Tight budget, which would you buy first?

mimiteh35
mimiteh35 Posts: 486 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Ok, so obviously by the title I'm on a tight budget. This time of year is the BUSIEST and most expensive in my IMMEDIATE family with everyone's birthdays along with a few holidays literally every 2 weeks between Oct 3 and Jan 1. Its a crazy time of year. I usually start buying things ahead of time to help save on the cost of so many birthdays so close to Christmas.

Anyway, my own birthday is also in that time frame, Oct. 31.

Quick background - I've been starting the C25K program, one day left of week 2. I have shoes that are "ok" but they are more made for aerobics than running, plenty of cushion, but wearing out because I've been using them since January working out. So, was looking into getting new running shoes, but finding out quickly they ARE NOT CHEAP.

Also, I have a wrist HRM, which at the time I didn't know there was such a big deal, but when I bought it I just wanted to keep track of my calories burned and heart rate, but the constantly having to stop to push a button on the face of the watch of the wrist one WHILE doing my aerobics exercise gets annoying, so I've been wanting one with a chest strap which are also obviously not cheap.

So, my question is, if you had to chose just 1 to get EARLY and ask for the other one for a birthday gift in 6 weeks, which would you choose first and why? I'm really trying to figure out which to buy myself now before the craziness of birthdays/holidays kicks in,a nd which to wait until my bday to get/ask for. I should also point out that I'm aiming for my first 5K on 11/2 for a Wounded Warrior run, so that is something I'm considering in my "which should I get first" issue. :)

Thanks!
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Replies

  • lauren3101
    lauren3101 Posts: 1,853 Member
    Bad fitting shoes can cause all sorts of problems with your feet and posture.

    You can always roughly tell calories burnt and there are plenty of sites to help you. Proper shoes are far more important.
  • snazzyjazzy21
    snazzyjazzy21 Posts: 1,298 Member
    I agree with the shoes. HRM isn't a necessity, decent shoes are.
  • Featherweighttt
    Featherweighttt Posts: 23 Member
    Good shoes are a necessary investment, a heart rate monitor (in my opinion) is a luxury item, people have gotten along just fine without them for a very long time! After all, a heart rate monitor is no good if you can no longer work out due to a sprained ankle, shin splints, tired knees or a dodgy back which are all likely results of not having proper fitting well suited shoes. Though, I disagree that you need to pay a lot to get them. I got mine on sale for $50, and granted they aren't the most fashionable (I still really like them, they just aren't what I envisaged getting) they have the best support and I've not had a single injury since getting a new pair!
  • fitguitarist
    fitguitarist Posts: 6 Member
    The shoes would come first for me.
  • kaned_ferret
    kaned_ferret Posts: 618 Member
    Everyones made a great point, and I would vote shoes as way more important than a hrm especially if you're running. Cost wise though, I'd say scour ebay - I got myself a polar ft4 for 20 quid!
  • JuliMagenta
    JuliMagenta Posts: 79 Member
    I agree with the above!

    When I started running I bought shoes and nothing else. I started running wearing pyjama-pants and an old shirt. Time by time I bought running clothes :) (yeah, I am a student, I am always low on money)
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    Foot comfort FIRST and foremost :)
  • Konfetti123
    Konfetti123 Posts: 26 Member
    shoes are a necessity. a hrm is only a fancy option in your situation.
    get shoes, you will thank yourself for that decision very soon!
  • LumpySpacePrincess1
    LumpySpacePrincess1 Posts: 388 Member
    Shoes are definitely most important. Crap shoes can lead to injuries, a crap HRM won't.
    IMO shoes don't need to be that expensive. Everyone's going on about 150$ pairs, but I got mine from Reebok for 40$ and they're perfect.
    Just make sure you buy a pair for your foot type.
  • LumpySpacePrincess1
    LumpySpacePrincess1 Posts: 388 Member
    I agree with the above!

    When I started running I bought shoes and nothing else. I started running wearing pyjama-pants and an old shirt. Time by time I bought running clothes :) (yeah, I am a student, I am always low on money)
    Lol aww! :bigsmile:
  • ContraryMaryMary
    ContraryMaryMary Posts: 1,788 Member
    You won't need a HRM if you can't run cause you're injured.

    Like everyone else said, shoes!
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    The shoes, no question.
  • JuliMagenta
    JuliMagenta Posts: 79 Member
    I agree with the above!

    When I started running I bought shoes and nothing else. I started running wearing pyjama-pants and an old shirt. Time by time I bought running clothes :) (yeah, I am a student, I am always low on money)
    Lol aww! :bigsmile:

    :bigsmile: yeah, it wasn't as bad as it may sound ;-)
  • marvybells
    marvybells Posts: 1,984 Member
    i vote for new shoes
  • IronPhyllida
    IronPhyllida Posts: 533 Member
    So.... You going for the HRM then?! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • TechOutside
    TechOutside Posts: 101 Member
    Many years ago in the military, we ran in boots that weren't the highest quality or the best fit. We would suck it up and not complain because we were tough as nails.

    Decades have passed and guess which part of my body aches the most? Yep, my feet. There is no substitute for high quality shoes with a proper fit, and even those wear out over time and impact.

    Get the shoes, the HRM can wait. IMHO.
  • blackNBUK
    blackNBUK Posts: 58 Member
    I've got to agree with everyone else that shoes are more important. If you haven't got some warm running clothes I would also put those ahead of the HRM. You're going to be a lot more likely to keep up with the programme if you're comfortable when you're outside.

    If you're going to spend a decent amount of money on traditional running shoes I would try to find a specialist running store. They will be able to analyse how you run, often on a treadmill, and suggest what sorts of shoes you should be buying. This will probably cost more in the first place but will avoid the risk of buying the wrong shoes and having buy another pair before you need to.

    Of course this isn't what I did! I decided to start off with minimalist running shoes and I couldn't see the point in the analysis because there is so little to the shoes.
  • mimiteh35
    mimiteh35 Posts: 486 Member
    So.... You going for the HRM then?! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

    LOL, shoes for sure! These people might crawl through my computer and come after me if I complain of feet/leg injuries after this! ;) Thanks everyone!!!! HEARD YA LOUD AND CLEAR and I appreciate it! :)
  • mimiteh35
    mimiteh35 Posts: 486 Member
    For some reason it will not let me edit my original post now, but basically I heard everyone loud and clear, resounding vote is SHOES!!! Thank you so much for all the input!

    SHOES IT IS! ABSOLUTELY! Thanks!
  • mimiteh35
    mimiteh35 Posts: 486 Member
    Shoes are definitely most important. Crap shoes can lead to injuries, a crap HRM won't.
    IMO shoes don't need to be that expensive. Everyone's going on about 150$ pairs, but I got mine from Reebok for 40$ and they're perfect.
    Just make sure you buy a pair for your foot type.

    Yes I went to a few shoe stores and actually had a hard time finding women's running shoes in my area that were less than $80, so I was beginning to wonder if I could find them any cheaper, so good to know they are out there!

    Yeah, I honestly didn't think of the injuries part of it when I posted, I always post questions so I can get other views that I don't think about. ;) Derrr, injuries would make the heart rate monitor pointless, why didn't I think of that, shessh!

    Feeling stupid :ohwell:

    Thanks! :drinker:
    Thanks!
  • cstoney2013
    cstoney2013 Posts: 167 Member
    You really don't even need a HRM....
  • TheRealOrson
    TheRealOrson Posts: 1,415 Member
    Mirin' birth date OP.

    Halloween baby here too :D
  • boatyboat
    boatyboat Posts: 60 Member
    SHOES.

    Lol...now help me decide between a new gym or another horse. I am really leaning towards a horse...
  • gmallan
    gmallan Posts: 2,099 Member
    The shoes, the HRM is an optional extra "fitness toy" for most. Go get fitted at a running store then buy the same pair online if you're looking to save money
  • kganc001
    kganc001 Posts: 317
    Shoes to prevent injuries. :) Also you don't want to get new shoes right before a race...you need to break them in. Otherwise you will be super uncomfortable.
  • manda1978
    manda1978 Posts: 525 Member
    Shoes for sure
  • LindaGTaylor
    LindaGTaylor Posts: 260 Member
    Having an HRM is a very useful tool in your fitness tool bag... But bad shoes will cause so much pain that you don't need in your healthy lifestyle. So my opinion is buy the shoes now and wait on the HRM.... I had to request my HRM for my B-Day in Oct too.

    Enjoy your health and Birthday.... :drinker:
  • mimiteh35
    mimiteh35 Posts: 486 Member
    Shoes to prevent injuries. :) Also you don't want to get new shoes right before a race...you need to break them in. Otherwise you will be super uncomfortable.

    Totally good point! Would be pointless to do all this only to do crappy at my first 5K! thanks! :)
  • mimiteh35
    mimiteh35 Posts: 486 Member
    Having an HRM is a very useful tool in your fitness tool bag... But bad shoes will cause so much pain that you don't need in your healthy lifestyle. So my opinion is buy the shoes now and wait on the HRM.... I had to request my HRM for my B-Day in Oct too.

    Enjoy your health and Birthday.... :drinker:

    Thanks! I actually found some shoes yesterday! :) I managed to find some Asics (older style) for $40 on sale. They were SO COMFORTABLE! I am definitely asking for a HRM for my bday!

    Thanks! And you enjoy your Birthday too! :):drinker:
  • mimiteh35
    mimiteh35 Posts: 486 Member
    Mirin' birth date OP.

    Halloween baby here too :D

    Cool! Happy early birthday Halloween boy!

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