Who Are You?

I finally got my Road ID in the mail this weekend! Since day one, my Dad told me to get an ID, to have on me or my shoes, while I was out running. I listened and got a small dog tag with one phone number listed for my cheap shoes. However, I was rarely ever a mile from home at this point. And furthermore, I got real shoes and a new number a few weeks later and never got another ID.
But, flash forward 4 years and I have now followed my Dad's advice and I've got my ID.

The nice shiny tin it was delivered in

I ordered the "Wrist ID Elite" from Road ID. I chose blue, not a big surprise, right? Their website shows all the different wrist models, and an ankle model, a necklace, and shoe models. They provide several different colors to choose from as well. Ordering from their site,

http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx

was super simple and quick. 

The site also includes testimony after testimony of how an ID quite literally saved someone's life.

Listed all my vitals and an inspirational phrase

"If you can't speak for yourself, Road ID will speak for you."

The quote says it all. I've been very lucky that I haven't been in a situation where I couldn't speak for myself. But now, me and my family can rest easier knowing I'll have a voice wrapped around my wrist when I'm "out there."

The voice to speak for me

I've been very pleased with my choice. My ID is light weight and I cut it down to size. So it fits me just right. I actually forget it's there, that's what I was hoping for. I can easily clean it when it gets too sweaty as well.

I don't have any major medical condtions or allegies so I had a little more room for an inspirational phrase. I chose to put a note to my son. I had limited characters so I struggled to get it just right.
That little boy is my muse. He's been there since my first mile, watching me push myself pass my previous abilities. My heart's desire is that this will help him grow to know that he shouldn't limit himself, he should dream big, and mostly never give up. When I'm struggling to get up a hill, when I'm out of breath, or when I'm just completely spent, he's the thought that enters my mind. And then somehow the strength to push through shows up.

July 4, 2006- Judah watching me run my first 1 Mile race

And most importantly I believe with my whole heart:

Philippians 4:13 (New International Version, ©2010)

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

I think I got my money's worth on the last two lines of the ID.

The worst thing that's happened to me this season was when I fell and scraped up my knee. I was all alone and more embarrassed than hurt. I snapped a pic and sent it to my husband (ahhh....living in a world with smart phones...), told him where I was and ran home. Now if it had been my head instead, who knows what might have happened. I also have run in other cities this season. Whether in a race or just in a neighborhood, there wasn't anyone near who could have spoken for me.

The aftermath of kissing the pavement

So, I'm going to give you my Dad's advice, "Get an ID." And I'm going to add my own, "Don't wait so long to do it!"

Zach B. running in the blizzard of 2011- Photo by Travis Heying

The winter finally showed up here in Wichita this week. Not all of us are as crazy as my friend Zach, but many of us are still getting out there. It's cold and slick, prime conditions for a fall or injury. Do you have your Road ID?

If the answer is no, my friends at Road ID want to help you out. They are going to give one of you an eCard to road ID. With the card you can order any ID of your choice.

So here's what you need to do:

Leave comments letting me know:

1. What model you would choose if you won (Check the site http://RoadID.com)

2. What fun phrase would you include as a motivator on your ID

3. You "Liked" them on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/RoadID)

4. You follow them on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/roadid)

5. You think I'm awesome. (okay, that won't help you win, but it'll make me happy)

Each one of those tasks will get you a separate entry into a random drawing for the eCard. I will hold the drawing in one week. Good luck everyone, and be safe out there!