How much will it cost to
do an IRONMAN?
How much will it cost to do an Ironman? … Well that’s a bit like asking “how long is a piece of string?”
Like any large scale project, training for and racing IRONMAN comes at a cost. This cost can range between manageable to significant. Where you sit along the IRONMAN cost scale can depend on a number of factors ...your motivation for racing ...how well you manage your budget …the size of your wallet … the tolerance of your significant other…
Below is a list of items that you will definitely need and therefore can expect to have to purchase when training for your IRONMAN. This is a “minimum items” list (if you’re wanting to do IRONMAN on a tight budget this is the list of items your really can’t do without).
For the Budget Conscious
Keep in mind that you don’t have to splash out and buy brand new gear, jump online, you will be surprised at what gems people are trying to sell. Trademe, Ebay, Gumtree and Sale groups on Facebook are excellent resources and you can often pick up great deals on secondhand gear. You’ll also be surprised how much stuff is just lying around peoples’ houses not being used, so there’s no harm in asking other athletes if they have any gear that they are willing to part with.
For the Not So Budget Conscious
If you’re in the position of being able to be extravagant, triathlon is an excellent sport to help you spend your money, it will not disappoint, so if you are planning to beef things up a bit there is a multitude of high tech flash gear, out there. In the list below we have included minimum amounts you can expect to pay for each item but also an indication of costs if you are shopping for top of the line items.
Be smart
Have a read through this list and use it as a gauge for your IRONMAN budget. As mentioned you don't have to purchase the top of the range equipment, but you do need to get things that are going to be suitable for the task at hand. If buying secondhand items make sure you know how much it has been used.
Another thing is to really look after your equipment. Not caring for your gear is a sure way to wear it out quickly, and replacing it just adds more to your expenses.
Budget
A lot of athletes form a budget and plan to set aside a certain amount of money each week to add to their “Triathlon Fund”. A Triathlon Fund is a great idea as it enables you to plan ahead for the expenses that will ensue over the coming training and racing season.
Share
It’s a good idea to share this list and budget with your significant other so as they know what to expect and there are no hidden surprises for them. This way you’ll also have to explain yourself if you are tempted to ignore the budget and sneak in a new set of race wheels or the latest aero helmet.
It’s Worth It
As you will see there are a number of expenses you need to be aware of when you take on the challenge of an IRONMAN and sure they can mount up but think less about it as an expense and more about it as enabling you to fulfil your dream. So one last thing to add to that list:
IRONMAN NZ and IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo Training Plans
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