Last week in exercise physiology lab, my professor asked for a volunteer to do a VO2Max test. I jumped on the opportunity. I’ve wanted to do a VO2Max test for a while now, mainly out of curiosity. I may not be in peak (or even close) shape at the moment, bur really, how can you beat a free (well, free with tuition) test?? I’ve heard that sucker can cost hundreds of dollars elsewhere! Luckily for me, no one else jumped to volunteer. In fact, i don’t think anyone else even batted an eyelash. The VO2Max lab rat position is allllll minneee!
The inaugural Rivertown half marathon, in the same town as the college campus (Conway SC). The weekend after the Beach2Battleship relay. I could do a nice, slow, recovery run among fellow runners, with Gatorade stops (even though I’ll be using the NUUN thank you very much!)
All whining aside, truth is, perhaps I’m just a broke college student who is bitter that she probably won’t be affording this race, and will probably turn a horrible shade of envious green knowing there is a half marathon going on in my backyard and I’m not there, despite the fact that I ran a full marathon the weekend before.
Jennifer P
I don’t mind $60 for a half, but $40 for a 10K is out of the question for me. Most races here are in around the $60 mark, some giving you more value than others.
Running and living
This is why I have a hard time doing 5K and 10Ks, too expensive. I also pick my 1/2 based on price. My marathon is only 35 dollars, can you believe it?
HEATHER @ runfastermommy!
Hi Jennifer! I guess it is all relative. I was thinking after I posted the blog, that I paid $120 for the Disney world half marathon (crazy) and will pay $80 for the Myrtle Beach half marathon (just on the other side of town, haha). I guess what it all boils down to is exactly what you said, some give more value than others. I guess I should give the race the benefit of the doubt since it is their first year!
HEATHER @ runfastermommy!
$35 marathon?!?!! WOW! I’d sign up too!
Jo Lynn
That’s why I love PCTR events. Maximum is $55 for their 50K distances. The smaller ones range from $30 to $45. They have 32 events a year. You get aid station food & drink and a t-shirt. Now granted, it’s trail running, but still. So reasonable, right?
The SF Marathon this year was $120. Ridiculous! But, TONS of people pay it, don’t they?
The DeVito's
Do you think it’s because of insurance? I would think the smaller the race, they have to charge more per person because they still have to pay insurance and have to cover their costs.
HEATHER @ runfastermommy!
ooh insurance, that’s a good point! I’m sure they have to have EMS on hand and what not. But why would insurance cost more for adding more miles? Risk of injury increases maybe?
HEATHER @ runfastermommy!
Jo Lynn, if only we had trails 🙁 All we have are golf cart paths, haha
Angela
yay on the vo2 max. I would jump at that chance too. Keep us posted!
Marlene
Too cool on the V02 testing. I would have jumped at the opportunity too! Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
I don’t even want to talk about race fees. My poor credit card!
Ange
Just found your blog! how cool taht you can do a Vo2max test! TEll us all about it ! And happy bday to your baby!!!
Nicole
I’m so jealous about the VO2 Max test!! How feakin’ cool!! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Yes, race fees are crazy. I just paid $75 to do my last half marathon. It could have been “just” $60, but I was a bit behind on registering. I think I paid $70 for my marathon. It’s ridiculous!
Mel -Tall Mom on the Run
I MIGHT be OK avoiding Mommy bladder issues on a TReadmill, but put me on a TRampoline…OOPS!! Very cool to be a lab rat.
With one income I ask the same questions. I had to pass on the Seattle half because it is $75…I settled for a small race with a $40 price tag.. The swag and overall event feel may be less…but atleast I will have a few bucks to rub together for another race fee.
I am looking for a sponsor too…so if you find one share the wealth…there could be some Nuun in it for you.. JK… Hugs to keeping our plates FULL.
Mama
I hear you. There’s a new half marathon here in November and they want $75. Umm, no. Luckily there are a lot of smaller races around here that are really cheap, so I can save my money for a few big races a year.
Can’t wait to hear about the VO2 Max test.
MCM Mama
Kaci
I know the prices are crazy!! I keep telling Hubs we have a expensive hobby. UGH! 🙂 XOXO
Nicole Orriëns
It does seem odd to pay for something you can do for free! What do you actually pay for? The competition? The medals? Seventy dollars does sound like a lot!
http://www.momshomrun.blogspot.com
Megan
I hate VO2max tests! I get really claustrophobic and can’t breathe right in the device.
gene
why not just show up and run? use your Garmin (p.b.t.n.) for time/pacing, and just RUN!
no? morals-schmorals. okokok, i almost did it last weekend here in Vermont, too, but balked. ended up just showed up and cheered on random people who looked like they could use some ‘cowbell’. ver interested to hear about the testing.
peace, yo….gene
N.D.
I agree! there are tons of races I don’t do bc of the cost! That is alot. Especially for an inaugural one. The V20 thing sounds awesome – can’t wait to hear about it!
Running, kind of.
I know! Race fees are ridiculous! I had been wanting to do a half in my area but the $65 entry fee was too much. The morning of I headed to the race site to do day of registration for the 4 miler instead of the half. When I got there they said, “Sorry! We are out of shirts so the fee is $15 for the 4 miler and $20 for the half.” WHAT!?!?! That stupid shirt that will just sit in my drawer and cause me to pile up clothes on my dresser cost FORTY FIVE DOLLARS?!?!? Can I do EVERY race sans t-shirt for a $45 dicount, please?! Jeeze!
Amanda
Running, kind of.
Oh yeah, I was reading other comments and I was told that they have to pay the police for thier time in closing the streets and directing traffic AND the city usually charges as well if they have to close streets. It all adds up I guess.
Ashley
LOL….I just blogged about race fees too! And I got in on some CHEAP races…but they all add up!
Lisa Slow-n-Steady
Lucky you with the Vo2Max test for free.
Race fees are baffling sometimes.
Heather
I agree with you on the race fees – it’s crazy! We have a 5K/10K here in town that is only $10 and I love it.
Have fun being a lab rat!
lindsay
too cool about the v02max testing! can’t wait to hear how it goes 🙂
race fees are often ridiculous… i have my pre-determined “reasonable” limits although i have also paid quite the premiums before… there are a good amount of races that are reasonable, they’re just not going to bring the big race atmosphere. i kinda prefer the smaller ones though, so it works out.
Irene
Score! I would have been all over the V02 max testing as well!
The rest of the class probably would not have benefited as much as you will from the V02 max testing.
A lot of *us* runners fall into the needing the bling category… I think we all need runner’s rehab. 😉
Jess
Good luck with the VO2 max test! I’ve always wanted to do that as well. We’ll need a full report about how it goes.
Jesse
I’m also a broke college student, and it sucks. I would enter a race at least once a month if it wasn’t so expensive. How about making t-shirts and medals optional? I’d pay some cash to have a supported course to run with a timing chip, but I don’t necessarily need a cotton t-shirt from the occassion.
Ok, maybe I’m just jealous of all of those non college students who can run whatever race they want.
lara
I just finished my first half marathon and it only cost $15. I guess I lucked out. I don’t know why they have to be so expensive.