First and foremost, I am a wife and a mother. I’m also a daughter, sister, friend, soccer player, runner, environmentalist and outdoor enthusiast.
I’ve always wondered if I was out on a run how I would be identified if something were to happen about me. I used to have a cell phone from work that had an app called “I.C.E” (okay, maybe that wasn’t the actual app, but I can’t remember it now). ICE stood for “In Case of Emergency”. Of course, I put my husbands contact information in it, along with my parents. Really, you never know. However, I always wondered how someone would actually access my information since my cell phone had a password.
Moving along….
A few months ago, my husband bought me a Road ID (and one for himself). I chose the wrist band slim as I didn’t want something bulky and wanted it to be fairly flexible. He bought the wrist band elite. I ordered two bands; purple and turquoise.
No, my real name isn’t Piper but if you were around me and yelled it out, I would totally respond. It’s a nickname. I got the basic info: names, numbers of my important peeps. The Paramedic in me…oh, I mean my Paramedic husband and I agreed to go with the medical route of: No Known Drug Allergies, No Medical History, Organ Donor. Some people put their mantra: “Just Giver”, “Train Hard”, “No Pain, No Gain”.
Before we got the Road ID bands, we both would go for runs with our Driver’s License, Health Card and I had a piece of paper with Sai’s cell number on it….yeah, old school…all in a plastic baggie. I would put it in my jacket pocket or hidden pocket in my running pants/shorts.
Yesterday, I was out for a run on my lunch break – “sneaking it in” #sneakitin and was pushing my legs a little harder throughout the whole run. I was so close to being done my run (5k) and was going to get another Personal Best. {Yes, I’m working hard on that one}
My confused and pissed off face after my run – don’t be jealous of my hair.
Anyway, out of nowhere a cab (taxi) backed down a driveway and almost hit me on the sidewalk. My first reaction was to yell at her, then I hit the van with my hand in frustration and THEN I turned off my Garmin. I was pissed that she didn’t even see me, didn’t even bother to look my way. Then I struggle because I still wasn’t sure if she saw or heard me and had to wait for her to move. I stopped my Garmin and then started once I finally got passed her van. I lost time. I was finished my 5k just 2 seconds over my PB…I TOTALLY WOULD HAVE NAILED IT.
Bummed out about my run.
However, if something serious would have happened to me, at least I had my Road ID on and could have been identified. Friggin’ cab driver. 😦
Now each time I go for a run I put on my Road ID which I always leave attached to my Green Garmin when not running. It’s just like a little bracelet that I forget is on my wrist but have to be honest, I am thankful to have in case something happens to me. The last thing I want is for something to happen to me, my girls are stuck at day care, no one knows where I am and my husband is away…no thank you.
Just like my Green Garmin is my new best friend…well it now as a partner in crime 🙂
If you want to find out more information about the Road ID bands just click on the logo and it will take you to their website. They have other products: ankle bands, shoe pouches and more.
Do you have a Road ID?
Do you ever worry about something happening to you while out running/walking ?
What would you do if you came across a runner who was injured?
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Don’t forget about my little PRO Compression GIVEAWAY!!!
And shameless plug…I’m on Instagram but haven’t figured out the magic trick to share it all with you, so look me up!
Please note: Road ID did not ask me to write this post, I was not compensated with money or product but was approved to be apart of their affiliate program. The Road ID products I had were not provided by Road ID but was a gift from my husband a few months ago. Aww….that’s love 😉
Piper's Run 
I have a Road ID that attaches to my shoe, and my son has the wristband version. Road ID also has an iphone app you can use for others to track your run; you can also create a lock screen so if something happens, responders can get emergency info from your phone without a password. I never remember to use it, but it’s a cool idea.
I didn’t know about the app! That’s a great idea! I’m going to look it up! Thanks for sharing.
I need to get one, this post really made me realize how important it is, thanks!
It’s funny, up until yesterday I think I thought I was invincible! Glad I had it but happier it didn’t need to be used. 🙂
Wow, scary and maddening, especially ruining your time too! I always fume about stuff like that after, wishing I said more to the person involved. Like when I was running and a guy’s 2 totally untrained dogs jumped all over me, tripped me up and teeth connected with my arm, I didn’t say enough, and it made me also think that I should have animal control’s # saved in my phone.
I used to always have ICE as well in my phone and forgot to do it with my new phone, thanks for reminder! I never thought of having an ID band with me, but I always make sure someone knows where I am going and for how long before needing to worry. Where I run I am much more likely to encounter a bear or coyote than a car, so it’s a little different. Instead I am, running with a bear bell and my phone playing music through the speaker, and the dog to keep wildlife away. Speaking of which, can’t wait for snow to melt and I’ll show you my favorite spot. (I know I just sold it really well eh? But seriously, I never tire of running/walking there and it’s only 1 k from the house).
It was really frustrating to work hard throughout the whole run and then Wham-MO….stopped in my tracks, literally. Yeah, I should have spoken to her. I’m just waiting for the snow to melt off the trails and then I’ll move on to that.
Dogs scare me too when running.
I’d love to go for a run on that trail with you….one of these days!
Anna, sorry about your near miss and your frustration of not nailing your PB. We have Road IDs too and have gotten out of the habit of wearing them. Thanks for the reminder!
It was a bummer about the PB as I was working hard the whole run. However, I am lucky that I didn’t actually get hit.
That’s scary! I’ve almost been hit lots of times. I do run with a Road ID, and I had a friend tell me that when cars almost run into him, he’ll purposely scratch up their car with his road id. I’m sure they wouldn’t want to promote that, haha!
It’s such a crazy feeling when a car doesn’t see you. yikes for those cars that your friend runs into!
that is so annoying! You almost get run over and miss a PB all in one go! Road ID’s are smart, I should probably stop be lazy and get me one of those…..
It was annoying! I’m happy I have mine!
I’ve always worn my road ID but after my allergy scare, I’m even more conscious about having it on.
What a bummer about your time! You’ll get it on the next run for sure!
Yes, I remember your post about the allergy incident…very scary.
Road ID is such a good idea. I started running with my healthcard just in case something happened. I don’t want to be stranded but I like the band cause it has more information.
That’s what I used to do. I like the band because you can put whatever information you want on it, names, phone numbers, medical info, special sayings etc!
The ID thing is definitely something that I should consider as I start going for longer runs. Btw I never liked cab drivers, they are the worst drivers out there!
xoxo
Olena
haha…true!
Ugh I hate inattentive drivers! They usually get the evil eye! I got a RoadID last summer and wear it for every run – I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Ack! I’m so sorry you almost got hit and that you are okay. People need to pay more attention, especially people that drive for their job! That’s shameful.
This is a great post and a great reminder to be safe and aware out there while you’re running because not everyone else is. I do have a RoadID and don’t leave home (on a run) without it.
SOOOO glad you were okay!!! Bad, dangerous drivers piss me off!! Love how much you love your Road ID! I have one too and made my boyfriend, mom, and sister get one (my dad doesn’t run haha). I’m just like you, I keep mine attached to my Garmin when they aren’t on so I never forget it 🙂
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