Heads up! Here’s your massive Black Friday sports tech deals list! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $429, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for just $619, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, (or Hero 13 bundle for $339!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list of 100+ deals here!
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Here’s how to save!
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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!
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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.
Lots of hours in the pain cave on the trainer. Just outdoor riding to commute back and forth to work. Too cold/slippery outside in Ottawa/Edmonton for real training. For me anyway.
Lucky to be in Mumbai! No need to change anything. This is the best time in the year for training!
Live in SoCal, so not a huge deal. But when I visit family over the holidays it’s trainer rides in the basement.
As a lucky duck living in Costa Rica, I have no winter season! Just dry and rainy. Rainy season is just about wrapped up by December, so this is actually the best time of the year to train.
Cooler temperatures (still about 70 degrees) and clear sunny skies mean epic road rides in either the coastal flats or the very mountainous Central Valley.
Do yourself a favor and book a vacation to Costa Rica before it heats up and starts raining again (around March). Or bring your mountain/cyclocross bike and join the muddy fun.
I try to hit the swimming hard in the winter still (pool indoor, of course.) That helps to keep the cardio up. I will still run in the winter and focus more on the running. For the bike I try to maintain some distance but also work on aggressive short (1 hour) days as much as I can to get some strength. I don’t mind winter riding until it gets into the 20s (Memphis TN winters aren’t too bad until Jan/Feb.) or dangerous roads.
Ideally I want to hit the gym and do some weights, but I haven’t done it as much as I want to.
Great giveaway, Ray – thanks!!
Gonna hit the trainer, maybe join a gym with a treadmill once the trails get snowy, but that’s about it.
During the winter I replace my regular speed work with long, steady runs to build a good base. I also add serious strength training to help get me through a hard summer of speed,
I do a lot commute rides and in my running and swimming a lot more technique and less volume.
Just bought a Elite muin for the quality rides on the bike.
And I got a “get out a dieet free card” til the first of januari ;) love the off season
Well i’m doing skiing intead bike… :-)
More cycling in the snow. More layers of clothing of course.
So I suppose my adaption is by biking more inside and generally doing less training
Layer up, or hit the rollers.
Cross country skiing, rollers sometimes, mostly biking outside, just buy winter gear.
Wow! I would fancy that!
I don’t switch sports per say but adjust my winter training by Zwifting my butt off on my trainer at home! I’m from Manitoba so it gets pretty cold here:)
spinning on the bike on the balcony late in the evening.
I do more running and less cycling.
In the weekends I participate organised MTB tours.
And no swimming ;)
Our winters in austria are very cold. So i have to wear a lot of clothes… or i am going to run a little faster. :)
I live near the hills and there is one great full body workout – cross country skiing
(Providing that there is snow)
No need to change anything in Rio de Janeiro!
During the winter I focus more on strength training and spend more time a the gym and on the treadmill. And of course the trainer.
I typically do a more run-focused winter rather than triathlon unless I have a big early season triathlon scheduled. I love running in the snow and cold, though, so I am almost always outside if I can help it.
I run more in the afternoon, but usually just grin and bear it.
Very nice watches, I would like to give it to my wife. Thanks
I enjoy jogging on ice! Buuuut, sometimes I also go swimming ;] Its just awesome when its too cold and theres no one else outside! Nobody else, but me jogging in the park!
Being in Canada and not liking the cold, I move most of my training indoors
I live in San Diego, if anything changes it’s more trainer time and more time on the mountain bike.
Here in Tampa, winter means that you can comfortably move around outside without the sweltering heat and humidity taking its toll. For the several weeks in January-February that it is actually “winter”, a few light layers keep you warm enough to stay comfortable.
Dress warm & dress the kids up warmer for some double stroller runs. Treadmill when it’s too cold!
Bike rides are done indoors and xc-skiing becomes the biggest thing during the winter.
A few more layers and HTFU
Newton Boco’s and head out in the snow!
Layer up (not much needed in the temperate mid-Southeast), less biking, more running, swim indoors, hit the weights, and work on base cardio.
I’m in So Cal. IF it gets too cold, below 60, I’ll ride inside. My garmin got knocked off my arm during the swim at Ironman Arizona. I could really use a new watch.
Winter training = more treadmill (yuck) and trying to schedule runs in the morning when it’s still light since after work is a no-go. Also going to switch from distance to weights this winter, build up the leg muscles for speed before next year’s race season.
No changes, keep running. Put on jacket, gloves and beanie
I run through the rain and snow and wind and cold. Really, as long as its above -20oC I’ll go outdoors
I am neither a duck or Hawaii-located. The sport is bicycling and it moves indoors (trainers, smart and dumb, plus rollers) while keeping the commutes going in big beautiful winter wonderland of NYC.
Enjoy the snow Ray, just got pictures of accumulation from my parents in Santa Fe.
I get stuck training inside, or I just suck it up and go out regardless of the weather. -Guillermo
I have to go to the bike shop already this week, studded tires will make the rides in Oslo a lot safer (and faster!)
No more swimming in my local lake, too dark and cold now (UK). So it’s layering up and running in the dark or on the turbo trainer in the garage with TrainerRoad for me.
Trainer Road and the indoor track! Winter is actually my favorite time to train because where I live, it rains all summer.
I tend to switch things up a bit. Living in Canada things can get pretty chilly outdoors. I like to take a full month off each sport every year so i use January and February as a chance to ease off my running and stay mostly indoors on the trainer and in the pool. I do go out for some short runs, but I’ve found in far more likely to end up with injuries in the winter, so rather than try to tough it out and risk ruining my spring training, I just take some recovery time.
Running and cycling
Not many changed required in CA. maybe add a cap on the cold mornings!!
I can only train in late afternoon/evening.
In the morning is too foggy and cold. I try to run or ride my bike in warmer hours only in the weekend.
And of course I dream living in Hawaii every single day!
For the winter time, I move into winter sports, mostly mountain biking and ski mountaineering, both activities for which this watch will serve me well ;-)
here in los angeles, it’s easy to be #weatherproof!
Here in Galicia it rains all day. We ride even with rain, snow, storm… We don’t modify our training program! ;)
I can’t wait to start cross country skiing! Great cross training for the sufferfest trainer sessions and pool time.
Big time trainer rides and treadmill runs!
Thanks for the giveaway.
Richard
Bought a trainer from last year’s recommendations for the bike and some cold weather gear.
The cold, rain, and mud can’t be avoided on race day, so no avoiding them in the winter!
Not exactly lucky, but living in Rio!
I enjoy swimming during winter.
Denmark is getting dark, cold and rainy so switch everything: Switch to mtb – switch to spinning – switch to pool swimming – switch to treadmill :-)
biking on Tacx Galacia T1100 and running with more layers!
Occasional treadmill runs, still swim in a pool, and brink the bike in on the trainer, but for the most part it is just business as usual. Running outside with a few more layers.
I’ll be doing a lot of trainer rides considering that it’s there’s usually snow for 1/2-ish the year. I’ll try to convince myself once again that I should be doing some lifting as well..
I take off a few weeks, get to know my wife and family again and restart running, swimming and biking at a reduced volume. I also toss in some downhill skiing and snowshoveling (the driveway kind).
I’m also reminded that I still have a dog who loves cold weather walks so I take her out a ton and she runs off leash (she would post a 20min 10K).
Luckily winter just means rain in the northwest. So grab some fenders and rain gear and continue biking and running! Plus winter means adding XC skiing to the mix!
Winter means rollers and treadmills for me.
This year’s winter training will be tailored to recover from a torn Achilles tendon. Lots of elliptical and trainer time.
I love skiing and jamming favourite tracks! :)
Just train, rain, snow or shine!
I don’t change my schedule. I change my trainingsplace and time. In summer I train in the forest near my house and mostly in the evening. In winter I run near the streets or use my lunch break for training.
This is a tough time of year with little daylight and cold, rainy weather. Swimming continues as usual. The bike has moved indoors onto the trainer. I run outdoors when daylight and weather will allow. That is usually once a week on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
In a month or so when we get some snow I will add in some snow sports. In my opinion, there is not much that is better than a night hike in the snow on a crisp January or February full moon night.
Warm clothes and pool time.
I just run and run and run: no adaptation whatsoever! ;)
No need to change too much the things in south Italy
Any chance of the Fenix 3 getting a optical HR sensor for a worst band?
In Northern California when we get rained out for rugby its a gym session or track day.
Still don’t know. This will be my first winter in Europe with colder weather.
I live in the UK, so it’s wet all year round. Road cycle a little less, run and mountain bike more
Normally I just run outside with more layers, but this year I will be doing minimal training, and caring for my newborn son! :-)
More gym for strength, and more swimming and running vs. cycling.
I stop swimming, and ride on the trainer more. Running doesn’t change too much besides the amount of clothing on.
Living in Florida, winter is the best time to train. Don’t need to dodge the raindrops. So no adjustment needed here for the weather but for mental recoup, I definitely chill out on the schedule a bit and don’t stress about getting every workout in.
I just tough it out and bundle up for runs but for safety hit the trainer for rides.
I am a runner, so I tend to run a little less and I also run on my treadmill. Although this year I’m hoping to get outside a bit more!
Layer up.
Man up and run through the hail
I keep running but only with warmer clothes on :)
here on Costa Rica there is no snow, but in the rainy season, you almost always can manage training by starting very early, so that you can generally avoid getting wet at least at the start of a ride.
I live in sweden and winters are long and dark here. I like snow a lot and so I replace running with xc skiing. In case there is no snow or very little snow then I try to focus on only indoor cross training workouts. My knees start to hurt if I run more than 5k in cold i.e. below zero degree Celsius. I do combine all my training workout with 2 to 3 hours a week of strength training and that remains unchanged in winter.
I’m definitely a lucky Duck (yes its a bad joke given my surname). I don’t live in Hawaii, but we do have a nicer weather in Winter rather than Summer. I live in Abu Dhabi UAE, so in winter we up the sports outdoors training time – so its off to the F1 Track for cycling circuits. Move over Hamilton……. Would love the fancy Fenix…..
All the best Nick
Winter means getting wet and dirty most of the times since I live in The Netherlands. The watch will come in handy with my trail aspirations.
In ohio…. sometimes warm and sometimes bitter!!!
Do not get out as much in the winter, but try on those sunny mid 30s days! The winter is a good time for me to do some weight training since I hate being inside during the warm days. In the mix of weights, the trainer becomes my couch to keep the cardio in check. Also, I am involved in adult ice hockey which is a fun cardio workout once a week!!!
I switch out my shorts for tights, add a layer or two and don a fleece cap. Otherwise, it’s still dark when I run in the morning or at night. Winter doesn’t really impact my training as much as sick kids!
Warmer gear! ;) More action in the dark means more reflective gear, too.
I am adapting this winter and moving onto the bike and into the swimming pool – I will also be taking part in a series of cross country races to mix it up and give my body a rest (ish) from the marathon training i’ve just completed.
I Run all year – also Winter here in Denmark. I use Winter as a baseperiod with little intensity and lots of miles. No problem running in snow or the dark with my Gemini headlamp.
I live in the mountains so I hit up the trails. Trail running and mountain biking are some of my favorite things to do in the off season. Nothing like a 2 hour ride or run on a beautiful winter day.
Miles and miles of indoor miles
Busy on the treadmill and lifting weights. Cross country skiing when we have enough snow.
I really like that:
“There is no such thing as bad weather.”
Usually, at winter, the pool is covered and we don’t have snow here. So, nothing really hard to beat.
I am very regimented throughout Spring and Summer. As the temperature drops, it is much harder to get out the door for a solid training session. I still prefer to ride outside, but I will mix in Wahoo Kickr sessions and off-bike work – core, weights, etc.
I love the cold, switch to winter sports…skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, winter hiking. Best time of year.
But still keep up with my weight training and treadmilling…I have a 3 month old now, so hopefully can keep this up!
In stormy Holland I go upstairs, got my own Treadmill and Elliptical, a little rain and cold won’t bother me, but it is the wind i hate, so when it storms I hit the treadmill and also do some fitness exercises like squats and lunges, also core and lower back exercises.
In north carolina, winter is mixed. It can be great for running not so much biking. Lots of spin bikes and pool swims. Actively try to avoid the treadmill until I have to.
In winter the wind trainer takes up residence in my lounge, much to the disgust of the mrs.