

1. USA Triathlon, 2013 Membership Report, June 2014.

2. USA Triathlon, & TribeGroup, LLC. The Mind of the Triathlete Market Research Report. June 2014.

3. Training Peaks. Report on the State of Endurance Coaching, 2013.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock.

About Alan Kipping-Ruane

Alan Kipping-Ruane is a high-performance triathlon coach, exercise physiologist, and micro-entrepreneur. He’s the founder of TriGuy Multisport Coaching, which offers personal triathlon coaching services, triathlon training plans, and Ironman training camps for triathletes looking to reach their triathlon and Ironman potential. Created in the Navy in mid-2009 and officially launched in 2011, TriGuy Coaching trains athletes around the country and continues to grow.


Alan Kipping-Ruane is a high-performance triathlon coach, exercise physiologist, and micro-entrepreneur. He’s the founder of TriGuy Multisport Coaching, which offers personal triathlon coaching services, triathlon training plans, and Ironman training camps for triathletes looking to reach their triathlon and Ironman potential. Created in the Navy in mid-2009 and officially launched in 2011, TriGuy Coaching trains athletes around the country and continues to grow.

Before following his micro-entrepreneurial drive, Alan started out as a swimming coach and lifeguard. He was also training supervisor of a helicopter combat squadron looking after enlisted rescue swimmer development, physical conditioning, and tactical operations. He’s held other roles in coaching, customer service, and consulting companies, and regularly helps athletes understand the role of training (exercise physiology, kinesiology, anatomy, nutrition, biomechanics, and sports psychology) through his USA Triathlon and Multisport University.

Familiar with training and racing, Alan has an inimitable, deep knowledge of exercise physiology, triathlon, and endurance sports. As a first-generation college graduate, he holds a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University in Kinesiology and is both a Certified USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach and Certified Youth & Junior Triathlon Coach.

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