Friday, August 8, 2014

Friday Favorites: RoadID

I am all about safety, especially when I am out running or riding. I wear bright colors, I make eye contact with drivers, I run against traffic and ride with it, I let my hubby know the path I am planning on taking and when to expect me home, I wear my helmet when I am riding my bike (even it is a bit nerdy), I stay on well traveled routes with lots of others bikers and runners, I no longer run with music so I can hear my surroundings (this originally wasn't for safety, but because I wanted to hear the waves crashing on the beach, but it just stuck AND it's safe), and I HAVE MY RoadID.

Of course I normally don't wear them ALL at once :)

Pick your color! Pick your style!

I originally learned about RoadID through Megan from Running Toward The Prize, a college friend who actually helped get me into running. One of my first "running gear" purchases was a RoadID (I still have it, and wear it to this day, 2+ years later!). You can read about it here - a post from March 2012 {WOWSER, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN THAT LONG?!}.

I was hit by a car last year. Thankfully I wasn't injured (it was more I bounced off the hood of their car), but it was a BIG wake up call. No matter how safe I am, you never know what the others around you may do. It reminded me, you have to assume no one sees you. I feel safer knowing my RoadID can talk for me if I am unable to do it for myself.

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Obviously I pray nothing bad ever happens to me, but just in case, I want to make sure I am as prepared as I can be (not to mention it makes me, my hubby, and my parents feel better about me being out on the road or trails). With that being said, this is where my RoadID comes into play. I wear the Wrist ID Sport (this works perfectly for me because I have tiny wrists, so the Velcro allows me to get it as small/ tight as I need it). I have the wrist band in 7 different colors and 4 of the replacement ID's - that way I can put the name plate on whichever color I feel like wearing that day (gotta match my outfit, right?!).

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RoadID also released an app a few months back that I also use [check out my review on the app here]. My lock screen has my personal information (name, allergies, home city and state), as well as my "in case of emergency" contact names and phone numbers (hubby, mommy, and best buddy). There is also an awesome function within it where you can send a text or email to someone (up to three contacts) which will contain a link to track you. Your phone sends "eCrumbs" of where you are and the app tracks you along your route. There is also an alarm feature that sends an alert (and has an alarm on your phone) if you are stationary for more than 5 minutes. Although I pray we never need to use it, I feel a bit safer knowing that my hubby is aware of where I am (the map updates every minute or so, so it is pretty darn accurate).

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And the folks at RoadID are pretty much FAN-FREAKIN'-TASTIC too! They have offered up any item from their site to one of my followers (gift cards not included)! You read that right! Even if you have an ID, you could get a new band, a badge to personalize your ID, reflective gear, etc.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERS!! The giveaway runs through Thursday, August 14th (because obviously we need a winner before the next Friday Favorites is posted ;)). Enter early and enter often!!

81 comments:

Danielle said...

Ok, I am the worlds biggest idiot runner because I STILL don't have a Road ID!!! (If I don't win this contest I am 100% ordering one!).

My tip for new runners (in addition to getting a road ID) would be if you listen to music to make sure it's low enough that you can still hear cars, other people, etc. You need to be aware of your surroundings!

And PS - I didn't know you and Megan went to college together! : )

runhikeplay said...

Let someone know your route, so at least one person will know where you are running.

matt0701 said...

Hopefully it's ok to share a general tip...not just for runners. I'm a cyclist and my tip would be to make sure you stay aware of your surroundings. Be aware of other people whether runners or cyclists or cars around you.

Sarah said...

I have been using MVP Map My Run so people know where I'm at. It works well and gives my hubby a sense of safety. I also run with my dog. Who, even though he's a wimp, I'm sure is a bit of deterrent. Mix things up, different trails, different days and times. Try to stay on trails that are well populated.

pamiu70 said...

Always stop at intersections, even if you have the right of way. You never know if a car will ignore you and blow through anyway.

kobry322 said...

Never assume a car will stop for you. Better safe, than sorry!

EB said...

Be aware of your surroundings and never assume people can see you.

Kstp said...

Love my road id

Unknown said...

I tend to run the same route that I feel safe in and have my music on low so I am still aware of my surroundings.

jstarl said...

Make sure someone knows where you are running

Rachel H. rcharple@gmail.com said...

Stick to daytime runs, if running solo. And no music if you're on busy roads.

g. said...

Always wear bright clothes in the evening and early am. And always assume cars do NOT see you.

Anonymous said...

I love in a rural community, and sometimes there are bears. Keep your head up and your eyes peeled. It's important to be aware of your surroundings!

Tami said...

Let someone know when you are leaving for a run and then when you are done. Also, wear bright colors and be aware of your surroundings. Watch for cars, as they are rarely watching for us!

Elena said...

Comment for entry - plus if you don't have a Road ID, it is a smart thing to get!!!

Cheryl Gundy said...

Get and wear a Road ID - Love mine

wendryn said...

I love my RoadID! I've talked at least six other people into getting one, too.

wendryn said...

Oh - safety tip. Oops. :P Watch out for dogs running loose - don't try to run away, just walk.

Joslyn said...

When running alone, use popular running routes.

Anonymous said...

Wear bright colors!

Dale Sandley said...

I always wear my RoadID when I run or bike, people don't see runners or bikers when they are distracted or in a hurry. Peace of mind.

Anel said...

My best safety advice for runners is to run with no/low music or with one headphone off your ear.

Paula said...

Always look behind your left shoulder before crossing intersections so you can see an oncoming car ready to make a turn in front of you...and always wear your Road ID.

Angie @ A Mother's Pace said...

My top tip would be to always be aware. Aware of cars, cyclists, other runners. It's easy to zone out during a run but it's so important to be aware of your surroundings.

Dawn E. McKinley said...

Love my RoadID! I like that you can put allergies, etc. on them, as well.

Jill said...

I'm a safety freak when it comes to running. I love to run at night (8-9pm start time in the summer) and ALWAYS make sure to have at least 2 LED lights on (arm, hat, both arms, etc.) and BRIGHT clothing.

I also wear my Road ID. I love the extra little line at the bottom of it that reminds me to keep going too!

Kara said...

Let someone know when you leave for a run!

Stacey Niedzwiecki said...

My tip would be if you have to listen to music (or your interval counter), only ever have ONE ear bud in. When road running, that would be the ear away from the road and potential traffic.

Unknown said...

For new runners, I say don't overdo and go out so far you can't get back. It's ok to build up mileage!

Jen Wagner said...

Wear bright colors, and don't get too caught up in your music if you listen to it!!!

Carson said...

Run an area that you know and that you know is safe.

Anonymous said...

I wear my RoadID everywhere I go. It's even with me right now in Kinshasa, DRC.

Scallywag said...

I really need a road ID. There's been a really sad case here in the UK last week where a cyclist was knocked over and killed and they have no idea who he is. No one has reported someone missing, he had no ID, no phone. This really brought home to me the idea that the paramedics etc would have NO idea who you were.

I'd say know your areas, and if at all unsure, run with others.

Crystal Duff said...

My tip is to always be aware of your surroundings. I make eye contract with drivers to make sure they see me. I don't just trust that they are paying attention. I'm always prepared to get out of the way if I see someone that isn't paying attention.

John @ run. geek. run(disney) said...

Be bright. Be seen. Better then be dead.

Unknown said...

Take your phone and run in busy areas if running alone

Kelly said...

I have had me eye on these for months!! Such a necessary item for all runners.....just in case!

Benton said...

I always wear mine too! Luckily haven't had to use it yet.

JennMascari said...

1. Let them know your route and times you'll be gone and back.
2. Road ID.
3. I use RunKeep Elite so my hubby can track me on my runs.

Unknown said...

Invest in a running tracker! I signed up for MapMyRun tracker so my loved ones could know where I was at all times.

Keri said...

to doubleknot your sneakers!

Colleen said...

Always let someone know your route and when you expect to be back.

mamacheetah said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Run with a buddy and on the left side of the road to see oncoming traffic.

mamacheetah said...

My advice is tell someone your route, when you're leaving and a rough estimate of when you'll be back.

Leensworld said...

I have the ones for my shoes, but having one for my wrist would be nice too!

John Hykes said...

Wife and I got our RoadIDs following a tragedy. It was something we'd put off for years, then saw how important and useful they can be.

I've just spent an entire week with my Sport on and have a great tan line from it. Now I need an Elite or Slim for everyday wear!

Unknown said...

If possible always run with someone, if it's not possible then always run with a fully charged phone and make sure someone is aware of your running schedule and route.

Monica said...

Run in well-lit or busier areas if you are running early in the am or late at night.

Megan said...

Always let someone know where you're going!

Anonymous said...

Always leave a note with your route in your car.

Juliana said...

Be aware when you get to intersections with cars-make contact with any cars you see.

♥MizSusan♥ said...

Love my RoadId, and would love to have the Sport Style now...

Kim said...

Wear reflective gear if going out at dusk, dawn, or sometime in between. Even light colored clothes are hard to see in the dark, make sure SOMETHING is reflective so if a car comes at you they can see that you are there!
(I always thought light colors were ok... NO!)

Ashley said...

Always be aware of your surroundings and let somebody know where you are.

Unknown said...

Always wear an I'D and be alert. Things can happen faster than you realize.

Debbie H. said...

Keep some sort of an id on you (just in case)!

Anonymous said...

Road I'D is such a great idea
Easy way to stay safe

Kristen M. said...

Run on the proper side of the street and wear visible clothing.

benj13blue said...

Pay attention to what's going on.

MarshGarsh said...

don't run solo!

Tiffany said...

Biggest tip is to always be aware of your surroundings. For my own safety I run with my cell phone and bear spray at all times...better to be safe than sorry

Unknown said...

Let someone know your route

R Sheldon said...

My advice is know your surroundings. If you run on a road where there isn't a sidewalk, run on the left (or right in the UK) so you can see cars coming and most importantly, they can see you.

suzie said...

Run with a buddy if you can!

Unknown said...

I wear my Road ID and use the Road ID app.

Unknown said...

run with a whistle!

Joy @ TheJoyOfHope21.blogpot.com said...

Vary your routine so no one can predict when you will be on the road and where.

Amanda said...

Wear reflective vests or clothing when running at night

Tanya said...

Yes a road I'd bracket would be ideal. I think of it every year but haven't bought one. I do a lot of biking and do put contact info in my bike bag.

Unknown said...

Wear something reflective or brightly colored clothing to make yourself visible.

Joanna said...

Get in the habit of running headphoneless if you're not on a treadmill. It is SO MUCH safer to know what/who/etc is around you, what's happening, and what's going on in your head. Whether you're just getting you're bearings down as a runner or already at the Superman stage with it, there is always a lot going on outside, even if it seems calm. Plus, you can connect with the world you're traversing more without beats ;)

Anonymous said...

Let somebody that you trust what your planned route is and when you anticipate finishing your run.

Kristen said...

I always make sure to tell someone where I'm going and how long I plan on running. That way if I'm not home at a certain time, people will send for help! I also carry my cell phone in case I need help right away!

blew415 said...

Stay to the right if you need to walk

Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More said...

Tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back.

Unknown said...

Map out your route before you go! And take some sort of communication device with you. You need to be able to contact someone if (God forbid) something happens to you!! Excellent giveaway as usual Carlee!

Kay Lynn said...

Don't run with your back to traffic.

Unknown said...

My tip is to always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you're running by yourself. Run with a buddy if you can but if not, carry your phone and ID and pay attention to people and things around you.

Sherry said...

My tip is to make sure your visible and watch out for cars.

Heather R said...

Always make sure you are visible to drivers