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.
Strongest memory was watching, on TV, a woman feeling she is about to die, trembling legs, but recovering enough to continue on.
I also recall one year the side winds were reported to be up to 45+mph and the bike leg was borderline impossible.
Many years ago when I was a child, I saw some Kona highlights with my father. He and I both commented about the ridiculousness of the Iron Man competitions. Now, as an adult, I train endlessly so that one day I can compete in one.
My first memory of watching Kona is the Dave Scott/Mark Allen Iron War. Is it any wonder that I got hooked? Thanks for the giveaway. –Richard
Although not Kona – I volunteered when the races were held in Clearwater, FL (my hometown). Getting up close and personal to those athletes to witness their strength and determination was an inspiration!
Watching Julie Moss crawl to the finish line
First time I saw a televised broadcast of Kona I remeber seeing the front runner on the bike completely alone in the desolate volcanic area. I remember thinking, why would someone ever want to be a triathlete? 30 years later, I can proudly say that I am a triathlete!
Seeing those amazing underwater shots looking up
Watching in the early 90’s (I believe Mark Allen streak) in disbelief as to what these guys were putting themselves through…and like many previously stated…motivated to get to my first full IM
The Hawaii Ironman alwas has been a well known event here in Germany, also because its former relation to the one here in Roth. However the first time I can remember seeing coverage on TV was when Faris al Sultan won it in 2005.
Would love to have more coverage of Ironman and similar events but soccer is pushing everything else aside here, unfortunately, especially events which have a duration of more than 90 minutes…
Watching on ABC Wide World of Sports in the 1980’s but at that time not fully appreciating the magnitude of the athlete’s accomplishments.
Watching Karen Smyers win
Father & son doing it together!
Saw part of it while channel surfing on the TV years ago. “Those people are nuts”, I thought.
Watching the 2008 Kona on Youtube for the first time… And I’ve been fascinated ever since
Watching Chrissie Wellington repeat in 2008 on her Cannondale was my first memory of the world championship race in Kona.
Each year trying to get my head around how they could run a marathon so fast after a swim and bike. Then there is the heat …
The finish line reactions, always the finish line reactions.
I watched the KONA world championship at a buddies house after we finished our first sprint Triathalon. I was able to see hiens ward compete and numerous others. Wonderful expierence.
Watching the start a couple of years ago thinking this is what I wanna do one day
Watching Hines Ward compete in Kona inspired me to attempt my first half ironman last month.
Watching the amazing start to the swim and the clear blue water.
JULIE MOSS
The ironwar with allen and scott
Watching Team Hoyt complete the 1989 Hawaii Ironman. The love between the two is incredible!
Watching replays of the iron war years.
Watching the 2010 women’s race with a girl who had no interest in triathlons. After watching Mirinda Carfrae run for a while I remarked how smooth her stride was and it was amazing to watch. The girl responded, “that’s the only fact you’ve noticed? Not that you can see almost right through her top?” Um… I guess I like to watch a beautiful running stride.
Experiencing some of the routes and wind apparent in Kona during my last trip to Hawaii. Just keep pushing!
Watching Crowie jump across the finish line in 2011 with the Australian flag in tow!
My very first memory of Ironman Kona was watching Fernanda Keller (Brazilian Triathlete) running on television.
Dave Scott and Mark Allen. May be not the most original but it inspired me!
Like many others, my first memory was watching the replay (likely months later) of Julie Moss barely crossing the finish line. Still powerful these many years later.
Watching Rinny close out the marathon gave me that last bit of motivation on the end of a trainer ride.
Julie Moss!!! What else (of course I’m old)?
While riding on the trainer watching Blazeman do his thing… One of my favorite quotes ever!
“Live more than your neighbors. Unleash yourself upon the world and go places. Go now, giggle, know, laugh, and bark at the moon like the wild dog you are. Understand that this is not a dress rehearsal, this is it, your life. Face your fears and live your dreams. Take it all in. Yes every chance you get, come close.
And by all means, whatever you do, get it on film!”
– Jon Blais, The Blazeman
Watched for the first time on youtube a few years ago, and thought wow, they can condense an Ironman into an hour of TV time!
Watching it and thinking to myself OMG, how in the world do they do it?
Watching Frederik happiness and accomplishment feeling crossing the finish line on last year as inspired me to sing to an Ironman.
I first watched Kona on TV back in the days of the Allen/Tinsley/Scott battles. I found it hard enough to run a marathon, so to watch people do that and much, much more without dying was humbling.
Late 80’s. I don’t remember any of the details of the race but I do remember saying to myself that I’m going to do that some day.
Mine was three years ago o a youtube channel. Here in Spain is difficult to follow that on TV.
I remember sitting in a hotel and thinking how great it was that I could actually watch it on TV.
watching the start last year , thinking about what they could be feeling at that time….
and youtube for the IRONWAR of course :)
The triathlon nun, and Chrissie staying at the finish line until the end to greet people.
Everytime that very last person crosses the finishing line… It´s always the moment that moves me, so amazing figthers over the past years!
Watching Rinny destroy the womens field on the run last year.
Watching Macca & Raelert battle to the end
I enjoy watching people narrowly beating the cutoffs for the course closure in the twilight. I don’t know who anybody is or care who wins, but I view those moments as triumphant and I think I’ve seen them a few times over the years.
Watching the Hoyt’s race, how could that not bring a tear to your eye.
Watching last years and seeing the dolphins next to the pros and later a manta ray swam under the front swimmers, how much cooler can it get??
Julie Moss
Watched the Kona World Championship the same day I completed my first sprint triathlon. Completely motivated me to get serious with Triathlon. Watching Heinz Ward go from novice to an Ironman in 6 months was very motivating! I’ll do my first olympic series next summer, can’t wait!!!
I remember watching it as a kid when we first got cable. I was amazed! I have since run a marathon and completed an sprint tri. Someday!!!
NBC recap. Not sure what year it was though. I think it was Craig Alexander jumping through the finish banner. 2009?
cant remember the year but it was the mid 1990s.
Watching the ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” clip of the 1982 Ironman on Youtube
I am revalling my age, but on Wide World of Sports all thoes years ago…
I first watched Kona while doing an internship with awful hours and worse pay. However, after watching what the athletes were going through, I realized I didn’t have it so bad and found inspiration to keep going.
First time I remember watching was the NBC sports special a couple of years ago.
Flipping through the channels one day in the mid to late 90’s and stumbled upon the Kona event. Watched the finish and thought “wow, how can anyone do that many miles in one day?!”..Now I’m trying to push myself to do the same.
I remember some reviews in the national tv channel, but then tri was not very popular in my country…
I remember seeing people running on TV and looking so tired. I had just tuned in and was confused why they looked so tired. I had no idea what I was watching at the time. I remember thinking, I bet I can do that. I was young and naive. Now I see them competing and have the utmost respect for them.
Watching the swim and the amazing time on the Kona 2009 adn the crazy finish time of Crowie !
Watching the perseverance and struggle that people go through and watching them over come every physical wall to finish. Very inspiring.
My first memory of watching KONA was after reading one of your post.
The swim start…
Magnum PI… ;)
Would have been the late 80’s when I first started racing bicycles, just watching all those guys bake in the Lava fields during the bike portion.
Seeing course before event, walking/driving roads, imagining bikers riding there
Go, Magnus Backstedt, go!
I saw Kona 25th clip with my wife.
And we heard so cool words.
“You only live once…but if you live it right, once is enough”.
Thanks DC.
Watching Wide World of Sports shot of Julie Moss struggling. It seemed like one of those epic moments in sports.
Watching Julie Moss finish in 1982 on Wide Wold of Sports
I cannot imagine anything will ever top Chrissie Wellington’s win in 2011. She was still injured from a crash only 2 weeks prior to the race and should not have been able to even finish the race, never mind win it!
A truly inspirational performance from a truly inspirational champion.
A few years ago when Craig Alexander blew Raelert’s doors off in the run watching the NBC special show. Classic one-on-one battle.
Kona 2010: Macca VS Raelert
I remember seeing it on Wide World of Sports or some similar show as a child (maybe Julie Moss crawling over the finish? That image sticks in my mind although could be from later viewings of that iconic footage) and thinking how crazy it was to even attempt one leg of it! Fast forward 40 years and I am an ultrarunner and cyclist (still can’t swim well so that leg is still out)!
Being in Kona weeks before the race in 2003, before I really knew anything at all about Triathlon, and seeing athletes everywhere we went. Pretty inspiring!
Watching my husband, watch Kona to motivate for a 3 hour trainer ride one snowy winter morning.
I was sitting on my couch smoking when I first saw it on tv. I couldn’t turn it off. I was inspired to quit smoking and start running.
First watched Kona when Normann Stadler won the 2006 edition.
I’ve only watched last years – but you have to start somewhere, right?
I remember watching it on TV way back when I was young. It was mesmerizing to watch and I had no idea how to even get started in Triathlon.
I only watch highlights of Ironmans. All the most interesting bits squeezed in an hour or two :)
As a kid I remember thinking that it looked like the run and the bike were done in some desolate wasteland.
Discussing the history
Thinking “I love the Idea – what an amazing country to do a Tri in” but also thinking “my body won’t make it Dan, pack it in” and also glossing through tri magazines with vintage pictures of sinewy men in budgie smugglers and crop tops and simply thinking how awful; thank god for trisuits and modern times :-)
Saw it on NBC back in the 90s, caught the bug, bought a steel road bike, but didn’t really go anywhere for 14 years. Then, in 2012 did my first triathlon, and then my first IM – finally making some progress!
First real memories of Kona are from 2009 with Alexander and Chrissie winning.
When you get beyond 50 years old it’s hard to remember what you had for supper let alone your first Ironman. I do remember watching last year’s race though. It was great, but they all are!
I watched the bike portion a few years ago before I tried my first triathlon and it looked hot, sweaty and surprisingly hilly. But the bikes were beautiful and I was just so impressed that the top competitors were riding hard for that amount of time. I watched skinny dudes passing guys with bulked up bodies and realized that endurance is a different kind of in-shape.
Favorite moment was when Dave Scott beat Mark Allen for the last time in ’87.
Footage of Mark allen and dave scott battling it out in 1989!
I start getting interested and start reading about Ironman and watch Ironman Kona when one of my friend start doing the Ironman 3 years ago. I started running and come to this site for review on gadget because of my friend. Now I am excited on watch Ironman Kona on TV or youtube clips, and also marathon as well. Not mentioning how much now I enjoying running!
In the lab, with a triathlete pedaling, sweating and panting while watching the WC
Seeing Crowie win.
The first time I saw a vídeo from IM @ Kona was Chris Lieto riding his trek speed concept bike followed by a helicopter on the background. Awesome image and really inspiring!
Watching the 2008 Ironman Wolrd Championship where Criag Alexander and Chrissie Wellington won… 2 great triatheles who dominated the scene and set a benchmark for the rest.
Truely inspiring!
I had been reduced to walking back on the Queen K and was struggling to manage forward motion on the last hill. I kept feeling sorry for myself. I was truly wallowing in self pity. An older woman ran by me with diarrhea running down her leg and a look of agony on her face. I thought to myself “If someone who is older than me, in more pain than me and who has lost control of their bowels can run, I can run too dammit!” People talk about carbon this and genetics that getting you to Kona but in the end it is a will to get the job done: the will to suffer when others aren’t willing or able.
All the hoopla surrounding Darryl Haley.
Motivation.