I'm in the middle of training for my first marathon, I read the article...the total is nuts, but each item didn't seem completely crazy by itself. Then I added up my own costs...
Gear - she did spend a lot. I've bought new insoles and a couple pairs of shoes so far ~$180
But now it's summer and I own tons of workout clothing from spendier days. I might need one more pair of tights to handle winter weather -- but I'd probably just run inside more.
Intermediate races - yeah I'm not doing any of those.
Registration - $98
Running fuel - I do think this is legit (though not a really high number)...just spent $13 myself on a variety of fuel packs to try. Will likely end up spending ~$25 by the time I'm done.
Laundry - again maybe it's a summer/winter difference (clothing bulk-wise) but I still do one load of laundry most weeks so don't expect this to be a factor.
Gym membership - Silly. I belong to the local rec center for $50/yr, but I wouldn't give it up because I strength train there, plus they have a small indoor track, treadmills, etc. Doesn't make sense to add this in because even not during marathon training I would pay for it.
Massages - Despite the prevailing MMM opinion that massages are a stupid thing to spend money on, I do think there is a physical benefit. I'm not interested in foo-foo relaxation -- I'll pay for an hour of pain to help work out issues. That being said, I rarely make that tradeoff. I foam roll at home regularly and bf rubs my feet and calves (plantar fascitis, yay) for free. I may get *one* massage = $70 with tip because my twinges are slowly increasing despite these measures.
Lodging - one night at the hotel, $130. Bf will likely split this cost even though he is just spectating. We may stay another night if I can get it free/on points. Gas for travel $20.
Post-race celebration - ??? I expect one post-race celebration meal, most likely paid my parents since my frequent-marathoner-mom is thrilled that I'm doing the race an 'letting' her do the same one. If it ends up being a weekend trip the other meals would get categorized under travel.
Total cost so far: $241 (race, fuel, hotel)
Projected cost: $343 + [post-race celebration] (includes 1 massage)
The benefit for me is mostly motivation, plus it's an item on my bucket list. If I weren't signed up for the race, I would not push myself to further distances. The experience of doing the race in a nearby city I haven't been to before, and improved health is worth it for me. I have noticeably improved my fitness since starting the training; aside from motivating me to run, it also motivates me to strength train and eat healthy (sometimes). However, currently I plan for the marathon to be a once-in-a-lifetime deal.
After the marathon I'm signed up for a Spartan Sprint in January (cost: $15 registration+ $? team shirts. I worked a volunteer shift to bring that number down, and travel costs get categorized as 'travel' because I'm combining the race with visiting family and wine country). I plan to keep doing a couple triathlons/races a year because training for an event keeps me more focused than training for 'overall health' even though I'm slow enough to only be racing myself. When I previously did tris I spent quite a bit on gear and registrations, but now that I am somewhat frugal plus own the stuff I expect the sustaining cost to be manageable.
I also like to run (and hike) by myself because I want to go at my own pace at all times.
I do see how it could seem like a series of ridiculous and unnecessary expenditures, and if I hit a tight spot I would definitely switch to just the gym/free exercise. But the opportunity to participate in a race, where all the logistics are worked out and I don't have to worry about getting hit by a car, is a fun chance to test and challenge my limits.