The Cost of Running Comfort

How much is all of this gear going to cost you? Here are some ballpark figures for items you might not have sitting around the house:

• Running shorts: $15 to $30 a pair
• Singlets: $15 to $25 each
• Tights: $40 to $60 a pair
• Tops to go with tights: $40 each
• Running suits: $100 to $200 for the set
• Sports bras: $15 to $30 each

You can easily pay more for any of these items. One company has a top-of-the-line running suit that retails for more than $300. But that’s certainly not necessary. The figures that I just gave you are good guides to getting gear that’s high-quality and made for vigorous outdoor exercise.
The winter apparel is obviously the priciest of the lot. That’s because this apparel is made of special high-tech fabrics, which I’ll tell you more about in just a bit. But remember: Most people get by with either a pair of tights and a heavy top made of similar material or a running suit. Eventually you might want to get both, but that’s not necessary. Or you could get a pair of tights, a snug top, and eventually add a nice jacket, and you’d be set for pretty much anything old man winter is going to throw at you.

If this seems like a lot of money, bear a few things in mind. As I said, it’s not as if you have to go out and buy all of this stuff right when you start running. If you start running in the summer, hold off for a few months on the cold-weather gear until you need it. Even with generous estimates, you can buy enough basic gear to run in comfortably throughout the year for less than $300. That’s less than a dollar a day for the sake of being more comfortable and therefore enjoying your running more.