The cost of Ironman

We already know the entry fee for Ironman AZ, $700, is a ridiculous amount.  But that is just the beginning.  The cost of equipment, gear, nutrition and lost wages during training really adds up. And my endeavor was cheaper than it is for most competitors, since I didn't have to pay airfare, hotel, or bike shipping, as most people do.  I was fortunate to receive many necessities as gifts, which I will separate accordingly, but include in the total, so you can see the real cost of this endeavor.  Here is the rundown on what it cost me to become an Ironman.

MY COSTS:

ENTRY FEE....................................................................................$ 700
BIKE (my half).................................................................................$ 800
BIKE WATER BOTTLES (including one between aero bars)...............$ 55
BIKE SHORTS (3 pairs)....................................................................$ 150
BIKE SADDLE.................................................................................$ 120
HELMET..........................................................................................$ 80
SUNGLASSES (2 identical pairs-because I stepped on the 1st one)........$ 60
GLOVES...........................................................................................$ 10
SPARE TUBES & CO2 CARTRIDGES..............................................$ 100 (conservatively!)
REPLACEMENT ..............................................................................$ 30
BIKE CLEANERS & TOOLS.............................................................$ 60
BIKE COMPUTER............................................................................$ 25
SWIMSUITS (4)................................................................................$ 130
GOGGLES........................................................................................$ 45
GYM MEMBERSHIP (for pool, 1 year)..............................................$ 360
RUNNING SHOES (2 pairs)...............................................................$ 150
NUTRITION (fuel specifically for long rides/runs)................................$ 500
SUNBLOCK......................................................................................$ 100 (conservatively!)
GIFT BAGS/DRINKS/NOISEMAKERS ETC.
            FOR AWESOME IRONFANS.................................................$ 300
RUNNING CLOTHES........................................................................$ 100

MY TOTAL COSTS...........................................................................$ 3,875

LOST WAGES...................................................................................$ 2,000
(time off for race week and worked less shifts to have time/energy for training)


THINGS I RECEIVED AS GIFTS:

WET SUIT.........................................................................................$ 100
BIKE TRAINER.................................................................................$ 250
BIKE JERSEYS (3).............................................................................$ 100
GOGGLES (1st pair-lasted 8 months!)...................................................$ 30
SWIMSUIT (1-lasted almost 3 months).................................................$ 45
SWIM GEAR AND GYM BAG............................................................$ 40
SUNGLASSES+GLOVES....................................................................$ 50
RUNNING SHOES (1 pair)..................................................................$ 100
BIKE ("sponsorship" from parents!)......................................................$ 750
RUNNING SHORTS...........................................................................$ 55
COMPRESSION SOCKS.....................................................................$ 40

TOTAL RECEIVED AS GIFTS............................................................$ 1,560


TOTAL COST OF BECOMING AN IRONMAN       $ 7, 435.00 

IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!!