I had pretty much perfected my ankle strap system for D-tags as well as reusable chips, using velcro straps for the orange plastic D's and adding small cable ties for the cardboard returnables . Always over-prepared, I usually had with me a few different sets in various colors, as well as an extra wide glossy black strap for the more "formal" events.
In the days leading up to last Saturday's 5K the FB site for the event proudly displayed the race bib in a wall photo in order to show it off to their fans. I had not found any mention of chip type yet, so I commented " D-tag or B-chip?" just so I could know in advance. The race director answered "D-tag". Then a day later they posted " Sorry, it is B-chip". No big deal, even though I prefer D-tag for a few reasons, most importantly because you can fold up the bib very small and pin it to your shorts , whereas the B-chip bib must remain unfolded and on MY short thighs it becomes rather cumbersome.
The participants knew well in advance that there would be no parking anywhere near the start/finish due to a MAJOR (1.5million person) event it was tied to, so shuttle bus/far away parking was pre-arranged. I used the LB Van/bicycle combo instead, parking the vehicle at 5:45 am and riding (Pyramid Barefoot Pedals) to the venue.
Picking up my packet I was a bit surprised to find a D-tag! I had no ankle strap with me anticipating the bib chip, but it turned out that MOST runners were presented w/ the B-chip, while a small minority were given the D-tag.
I was forced to return to the LB Van/Motel/Lounge to fetch an ankle strap, and luckily made it back just in time for the start.
SO........even if you are anticipating a Bib Chip, bring a strap just in case...you never know.....it happened to me, it can happen to ANY BFRunner!
By the way the only known professional photo of me at the race shows me at the start, I could SWEAR I had just stepped on a rock! No recollection or bruise, but must have been!
http://photos.runmichigan.com/2012/August/5K-Start-2012-Cruise-in-Shoes/24849259_5Rjjqt/6/2034433306_mmDfNbM/Medium
In the days leading up to last Saturday's 5K the FB site for the event proudly displayed the race bib in a wall photo in order to show it off to their fans. I had not found any mention of chip type yet, so I commented " D-tag or B-chip?" just so I could know in advance. The race director answered "D-tag". Then a day later they posted " Sorry, it is B-chip". No big deal, even though I prefer D-tag for a few reasons, most importantly because you can fold up the bib very small and pin it to your shorts , whereas the B-chip bib must remain unfolded and on MY short thighs it becomes rather cumbersome.
The participants knew well in advance that there would be no parking anywhere near the start/finish due to a MAJOR (1.5million person) event it was tied to, so shuttle bus/far away parking was pre-arranged. I used the LB Van/bicycle combo instead, parking the vehicle at 5:45 am and riding (Pyramid Barefoot Pedals) to the venue.
Picking up my packet I was a bit surprised to find a D-tag! I had no ankle strap with me anticipating the bib chip, but it turned out that MOST runners were presented w/ the B-chip, while a small minority were given the D-tag.
I was forced to return to the LB Van/Motel/Lounge to fetch an ankle strap, and luckily made it back just in time for the start.
SO........even if you are anticipating a Bib Chip, bring a strap just in case...you never know.....it happened to me, it can happen to ANY BFRunner!
By the way the only known professional photo of me at the race shows me at the start, I could SWEAR I had just stepped on a rock! No recollection or bruise, but must have been!
http://photos.runmichigan.com/2012/August/5K-Start-2012-Cruise-in-Shoes/24849259_5Rjjqt/6/2034433306_mmDfNbM/Medium
