The actual cost of your cold weather running gear

Today was cold. Today was not the end of the running outside cold though. This morning I was greeted by the most beautiful full moon. Clear skies often mean cooler temperatures. I know this because my wife told me I’m in charge of the weather at our house. Who knows exactly what that means, but I’ll take it as meaning I get to make stuff up about the weather like a politician. It might not be factual, but it sure sounds about right.

So how cold was this morning? Three degrees with a light five mile per hour wind. Honestly, once you commit it isn’t that bad. What makes a cold run this time of year difficult is the mindset. We are not acclimated yet. At the end of January today’s run will seem like child’s play. How we prepare for the season is key.

Here is what I wore today for six miles outside.

605 Boco Beanie: $30
605 Boco Buff: $18
Mizuno Breath Thermal Base Layer: $85
Run Jacket: $180
Mizuno Breath Thermal Tights: $75
Balega Long Mohair Socks: $18  
Under Armour Boxer Jock: $35 (2 pack)
Brooks Ravenna 10: $110
Total: $551

I know what you’re thinking.

“Jeez that is a lot of money for winter running gear!”
   
So let’s break it down for context. All of the gear I just listed is three-to-five years old. For math’s sake let’s say it is three years old. In the past three seasons I’ve been wearing this gear for about four months of the year and I run about one-hundred or more miles per month.

4 months * 100 miles = 400 miles
3 years * 400 miles = 1200 miles on my gear
That breaks down to $2.18 per mile and counting.

My point is running apparel is a good investment that lasts long, feels good, looks good and offers technical components that other gear cannot offer. Let’s walk through what I wore again in a different context.

Today was three degrees and all I wore was a pair of pants, a long sleeve shirt, hat, gloves and a jacket.

In my experience when I talk about what I wore versus what my customers think they should be wearing for a day like today, we are in different places. Yes in cold temperatures dressing in layers is important. How we manage those layers matters. As we stack up clothes our mobility gets limited and it becomes more difficult to run. This is when quality over quantity makes a huge difference. I could discuss gear all day, but I promise I’m almost off of my soapbox.

One last talking point about the cost of our apparel. I understand that you as a customer have a choice in how you choose to spend your dollars. I also know that there are other options than what I’ve currently got in my shop. Another thing we know here at the shop is that most of you are going online to read reviews on products before you come down to make a purchase. We are not naïve to how the world works. Our goal is to curate the best products available to us, from our vendors, to help you make your choice. We view ourselves as your teammate in finding what works best for you and your situation. We don’t hide the fact that we are a business and we’ve got margins to make to keep the lights on and the doors open. With that being said we have started a rewards program at the shop. For every $250 you spend you earn a $25 gift card. The program is free to join. So the next time you visit I will ask if you’d like to join. All it requires is your name and a phone number (I promise I’m not going to call or text you – it is just an ID number that we are pretty sure you won’t forget).
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As you know we are now in one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. I personally cannot thank all of you enough for choosing to shop with us, run with us or participate in our local programming (reminder that tonight we have a Tuesday Night Chat!). It is truly an honor to be your local running specialty outfitter.          

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Greg Koch is the Co-Owner and General Manager of 605 Running Company and Co-Produces the Sioux Falls Skedaddle Half Marathon. He serves on the Board of Directors for Downtown Sioux Falls, the 605 Race Crew and the Sioux Falls Area Running Club. When Greg isn’t with his family or working he enjoys being outside biking, kayaking, golfing or playing church softball.

​Instagram: gregrun605
YouTube: 605 Running Company
Facebook: facebook.com/greg.koch.583 ​

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