I love races, but WOW!

I don't think anyone doubts the fact I love to run and I love races. I enjoy spending time on a course with random strangers who have a common bond in running. The last race I was in, there was a little dude (couldn't have been more than 7 years old) running a 10k with his dad in matching clothes. There is so much inspiration in those runs.

But lets be honest, shelling out the money for all those race fees can be painful. I'm signing up for another race now, and the fees are twice as much as usual. Plus, my kids want to run too... so it's high race fees times 3! And of course I have to have a new camo race tutu... (Honestly, whatever embarrasses my 13 year old, I'm in for!) Race fees for 5ks and 10ks are pretty reasonable, but when you start with marathons and half marathons, the fees just go up from there.

On average, I spend about $1200-1500 per year on gym memberships, class and workshop fees, and race fees (that includes what I spend on my kids fees too). That's a lot of money! I didn't realize it until I started thinking about it when I was registering for this next race. So I surely need to feel like I'm getting something out of it, and it has value.

To make the pay out process less painful, I have decided to look at race fees, gym memberships, class fees, and whatever else as investments in myself and my kids. You get out of them, what you put into them. So if I can get some fun times, great memories, and a good workout from race fees, then I win. If I can teach my kids that running (or whatever sport) is fun, then I have certainly succeeded.That definitely has value for them long term. I'm going to continue to spend money on races, gym memberships, and whatever else seems cool to try, and count it all joy.

What's your philosophy on race fees?