Heads up! Here’s your massive list of sports tech deals! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $449, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium for $735, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, 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.
It depends where the vacation is. Eg in South East Asia, Cambodia – no running, just renting a bicycle and cycling around a bit. If near a sea/lake there s more swimming etc
Early and run in the hills
Vacation is traveling to mountains, so hell yeah the bike comes with me to get some climbing exercise!
Try to keep my training schedule and get more miles with the bike. On summer vacation try to swim on the sea as much as I can! Between the some Ice Cream :)
On vacations there are no big time workouts. With my husband we love to sightseeing on bikes or on walk/ run tours;)
Stick to the program. Saturday 25th April is ANZAC Day in NZ and Australia. Will celebrate that with the planned 30km training run as part of marathon build. Then I can relax and remember the lost from all the wars.
On vacation it’s cycling all day every day
Usually more cycling than running because you just get further around this way. Nevertheless some trailruns is always on the list.
Try to make it at least on 1 run.
I always say to myself :”I won’t be running while on vacation” but I always end up quickly buying a pair of shoes to enjoy early morning runs by the beach.
I run how easy is that. It is a great way to first explore the immediate area of the destination. I try to keep up the mileage but sometimes is slips a bit, go figure.
I love vacation training, I find it exciting to think on my feet and plan training with what facilities and equipment I have at my disposal. Using what I call ‘Gods turbo trainers’ such things like the beach / sea / forests and hills to train.
I always get up early and explore the location I am visiting at the best possible time, in the morning while it’s still quiet and you can see and hear the sounds of an unfamiliar area, I find I actually clock up the miles without even noticing due to exploring……I love it when meeting new people who are training while away and always end up having joint sessions!
I typically get a run and some type of circuit body weight exercise. That being said I my ideal vacation is mountain biking or doing anything outside.
Mostly I do leisurely runs on vacation, but on occasion I will do running intervals.
I’m training for my triathlons even harder on vacation. No matter where I am, I’m always trying to incorporate some training session.
Short hilly runs whenever possible.
I usually ride a bike as I can do this together with my wife. This year I would like to try a bit of running on the beach during sunrise. And of course a lot of icecream ;)
I usually add new routines to my training plan while on vacation – specifically, ‘one-handed beer curls’ and ‘whiskey-strides’.
As I have to skip training quite often due to work, I enjoy to train more regular during vacation (without anoying my family)
Runs when I can get them in and if the wife will let me being my bike I will ride
During vacation I usually do no training but do usually a tour with the bicycle or hiking in the mountains.
But also for this actions I collect my GPS data to see where I went.
Often, my vacations would just be travelling by bike, with no cars. If my wife strungle to follow me, I sometimes add an elastic between my trailer and her bike so we look like a long cycling train.
I run on vacation. No bonbons.
definitely running
Running shoes take up less space than my bike would. So there is more space for my girlfriend’s shoes in the suitcase.
I just run, bicycle and swim :)
I’m trying to stick to my training plans as much as possible. Runs are usually fine but rides I often have to skip
Always running, sometimes I plan vacation with abroad ultra running competitions all over the planet (where my budget allows me to go)!
In the midst of all the eating, I try to put in 3-6 mile runs every other day…even my running needs a vacation ;)
First couple of days I am perfectly happy without doing anything other then eating icecream…after that, getting up at 6 a.m. to go for an easy run is the best…
Maintain my training schedule on vacation. Usually a lot of running. Always look forward to the change of scenery though.
Stay on schedule. Doesnt feel right if I slack off.
I havent been on vacation in a few years so I would guess I just keep doing what I already do. Yeah I think I would just do my normal routine.
I pause my training during vacations, running a bit, try to sleep more than usual to charge battery and of course be moderate with ice cream.
walk the dog, play with the kids and eat Maltesers…..then go for a run.
I focus on cross training (Swimming and a punishing schedule of sight seeing) whilst experimenting with nutrition and rehydration (Replacing lost electrolytes) :-)
all depends on the type of the vacation actually
if it is one with the entire family and with tons of sight seeing then i guess i will cut back running from 4 times to about two.
if it is one with my wife then i usually stick to the plan as much as i can.
if it one going to a resort there is the big challenge as we all get into the totally relaxed mode and “moving” yourself is a struggle.
about the bike rides i usually travel without them and unless the is a gym near by i will skip it all together.
and winning or not, i always enjoy reading your insight.
koby
Stay on schedule,of course!
I do only a few runs on vacation. Usually re-run some hiking routes we did previuosly.
If I get my will through, vacation = road riding, if not, I sneak in a bit of running here and there or shred some trails if possible.
I didn’t train at all on my last vacation with my wife in Thailand :-)
Cycling or running wherever i go without having to take a lot of equipment :)
No matter where I am, or what the vacation is, I make sure to get in a run. It’s great to run in new locations!
Relaxed pace runs and light functional strength workouts. I try to time it so vacation is a week off.
Maybe a swim in the hotel pool or off the beach, definitely a run or two, most times no biking. Have a great vacation. Keith.
TRAIN EAT SLEEP REPEAT
I try to keep the schedule. Maybe tone down the intensity
Run when I’m not eating.
Vacations = more spare time = more time to train = more time to recover with ice creams!
I usually try to run as much as humanly possible on holiday. Considering I usually eat as much as humanly possible as well, this works out quite well most of the time.
Running to explore the surroundings and to show my beastly good looking calfs. ;)
lots of Yoga and just commuting for mileage
My recent vacations have been in tropical locations, so a long morning beach run really helps build the appetite for a long day of seaside drinking!
Depends on the vacation, prefer swimming when by the beach, with an evening run if deemed necessary,
During vacation we should only enjoy the pleasure which give us our activities. So there is only one type of training for this time: take your bike, jump to the water, put on training shoes and do whatever you want. Simple as it is! We have worked for it, both at work and during sport training.
run on vacation?!?! what’s that? for me vacation=recovery=sun+alcohol
On vacations it it primarily running or skiing. Doing triathlon too but as I am usually travelling with my family I try to not take to much time away in vacations. Next small get away will include a 50k trailrun :-)
I just wake up realy early to do my sport and then spend the rest of the day with the family
Normally I run a bit just before going out at night, when everybody else is getting ready, but it’s impossible for me to do more than that. Enjoy your vacation!
I usually limit my training on holiday. I usually refer to it as my “mid season break”. I’ll sometimes do a few easy runs, often combined with sightseeing.
Collecting km’s of untouched forest trails :)
Feasting on ribs in the evening
Vacation is often times a balance between exploring and relaxing. I find my running shoes to be a good way to explore. Instead of using my gps watch to dictate the pace and distance of my run I use the find back function to let me go wherever the path looks interesting. This eases the stress of having to worry about how to get back to the hotel. All the nice things i find on my run can then be shared with my wife at a more leisurely pace, while eating whatever temptations the place has to offer.
Vacations? Double training, double time!
On vacation I usually give myself a rest and just enjoy the time with my family.
On vacation (summerholidays) I try to make as much beautiful MTB tours in the spectecular mountains of Austria as possible and in the winter it is all about skiing. At the and of the day I sit back and shift to eating ice cream and chocolate bonbons ;-)
Since beeing from Norway, I tend to go to souther Europe and then I like to swim(warm water), run and bike. Its also important for me to enjoy a glass of wine or two with good food. Its vacation after all ;)
Beerathlons
Seems like our vacations tend to involve racing somewhere with the wife.. And somewhere close to a set of grandparents that can babysit.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the great giveaway.
Usually on vacation I try to do lot of walking with the kids and slow but long runs throw the area main attractions.
Cheers,
Itamar
I run every day and get a few swims in.
Usually I only get to train as much as the wife will let me while on vacation. Hey happy wife = happy life! So normally it is only running.
Haha, that’s a very interesting question!
On vacation, I would say, it depends. On a city trip or something similar, I typically walk around so much, that there is no need for extra training. Saying that, I typically carry my running equipment with me.
On a typical beach holiday, running gets more important. A nice morning run is perfect for a long afternoon on the beach ;) And if there is a hotel pool, I have to admit, that I also tend to use my stationary swimmer…
Trail morning runs before having long breakfasts with the family.
I usually make plans to continue training as usual while on vacation, but most of the time I end being too lazy to actually follow through. It is vacation after all…
mmm… ice cream!
Depends where we go…
Scuba/ski/MTB make a nice change from city streets!
I spend the holidays in Carpentras, France. 15km’s away from the Mont Ventoux… enough said I guess :-)
vacations = sun! Im running much more than in the winter :)
Vacations are typically in training camps – so its pushing hard time!! ;)
When on vacation I usually run to discover new parts of town/city/village/whatnot at a slow pace to see things, a nice phrasing for getting lost a run back to the same route :D
Normaly i do some early morning sports and then spent the rest of the day at the beach with the kids
Open water swim. Im starting to make it a rule that each holiday destination has to have access to clear, beautiful water.
I just spent my vacation in upstate New York to race at the tour of the battenkill.
I usually try to find an appropriate running spot wherever I go. Running while on holidays still feels like a vacation workout, which is a nice feeling :) I’ll be in Corsica in about a week or so and am really looking forward to these sunny workouts by the sea !
After 2 years with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis now I’m starting to training following the instructions of a trainer. Back to roots, 10km incoming in July, triathlon 70.3 in goals if the health let me.
Now summing, biking and running are gift of life. Enjoying as kid when I see the 40s incoming.
Ride safe, ride wise. Enjoy
I get my exercise on vacation by trying to keep up with my 11 year-old daughter. The workouts are similar to HIIT sessions and include ice cream, chocolate and baked goods.
Obviously I proceed with my training. I search a pool and a nice path to run. I go to gym or use a hotel bike to some HIT.
Run less, use lighter weights an drink lots of beer!
Recently I wen’t to Italy on vacation with my girlfriend. We are about to become parents for the first time, so on this holiday emphasis was on enjoying some time together – Relaxing, go for walks, go to restaurants and so on.
At the same time I’m also preparing for my second Ironman late june, so I brought my bike and got to cykle in the southern alps surrounding Lake Garda. Wow! Stunningly beautiful and challenging! I also managed to fit in a couple of runs and a single swim. All in all we had a great vacation :)
Regards, Patrick from Denmark
daily bike ride – bike always goes on vacation
Training on holiday tends to be consigned to very early starts and mostly running to make the most of the time with the family, unless the holiday is around an event :-)
I plan to train every day and then comes reality and cuts it down to half…
Kick back, relax and have fun with the family. Will do the occasional run if the weather is nice.
I get in my workouts in the early morning if traveling on a vacation, so I can enjoy the rest of the day.
I’ve always tried to plan my vacation around a overseas run.
It can be hard.
Do I go all out and be too tired to enjoy the rest of the trip?
Or have a relax run and enjoy my vacation?
Morning runs, and Crossfit if I can find a box with a slot that works with the vacations schedule.
(NB: The first link in the post – to the Fenix3 review – is broken)
I always run during vacations. But I tend to drop my schedule and it becomes more about exploring. The funny thing though is that my “normal” pace seems to be faster with the same effort when I just go out and run without specific goals.
I cut back on the training, but to what degree depends on what kind of vacation it is. If I’m on a beach vacation it’s easier to slip in a jog here and there. If I’m in a big city the training is more endurance’ish with me trying to keep up with my wife’s shopping. It’ll get me right in shape for IM. :)
I try to organize vacations so that I can attend a race or at least a GranFondo-type event there. And when I’m done, it’s ice-cream time :)
Vacation, who gets a vacation? Well when I did go on vacation it usually involved a whole lot of hiking or biking. No training per se.
I try to keep my schedule as planned. Love to discover new places while running.