How Are You Reducing Your Operating Costs in Multisport?

Most managers and supervisors work with operating budgets. They make a pitch each year to their management for more staff, allocating of resources, space, and span of authority in exchange for greater team performance. Managing budgets is also a critical skill for managers to consider and demonstrate. Although it is transactional, there is also the notion of workplace relationships, experiences and collective potential.

How can you manage your training budget as a multi-sport endurance athlete? It can be an expensive when you factor nutritional assistance, training equipment, coaching, competition and travelling expenses. Here are some ways to reduce your operating costs when living the endurance lifestyle.

1)    Use less expensive sources of energy drinks (e.g. Gatorade) during training, and restrict the high-end stuff for races. You can concoct your own homemade gels, or even use candy bars when necessary. In an episode of DRS., the panel of doctors explained that many nutritional bars contain corn syrup that puts them under the category of candy-bars.

2)    Air-dry running and race-shoes after washing. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can accelerate deterioration of the cushioning material. Hang or fold your wetsuit after rinsing.

3)    Cleaning (and maintaining) your equipment regularly extends its lifespan.

4)    Book air-tickets and accommodation, in advance, upon confirming your race. You tend to have more choices when you act proactively. Remember to apply for leave early.

5)    Stick to your total training hours. Avoid wasting time that exposes your body to more physical stress, and equipment to mechanical distress.

6)    Rotate use of similar equipment; alternate shoes so that the cushioning returns to its original springiness.

7)    Never misplace your equipment after training, racing and during travel. Purchase of new equipment due to negligence just drains your account.

8)    Wherever you can, re-use or use as spares. Keep a used tyre for emergency at a race (because it has been stretched). 

*****

Sleep-deprived me caused me to miss this morning’s early ride with Tee. Instead, I took the later bike express and did a solo three-hour at Coastal Road. I suspect that because it this was the site of the ride leg of the Singapore Ironman 70.3 (in March) and that was why I saw more riders today on a sunny and hot midday ride. Before today, I have never seen so many expatriates riding on triathlon-bikes during lunch hour. There was a strong headwind as I headed out to the air-cargo complex, and a little nudge on my return flight. I did a few short surges, and off-the-saddle, cycling which completed my easy workout. I met ultra-runner Winston of AniMiles, who was training for the 70.3, after my second loop; and personal trainer and IM Canada-finisher, Tommy on my way back. Countdown: Exactly a week to the HK Marathon.