Heads up! Here’s your massive list of sports tech deals! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $429, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium for $735, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, (or Hero 13 bundle for $339!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list here!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
Here’s how to save!
Wanna save some cash and support the site? These companies help support the site! With Backcountry.com or Competitive Cyclist with either the coupon code DCRAINMAKER for first time users saving 15% on applicable products.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:
Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.
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Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
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5 Easy Steps To The Site
1
In Depth Product Reviews
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
2
Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.
Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
3
Have some fun in the travel section.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
4
My Photography Gear: The Cameras/Drones/Action Cams I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
5
The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
Hi, from France !
I run my first (super-sprint) triathlon this week-end.
I feel a bit anxious with the swimming period (like everyone challenging this adventure for the first time, I suppose), I hope that my old bike won’t collapse before myself… But I’m quite confident with the running time.
Thanks for your advices.
I will certainly have a great and greasy BBQ after the race, with all my friends (who didn’t had the b—ls to follow me in this challenge…)
Well, I have got to get in on this! Cleaning out my garage and trying to find time to go golfing. I’m grilling some steaks tonight though!
Awesome – I’d love to get my hands on this watch! As for my Memorial Day weekend plans — I’m moving from Durham, NC to Charleston, WV. Not fun – but I’ll definitely get some of that famous NC BBQ before I leave!
Its time to study hard, final examns…are so important in my studies i need to pass it. When i finish it…time to enjoy the summer
20 mile run on Saturday and a graduation party on Sunday
20 mile run on Saturday and a graduation party on Sunday
Exploring Berlin on Saturday, then running in a couple of urban orienteering races – Ripon on Sunday, York on Monday! (and Peckham on Tuesday – not quite the same.)
Great work Ray.
My wife and I will be driving down to DC (where I lived for a couple years) for a “fun weekend.” I will (not so) secretly be trying to convince her to move back the entire time via a carefully arranged schedule of great experiences. Boy, would winning this watch really be the cherry on top! :) My future life (in DC) is in your hands, Ray!
Hey Ray, I’m working Saturday and Sunday (Holiday Pay!), getting a long ride and run in, and making some pulled pork on Monday! If I win, keep the BBQ sauce and send me the watch! haha, thanks for the giveaway!
Hi, from France !
I’m running my first triathlon this week-end.
I’ll try to survive from the swimming period (and to achive the all-challenge thanks to your advices)
I will certainly have a great and greasy BBQ with familly and (fat) friends after the race.
Nice giveaway
Hanging with family, after doing some spring cleaning!
Lots of Running and Cycling
Hitting the “mountains” around the DC area for some bike training.
Tennis and biking in Richmond VA
Good morning!
Just looked at the schedule: Saturday: Swim 30 min, Bike 2:40 min, run 30 min. Sunday: Bike 60 min and run 100 min. Training for Ironman Florida. There will be a cheeseburger cooked on the green egg and a cold beverage too.
Need a break!!!!
Wow the thing looks cool!
fresh02_88@yahoo.com
Heading to Austin to race in CapTexTri olympic race.
Training for an 8.5 mile ‘fun run’ – not in the DC ultra distance league but still a good challenge for my ageing knees!
Swimming, biking, running, walking, hiking … living life one day at a time.
Hi! Since last weekend a runned my first marathon, in the next, I’m planning to do a light jog and spend the rest of the time with my family, running with my 18 months years old boy and the family dog.
Saturday night is the perfect time for a BBQ. Here in Brazil, we call it “churrasco”. For the cow meat we use only salt. Other types of “churrasco” are done with specific sauces, envolving herbs, garlic, wine, etc…
You can see the South Brazil BBQ style here:
link to flickr.com
Thanks for the good information provided in your site, and good luck for me in the giveaway!
I’ll be at a wedding in Philadelphia. Will have to preview the marathon course.
Flying to the parents tonight, family reunion bbq Saturday, friends BBQ Sunday, a whole lot of running in between there, an actual running watch would be handy. Great blog!
Hey Ray! I’ve got two 5K races this weekend and some bike and swim to help round things out. Hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the BBQ!
Delaware beaches
This weeken? More miles, trying to play mid-season catch-up!
Saluti – 9 days to go to Ironman 70.3 Rapperswil – 1st race of the season. Feeling is good.
it’s raining, and there is now thunder….
Sweeeet! Have a great weekend!!!!
OOOOO, thanks again for putting one of these on. We don’t have that holiday up here in Canada
Not a long weekend in Canada as you said, but with the snow finally melted away in the woods, this weekend will mark the opening of the mountain biking season !
Awesome, I’m in for a shot at the title.
Hope you have a great holiday weekend!
I’ll be celebrating my birthday!
Not much chance of BBQ weather here in Sheffield, UK! I’m going to join up with the Rapha Mobile Cycle Club for a ride, free pasta and to watch the Giro!
I have a long run on Saturday, bike and swim on Sunday, and then eat and drink and be merry on Monday!
I’ve got a good feeling about this one…
Just relaxing Saturday and Sunday. Monday I’m running a road race and afterwards the local running club is throwing a party. So I’m sure the BBQ will be out in full force. Enjoy your weekend.
I live near Greenville, SC so Monday I will be downtown with my dad retired Special Forces LTC Robert Huckabee, we will be hoping to see Big George win another.
I’ll cycle two days on the Alps, meeting Giro d’Italia on Colle delle Finestre!!
Run, rest, run with the middle being done most!
Saturday will start with a 1 mile ocean swim followed by a light run. In preperation for a sprint Tri on Sunday morning. I think after that is when the baby backs will hit grill covered in a little Sweet Baby Ray’s for some great fall off the bone southern BBQ. Maybe some steamed clams for a little different side.
spending the weekend traveling to see some family. should be plenty of beer & bbq.
Plan to participate in the XC race – link to gpsies.com
Well, my wife is out of town so …
Friday: pick up my daughter from week-long school trip to DC
Saturday: bike ride with my daughter (maybe the tandem instead of our single bikes so we can ride farther)
Sunday: swim with my daughter (she’s on swim team)
Monday: clean up house for my wife’s return
I will in Downtown Greenville, SC with my dad retired Special Forces LTC Robert Huckabee, we will be hoping to see Big George win another championship.
Running first marathon this year, can’t wait, would love a give-away for The Girl :-) (link to twitter.com)
Running the Madison Half Marathon on Sunday, and enjoying 40 degree weather with 35 mile an hour winds and rain! :(
Well, it is just a regular two-day weekend over here in Germany and the weather forecast is not exactly impressive, so I guess there will not be a whole lot of BBQ-ing around here…
Also, it is going to be the last weekend before a marathon, so I’ll take it easy on the running side of things.
Sounds like a good weekend to catch up reading this blog…
US weekend for this Canadian transplant. My Mum is visiting so I will be hanging out with her (shopping, gardening, etc) and fitting a few workouts in between including my first OW swim of the year!
Susan in Shoreview
I’m hosting a Saturday morning fun run at a local park for my running club with breakfast for about 50. Backyard camping and bbq with my kids and neighbors, and the township pool opens so I’ll also be swimming and soaking up some rays!
Hey. Another awesome giveaway! This weekend will be long ride/brick, long run and recovery swim. All in training for Challenge Roth, my second IM. Flatmates birthday so will be squeezing in some GBK burgers (they have a special offer 2 for £10 over the weekend on takeaways) and a couple of beers. Bring on the weekend :)
Watching my 8yo daughter’s swim meet on Sat, 15k time trial on Sunday, and relaxation on Monday – as well as resuming my training after a lazy May :)
Biking at least twice. Cleaning yard and house. Attending, instead of hosting, BBQs, so I don’t know the deets. Ask me Tuesday!
Thanks for offering the giveaway! Drooling over that watch :). I’m planning to spend the weekend enjoying BBQs and hikes on Sun and Mon(and, um, doing some work). Hoping to make the most of my move to the burbs with a local 5K and/or ride with my new (to me) cycling club on Sat am! Hope your holiday weekend is a blast.
I have a fu filled weekend planned! I have a couple runs that I am going to do this weekend, and I am having all of my family (both sides) over for a huge BBQ!!! I love to cook for the crew, so it will be a WONDERFUL weekend!
Family picnic and a float trip
I will be doing my best not to be jealous of people racing this weekend and will cheer on Rebecca Saturday morning in a local 5k and then it is time for some BBQ party action. Hopefully one of the other days will include a nice long bike ride, since that is about the only other form of exercise I can do right now.
Headed for Union Pier, MI to enjoy some lakeside fun!
Been using the 405 for a few nows and LOVE IT! Buttttt, I’d really love to strap on the new 610! :D
Well, I’ll be spending the weekend in Conakry, Guinea (W Africa) because I can’t get a flight back to Nairobi, Kenya until Wednesday. My meeting will be over, so I hope to get in some runs and see the city. Could be some African BBQ (goat?) in the works.
I’ll be multi-sporting it up with a long ride, long swim and possibly open water swim/bike combo. Thanks for the giveaway!
Since the forecast is rain, rain and more rain I will likely be hanging out indoors instead of going camping with the in-laws. Maybe hit the drive-in movie theaters if there is a break in the weather :)
I’ll be spending this weekend wrapping up finals and some end of year school projects, but next week I’ll be Pounding the pavement and hitting the pool to prepare for the upcoming XC season and the LA triathlon.
Pick me pick me! What did I do for the long weekend. Bike bike bike. Runner relatively new to the bicycle but starting to love it.
I’m spending the weekend flying back to Finland from NYC — so mostly jetlagged!
Long ride on Saturday, long run on Sunday, day off on Monday. Thanks for organizing.
Awesome! Love it!
Long time follower, first comment :)
Great blog!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nice looking watch.
I’ll spend the weekend riding the La Chouffe classic: nothing beats a nice ride through the Belgian Ardens, and drink a Chouffe (one of the best Belgian beers) afterwards!
BBQ means Cevapcici on our side of the planet. You gave me a great idea for the weekend, i’m already hungry:)
Plan to spend my weekend running as usual. Cut the grass etc. Nothing too exciting. Love the blog.
I’m doing my first sprint Tri on Monday in Austin! Last weekend I went on a party bus with Google for a BBQ Bonanza, going to 3 different BBQ places on a bus with a stripper pole :) I’ll be sure to grab some awesome Texas BBQ after my race on Memorial Day.
The sun is finally coming out this weekend. Got a 40-mile run planned for Saturday, anniversary celebration on Sunday and a relaxing day with the kids on Monday. Perfect.
I will be doing a long ride out in Chappel Hill Tx. Live in flat Houston so this is our only way to get hills..Great trainning for Austin 70.3!
Bonjour,
Maybe me…
I believe in my star !!!
Thanks for that great blog ;-)
IN. Low Country boil on monday afternoon after going home to Vidalia, GA on Friday-Sunday.
In the swimming pool, on the bike and of corse in my running shoes…
Going to spend the weekend with Family in Wisconsin and run the Madison Marathon on Sunday.
Looking forward to the Bolder Boulder in a gale on Monday.
Thanks for all the great posts! As a native Finn I am really looking forward to some more Polar related posts and why not some about the Suunto models. Of course I want to take part in the giveaway as well…
I’m going to train a bit but hope to lounge by the pool after some hot laps. Also would like to take my 17 month old daughter with us so she can start getting used to being in the water.
hi hi – nothing exciting – 4 hour ride and a little 8km run race that will hurt like hell….
Boston’s “Run to Remember” Half-Marathon will be this weekend.
I will be running in the heat (forecast is for 80’s and humid) with about 5,000 other runners.
Hoping to crack the top 15 in my AG.
Please enter me in your giveaway!
– Boston Beaver
Not sure what my family & I are going to do, humm. We will def be grilling and since I’m currently training for my first 1/2 I’ll be doing my long run on Saturday. There will probably be some consumption of beer & wine going on.. It should be a great long weekend. Happy Memorial Day & ladies, we can start wearing WHITE :)
Ihopeiwinihopeiwinihopeiwinihopeiwinihopeiwinihopeiwin!
I finish my first year of medical school Friday. Means my weekend will be full of sleeping, cycling and grilling if the weather holds in New England! Kicking things off with a bachelor party on Saturday (not mine)
I am going hiking in the rockies.
There will be no long weekend for me, but I will be racing a Sprint Triathlon with all the members of our team for once in almost two years!!
I will be running with a long lost running friend who is up from Georgia.
Awesome. Wish me luck!
This weekend will be fun:
Starting with my cousins wedding in Bloemendaal.
Saturday a nice diner with family to celebrate 80th birthday of Granny.
Of course, some running on Sunday to burn some of the celebration carbs!
BTW, I will be running with my defect FR305 (no sound), so I really have my fingers crossed for this FR610 Giveaway!
Love you site and reviews!
Greetings Gerard
I always love your more creative entry requirements! Long weekend = guilt free training: 2 hour run, 50 mile bike, and, first open water swim of the year, even though the lake is still freezing! Less than 3 weeks till Boise 70.3 and need to get my rear end in a lake!
Have a good holiday weekend!
Running in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is how I plan to spend my weekend.
hmm – not much planned for the weekend – dinner out with friends etc…
Driving, then swimming, bikign and running.
We just bought a home and are in fix up/remodel mode! Hope I have time for a BBQ, it is greatly needed. Thanks for all of you reviews and helpful information!
Just so your clear on one thing Kansas City has the best BBQ and sauce; Even though the name does not sound Kansas City in Origin its roots are here, Oklahoma Joes takes the cake with Gates and Author Bryants in a close 2nd and 3rd, but if your feeling a bit more classy, get to Jack Stack for the best burnt ends in this city (my opinion)Weekend of BBQ and fishing for me, while I take a week off after my first big race.