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.
Watching the finish, from the winners to those just making it in the time limit.
My first year of triathlon, I tried to bike on the trainer the whole time the pros did. Talk about a realty check.
First post here
Watching Chrissie Wellington win the last time. Amazing.
Chocolate covered macadamia nut!
Getting HR in the VO2max range during a leisurely hike on Kauai’s Kalalau Trail, to quote from http://www.kalalautrail.com: “Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the drop-off on the ocean side is severe. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather”, it was pouring as we approached the cliff face!
That’s easy, Julie Moss 1982.
before i didnt know about ironman. Then i got familiar and into the sport and then knew Kona being the stage for the world championships and i was able to watch the epic battle of Macca and Raelert. so cool!
Watching Kona on tv as a little kid… Sparking an insane dream!
Haven’t been to Kona but I did swim with a sea turtle off Kauai. That count?
How after a bike accident a French age grouper persisted through the pain and finished in 2010. Gives my goose bumps every time I watch it!
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Kona? Too warm there…get a snow bike!
link to fatbackbikes.com
Macca’s last win
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Love the coffee
I remember watching the 2008 Ironman World Championships practically on repeat while I was training for my first Ironman.
My aunt loved vacationing in Hawaii.
Hawaii-related: My sister-in-law’s husband just got stationed at MCBH Kaneohe Bay over the summer. Is it bad I have no interest in using that as an excuse to visit Hawaii…
Whenever I watch last year’s recorded Ironman Championship I always get choked up at the end…every. single. time.
It’s a long trip from France !
Being inspired to start being athletic by my uncle, who has competed in Kona multiple times. I completed my first Ironman this year, and dream to some day make it to Kona myself. If my uncle can do it, I can too!
Funny story… My uncle left all of his nutrition in the freezer the morning of the race, and another uncle had to sprint back to their house and back (multiple miles for a guy who wasn’t in fantastic shape) to get his nutrition to him.
Now, the uncle who retrieved the nutrition is a three-time Ironman. It’s catching on in this family!
I will never forget watching Mark Allen win his first Ironman. That got me started in triathlon. I wanted to be Mark.
Obama was born in Hawaii.
Chrissie winning in 2011!
Seeing this spectacular race on TV!
I find inspiration in the athletes that come in just before the cutoff.
~amber h
The scenery is awesome!
My favorite Hawaii memory is kayaking off Maui where my wife and I went swam with dolphins, snorkeled in a pristine reef and kayaked/swam with sea turtles.
Hawaii Five-0
I would love it
Hawaii Five-0
Team Hoyt coverage for sure.
Watching all the pre-race training interviews and videos hyping the big day!
My uncle participating and finishing kona in 2010!!! If I win this contest I promise to compete in kona in 2014
definitely the Kona underpants run
Loved the hula show on Oahu.
Love watching Kona every year! Thanks for the giveaway.
watching scott win whle running the lava fields
excited to watch my friend finish live after getting injured a few weeks before last year!
Chrissie’s run from last year with Rinnie hunting her down.
Being in Hawaii 10 years ago for our honeymoon and seeing the race go by our hotel. It was amazing to watch.
Watching Chrissie Wellington repeat.
I made my first trip to Hawaii in May 2011. I’ve now been back 3 times since (never to Kona though).
I can’t get enough of the islands and I am planning on being in Kona in 2013 to watch the big race.
Sun and sand!
Watching the non-professionals give everything they’ve got to complete.
Seeing the video of the woman who won the 3rd? year struggle to the finish.
Never been there, and hoping to do my first next year, but my favorite thing watching Kona is atmosphere of the finish line. To come running into the finish line with that many people cheering you on must be awesome.
Chrissie Wellington’s injured ridden body, coming back to win Kona against a redlining Mirinda Carfrae
HI’ RAY’
THANKS I HOPE ONCE WE WILL GET IT
THANKS
DORON FROM TEL AVIV
Sunsets & strawberry guava drinks, yummmm
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Being a kid and thinking I had to do that one day…… Still working on it.
Reading about Mark Allen’s first win in Iron War. I often think back to that story when I need to dig deep.
The first time I saw Kona on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Life changing.
Open air airport
I am not seeing any of my comments?!
I don’t remember which race I watched first but I was blown away with the amount of effort that all the athletes put into the race. I have been greatly touched by the effort and determination of Team Hoyt and John Blais. I hope to someday perform a Blazeman roll across the finish line in Kona.
Lori Bowden’s Kona wins!
I love watching all the stories in the December show that they put together. The pros are great but the “regular people” are the people that amaze me and make me strive to one day and do this!!
I was in Kona in 2000 for my honeymoon, and couldn’t help but notice all these amazingly fit people around town. Needless to say, I’d love to go back, this time to race.
I love watching the stories NBC does. Tear jerkers – every time.
I remember the father running with his sun in the heel chair. amazing!
My husband is a loyal follower of your blog… I think it’s great.. because … he has good taste, wouldn’t you say? :D
Seeing Macca and Raelert duking it out so close to the finish in 2010.
A friend of mine was going to Kona as a spectator but she had trouble getting time off work.
Seeing Macca and Raelert duking it out so close to the finish in 2010.
Cameron Brown second!
I really love the Hawaii Five O theme song. Since reading this post I can’t get it out of my head. Thanks for a great blog.
Mike W.
Trying to watch it at the DC Tri Annual meeting, but not being able to actually watch it. So, I had to watch it over and over again on Universal Sports. Then I’d watch it again.
Fer the wife.
Never been to Kona, but do plan on watching the race tomorrow!
Never been to Hawaii, but remember seing clips from Kona when growing up. Besides the 13th is my birthday so that got to count for something;)
Lucky timing for my my 3 year old daughters nap last year gave me the time to watch Chris Lieto lead on the bike.
Menehune!
Love running by the beach in Hawaii.
Hawaii Five-O
I remember vividly watching ABC’s Wide World of Sports and Julie Moss’s finish at Kona. I was 13 and in awe. Finished IM Canada 20 years later :)
The epic slow-mo video with inspirational music from the produced telecast.
Faris’s Speedo!
I remember vividly watching ABC’s Wide World of Sports and Julie Moss’s finish at Kona. I was 13 and in awe. Finished IM Canada 20 years later :)
Waking up in Kaui the morning after we arrive – it really was paradise.
Wonderful info Ray, thanks.
I don’t have a favorite Kona memory but I can’t think of a better place than Hawaii to spend a week recovering afterward.
road to hana waterfalls
Marc Herremans crossing the finish line when he won the gold medal in the handbike category in 2006.
I remember watching the 1989 ironman while using a nordic track because i only had a bmx bike.
The waterfalls and the sky
Favorite Kona memory is randomly stumbling onto a replay once, and getting interested in triathlon.
Vacationing in Kona & running part of the course.
Watching Dave Scott on TV
When I hear Kona, I think Mountain Bike !! ;))
The victories of Luc Van Lierde
This is my time. I feel it! I feel… Hawaiian?!
Cheering for Team Hoyt – whom I’ve raced beside many times!
Haven’t been to Hawaii. But, it is beautiful, the race is awesome and chocolate macadamia nuts…. yum yum
in 2006 Marc Herremans, a paralised athlete who lives in my neigbourhood, finale succeeded in wining in his class in Kona, his dream since he wasn’t able to win there before his accident. he’s one of my big examples in perseverance!
I’d train to go to Hawaii!
Scott Rigsby, first double-leg amputee to finish in Kona.
team hoyt, macca/raelert…