Remember when running or walking was cheap?

Okay, maybe running or walking is still cheap for you, but it is not for me.

While out on a training session with my wife the other day, she looked at everything that I was wearing and joked about how runners used to require only a pair of shoes, a pair of socks, and running shorts.

Perhaps that is all that you require for your runs, but I certainly use a lot more gear than that today.

And I suspect that many SpryFeet.com visitors depend on a lot more gear, too.

Check my list (in U.S. dollars), and see whether you would make a similar list:

$ 160 -- GPS wrist-unit
$ 130 -- running shoes
$ 115 -- compression tights
$ 100 -- polarizing sunglasses
$  80 -- compression top
$  35 -- hydration belt
$  35 -- pedometer
$  20 -- interval timer
$  20 -- wicking cap
$  20 -- white-LED clip-on headlamp
$  10 -- red-LED blinker
$  10 -- cellphone case for hydration belt
$  10 -- wicking socks
------------------------------------------
$ 745

All of this can be used on a single walk or run (e.g., one that starts in the early-morning dark and ends in daylight, which is the way that my Saturday sessions nearly always go).

I know many runners and walkers who wear orthotics, too, so you might want to add that to your total.

If you have more than one training session during the week, then you probably will have multiples of some of the clothing (at least the socks), so that adds to the total, too.

And the above list does not mention consumables such as electrolyte/protein drinks, energy-boosting foods, and sunscreen.

You also may want to consider after-the-walk/run gear, such as a towel and stretching mat, in your total.

Beyond all of this, if you run or walk in cold weather, you have to add gloves and so on.

So you might want to add the following to your list (beyond the above costs):

• orthotics
• multiples of some clothing
• after-session gear
• cold-weather gear
• consumables

These “extras” could push the total closer to $1,000.

To  be clear: I am NOT complaining about these costs.

After all, I am always looking for anything that will help to prevent injury or to improve my performance.

But I find it interesting how the pursuit of fewer injuries and better performance has led to all these costs.

What costs did I overlook? Please leave a comment here. Thanks!