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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.
Oddly enough I find more time to run when on vacation. I like to get up early and get in an easy run before the rest of the family gets up. It is usually so peaceful that it puts me in a great mood for the rest of the day.
a little running, a lot of surf :)
Do my best to stick with the plan.
I try to swim as much as I can.
On holiday, training usually descends into damage control, trying not to eat too much ;)
I cut right back doing only the minimum.
Vacation means long sunny days so can spent all of them on my bike!
trail, MTB, and openwater
Running on holiday is a great way to explore a new area. Training level tends to go down, although my last holiday included the hardest run i’ve done to date.
Depends where I am. Some places I do more open water swims and other times more running. Also still do a few races too.
Mostly sampling the local brew :-)
This totally depends on location. If anywhere bikeable, and I have been able to bring my bike or can rent one, then long slow distance, while taking in some scenery/culture along the way.
Hopefully I have access to a pool, or warm, swimable oceans, then always a morning swim before breakfast. Usually this means that vacations are when I do most swimming metres. Mostly easy jogs in the afternoons.
Normally it’s business as usual for me, the bike comes along.
I am doing my final thesis in Aerospace Engineering, so no vacation! However keep pushing on training with running, cycling and weight lifting!
My vacation is just resting and tapering. Buy its good to see some places during a run:)
I usually end up doing MORE training on vacation! With no work on the docket, I get to spend more time on the bike :)
As an outdoor camper, lot’s of trailrunning.
If i am on a schedule is do whatever is says, if not i like to go for a long run or bike ride. Or a nice weekend in the ardennen for training purpose only, that is the best holliday.
I still can’t order a fenix 3 saphire in the Netherlands.
Thanks Ray
running is what you can sneak in almost wherever and whenever without any big troubles … so that’s usually my choice for vacations
The runs continue as scheduled but add some poolside drinks :)
I always run wherever i am. But i always choose the tarmac
Actually, I take advantage of the fact that I don’t have to get to work early and I run outside with the sunrise! Beautiful landscapes almost anywhere!
Well, I tend to keep running as normal, but I use the navigation capabilities of my 910XT to keep my bearings. This should become a lot easier with the Fenix 3 though, as my 910XT is starting to show its age ;-)
Vacation? That’s literally just a time to train somewhere that little bit more interesting. It lets me find scenic mountain trails and ridge lines instead of the more pedestrian flatlander ones where I live. I tend to ignore the schedule a bit in favor of greater quality, elevation gain, and seeing new and exciting sights though.
I take the chance when I am on vacation to run in different places. It is nice to have the change of scenery. I missing swimming and cycling those weeks though.
lets see how lucky I am
My “vacations” are mostly to travel to a different place to bike or hike. So “training” continues uninterrupted!
Trailrunning.
No plan – I’m on vacation :-)
Depends on the type of vacation I am taking. Some are active in itself and I do not worry about it. Otherwise I typically take my running shoes and TRX along to maintain some sort of schedule.
Running only, too long to get/find a pool and don’t travel with my bike.
I like to go for a run every morning, 30-60 minutes to try and get the lay of the land.
Vacations are generally with family. We usually try to rent bikes to explore. We also try to go on as many hikes as our kids will allow.
Business as usual, or else my coach will be on my case big time.
Fat bikes and snorkeling
I try to at least get a few runs in during the holidays. I find it’s a great way to explore a new place
A little biking …
This next holiday is a trip to Copenhagen for the marathon, so there will definitely be at least some running this time.
Mostly hiking and trail running or jogging through cities, depending on where we are!
I never stop running. Then in vacation, i run,run and run again
I am timing my training to be a recovery week while on vacation. Will shift from cycling to core exercises and scuba diving and will add a bit more adult beverages.
I try to plan out a run wherever I’m at but I usually cut back on miles that week.
The holidays are being taken according to the training plan. Some time before most important races when most intensive work has to be done. And there exists no better holiday time than to spend it on the bike :)
I used to look down on people who went out training on their holidays. Take the time to relax and eat ice cream was my motto.
Lately that has changed and I try to at least get some run in maybe running sightseeing.
I always pack running clothes. But more often than not, I end up not using it. Maybe bringing a Fenix 3 would change that? :)
Most holiday trips will include mountain bike rides, where possible in the Alps. Recently went to Paris on holiday and did my 1st and last marathon.
Usually just light running and swimming if there’s water around.
We like to vacation near the ocean. Usually that means not taking a bike, but running on the beach and open water swimming is a must. Without the demands of work, I usually overdo the running and swimming, but also overdo the sleeping. You got me yearning for that next vacation.
i holiday on Formentera each summer, it’s a beautiful small island (14km long) south of Ibiza and there’s a chain of boardwalks and trails around the coast, I get up early and trace the coastline before folks wake up and catching the sunrise, I just take a few things with me and go for a 20km run loop around one side of the island and have a swim before going back to the house for breakfast.
brick workouts
esrly morning run to catch the sunrise (in as many countries as possible!).
With two young children, vacation is more tiresome than working :-)
Hence,training is mostly limited to playing with the children.
My training shifts to sightseeing, eating, and drinking. Sometimes it’s nice to have a break.
Vacation is time long open water swim somewhere on a lake in the Quebec forest!
On vacation I do some small amount of running and if possible some light swimming, only a few distances.
Vacation is usually Ragbrai and nothing but biking.
Long distance trail running.
Most of most vacation budget goes to marathon races!
Always pack and bring my running gear on a trip! It’s always interesting to run somewhere new and see the sights while logging some miles. Also, burning calories in the AM justifies indulging in the local cuisine later on!
While on vacation, I cut back on cycling but will try to do something else- hike, swim
Typically test the limits of my stomach with sundaes, pancakes, and chocolate!!
Most vacation time is meant to spend with the family so training goes out the window. Some vacation time is meant just for a cycling adventure so that’s all I do!
Ice cream all the way.
I tend to shift to running only while away (it’s just easier to pack and coordinate). If it’s an urban location I tend to stick with the hotel treadmill so I don’t have to stop at every corner. Though running outside when possible is obviously preferred. But there’s no navigation on my 310XT :)
Thanks Ray!
Short runs – No plan.
When I am on vacation I useually run shorter distances with high intensity. That keeps me in shape, and let me eat a lot of icecream without gaining much weight ;-)
Time to stop chocolate and train for a half :)
on Vacation sadly always have to cut off some training, but is time to think and look forward to the training days to return. is a cut and motivating time. sorry about my english
Usually short, easy runs.
Vacation`s time is time for family… so i only run.
Just swim whenever there is enough water!!
When on vacation, workouts will depend on where I’m going. If I’m in the mountains, I try to ski in the winter, but I’ll incorporate running and cycling (if I can bring my bike). When visiting family, I have some favorite routes from when I was a kid, so I get some great runs in. My parents live next to a community pool with Olympic length lanes so I get good swims in too. A lot will depend on whether or not I have races upcoming.
Yep, triathlon training!
i mostly run on vacation unless it’s a staycation.
I love running new places, and this usually happens on vacation. I hardly can miss any day, and mostly I run in the morning when the family is still sleeping or just getting up.
I do my best to maintain the same training schedule even if it means running on a treadmill!
I run and train even on overseas vacations but hiking or running up mountains. This watch will be great for the mountain trail races.
Holidays are the reason to do some long runs) never stops my training, so run and do some strength workouts…
It depends on the type and length of the vacation (and what I’m training for), but usually I’m able to keep a similar training schedule by getting up earlier than everyone else and getting a run in. My absolute favorite way to explore a new city is to run through it and get lost (literally) for a few hours. I would love to use a GPS watch like the Fenix to help me find my way back!
I’ll ditch the tempo and the long runs but continue to keep running and enjoy the new scenery.
Depending on the vacation it’s either relaxed pace running and body weight workouts (minimal gear required!) or a full on mountain/road biking excursion with all the toys/gear!
Just walking…
depends on the vacation but depending on the time of the year, either running or skiing
Mostly hiking, use the vacation todo a lot of hiking in the Norwegian mountains :)
I will definitely still run on vacation! I think that is one of the best ways to explore where I am visiting. I’ve also cycled before (if it’s a road trip and I’m travelling with my bike). I’ve even found the odd pool to swim at as well!
I tend to have active vacations, sooo… no training on purpose for me!
I find that my training intensifies while on vacation. I usually run earlier in the morning and get in more miles. I have always attributed to either 1) being in a different place with new and exciting things to see or 2) having to impress all the girls on the beach…………………
Pushing the limits with harder and longer training. Mostly bike and running. Looking forward!
I cut back but I try to compensate it with more hiking!:)
Running and cycling at any place to calm down and just enjoy nature
I typically reduce my per run mileage, but go out every day. There’s nothing like seeing a new city on foot.
vacation = all about training…more, recover and play with kids…then do it again!
i slow down a bit on cycling, and add a couple of short run, but i mainly take it as a rest week
I´m always exploring the nature with runs, bike rides or just hiking ;)
Running and body-weight training. Running is great for exploring a new area and beating jet-lag!
I try to keep running. One of my favorite parts of running is that you can do it anywhere and it is a great way to get out and explore a new place.
Vacations for me are a fun time to go out early in the morning and run while getting in some extra sight seeing.
At the very least, we always try to get a few runs in. Sometimes we get lucky and there’s a 5K or some other race going on.
vacation means break from the usual – so no structured training although I do end of walking long distances in hit and humid conditions.
I bring running clothes on vacation. …But whether I use them or not is all dependent on how good the cocktails areat the Resort. Haha
Depends where I am going. I will always cutdown volume but tailor it to the area. Eg mountains = more riding and trails. While beach = more swimming.
Oh and always more food!!!!!
Love to explore new places with running, hiking, or biking and then finish off the day with a local brewery if available!
I love to run long along the beach as often as possible.