Forgive me, readers, for I have shopped.
In what feels like a very short amount of time I will be attempting my first (and perhaps last) half marathon. I’m a bit unsure at this point as to why I decided to do this, but I’m signed up and ready(?) to go.
An interesting thing about running is that it requires very little gear. That is, in fact, one of the things I love the most about it. I’ve always been active, but the sports I’ve done require quite a bit of gear. Like swimming (you need a pool, first off) or rowing (boats aren’t small or cheap) or cycling (oh gosh, the gear). But running! You can just slip on a pair of shoes – or not, depending on where you live – and go! Glorious freedom.
Of course, when training for a long(ish) distance event in Manitoba, you have to start when the weather isn’t exactly outdoor-activity-friendly. This wasn’t a problem for me (gear wise – the searing cold was almost unbearable). I have tights and jackets and wool socks a-plenty. As it got colder in the winter, I realized I needed a pair of sweat pants so I made some! No problem!
However, as the days got warmer and my distances became longer, I ran into a few problems. My feet ached and my physiotherapist recommended that I get a pair of more supportive shoes. So I did. On long runs my cheapo sports bra actually wore out the skin along my ribs (bit of an issue) so I bought a new one (or two…). My only tops for activities were cotton or cycling jerseys and I wanted a singlet. My husband wanted to buy me one, but I mostly picked it out so I’m pretty sure it’s cheating. I run to work and needed something to carry my ID, keys and phone, so my husband bought me a running belt.
My low-gear activity suddenly got a lot more gearful.
And now I will be running the half in almost exclusively new things.
I realize that I can justify the shoes and the sports bras as “needs”, since the old items were causing pain and suffering. But then I ask myself where these “needs” are stemming from. They are stemming from a goal of mine that is certainly not a need. In no way do I need to run a half marathon. I’m running more than is necessary for my fitness, and maybe more than I should, considering all the pain I seem to be in. In fact, running like this is a privilege – it is time-consuming and expensive: race fees, gear, extra food, physiotherapy as well, in my case. Only those of us who can afford it, have the time and the good fortune of good health really get the opportunity.
Over the past few weeks I’ve had many conversations with people about privilege and what it means. Now it seems that I have broken my fast for things I do not really need so that I can participate in an event that is reserved primarily for those of us with enough privilege. So much for being and not buying.
To Be and Not to Buy 
Glad you can see it. I’m amazed at how expensive running is, and to what purpose. It seems to cause more health problems than it cures. People don’t seem to understand that all of this stuff involves choices, so I appreciate that you are highlighting this for us.
I think there are a lot of low-cost activities that have been turned into consumer pursuits.
Gardening it one of these. Gardening today is a far cry from the days when gardeners shared cuttings of plants with one another. (They were called “slips” – does anyone use that term anymore?) Pieces of roots were also shared, as were seeds collected from one’s own garden ad small plants that had sprung up on their own. Today we buy everything and the gardening “industry” is constantly urging new varieties upon us.
Love the sweatpants!!! You are very clever.
I love this blog entry!! You have given me great reasons for not ever doing a long (or even semi-long) run! : ) Now I don’t have to feel guilty for being lazy or unmotivated. It seems we can feel guilty about anything!
I also love the conversation and thought that you’re putting into this year. Thank you for doing this for all of us.
Enjoy the run! Be grateful every step.