Review: ROAD iD Sidekick

Disclaimer: I received ROAD iD  Sidekick 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.

One of the first things I did, when I started running in 2012 was purchase a ROAD iD bracelet.  I have religiously worn that pink bracelet with my Garmin for every run and, most recently, bike rides.  

When I had the opportunity to test out the Sidekick, I signed right up.  The ordering process was quick and easy and before I knew it, I was receiving email updates that my order was in production and had been shipped.  

Unfortunately, I did not read closely and ordered a size too small.  No problem:  ROAD iD had me order a new (proper size) and I was receiving similar emails that the engraving was in production and on the way.  The online ordering was easy, shipment was quick and the quality is great.  

Now that I personally own two ROAD iD products, I prefer this Sidekick as I no longer have to search in my bag for my ROAD iD bracelet since it is securely attached to my Garmin wristband.  

I cannot recommend ROAD iD products enough as it is a good idea to have such information available to first responders.  

Check out some other BibRave Pro reviews of the ROAD iD Sidekick below:

Chloe

Patrick

Phil

Running on the Other Side of 40

Runirvana

Review: Buff DryFly Neckwarmer and Hat

Disclaimer: I received a Buff DryFly Neckwarmer and Hat 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.

I have used Buff products before, in fact I have at least one clean original in my running bag at all times. Usually, I use an original Buff for the purpose of pulling my hair back, covering my face on windy beach days, keeping my face/ears warm on those crazy winter days and even as a bracelet to wipe sweat off my face.

But when the opportunity to test the Buff DryFly Neckwarmer and Hat presented itself, I had to join in on the fun. The weather has recently started to get cool (30*) so I have finally had the opportunity to wear my new Buff DryFly Neckwarmer and Hat. Truth be told, now that I have been wearing them, I now know that I did not need to wait for it to get cold. Both the hat and neckwarmer are very light weight but provide sufficient warmth without overheating. 

Once nice surprise is the reflective design, which is great for dusk to dawn activity. The DryFly fabric is breathable and quick-drying (I hung it up wet, after a five mile run, and it was dry by the time I got out of the shower).

At the beginning of my runs, I am usually cold, but three miles in, I end up getting warm. The hat kept my head warm and the neckwarmer was perfect to pull down and away from my face/ears. I am looking forward to more early morning, cold runs with Buff!

Once concern I do have: I think my oldest has been eyeing the hat and I might find it under his snowboard helmet, by the end of the week. 

What about you? Have you tried any of the Buff DryFly products? What are your thoughts?

 

 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving comes in many forms:  daydreaming, applying makeup, texting, eating, dog on the lap, children fighting in the backseat, or changing the radio. The list is endless. 

Distracted driving results are many:  missed turns, crossing the center line, driving on rumble strips, and, in extremely horrible cases, death.

It seems like bicyclists and fellow runners are getting hit by cars more frequently.  Of course, it could also be that I am paying more attention to news of my fellow calorie-burners being struck by vehicles, but either way, these deaths could have been prevented.

Victim blaming will not help anything, but there are somethings that we, as runners, can do.  Wearing bright clothing and reflective gear in the evening is a wise choice.  I have been run off the road in neon yellow in the middle of the day.  I have thought about adding a lighted blinking vest to my holiday list, but question whether blinking lights would actually catch the eye of a distracted driver.  Perhaps, it would actually serve as a magnet to a drunk driver as they may drive toward the “pretty lights.”

Just this week, I read another news story about a runner who was hit and killed. 

Perhaps this wasn’t because of distracted driving but because it was icy here in Michigan and that is how the driver lost control.  Either way, there are at least two families who are suffering.

This is probably not news to you, but when I was a new runner, everything was news to me, so here are some easy things runners can do to minimize their risk:

-Wear reflective clothing

-Run during daylight

-Tell a friend or family member when you are going out and your route

-Wear a RoadID or some type of identification

-Run on the left side of the road, so that oncoming traffic is visible

-Do not wear earbuds

Be safe out there!