I decided to take the plunge and sign up for Active.com‘s Active Advantage Program.

active advantage,discounts

The first month is $1.99 and then they will conveniently and automatically enroll you for the next twelve months. For the low, low price of $59.95 I will get these benefits for the next 12 months. If you sign up for the trial period and do not plan on keeping the plan, make sure you opt out of the automatic re-newel.

Active Advantage Membership Benefits

No registration fees for any race that uses Active.com for registration. I have saved about $10 all ready.

Free Event entries. They provide a limited number of free entries to running events. The ones that are currently available are in Florida, Illinois and California. Since they know I live in Massachusetts, it makes me wonder why they only send me free entries to races so far away.

This just seems like a gimmick to make me feel like I could get a free race. I’m not saving anything by flying across the country for a 5K. A few free local race registrations would make the cost of membership worthwhile.

They also have product discounts and product give aways. Interestingly enough, each time I have tried to look at these offers their website keeps kicking me back to the registration page of the last race I signed up for on their site. So I can’t tell you much about this feature of membership other than the fact that my skepticism grows.

Free Training Plans. I have never been a fan of paying for a training plan. My running has improved over the years, but I could probably do better with some guidance. They have everything from “Couch to 5K” to “Advanced Marathon” plans. The prices range from $19.95 to $35.95, but are free with membership. Since the plans are included with membership I will definitely try a few of these out over the next year.

I run a lot of races each year and I’m hoping I can save enough on my processing fees to make this membership worthwhile. I’ll let you know.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.