In past marathons I’ve used a printed pace band to help keep me on track during the race. I also picked up one of the newer pace band tattoos before the Shamrock Marathon this year, but ended up wearing arm warmers during the race which would have hidden the tattoo from view.
For Saturday’s Richmond Marathon I’m going to try a new product; the GoalPace G-Band – a self-adjusting slap band that includes a heavy-duty permanent label with the finish time of your choice.
From the GoalPace web site:
The GoalPace G-Band was created by marathon runners for marathon runners.
After intensive research and several trial runs, we created the G-Band marathon pace bracelet. The G-Band’s genius is its simplicity. The runner simply slaps the pace bracelet onto their wrist, no snapping required, and the G-Band runs with you the rest of the way.
G-band materials are durable and weather resistant, designed to withstand the worst of marathon and running conditions. There are no snaps and no velcro to cause an annoying or painful distraction during your marathon.
I’ve tried out the band during a few recent runs and am impressed with its comfort and great visibility (the band is also reflective which has definitely been useful with the nights drawing in).
The PVC band comes in 2 colors (blue or orange) and costs $6.99. If you buy a second band you’ll receive a 25% discount on the second one. Finish times range from 2:50 (that’s the one I plumped for) to 5 hours. You can also buy a blank, “just finish” or G-Identify label.
Also, every time you purchase a G-Band, 10% of the net profit goes to the MilePost 26 Project to help orphaned and hungry children around the world. Click here to learn more about this program.
Nice simple idea and hopefully it will guide me to a new personal record!
Update 4/8/09: Unfortunately, it appears the GoalPace web site is no longer active. As an alternative, may I suggest the excellent PaceTat temporary tattoo – now available in 20 popular finish times!
What a great idea! Much better than those transferable pace tattoos or writing on your arm, eh?! 😉
Correction to the above: Meant to write “Sounds much better than those transferable pace tattoos….” etc. Will be interested to hear your opinions of this product, especially in comparison with other pace band types!
Something similar is available from http://www.races2remember.com They make water-proof, tear-proof bands that are adjusted for your pace strategy & also for the course elevation changes.