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.
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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.
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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!
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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 normally take my running gear and it never leaves my luggage ;) doesn’t stop me taking it every-time muhahahha! :)
saying that…last holiday i spent at home and on a few free days from family went up into the Swiss mountains with my bike, bliss!
i try to stay running as often as i can. But vacations are more a time to spend with my friends and family…..
Long runs and swim if possible on every vacation
Lap pools can be tough to find so I stick mostly to indoor gym bike and a nice run outside. Running outside is another way to see the sights in the area.
Gym then swim, have to looked pumped for the pool.
Vacation what’s that? :-). If by car, the bike comes along and I explore. Being a YMCA member allows for pool access almost anywhere stateside. Running always just no early wake up times!
if I can borrow or rent a road bike on holiday, I will do that. Otherwise, I look for a facility with a fitness center, or take long walks.
I usually go running on my holiday!
Running, running, running
Usually just try to get in some running.
Lot’s of city walking.
I usually do longer distance running or cycling as I have more time.
Hiking is what we do on vacation, usually mountain hikes. We don’t cut back, even harder than our runs. If it’s summer, got to have a little ice cream.
Try and take some time to relax. Go out for a run when I can’t hold myself anymore ;-)
Training continues as normally as possible
I usually have vacations so planned out that I take a break from training. The term ice cream hangover has been used before after a vacation. Thanks for the great reviews! I don’t buy without reading what you have to say first.
I usually bring my Garmin on overseas travels just to log runs around famous places. Like the time I ran around Vietnam’s Reunification Palace, not sure about the health benefits though with all the scooter fumes Lol.
we go to PEI for our yearly vacation. There, we do lots of cycling (there is wind in every direction) and bricks. We normally go in the middle of marathon or tri season so it is a great refresher.
Running and exploring new places is becoming a integral part of my vacation. To keep the consistency in my training, I try as far as possible to keep to a planned schedule.
Just try to stay active, run a few miles so that when vacations over the training doesn’t suck as bad.
Last vacation was run a 50 Miler and then eat and drink our way through Napa.
If its a beach vacation…run and swim…if not…just run.
Running big sur marathon this vacation. Because my wife made me do it!
Usually I do some bodyweight training (push-ups etc) every other day or so. In additon I always try to include some sort of sporting(‘ish) activity as a part of my vacation (scuba-diving, hiking etc).
mememe! I’m training for my first full distance Ironman
Bike on a trainer always my choice ;-)
Training for first ultramarathon in beautiful Noteć Forest of Poland.
Depends, if it’s a vacation where I’m driving to visit family, I’ll bring a full set of kit for some long self-supported runs.
If I’m flying to a resort or something I want to pack lighter, so I’ll throw in a workout outfit and my most packable shoes (currently Vivobarefoot Ones) and just get in some shorter runs in the 10k-ish area. Mostly the training takes a back seat on the those trips, though often I get in a lot of cross training in the form of swimming and snorkeling.
running after my 2 year old and water bombing everyone in the pool.
happy Friday everyone
Increase seafood! Faster flat runs and enjoyable beach rides-oh and ALOT of recovery NAPS in the sand!
anything that gives me the chance to explore: hiking, cycling, sometimes running. So it’s a big change from the routine. This year i will want to include my dog
A little bit of running, but mostly playing on the beach or in the pool!
Lots of 12 oz curls with local beers!
I think I tend to run longer on vacation. Something about being someplace different and the need to explore.
My training in holidays is much related to my coach-wife will.
It can be intervals of house cleaning and DIY, if we are not away.
If we are away it is more about intervals of site visiting, beach, photography, drinks, food, etc.
Anyway regardless if we are away or no, I am not allowed to use the bike, go to the gym, run or swim.
Running in the beach or the streets or in the deck
Run, hike, bike, ski, or swim…depends where I am and what’s available.
My favourite training in vacation is simply swimming
try to enjoy the different surroundings. And search for new trails. All in a bit slower pace.
Training in vacation as when not. Away from home, it is an occasion to change the too well known of everyday.
Make the most of the new location and explore it with some running, hiking or cycling if there are bikes available! Half the fun is in the adventure and discovering a new place! :-) Steve
There is only one kind of physical activity, which I do on vacations regularly, you know, what I mean ;) its time dedicated to me and my girl, unfortunately we dont share any sport hobbies…
Same schedule on vacation, just different scenery. Especially love vacations at the beach where I can get up extra early and run the beach while the sun rises!
I try to run, stretch and do basic physical therapy exercises.
Vacation is for recovery. I schedule my training, so I can cut back a little bit and get rest.
Lately, my vacations have revolved around races… lots of eating before, race, and then lots of eating after!
My vacations include races, and then I eat ice cream and chocolate bonbons during the remainder of my vacation!
During vacation, which normally I only get one week at a time. I try to stay at places with a decent gym, mostly free weights, where I can do my favourite stuff strength training, lifted weights all my life, only recently took up triathlon.
If by chance the hotel has a decent pool or close to a beach, some swimming is involved. I normally take vacation in the off season, when the rates are cheaper and the hotel less crowded, most time I want a breakfast package. Hate to get up on vacation days to make breakfast.
I like to explore the city by foot or bike. Many towns now have a running guided tour. Those are great.
I always pack my running gear as I like to do sports I can’t at home while being on vacation – run on the beach, hike in the mountains etc.
Climbing without rope, and scuba diving with sharks. Also eat ice cream
It depends on vacations but very often running and mountain biking !!!
Training stays the same but the diet does not.
I usually take vacation to the beach or morning run with a session ending in the water when the sun is coming up.
That depends. Many of my vacations are sporting adventures so I’m riding, skiing, hiking more than I normally would. Business travel is what kills my training.
usually go for a hike or run to explore the area
I also try to stay on plan. As much as possible…!
I usually run more on vacation than when I’m not. I love having free time to just run.
When we are beach-bound, it is walking and running on the beach or cycling around town. When we head to the mountains, hiking is key. Of course, ice cream is always a factor! Have a great vacation and thank you for all the information you provide to the rest of us.
Training gets cut in half. Delicious food intake doubles. It all evens out, right?
Short runs early every morning and wasting the benefits of the run with an oversized breakfast :)
I get a lot of walking in on vacation no matter where we go. As long as we are at the beach, I have no problem getting up for a run. Anywhere else, and there is a fair amount of ice cream eating.
Vacation mostly running (triathlete otherwise) due to time efficiency så I can spend more time with the family.
Because I dont carry my bike with me on vacation, I run and swim, everyday, in the morning when the family is sleeping. But no longer, than 1hour workouts, cause its a vacation ;)
I will also run on vacation, but cut it back a little (both speed and distance).
It’s at least a good possibility to see something from the area were you are staying.
My wife and I have a vacation planned at the end of June to visit my her brother and family out in Nova Scotia, Canada.
On our drive out, my wife wants to visit PEI for a day or two so I’ve planned a 100km route along the north coast and will meet up with her at the Anne of Green Gables site.
A few days later after visiting with the family in Nova Scotia (and probably getting in the occasional morning jog), we’re heading up to the Cabot Trail for a night and I’ve mapped out a 150km route from Ingonish Beach to Margaree Forks for the following day which i’m very excited to ride!
Well… this is the plan anyway as my wife and I will also have a 5 month old baby with us for the trip! That also means that training right now can be tough! But i’m loving every minute of fatherhood! I just can’t wait till the baby is big enough to join me training! :)
Sports is such an integral part of my weekly routine, that no matter where I am, I will always try to apply the current training plan or partake in locally available sports activities (climbing in the mountains, swimming by the sea or lake etc.) That includes the holidays !
Some biking, body weight exercise and sightseeing.
Usually swim as far as the swim-up bar.
Definitely chocolate and bonbons. Perhaps even BBQ ribs. I know, I’m a slacker. Maybe with a Fenix 3 on my wrist as a reminder, I could be more dedicated. hint hint.
I usually am active in different ways. So not so much training a particular sport but more hiking and heading into nature. Instead of being outdoor 5-10% of the time on normal weeks it gets amped to 90% outdoor.
On rarer occasions the entire vacation is one long bike trip, not so much training or race but something I’ve built towards doing then.
I try to vacation in a mountainous area so I can do additional bike/ run training.
Up in time for a 10k each morning so it’s out of the way before the kids are ready for breakfast
Vacation in Wisconsin = running and New Glarus
Usually running or riding my enduro bike!
I usually do my best to get in some running while on vacation, but a lot of our vacations are pretty active so I don’t worry about getting in specific mileage.
i usually run everywhere.
my vacation looks like training camp tho…cheers mate
Jog around and explore.
On vacation we ride our bikes in family, only to stroll and make trips to have cofee or to the supermarket. Really soft pace
I typically do an easy swim or run a couple times while on vacation but it definitely isn’t my to priority. If there isn’t enough time I don’t worry about it. Besides aren’t vacations a time to relax and recharge.
I use my training to explore the area where I’m staying at. Low pace, just for the fun of it!
My training during vacations is done very early in the morning, especially during summer season at sunrise. Running and sometimes biking.
Adapt to the local area and make the most of what the great outdoors has to offer.
Usually I go for a mtb ride or do some Hiking. Sometimes I try to get some swimming done if I’m at the Beach
Hillwalking and ski touring and now getting into triathlon here in Scotland.
Cross my fingers and hope the running doesn’t screw up my hip, and try not to eat too much :)
I enjoy training during vacation because running allows you to cover more of the unknown land in a shorter time and takes you further than walking.
I always keep training on vacation. Running is the default since it is so easy to squeeze in at pretty much every location with very little extra gear. It is also a great way to do some speed sight seeing!
Not “training”, but long bike rides and hikes.
Vacation training consists of trying to run at least one 1 for every 24 spent lying on the couch in front of the Xbox. And LOTS of recovery beer. Lots and lots.
Try to run as much as possible whilst also remembering that it’s a vacation….ice cream and bon bons are a great excuse to train harder post vacation.
Normal training, but in new places.
Icecream all the way…after the skiing or hiking or cycling
typically i’ll go running. it’s a fun way to explore the area i’m vacationing. even better if there happens to be a half marathon or shorter distance at the time.
I try to vacation when I am on vacation. I’ll go for a run if I am in the mood, but otherwise no. Sometimes it feels best to run early and take a swim in the lake to start the day.
It varies, despite best intentions to stay on the plan. Being away from home in a nice location can inspire getting outside to run or ride, but it can also inspire margaritas.
I take a break from intervals or anything hard but love doing long sightseeing runs
I normally travels to cities and I really enjoy doing the “Sightseeing runs”. Training + exploring a lot effectively. Very nice!!
Vacations are perfect to boost up training schedules. I always try to Google and research good running routes and often, due to better weather (from where I come from it is really hot and humid), I am able to break my PBs. That just makes the training even better!
I like to go outside hiking with my dad
I try my best to stay on the training schedule when traveling. I see it as an opportunity to run some miles in a new area, and consider it part of the vacation. It’s a break from the monotony of my weekly grind.