by Na’Tasha Jones, Co-founder and CCO, RUNGRL

The idea of jumping into a “new year, new me” fitness commitment can feel intimidating and expensive. We’re well into the new year, but for many, the holiday season left its mark on our wallets, and there’s plenty to think about with a new year and new monthly budgets.

With the right information, though, it's actually the perfect time to discover how to get (or stay) on track with your fitness goals without overspending. In fact, running can be the perfect low-barrier entry to a renewed fitness commitment on a budget.

From finding affordable gear options to registering for races without emptying your pockets, all it takes is a bit of resourcefulness and inside info to get set up for a wellness-focused lifestyle without a ton of spending.

Affordable Running Gear

When you look good you feel good, and that applies to your running and wellness journey, too. A new running outfit can really provide you with the extra motivation to put it on and get going. But as anyone with a healthy running gear obsession knows, building out a wardrobe of quality fitness gear can get really pricey, really fast.

Sure high-tech running gear is both fly and functional, you don’t necessarily need a million pieces to get started. The good news is, when it comes to running, the only true must-have is a quality pair of running shoes. And while top-of-the-line performance shoes can be amazing in your training, they can sometimes cost upwards of $250 or more. For those new to running (or those just returning), those may not be the best investment right out of the gate.

A few tips can help you get the right shoes and gear without breaking the bank:

Consult for the right shoe fit. Nothing feels worse than buying some expensive running shoes that just don’t feel right once you hit the road. Head to a running store for a proper fitting and ensure that the money you invest in good running shoes is the best possible value.
Try discount outlets. Once you’ve found the best proper fitting running shoe, be sure to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best price. Outlet stores and online clearance sections of well-known sports brands often have discounted running gear. Is that same shoe available online for a better price? Is another colorway of the same shoe currently on sale?
Read the reviews. Everything new isn’t always best. Sure those new running tights may look cool, but are they right for you? Check the reviews to see mentions of features you need, or those with similar body types to yours to know what to expect on fit and performance. Are the tights made for curvy thighs and bums? Is that bra supportive for your chest size? Does it have a drawstring to customize the waist-to-hip ratio?
Opt for mix-and-match layers. A quality running jacket or vest can protect from the cold over several different running outfits. Know where you can wash and repeat layers, and where you’ll need a few extras to cycle in the wash. Keep a couple of base layers in your rotation and you can repeat your main gear. Taking good care of your running gear is also crucial. Wash promptly to avoid bacteria and odor setting in and follow instructions to protect gentle items, repairing any issues while they’re still fixable.

DIY and Budget-friendly Fitness Solutions

Making your own fitness snacks can help save on the cost of often-expensive supplements and energy snacks. Photo: Pexels/Andreas Ayrton

DIY lovers can rejoice, because there’s a ton of great ways to save on fitness items by getting crafty and creative. A few ideas:

Homemade Energy Snacks. Create your own energy bars or gels using simple ingredients like honey, chia seeds, and fruit puree. Or try this one from Adventure Dining Guide.

DIY Sports Drinks. Skip expensive sports drinks and make your own electrolyte solution with water, salt, and a touch of citrus juice.

Map it out. Plan your running routes to pass by water fountains, coffee shops, or other places that allow a quick cup of water for hydration stops.

Homemade Protein Snacks. Make your own protein bars and running snacks to save coins and create something you love. Protein granola, peanut butter date balls, and more are easy to make at home, and great to make in bulk for later.

Run Commuting

If distance allows, a running commute can be a great way to multitask your run on busy days.It saves on transportation costs and provides a built-in workout. Choose to run one way and take public transportation home, or double up and run both ways. You’ll need a safe running route, access to a shower and, preferably, not to have to bring your laptop along.

Affordable Races

One of the biggest expenses with racing can be the fees. There are a few things to pay attention to in order to help lower some of the costs.

Plan ahead. Planning out which races you’d like to run for the full year can help you budget accordingly. This can apply for the race fees, or any associated travel costs if you’re racing out of town. Set up a racing savings account, or a good old-fashioned piggy bank. Whatever your preferred method, it’ll be easier to pull the trigger when you already have the money set aside.

Early Bird Registration. In that same spirit of planning ahead, registering for races well in advance can allow you to take advantage of early bird pricing. Prices often go up the closer you get to race day, so getting in at initial pricing can save you big on the final cost.

Go Local. Look for local, smaller races, which often have lower registration fees compared to major events. Fees can be as low as $20 for a community marathon. For smaller city marathons fees can range under $100, and big city races and World Marathon Majors can run as high as $150 to $300+. If you’re gunning for a major race, that’s great! Just be sure to remember the great local options close to home as well.

Volunteer as Race Support. Some races offer discounted or guaranteed entry in exchange to future races for volunteering. This can be a great way to give back to the running community, and save on entry fees at the same time. It’s also a great hack for those hard-to-win race lotteries on highly-competitive races.

Running for Charity. Save on race fees and raise money for a good cause by racing on behalf of a charitable organization.

Ditch the Gym Membership

Small adjustments can add up to big savings in your fitness budget. Photo: Pexels/Karolina Grabowska

Now this one might be considered a radical idea, since the top of the year is usually when gyms see their biggest spike in new memberships, but maybe it’s time to ditch the gym. Consider canceling expensive gym memberships and embracing outdoor running as your primary form of fitness. The great outdoors offers fresh air, scenic routes, and it's entirely free.

Of course, everyone’s fitness goals may vary, but opting for calisthenic workouts, hiit workouts and other simple moves that can be done at home can help to supplement your running training while saving some monthly costs as well.

Try investing in basic, cost-effective fitness equipment like a pair of dumbbells and fitness bands for accessible, at-home workouts. These tools can add variety to your training routine without the hefty gym fees.

Free Fitness Apps

With or without the gym, be sure to take advantage of free running and fitness apps for tracking your progress, setting goals, and staying motivated without the cost of premium subscriptions. Runner favorites include Strava, MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper, Nike Run Club and Nike Training Club, and Garmin Connect. There are also premium, paid apps as well, but if you’re looking for value, these apps can put thousands of workouts and guided runs in the palm of your hand.

Running Communities

Local running groups or online communities can be great places to share tips and find cost-effective running solutions from fellow runners. Experienced runners often love to share their favorite running hacks, especially when it comes to saving time and money. Find a local running group in your area (most have a website or social media account with info) and reach out with questions:

- Is the running group free to join? (or perhaps cheaper than a monthly gym membership?)

- What is the group’s running style and what level are the runners? (Are all paces welcome?)

- Are their meetup locations and times convenient to your schedule and location?

Remember that it’s okay if a group turns out to not be your style. Give it a few runs, and if it turns out to not be for you, that’s okay, too. Don’t get discouraged. You met some new people and tried a new thing, and maybe you can return another time. Then, go try another one!

Running on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing your fitness goals; it means getting creative and resourceful. By exploring affordable options, you can continue to pursue wellness and running without straining your finances in 2024.

Remember, the joy of running is that it can be accessible to everyone, no matter your budget. So lace up those shoes and hit the road with confidence, knowing that a frugal and fabulous year of running awaits you!