RUN WITH IDENTIFICATION
The recent death of a runner in Rockaway Township while on the run brings us a warning, not just of our own mortality, but of going out for a run without identification. According to the news story, the runner was only identified after his worried family filed a missing person report.
There are other more positive reasons for wearing some sort of identification. In the case of an accident where the runner, or cyclists, or other active athlete is injured or incapacitated, the identification will speed the treatment that is given.
According to the Road I.D. website, 450,000 people are taken to the hospital without identification each year. Doctors have no clue as to the possible medical needs of the victim and can be reluctant to begin treatment. People with allergies or other medical conditions are in danger of having their illness triggered by conventional treatment that doctors do not know could be harmful.
Meanwhile the family members are left worrying about what has happened when their loved one does not return on schedule. It could be several hours before they are reunited.
While I seldom give endorsements to products, I think that the Road ID identification tags that can be worn on the ankle, wrist or shoe are so vital a part of a runners gear that I am directing readers to consider purchasing one of the tags. The cost is quite inexpensive and could make a big difference if someday you are in need of care.
The website is www.roadid.com.
SWENSON AND DELLO DO WELL AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Tracey Swenson of Rockaway placed eighth in the W40 division at the World Duathlon Championship in New Castle Australia last weekend. Swenson finished the 10K run, 40K bike and 5K run in 2:35:15. Training partner Angie Dello of Whippany placed 25th out of the 37 women who finished in the age division with a time of 2:50:43.
Sue Huelster of Riverton New Jersey who is better known in New Jersey as an
elite runner, placed fifth overall in the race with a time of 2:23:23.
TEAMS STILL CLOSE AFTER LIBERTY WATERFRONT HALF MARATHON
Although there was plenty of action and some surprises in how the New Jersey teams fared at the Liberty Waterfront Half Marathon in Jersey City this past Sunday, the overall lead did not change hands. Raritan Valley Road Runners are still in the lead with 253 points with the Morris County Striders trailing with 225 points. Both clubs benefit from having a wide range of age divisions that they can fill. Third place Sneaker Factory does better in the open and W40 divisions. That club has 193 points and is very likely going to add ten more at this morning’s Joel P. Spector 10K in Washington Township, which is the USATF-NJ open women’s championship.
Another interesting battle is playing out for fourth and fifth with neighbor’s the Essex Running Club dueling with the Clifton Road Runners. Essex has 81 points to Clifton’s 74.
HUNTING SEASON MEANS CAUTION WHILE TRAIL RUNNING
Runners who run on trails need to remember that they may be sharing the woods and meadows with hunters. Bow hunters wear camouflage so while you may not see one, you’d better hope that he or she sees you. Wear bright clothing, brilliant orange is best - white is a no-no. Why? You’ve seen the backside of a fleeing deer, haven’t you?
Originally published in the DAILY RECORD of Morris County on Sunday, October 2, 2005
Copyright, Madeline Bost, 2005