She Runs by the Seashore

Disclaimer: I received a Road ID Wrist ID Elite and badges to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

A little more than four-and-a-half years ago, I woke up in a hospital room, confused and unable to remember the trip there. What had happened was I had run a race on a hot day with not enough hydration — hardly any. I had suffered from heat stroke at age 21.

I, of course, lived. But what if this hadn’t happened at a race, or if I hadn’t collapsed by the finish line? What if I had been out there alone on a run?

I know I waited too long, but I finally got a Road ID. Through BibRave, I was given an allowance to spend on the Road ID website for a Road ID Wrist ID Elite, and I picked out the colors of my Road ID and had enough money left to get three badges.

For the Wrist ID Elite, there are three options for the faceplate and clasp (I chose the Classic) and six options for the band color (I chose purple), plus Black Collection and leather options.

The badges I chose were an image of a beer (beer is a great post-run/race treat and my boyfriend brews it!) as well as ones that said “run” and “26.2.” There is currently a deal where you can get a free Elite badge if you buy two.

I signed up for the Interactive ID. I created an account and put in medical information that an first responder will be able to access if necessary. The Interactive ID was actually discounted at the time, but either way, it includes six months of having the medical information stored online and accessible — it’s called an Emergency Response Profile. After that, it costs $9.99 a year (or less per year if you purchase more years at a time) to keep the membership active.

The first responder would be able to use the serial number and PIN number on the back of the Road ID to get to my medical information. On the front are my name, year of birth, hometown, mom’s and boyfriend’s phone numbers and the phone number and website at which a first responder could access the medical information.

Although Road ID is geared around a serious topic — emergencies — the company has a positive, fun voice in communicating with its customers.

For example, the shipping email read: “We are not only super excited to have you as a customer, we are amped that you’re in the great state of Maryland. We can only imagine that when you receive your new Road ID, you will celebrate by jousting (your state sport), sailing, and singing the National Anthem. At least, that’s what we hope you’ll be doing.”

The packaging warned of “involuntary rump-shaking.” The person who packed my order, Holly, signed a card stock form that came with the Road ID. And I’ve noticed that the company does a great job on Twitter with responding to individuals.

I have been running with my Road ID, and although I have not needed it in any emergencies (knock on wood!), it is good to know that it’s there. It’s comfortable and it feels basically the same as running with a watch. It doesn’t bother me to have the Road ID and the watch on the same wrist.

When I received the Road ID, there were instructions about how to adjust the size to fit my wrist. I had a little trouble figuring it out right away, but once I got it, it was easy. However, it involves cutting the band, so I would advise moving slowly, as once you cut too much, you can’t go back!

I also really like the badges. They add a personal touch to my Road ID and remind me a bit of an updated version of link bracelets I used to have as a kid/teen.

So, I know based on social media comments from friends that I’m not the only runner who had thought about getting one for a while. Safety matters! Get a $5 gift card by following this link.

Updated: Be sure to join us for #bibchat on Twitter at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, April 18!

Check out reviews from fellow BibRave Pros!

• Mai
• Meridith
• Matt
• Jeannine
• Janelle

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