I always carry my ID, debit card, insurance card and cell phone on all of my rides in case of an emergency. Do people carry these things during an Ironman?
I know the use of a cell phone is prohibited but I am wondering if people carry them for emergencies. I am also curious if anyone uses any of those race tracking apps so your family knows where you are.
Logistically, I am not sure if having my cell phone on me is possible when your bike bag is checked in the day before the race. What do people typically do? I am inclined to not carry any of this stuff I guess if that is best practice. The less I need to deal with in transition the better. Thanks for your input.
There is no reason to do this. Your information is available based on your race number. Should an emergency arise, anyone responding in an official capacity will be able to quickly figure out who you are based on your bib number. There is a reason they make you double-check your emergency contact information on that yellow card when you go to check in to the race. There is a reason they make you verify the person on that card is not racing.
I personally do not. I entrust that WTC has all of my insurance & contact information that I entered when I signed up and re-verified when I checked in. I do have one friend that carries his cell phone for emergencies…the officials are not going to bust your balls if it is stuck in your bib pocket or bento box…just don’t use it unless there is an emergency.
Nope. I’ve finished 10 IMs and can’t imagine why you would. BTW - when training I wear a road ID, and carry my cellphone, driver’s license, credit card, and about $20 cash.
In a race? Never. Not needed. Besides cell phones are prohibited (any device with audio capability is prohibited). You could get a penalty if they see you with a phone.
You got the race number. All that documentation they have you fill out at packed pickup? That’s what the emergency services will work off of. In fact they are trained to use that and expect to work with that. They won’t pick your pockets looking for alternate ID.
I always carry my ID, debit card, insurance card and cell phone on all of my rides in case of an emergency. Do people carry these things during an Ironman?
I don’t carry those things during races, but have started wearing my Road ID (slim). I figure if something really bad happens, my wife may find out more quickly, particularly if I’m initially treated by bystanders. And if she can’t be reached, the Road ID has other contacts.
In a race? Never. Not needed. Besides cell phones are prohibited (any device with audio capability is prohibited). You could get a penalty if they see you with a phone.
You got the race number. All that documentation they have you fill out at packed pickup? That’s what the emergency services will work off of. In fact they are trained to use that and expect to work with that. They won’t pick your pockets looking for alternate ID.
A friend of mine went into a heat stroke coma during a half marathon and later died. His shirt with his bib number was cut off at the scene by the EMTs when performing CPR or using the defibrillator. It was hours before he was identified and his wife was contacted.
I personally do not. I entrust that WTC has all of my insurance & contact information that I entered when I signed up and re-verified when I checked in. I do have one friend that carries his cell phone for emergencies…the officials are not going to bust your balls if it is stuck in your bib pocket or bento box…just don’t use it unless there is an emergency.
They have it if they REALLY need it, but I learned it is not handy. I had to be taken to the medical tent once. The on-course medical volunteer offered to let me use her phone to call my fiancee. Cell phone era: I didn’t know her number! She said that it would take a long time to get the info. Fortunately, she spotted me on the “Golf Cart of Shame”. Next time I’ll write contact info on the back of my bib.
I second road Id. A few years ago-- well maybe a little longer ago than that, a guy ahead of me on the put and back in Lake Placid hit a pothole and flipped. He landed hard and was out cold. It took a long time for anyone to show up. A bunch of us waited with him, covered him with our jackets etc. Luckily someone had a cell, even though reception is spotty up there we were able to reach his wife and tell her he was going to be taken to Plattsburgh. I have not gone without my road Id since.
I personally do not. I entrust that WTC has all of my insurance & contact information that I entered when I signed up and re-verified when I checked in. I do have one friend that carries his cell phone for emergencies…the officials are not going to bust your balls if it is stuck in your bib pocket or bento box…just don’t use it unless there is an emergency.
They have it if they REALLY need it, but I learned it is not handy. I had to be taken to the medical tent once. The on-course medical volunteer offered to let me use her phone to call my fiancee. Cell phone era: I didn’t know her number! She said that it would take a long time to get the info. Fortunately, she spotted me on the “Golf Cart of Shame”. Next time I’ll write contact info on the back of my bib.
^^^^^This, and also on the tyvek wristband they make you wear.
I carry all of the above. Just in case, I also recommend carrying the following:
Check book (in case magnetic strip on debit card fails)At least 3 major credit cards (in case merchant does not accept checks)Cash (your last resort to purchase whatever you are intending to purchase on the bike course)Satellite phone (in case of no cell reception)Carrier pigeon (in case said satellite network is down)
I carry all of the above. Just in case, I also recommend carrying the following:
Carrier pigeon (in case said satellite network is down)
Don’t forget pigeon food too! Ironman is a long day!
On a more serious note, hubby gave me a Road ID for my birthday and it was such a thoughtful gift. Wear it always when training and when racing because I figure it’s faster/more accessible/more complete than bib info if something does happen during a race.
I carry all of the above. Just in case, I also recommend carrying the following:
Check book (in case magnetic strip on debit card fails)At least 3 major credit cards (in case merchant does not accept checks)Cash (your last resort to purchase whatever you are intending to purchase on the bike course)Satellite phone (in case of no cell reception)Carrier pigeon (in case said satellite network is down)
So where does everyone stash their keys, phone, etc so that they have it after the race? There is a non-zero possibility that I’ll need to phone my “support crew” to come get me if they get too tired to wait at the finish
In the car if I’m parked nearby. Or in the backpack if we are allowed to leave backpacks in transition (near the walls people, NOT under your bike please). Or in dry clothes bag if that’s an option in the race. Those bags are typically available right at the finish. Or at the hotel because I love nothing better on race day than a room within walking distance of transition. Or Sherpa when I have someone with me.
Edit: before someone asks, yep you’d need to stash a hotel key or a car key somewhere. Under the transition towel.
