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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.
I tend to not run while on vacation, but this year I will have to. I have a marathon 6 weeks after and I can’t not run for two weeks because I want some fun in the sun!
running and swimming everywhere
mountain biking if possible
I usually stick to my training regiment or add additional runs or workouts. There’s nothing like exploring a new place while running and getting a bit stinky/sweaty. I often find great local restaurants this way.
Running continues with early morning exploring or evening treadmill jaunts.
During vacations I stop doing intervals training and take a more relaxed approach in order to discover the place I’m visiting. I may even stop by to discuss with people and take some photos.
I always plan to run if nothing else. Last year I brought my bike with me on vacation only to have it sit inside for four days. Oh well, at least he got to see the Mid-west!
My vacations normally involve theme parks and roller coasters. No formal training but end up walking tons of miles each day.
Where I’m on Vacation, I RUN but I run slow and verry early to see all interesting things near to my place, then later I know where is best place to go with kids and wife;)
This year I cycle through Scotland in one vacation … so that hopefully can be considered as a form of training. On the other vacation I am going surfing in Portugal and apart from some slight jogging on the beach and maybe some openwater swimming the priority is clearly to relax and have fun. :)
Generally I’ve got the kids with me so a lot less running but we do more walking which counters it a bit.
On vacation, as far as possible, I share somme trainings with my family (wife + kids) ! some runs or bike rides. As far as I train a lot, mostly alone, and as far as my family has to do with it, I want to spend time with them on vacation and if it’s possible sharing what I like to do with them.
While on vacation it is only running, its way to expensive to take my bike with me on the plane everytime.
If it is to the beach definitely a run, otherwise rest and recovery.
Vacation is vacation.. Really just relax maybe hiking with the wife but mostly beaches and golf courses
I usually just run a few miles each day nearby the hotel where I am staying.
Usually hiking long distances… or a good hike on the mountains
Usually just ends being running unless there is a good pool in the hotel.
I usually intend on running, but rarely follow through.
Marathon and swimming training -why lose condition just because you are on vacation?
On vacation I like to train by quite rapidly putting on weight. I then raise my heart rate by dragging around this extra blubber as well as the increasing burden of self loathing. Throw in a few sessions of crying while rocking back and forth in despair at my lost fitness and I’m all set to waddle around my usual routes on my return.
Vacation is family time. Happy just to get anything done
I usually swim and rest.
I usually look for a nearby route near my hotel area to do a short 10k to 15k tempo run in the early morning. Planning for the routes usually done before the start of my vacation. I will also make good use of the gym and pool facilties to do my cross training if time permits.
I schedule my vacation around races, do I need a therapist?
Running, swimming in the pool and if i can get into a gym a sprint Tri is always a good way to spend a day! :)
I usually figure out a way to bring my bike. If not, walking/hiking will have to fill the void.
Press on, and modify plan if necessary.
In Maldives, kept to duration but exchanged asphalt for sand/beach and point-to-point run for loops.
I take my gymnastic rings, Garmin and running shoes. Mess around on the rings as I see fit and do some easy running to take in whatever location I’m in!
run, cycle, walk, beer
and start over
On vacation all I do is go for a short run (less than a 5k).
usually vacation to see my son in colorado springs. So we race up Manitou Springs Incline.
Walking from the hotel to the beach to enjoy a cigar near the surf.
Vacation and training usually go hand in hand. I’d take my bike with me and keep going with the planned work outs.
Vacations is all about early morning easy runs along the beach, so the family don’t get too upset :)
i run. Too hard to pack the bike, swimming situations are too unknown, but there are always roads for running.
When travelling to larger US cities I have had luck joining local running club group runs.
Maybe not as much running as normal.But an extra bike ride is always possible
I live in Mumbai, India, mostly hot and humid throughout the year so when I decide to go on a holiday, the chances are high that I’ll go to a hill station or more cooler place.
I usually try to stick to my training plan.
Also during vacation I often train more than usual. Partly due to more free time, partly due to good climate.
I run pretty much everyday on a vacation, trying to explore the place. Better than ice-cream! :)
Well, normally on vacation I step down in earnest, but I boost the pleasure/fun!
At the end, I end up doing a lot more training!
(…and normally less running and more mountain biking)
When I am on vacation usually in NC I love to run hills and trails. Great change from Florida flatness.
The past few years, vacations have been race-cations that involve ironman (this year’s is IMCdA). We always stay the following week, which is recovery, sight seeing, plenty of eating and zero training :)
Keep the training the same, just get it done early so the rest of the day can be relaxed!
It depends on what is on my racing schedule if I don’t have anything coming up I’ll relax but will push through if I have a race upcoming
Vacation IS for racing and special events. Last year I did RAMROD in Washington State, this year, who knows.
Currently on vacation and can say my training is roughly equivalent to taper… Still doing things a session every two days, but carb loading…!
There is no vacation, only training ;) swim – bike – run
It depends on where I go & what I am doing & where things are in the training/racing season. More often than not though I am out there running and/or riding no matter where I am at because I feel a little guilty by not keeping going.
I usually cycle on vacation. Wite likes to sleep in, so I can usually sneak in an early ride.
MIke
My Light/power and Back buttons are stuck in on my fenix 2. I could really use the upgrade :).
In Cancun last week I went for a 7 mile run soon after getting to my hotel. It was around 94 when I headed out at 3:30pm, not my best decision. I did not want to cut into drinking by the ocean time though. I also had two great open water swims right off the hotel.
On a side note, it’s hard to maintain a business mind set when attending a conference in Cancun.
I love riding in new places and finding KOM’s to try and get while on vacation.
I don’t go on vacations, so its business as usual or training in this case.
Most holidays tend to be somewhere nice to ride the bike, so, I ride the bike…
We did the Dana Point Turkey Trot on our honeymoon and ran everyday for the rest of it. Basically to offset increased intake and sight see. That tends to be the norm.
I keep on keeping on.
I cut my work outs from 6 days a week to maybe 4-5 days a week. Running on vacation is great. Nothing like loging a run in a new city or county. Says something like…. Yup, I ran there
bussiness as ussual
i continue schedule as planned but in a more scenic place. Vacation in June in Spain calls for open water swims, runs and awesome bike rides in San Sebastián and Granada!
Normally vacations are relaxing and a little bit of running/biking/swiming except wenn a race is coming up. Than it is business as usual… following the scedule:-)
Usually a bit of running and swimming but lots of exercising the drinking and eating muscles
Usually my training is limited to reading your reviews ;). Honestly speaking, during the holidays I have much more time to follow the hobby so usually all runs are done us per schedule :)
When I’m away I like to mix it up… I run, kayak and do a bit of hiking..
All treadmill all of the time!
I don’t train at all while on vacation.
Vacation = relax
We always manage to plan our holiday around a big race, like a (trail)marathon. Plus, running is a great way to check out the surroundings!
I run as much as i can before our kids are awake and ready to go see Mickey Mouse!!
My vacation is centered around my family. Leisurely bike rides and evening walks!
I love to go mountainbiking or I try new things.
I use it as an opportunity to put in some extra long runs and ultra hard intervals early in the morning and then use the time off for the rest of the day as recovery!
I am on a permanent vacation which is a nice way to say unemployed. But at least now I can run or swim more than twice a week.
Vacation is the perfect time for cross training. Whether it’s a long hike or a day of skiing or eating ice cream it doesn’t matter as long as it’s something different.
Mainly swimming but I try to do new things to stay active. On my next holiday I’ll be playing tennis, mountain biking and learning to sail!
On vacation I keep running as usual. It’s nice to run in some different locations & scenery.
I try to do at least one run. Cutting back on the ice cream doesn’t work :)
100% lazy!
I barely run, swim or train at all during vacation time. Usually I use my time to do everything I couldn’t fit during my year (lack of free time).
Well,
That’s a never ending compromise and currently Ice cream are leading a little :)
I love the novelty of running/swimming/cycling in new places so use that as the motivation and inspiration to keep me moving while on holiday
I try to keep the standard training schedule also on vacation, but fortunately my “schedule” is not really a schedule in the strict meaning of the word :)
Running to explore the surroundings. This summer I will bring my olympic rings with me for some additional strength training.
I love running while on vacation. It gives me a whole new area to explore and take in during my early morning runs. There’s nothing quite like going somewhere new and taking it all in in a way that few others would while on vacation!
On vacation I continue with regular schedule training. This week it was my first training week for a fall marathon. Sadly I got a sinus infection on the second day… There goes my week…
Train hard!!!
Vacation is all about pushing hard on all the mystique climbs, winding down in the valleys and enjoy riding in all its beauty. All while looking stylish and live and breathe the sports lifestyle.
My vacations include the bike!!
Depends on who I am holidaying with. Occasionally you need to get out (and get lost) when your kids and/or parents are getting too much. But generally cut back a bit unless I have an event close.
Have done some weekends away because of races so running has its positives for the family.
I run on vacation. It’s the most minimal form of exercise. It’s also less than my usual swim, bike, and run I do when I’m home
Depends on the vacation. The last family vacation I took was so I could run the Boston Marathon. The next one is to Colorado, there I’ll mix trail running with hiking and peak bagging for roughly the same overall weekly hours.
Run and run and run, and swim a bit if I´m at home.
I try to only go on vacation in areas with nice trails to run/bike on.
I’d maybe do a bit of swimming. But I prefer holidays where I can go for a few nice long hikes.
It depends on the vacation. Most of the time, training becomes extended hikes instead. Unless it is a cycling vacation, of course.
on holidays i do more running than on working days. i get more tired on holidays !! trail mountain running !!!
Usually cut back, and enjoy the beach :)
Well, usually i jump into wine and food fest. I plan running and swimming every day, but after first work out on 2nd day of vacation, i start partying, eating and drinking.
My favourite thing about vacation is the new scenery during my runs or rides. So I can go and explore. Or I just hike.
For the past few years I’ve had running vacations. I usually try to schedule a vacation around a race some where. If not racing the dedicated training is out. Just leasurely runs, peaceful hikes, and site seeing bike rides for me.
I cut back. I run to explore rather then to hammer out workouts.
Preparing for the marathon
when im in travel.. i love running, this is my way of discovering the place.
Running between 6 and 7 a.m. Also, if there are mountains I try to get the bike with me, if not, just walking and some ice cream too :)