I don’t think too much about mortality. I think about it more now that I’m married with child but still manage to keep it at bay. But I recognize that were I, say, 10 miles out on a long run along the Tobacco Trail and I keeled over with a heart attack or somehow got hit by a car or a ravenous pack of rabid goats descended on me it would be hard for anyone to know who I was or anything about me. Cat always has a nagging worry when I go out on my long runs that “something will happen” and there would be no way for her to know. I began carrying my cell phone which is a moderate pain but would suffice for me to contact her if something happened, but it still doesn’t help too much if something really bad happened and people were trying to help me. Sure, they could check the address book on my phone but they’d have to unlock it. Etc, etc.
The standard Road ID
Road ID solves that problem. It’s stunningly simple as all good ideas are. Mine came in yesterday and I’m wearing it around just to get a feel for it. Obviously I’m not used to wearing things on my right arm, but still it’s not obtrusive and it’s everything you could ask for. Their site is well-done as well, giving tips and hints on precisely what to put on it along with accepted abbreviations for medical conditions you might wish to include. If you have space save the last line for a snappy slogan to peek down at during races. I chose “One mile at a time” which is about perfect for me.
They have different styles including dog tags, ankle bracelets and little shoe pouches so you should be able to find something that resonates. I chose the standard, original version over both the rubberized one and the new-fangled “online” version. To my mind having all the important information right there on the bracelet is better than an 800 number to call to get the information. Sure, you can fit more information online which is a benefit. The online version is also dynamic so that if I change my phone number or I suddenly develop an allergy to goats I can update my info immediately, but I’ll just fork over the cash for a new one if that happens.
You can use this coupon code to get $1 off for the next 30 or so days: ThanksBrian632690. There’s no limit of these coupon codes out there, they give everyone a “tell a friend” code when you order. And no, I don’t get a red cent of it. Also they donate a portion of the proceeds to an organization of your choice which I thought was cool.
I’d seriously recommend this to anyone that exercises outside with any regularity. You just never know when that unchecked goat population will literally bite you on the ass.
