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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.
The first time I saw kona was on the Internet!! Then I entered IMUK!!!!
The first time I really paid attention was when a friend was doing it – he’d got his place in the lottery. Great that they still have a few places for us mere mortals to get the opportunity to race on such an iconic course.
Chrissie Wellington releasing her Co2 canister when it wasn’t attached properly. Waiting for someone to throw her a spare which took ages then go on to win the race.
Well it doesn’t get on dutch TV much.. but wel Yvonne van Vlerken came in second in 2008 I saw that..
My most intense Kona memory was the story of Matt Hoover fishing the race in just over 17 hours. But inspiring.
I want to remember kona 2014, Alex Zanardi that closes his race in 9h 47′ 17″ in 273 pos, a man without legs but with the biggest heart that I’ve even seen!
Watching the segment on Chris McDonnell last year!
I enjoyed watching the Kona Highlights from NBC on Youtube!
Well, a few minutes ago, thanks Youtube!
Of course it has to be the Julie Moss crawl! But the battles between Dave Scott & Mark Allen were epic races
First was in the days of Dave Scott,
Best is watching the last of the finishers and admiring their determination.
Cheers
Last year was my first and only time. Surprisingly fun to watch, although was helped by chatting with friends about it on FB :)
Last year’s tv broadcast.
My first time watching kona on tv was 2004 as Stadler won.
Watching it as a kid in the early 90’s and thinking the scenery was cool. I watch it now in awe of the distance and speed of the athletes.
My first, favorite, and most inspirational memory of Kona is Dick Hoyt and his son’s journey from start to finish. It this kind of heart that make endurance sports so special!
Watching also Julie Moss crawl, amazing!!!
Hey,
I’ve never heard of Kona until I’ve seen the announcement of this contest. But watching a few Youtube clips was very inspiring. I’ve been running for the past 1,5 years, covering over 1.200km. I’m considering taking up triathlon and Kona really seems to be like a “mekka” of triathlon. Would love to participate in Kona Hawaii Ironman contest at least one :)
Alex
Watching on TV as a kid as the runners fought the heat during the marathon section through the lava fields.
Watching with friend in annual Champion dinner last year.
Best Kona memory : See my friend Christophe finish in 10h18 when he could not swim 5 years ago !
Only time i watched it was on the web, sure as i live in Nice france i can see the ironman every year on the ‘prom’, and everytime i m amazed how those guys can even finish.
Eneko second place in the 2008
I looked in a mirror and said to myself “Quit smoking and start running” and I did.
First ever was seeing a clip of Julie Moss during a inspirational montage and thinking “Why would anyone does this to themselves?” Planning to do my first Half next season :)
First time was a youtube collection of Kona’s greatest finishes, 4 yrs ago
Incredible perseverance from Ben Hoffman.
probablement cet episode de Magnum P.I
Je me souviens avoir cru que l épreuve avait été inventée par les scénaristes. La distance était trop irréelle pour être vraie.
la claridad del agua
I think anyone who crosses the finish line at any long distance triathlon is a symbol of hard work and dedication. My most memorable and inspiring year at Kona would probably be 2009, although novels can be written about the race each year on the dedication the athletes show.
I watched Kona for the first time in 2011, the year I first got into triathlon, now I’m hooked on the sport and watching the event!
The first time that i saw Ironman Kona, i said: Someday I will be there
chrissies flat and comback in 2008. She was just out of this world
My First Time watching Kona was actually Last Night (live streaming). I won’t forget the Words from my wife closer to Midnight: “i can’t believe you’re staying up so late watching triathlon”. Than I said: “It is not just Triathlon… It’s IRONMAN!”. So she said: well if you like it so much, why don’t you do it yourself someday?”… Silence… So i said to her: “I first need the right watch, but i cannot decide between FR920xt and Fenix 2… She kept sleeping, and i kept watching!
Watched on web. Thanks to Peter T. for link :).
Chrissie Wellington winning after a flat tire
beautiful landscape
It was an amazing Triathlon!!!!
The first time I saw Kona in the TV – some 20+ years ago, Mark Allen won this year – I was thinking something in the lines “Eww, it looks quite uncomfortable riding in the swimsuit!” ;-) Otherwise I was absolutely captivated!
My frst time: Videos in YouTube when first trying to “understand” what an Ironman is.
First memory of watching Kona for me would’ve been the 2012 coverage on NBC with my wife. It was this year that pushed her over the edge to sign up for and finish her first Ironman (IMWI2013) and 2 years later, I’ve made the same decision to take on the same course in 2015!
A documentary about two briljant triathletes in the 80’s.
I was stunned.
Julie Moss’s legs giving in – INSANE
My best memory of Ironman was watching the now infamous coverage of the 1982 event on ABC’s, Wide World of Sports. Like millions of other viewers, I was mesmerized by Julie Moss’ determination and perseverance. To watch as she staggered, crawled and collapsed at the finish line was beyond belief. Her shorts soiled from bodily functions she could no longer control, she ignored it all and pushed onward toward the finish. I knew then an event or experience that could drive someone to mentally push themselves beyond their physical limits into such discomfort was truly something special. Ironman on Kona is still that event!
I’ve been a fan since watching Mark Allen win his first, such an amazing feat. I’ve dabbled because of that and this year at 52 will try my first full Ironman in Cozumel
Today was my first experience watching Kona live and it was amazing.
One of the most memories is from Kona 2008. Chrissie Wellington had a flat and problems with her CO2 cardridge, she was desperately looking for help while she felt her chance to win the race slowly fading away… Fortunately she received help and made a brutal comeback, the kind the then leading Belinda Granger never ever would have expected. It really is about never giving up, absolutely impressive.
Taking about good days and bad days of life with my kids while watching the winner interview this year
My best memory of watching Kona is when I watched the Team Hoyt’s story. My eyes watered for a bit and said to myself, “Now, THAT’s an Ironman.”
I have seen Jan Blokland finishing Kona 2013. In his age group (50-54) on third place. Magnificent!!!
What could be better than Julie Moss finish??
Couple of years ago, streamed live, after deciding that I want to do an IM.
I was seriously questioning my decision….
I remember watching Ironman back when I was a kid, I always wanted to do what these men and women were doing. It’s ultimately what got me into triathlon in my 30’s. I just did my first half this year at 40 and plan on doing a full within the next year or two.
Watching Chris McCormack and Andreas Raelert 2010. Respect!
I can’t imagine how they can do that, they are real iron men!
Hopefully not a repeat post – but watching this year as our own local hero Tim Mallen (Yuba Sutter Tri Club) competes in his first Kona!
Being from NZ my first memories are of Cameron Brown trying, but never quite managing to win at Kona.
Watching the world champs in 2011 inspired me to do my first. On to my 4th now with the aim one day to get to Kona!
Macca 2010
The first time I saw it was in a pub two years ago with a couple of club colleagues.
Julie Moss…
Seeing my friend complete Kona for the first time in 2013!!!
Iron Man. Awsome.
When Macca and Andreas Raelert ran together, shook hands and Macca went on to win.
Julia Moss.
Watching the race at night in bed with my laptop, falling asleep as the agegroupers finished
The Iron War!
Watched a few snippets this year as I prepare to train to participate in an ironman race
Watching the broadcast for the first time in 2009 and being shocked that people could accomplish such amazing things
Julie Moss crawling. Most shocking “finish” i ever saw!
Jo Lawn and Cam Brown’s attempts over the years
Yesterday! I just started reading this blog and training a few weeks ago so new to all this. Still in amazement…
Watching them run past volcanic rock looking so relaxed.
Julie Moss refusing to give up is just amazing. That is inspiration in motion
Watching Julie Moss crawl in the early 80’s…
just watched clips for the first time on foot of this blog. mind = blown
Just last year, after getting started in tri myself….
In 2006 when I had just started triathlons and being inspired to do my first ironman. Following online and watching all the clips of the history.
My first Ironman clip watched – Sian Welch and Wendy Ingraham finishing crawl.
Today, awesome sport.
Watch as Mirinda Carfrae winning once again in a row.
It was just 5 years ago when I was 14. It inspired to do my first ever ironman sprint and ever since then I have been hooked.
Around 1997 and I was quite impressed with the final hour of it.
Chrissie Wellington doing it for us brits! and from no where as she was unheard.
Seeing it as a kid and thinking these people are out of their minds.
And here I am aspiring the same level of insanity :-)
/Morten
I won’t for get it:2008 wigh my friends
Watching it last year inspired me to finally sign up for a triathlon!
Watching Mark Allen and Dave Scott go at it in their old school short shorts.
The Kona made me to start triathlon. And one day I will be there at the finish line.
First time I watched KONA last year. My husband, who also competes in triathlon, was so excited watching online broadcast that I had to peek at the screen. We dream to go there sometime, if only to cheer and feel the spirit ….
Watching Cam Brown, Peter Reid, Tim DeBoon fight it out – and then Tim’s Kidney stones – ouch!
First Kona I wached was when Macca and Andreas Raelert went toe to toe in 2010… great intro!
Watching Team Hoyt story of ordinary people that can push beyond and achieve amazing iron distance. Never forgot it and over last few yrs I worked and achieved ‘you are an ironman’
I love watching the Kona race the amazing endurance of these ultimate athletes! Gave me something to watch early this morning
Last year, watched Miranda Carfrea set a course record and crush the marathon portion.
Julie Moss crawling at the finish.
Watching Marino suffer in the run in 2012…..
Just sitting around in my living room watching the stream with some guys from my TRI group…. Great time watching my friend Mark cross the finish line this year though!
Am relatively new to the sport, but enjoyed watching Rinny overtake Daniela in this year’s race!
The first time I saw it, thinking that one day I will make one.