This post is about being safe.
Ok fine. Not that kind of road warrior. But we as runners and cyclists and swimmers must think about our safety cause it’s almost guaranteed that some of those who we share the road with aren’t.
With regards to Hollster, the simple act of her writing a friend’s phone number on the back of her race bib really came in handy when she was in the medical tent. She just ran a marathon and had no cell phone and wasn’t sure who to call. Fortunatley, she had written V’s cell phone number in that emergency contact space on the back of her race rib. She was able to call V, who was spectating, and let her know where she was and that she was fine.
But imagine if she hadn’t. Imagine if she wasn’t fine (thank God she was), but just think about the medics trying to find someone who was her link to her family. It’s so important that we take this very, very simple step when we race. Especially those long races, but it’s important at the shorter ones too.
In addition to writing that contact number down, we need to have ID. Carry a cell phone, carry an ID, or write your number in underwear for all I care, but have something that identifies who you are! A good story of this is from my buddy Cay-See who is a cycling machine. She didn’t have ID on her when she was struck by a vehicle while on her bike and the medics had a difficult time locating her family. Again, thank God she was ok, but this is where items like Road ID come in super handy. I know that I would hate if they couldn’t let my family what happened to me if I end up in the ER for any reason.
I’ve been a total slacker in getting that Road ID, but today I pledge to order one. Won’t you all join me? Order a Road ID, right your emergency contact on those race bibs, and think about how much this will help your friends and family in case of an emergency. We do it for our pets and children, shouldn’t we do it for ourselves?
That’s it for my Friday thoughts. I have a long run on deck for tomorrow AM and an OWS for tomorrow afternoon. I hope the jellyfish aren’t biting!
Have a great weekend and be safe!
I've NEVER EVER written any number on that thing. I only carry my cell phone out here now because the kids call me every 5 seconds..
I have the RoadID. It's simple and while you can go get a dog tag imprinted with your basic info for less, it works great. They have a version that you can load a profile online with as much info as you want. Most races nowadays offer a RoadID coupon in the race packet too so check your stuff for a $2 discount. 🙂
I'm, erm, giving one of these puppies away as of today. 🙂 but yes, I totally have slacked on this until now. also, the first pic make me spit out yogurt, so thanks for that!
Great post. You made me laugh with your first picture. I reluctantly got a Road ID last year, why do we (I) think we don't need them? Go get it, missy!
I have a Road ID…..altho it probably doesn't do me much good since I always leave it sitting on the counter. :/ Good reminder, thanks!
You make a good point! Safety first. Found your blog from the FB running moms group. I'm at http://hungrigyrl.blogspot.com if you want to stop by. Have a great weekend!
love the blog! found it via running moms group!
Yes, too often I forget! On the bike I try to remember to velcor a small pepper spray on my handle bars cuz I've been chased by a crazy dog that was only stopped because he ran into a rock as I pedaled away furiously, poor thing!
Awesome idea. Thanks for the reminder. Good luck with your training this weekend. You're gonna rock the house at St. A's next weekend! Woooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooooo!
Road ID is spectacular. I love mine and wear it every time I run. You won't even know it's there.
Jess got me a Road ID for xmas, but I, too, often forget to attach it to my shoe. Although I do take my cell with me on rides and runs over 1 hour long. Road ID is easy and cheap and there's no excuse why we all don't use them!
Great reminder. I need to be more mindful about these safety precautions.
I always wear my Road ID on my wrist while riding the bike! I have small ones for my shoes as well, and I just started to write my # on the back of my number for all races!!
Be safe out there!
The only time I wrote my number down was for Boston. It is a good idea though! I have a RoadID but it is so outdated!!! I will be more mindful of this in the future….I don't want to get lost!
So glad Hollster was okay. Here's hoping you'll never need to use your Road ID, but I always wear mine now!