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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.
Running wherever we are
It depends where I am on vacation. Since I love the nature and mountains, usually my vacations are closed to those and I would go for hikes, short trail runs.
If I am in cities, I usually do a sightseeing run, passing as much as possible tourist attractions.
My next holiday will be a “race holiday” doing the Escapealcatraz.
Mostly running or hiking, but usually ice cream wins.
early, i mean real early morning run or walk on the beach ! After breaky….nice relax swim….priceless!
Vanilla bonbon interval training!
Racing – no.1 is dragonboating. Training – 1) dragonboating, 2) cycling, 3) crossfit. Holidays – mostly cycling and hiking.
swimming. ocean, lake or pool
On vacation, I lookup and plan routes when I plan the vacation! It might mean I need to get up extra early to get the training in, but I do.
running all the way
Vacation, 4 kids. Waken about 0600hrs feed, change, tidy apartment. Teach kids to swim, apply sun lotion on kids, feed, swim with kids some more. Feed, sun lotion, shade and it continues for 7 days.
Keep up with me during my vacation and any thoughts of cycle, hike, run etc or more to the point mention or hint of it could result in serious injury caused by, you know who!
I always bring my TRX to do some strength trainig… And of course – running! Usualy barefoot – depends on my vacation location :)
I’ll typically take swimming and running gear with me. Depending on the duration and available facilities, I will stick to my training program as closely as possible.
Run in new places, surf, hike, ski, and partake in whatever outdoor activities the location provides.
I eat as much as possible and sweat when I can.
I use the vacation formula which is #margaritas x #dessert / by hours slept = number of miles to run.
My most common vacation is to go skiing, so that becomes my exercise.
Depends on the location. But usually on vacations I have more time so I try too step up on the training volume.
No plan or schedule. Just run whenever you feel like running with no other goal than to feel good.
actually most of the time my usual training is a preparation for my vacations, which involve some kind of mountain experience, be it extended ski-touring, hiking or mountainbiking. So usually in terms of time I get much more done, in terms of specific exercises its less!
Running! Everytime, everywhere in the world!
Running, finding what’s around the corner….
I tend to holiday by the sea so swimming, coastal runs and surfing.
I would love one of these watches. In November 2013, I was 297lbs, fatso and disgusting. I started running slowly in the gym using my Garmin Forerunner 50, yes very old. It’s not fancy or anything, but by god, it’s solid and it works. I am a VA cop and work with veterans on a daily basis. I had an epiphany one day and thought, if I have a heart attack on a way to a call being so FAT, WTF good am I doing to help these guys, they served and now it’s my time to serve them….My journey began…
Running was hard, and I wanted to quit each day. The heart monitoring really helped me stay motivated to run each day. From day to day exercise, I would get discouraged as I didn’t see any immediate results, and my body was aching, But then with the old Garmin, I found out that you can compare your exercises on the training center software.
WOW… I compared my heart rate laying the graphs on top of each other from each session. I could SEE the difference the running made on my heart each session. Even though I couldn’t feel or see any results, that alone was a huge motivator to keep going, made me realize I was on deaths door.
So long story short, I keep pressing on inside the YMCA gym on the treadmill to today. I don’t take vacations, so on my days off, my vacation is to RUN, so focused on losing weight. I work 2 days on, 2 days off. My off days are running, period. I take STAYcations as I have to burn time off from work, but again, I am in the gym running, and just thankful that I was able to be dedicated to stay with running, as I think it saved my life. My wife is not happy though, we never go anywhere, but that kinda pushed her into swimming laps in the pool he he….another benefit for me…lol Although, we did take a weekend trip to Chicago last summer, but we mostly walked the lakefront, so that was exercise i guess…
I lost 100lbs so far. I wish I could post before an after pictures, there are crazy…lol I started running for 10mins, out of breath at 4mph, now I can go 1hr at 6.5mph. I’d like to kick my running up a notch and start running outdoors. It would be SO AWESOME to upgrade my forerunner 50 with gps!!!!
I found your website last July and have been reading all the articles and comments from people. They are helping me get to where I want to be. I didn’t know what cadence was until then…lol. My ultimate goal is to be 175lbs and running half marathons. I would love to do the tough mudder this year, but I don’t think I am ready for that yet. Whether I win the watch or not, I do want to thank you for your website. There isn’t anything else out there that gives unbiased information to people like me that know nothing about the sport. My next venture is to get a bike so I will again be digging into your articles to figure out what to do….The power meter stuff is alien to me, so I need to start reading what it is all about.
Usually Swimming in the ocean, go hiking and relax – time to refill the batteries and the mental strength.
In vacation, I bring my bike where ever I go…
I’m all about using vacation as a vacation from everything, including training. I’ll splurge here and there and go into relax mode but I don’t want to go so far as to unravel weeks of hard work and progress, so I do limit myself to a few bonbons! Of course none of the above applies if my vacation is a cycling trip!
Swimming is my favourite
I usually get to go run more often as vacation usually goes with good locations to explore. Most notably a nice run in Belgium last year. Plus, shoes and gear are easier to pack that a bike.
Running and swimming if available.
Riding if I can bring my bike, some running and, a fair amount of beer based carb loading…
Depends on the vacation – if relaxed or just short, probably no run. On long vacations I’ll get up early to go for a run around the area (Rome being a fun location in the early hours.)
Vacation, ahhhhhhh, just the sound of it makes me yearn for it more. vacation for me usually means I have more time to train……….running is the go to sport while away but found stair climbs in parking garages in Vegas and lap pools in all inclusive resorts in Mexico but for the drunk people get up!!
Ice cream interval training! :-)
Alwyas running :)
I stay on course from a training perspective, but usually plan vacations around any races I may do if possible. Running and strength training are par for the course as I can generally do that anywhere.
Always good intentions but execution is not always great.
Lots of ice cream, but I usually try to schedule a run or ride so I can eat more ice cream.
Always run on vacation, maybe not as long, so we can eat and drink as much as we want.
I run very early in the morning and usually I’m back before rest of family wakes up
Training will continue during holiday but a pina colada or two, can’t hurt. Right?
Never miss a day, rain or shine. On vacation I love to mix it up and try a new gym or routine in a new place – especially finding a new trail.
My vacations are usually “working” vacations, so I am already planning on a run or a long hike. The trick is the destination so it doesn’t seem like work.
Short Runs to explore the area.
Usually just taking in the local sites, as in the Malls while holding the shopping bags.
Usually running or trekking.
Explore (new routes) and enjoy (life and running).
Adventure run! usually my vacations involve the wilderness, so a rambling trail run in a new direction is the best way to go.
On vacation, I stop cycling at all and go instead running. Mainly for 2 reasons, running shoes are lighter to bring in my backpack and it’s a nice way to discover news places.
But my main training it’s trying to learn patience and staying cool with my fully alive 3 kids (and yes, they never stop running too but each one following his own way…)
There is nothing I like better than exploring–running, hiking, cycling–in new terrain on vacation. So no, I don’t cut back but the schedule is more random, especially as it needs to fit the needs of the other half. More early morning sessions and hikes with fartleks. Mind you, the ice cream and chocolate count does go up!
Wonder if this giveaway is valid for swedes? Anyway, living a rather hectic life when not on vacation, training is really important on my vacation. In Sweden we have 6 weeks of vacation so it is actually possible to train and race a lot;)
I get to do more training as pesky work doesn’t get in the way. So I love holidays!
I swim a lot on vacation and try to keep up the running. Usually the running is at a slow pace on vacation.
I love to run on the beach. Cycling depends on the type of holiday.
Early runs! Allow for lots of food later.
vacation is time for fun miles on the bike
run or swim keep it simple
I used to run to discover where I spend my holiday.
With a 6 month old it’s mainly sleeping. One ride or run a week if I’m lucky!
Going out on a nice long run allows me to explore wherever I’m at on vacation. Nothing better than an early morning run.
Either plan workouts to come before or after and walk a lot on short vacations. Or just run scheduled workouts on longer vacation.
If traveling someplace new – easy runs, definitely. Like the chance to take in the scenery and explore. If it’s familiar territory, then I’ll run harder.
Spending all the time I can on the bike or running in the woods! Playtime! and I get lots of ice cream and beer afterward as a reward! :)
I always bring a bike on vacation!
planning on sticking to the training plan as much as time will allow. Planning on taking my bike with me, swimming, and running.
I usually stick to my training but I’ll look for a race to make it more fun.
Cycling if I’m close enough to bring my bike. Sometimes I’ll rent a bike.
Sean
No scheduled training on vacation, just whatever sounds like fun. Historically, that has translated to some combination of days off, runs, hikes and the occasional race.
Light running in the morning, and swimming without worrying about recording it!
Usually I do some sort of weight training since I’m usually traveling to another military base and its always a guarentee that a gym is available.
Running. Love to run new places.
Vacation is what I train for. A trip to the mountains. However it doesn’t always work out that way. Many times my vacation days are taken up with familial obligations and in those cases I mostly run with a little swimming mixed in depending on climate.
Nothing
I love to go for a long run wherever I am on vacation.
Trying to run… To get the reward of the open bar in all included club :-)
Relax, and jog to explore the surroundings. Eat eat eat to store enough to burn in next training cycle
I often put in slower than normal, long runs. Explore and take in the sights.
I try to literally go barefoot running if I can on the beach – although I tend to find the salt can make things quite sore if I good too far!
Over Christmas I kept it going, but this last trip went to Disney and gorged on the dining plan for 1 week! Now getting back into the swing of things!
Running always and if a trip to the beach some open water swimming.
Try to do local activities like biking, beach games or gentle jogging.
My wife and myself are always planning holidays where we will have different possibilities to perform all kinds of endurance sports like, running, mountain biking, biking, swimming, trail running, XC skiing. We are in to triathlon and running competitions. There are no holidays without sports – no way.
My wife owns a brand new TomTom Cardio Multisport which I think is no good at all. Before she had the Polar RC3 which was not worth the money. According to your blog, the Garmin Fenix should address all weak points we experienced with the two mentioned products. Would be great to give it a try during our spring holidays at Costa Brava – Spain.
Still have to put in that grind time for race season. At least 3 days will be reserved for shorter distance runs ,under 5 mile types.
Run, Hike, Road Bike, Mountain Bike, Repeat until vacation ends…
Just relax with a bit of running and whatever other sport is possible – diving, swimming, snowboarding, etc.
try to explore the area and this drives the type of run I can do.
Honestly, typically cut back on speed and focus on endurance.
In vacation, running, no cutting back. If there is water, swimming.
i try to maintain the nummer of workouts, but cut down om length and intensity.
Run, bike, climb, and backpacking. Try to keep it up on vacation but since the lab stays home, I eat most of the biscuits.
Rent a bike and explore the destination, swim in the sea and run any mountain :)
I ran 23 miles over 4 days when I was on a cruise ship. Once on a treadmill and the others along the outside track. Sadly, my phone did not get a GPS signal, so I didn’t get a corkscrew track. :(
When I go away if I have time I like to rent a bike to ride in some new areas. If time is tight I will just hit the gym in the morning.
Holiday workouts consist of running to get to the breakfast buffet, weight training with the sun cream bottle and cocktail glass and ‘cycling’ through the pages of my latest novel.
I always run , swim or bike or race on my vacation..Ice cream and chocolate never win. But extra glasses of wine do !!!
Run
Running wherever I am and indoor cycling when I’m visiting my parents.
It depends on the location! Rollerskiing, Skiing, Swimming, Mountain Biking, Running, eating the local ice cream, et cetera,
Trail or exploratory running. No intervals, tempos or anything that resembles work.
I prefer to vacation is cities. So, I like to run through the tourist spots a couple of days during the morning when most tourists aren’t out yet. Then another day in the spot where you see just the every day folk if possible.
running and if possible konger hikes
When I’m on vacation and don’t have access to a gym, I either run or do a few sets of the 7minute workout. NEVER MISS A DAY!
Mostly running – great way to see a city!
mostly running but scaling back and taking it easy
I normally limit my training to just running, it is the easiest logistically and since it’s my weakness it needs the most work anyway.
As vacation is the only time when I have more time I usually get up early and run longer and more often then during work. In addition I try to find a place to swim where I can play with my children and in addition swim 20-30 minutes
I slack off and enjoy time with my wife and kids. Lots of walking though just no ultra training.
Oh those 6 am runs during holidays that end up in the beach/swimming pool water and a huge breakfast that makes the run useless (calories-wise)…love them!
Vacation usually means ciclotouring. Lots of time on a heavy bike and low intensity :-)
No matter where I go, I can always fit a run and a beer.
Tend to do more fitness on holidays because of more free time to run, cycle and swim. Over the summer trying to find more routes and lakes to try out
I usually jog at a relaxed pace and swim if I can
Hiking the lofoten islands in Norway.
I usually try to adapt my training plan while on vacation so I can fit in the workouts I need given the circumstances, however I am also much more relaxed about skipping a workout if it doesn’t work. There is also a lot of ice cream eating usually :)
Usually include outdoor activities during the vacation such as hiking, biking, and swimming. We tend to look at what gyms are available in the area and then go spend some time. Primary fun of the vacation is to relax and see / experience new things but having the option to work out while there is also important.
Try to press on but icecream hits the spot
I love to go on runs in scenic places, but it’s hard for me to be disciplined rather than sleep in while I’m on vacation.
I would try to press on
Rest, rest, rest. Vacations are only a week long, after all…
Crosstrain. Take a break from the normal routine. Instead of riding I went hiking and surfing.
My beach holiday routine will make use of the local resources:
-Beach run over cool morning sand – normally aim for 50% of normal dist.
-Openwater swim to cool off – hopefully i remembered to bring some goggles
-Cocktails by 9am to rehydrate
running and swimming wherever possible
but with less effort
I jump rope for 10 minutes and do 300 push ups. Then I find a door and do 20 pull ups.
Unless I’m on a climbing trip (my ideal vacation!) I usually stick to running shorter intervals. It’s fun to get out and explore a bit, even if it’s a shorter distance, and your shoes and shorts don’t take up much space in your bag.
Try to make it at least on 1 run…
Usually make big plans for training – mostly running, but then only accomplish about 10% of them. But that’s what makes it vacation!
Increase the run and use it to see more of the place i am visiting. try to continue swimming especially when my hotel has a pool. Depending on the location i try to continue riding the bike, usually the view from a bike is better than any other. but cycling in unfamiliar locations can be tricky and dangerous, so be careful!
I often train more on vacations!
I live in Australia so when I go on a holiday the chances are high that I’ll get to do my running on the beach. It’s usually a little less but I try to stick to my training plan.
Usually vacation means more free time -> More time for training. If travelling running is the easiest as it just needs little equipment.
I run, ride or swim when I can. I love to go for a ride in new places.
Most of my vacations are tied to a race so I usually taper, race and recover while on vacation.
Lately I’ve been either doing a lot of cycling during the holidays or not done any sports at all. But for business trips I always take my stuff to exlore the environments in the early mornings, while doing whatever is in the training plan (Intervalls,…)
Vacation means more time. More time means more running. During vacation I try to run on a daily basis.
Try to get some runs in with the family.
Vacation is usually when I get some good training in. I usually try and head up the mountains whenever I can. The diet usually suffers though, end up having a lot more than I should. I try and take my family around the state and I run/explore the areas really early in the morning when they are sleeping.
Keep up the mileage, but leave out the hard stuff (intervals, tempo runs, etc).
I adapt my training based on where I am going. Since I usually walk a lot more on vacation, I try to do more core exercises in the mornings and squeeze in a couple of 30mins run if possible but holiday means holiday so doing nothing part from eating/drinking is also fine for me! ;)
Short and hard tempo runs. Typically have a lot less time for a run on vacation, so better to make them count!
A brick workout involving running followed by copious amounts of eating
Training never stops, my favorite part of vacation is running in a brand new place and seeing things I simply wouldn’t see as just a tourist and not a running tourist.
Depends on vacation type, but I often train more than usual. Partly due to more free time, partly due to friendly family competition.
Push ups, squats, lots of walking with occasional running and often swimming which is part of the recreation. That said ice cream, ice cream and ice cream along with wine over steak dinners.
While I typically have the best intentions and take all my workout gear on vacation, most times I end up trading all that gear for a swimsuit and relaxing times on the beach
I live for the adventure. Wherver I go wherever I roam I live for the run, the bike, the hike, the swim, the adventure. Thanks for all your in depth reviews. You make decisions a lot simpler.
Bernardo Tapia
Stanford
Most of my vacations are races so very little training other than lots of ice cream.
I try to find a BJJ gym and attend a class with a different instructor.
I usually pause my structured training during vacations and go with the flow. If I feel like running a bit, I run, but I don’t worry about pace or distance.
Try to do some running but like doing more cross training, like biking, hiking and surfing.
For me, vacation is a chance to do sight seeing while doing my runs, discover new areas.
Leave the bike at home, a pair of togs, some running shoes, T Shirt and shorts takes up no room at all.
Vacation? No need to spend 12 hours in a office? Traveling or not – and I normally travel on my vacations -, I do much more training than I usually do. My real constraint when I’m working is the lack of time to workout. Vacations are the perfect time to intensify my gym series, my runs, races and bike rides.
Ice-cream and chocolate bonbons, coz life’s too short and I’m on vacation FFS!
My vacation training usually consists of getting up at 6am with my 2 year old and chasing him around the house. Good for cross fitness.
It wouldn’t be a vacation without some kind of training. If nothing else, logging training sessions is a humble brag to those who follow your training online – More calories burned also equals more guilt free calories consumed.
An early morning run in a new city is also a great way to explore the neighbourhood before heading out with the family…
I book vacation with training in mind. But actual level of training is different every time…
I change nothing (never change a running system). I do my scheduled training plus some extra sleep and teo ice creams ;)
I usually stop riding while on vacation. (and I don’t run, so..)
I cut back on vacation to have more time with my son, but sometimes I take vacations to participate in a race. ;)
Usually just some light running and swimming. My vacations are also pretty active with hiking, kayaking, ect keeping me in decent shape.
Ice cream is top priority!
I usually think about training lots, but end up drinking beer and eating ice cream.
Ice cream after a long run
Usually on vacation I stick to slowing down any workouts. Bicycle riding is more or less for leisure, and I do a good bit more walking. Vacation means vacation from the pace of keeping workouts up too IMO.
I usually get one run in each day typically at a easy/moderate pace. My goal is to simply hold my fitness during a vacation.
Vacation is vacation but when possible do strength workouts in room and eat smart.
If racing during vacations focus would just be to conserve my legs for the rest of the trip, to sightsee and have fun especially. Else runs would be primarily to explore and sightsee the area, one of the best ways to feel a place IMHO.
Used to be all running. But with the advent of small kids these days the vacation is a break and I crosstrain at most.
Unless the vacation is a race, the training gets a little more relaxed and into maintenance phase. It’s pretty hard when you’re building but its worth it
I usually take a break from training during my vacation. The only time I take a break during the year.
Running biking or swimming with less effort !
Some easy running/cycling
I love to run when on vacation, and usually seek out somewhere cool or unusual. Last time I did a 5k run through Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, England.
As little as possible!
Sleep, drink, and eat. Repeat.
Push mowing
I like to combine my training with exploring! I remember a fantastic. One memory that really stands out is an afternoon run along Inle Lake in Burma.
Train when possible.
On a vacation, I like to explore the environment for challenges I wouldn’t normally be able to do.
Denmark is fairly flat, so when on vacation I choose rock climbing every time possible.
Paddle out and explore the coast line as much as possible. Love the big ocean surf. Never cut back on training.
Summer vacations include training, but at an easier pace.
I just returned from spring break vacation in Mexico! I stayed on my running schedule but I also added in some swimming and additional stretching. And I started doing planks!
I hope you are enjoying your vacation.
I try to get in a couple short runs so I can learn my way around the city.
I usually try and stay on schedule if I can. Sometimes I split longer workouts into two if possible.
Running of course! Got to keep exploring!
Long slices with road bike.
Eating!
Mountain biking!
You can have a vacation without a race? Who knew!?
I always bring my gear with me on vacation with the best of intentions, but it often gets as much downtime as I do on any given trip. That will be different this summer as I prepare for the Marine Corps Marathon in October.
Cut back the runs to 3 days a week and enjoy all the ice cream. :)
Usually a bit of a slow down in my running volume…only 30 miles per week. Except last Xmas where I used vacation as a recovery period after a long season, doing 0 miles for 8 days!
What is this “vacation” you speak of? I’m self employed, so I get time off in small bits.
When travelling, I try to get some running in.
Bike available = ride on.
Pack the running shoes for some easy exploring runs
I try to ‘collect’ runs in as many different places as I can for my Garmin map – if I’m going to be there for a while, and there’s a place that will rent bikes available, I’m not above doing that if I have a major race.
I like to run in new places and get GPS tracks recorded. If I can, I’ll bike and swim too, but those are often more difficult on vacation then other times.
Vacation? I’ve never heard of it. I try my best to plow right through.
Run in the morning. Ice cream in the evening!
Just some easy rides with mtb!
There are always plans but it’s rare to get more than a short run or two.
Morning runs are what holidays are all about, get all my sight seeing out the way before lunch!!
Running!
The physical work doesn’t change but the method of re-hydrating does ;-). Also the scenery is generally much better and more conducive to a good workout.
Some training…but a lot less than usual. I’d go crazy doing nothing.
I try to go for a ride with a bike when I’m in the alps or somewhere hilly. Normally our vacations are planned for hiking tours.
I like race vacations with some relaxing after the event.
Brought my bike with me this last vacation. Morning rides in the tropics.
I’m always active on vacation, and see it as unplanned/unstructured training.
Swimming and diving… Open water, surely.
Short vacation – rest and recovery, no training, maybe a casual hike or whatever family is doing
Longer vacation – work in some longer or more intense runs
physical therapy; been there since last year after a cycling accident … :-(
I usually end up running more, but not doing anything else. No bike, often no swimming. But I like to vacation in the mountains, so lots of long trail runs that I usually don’t get to enjoy in the city. And there is always ice cream and pizza.
About the same amount of running but exploring new trails.
I just run
If I’m lucky I get some running in.