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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!
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Have some fun in the travel section.
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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.
Less riding, more running!
I try and run in the morning before work instead of afterwards.
I don’t really change up my schedule; I just put on a few more layers, screw some sheet metals screws in my shoes, and run on those snow-covered Wisconsin streets and trails.
A lot of basic runs to get a fundatment for the next season :)
Training continues regardless of weather. Would be better with a fenix 3 on my wrist!
I will do swimming training for 3-4 times a week. I will be the training on the hometrainer from Tacx.
Living in Sweden winter is not the best cycling season but i don´t mourn to much. The snow is the best, XC skiing is great training and much more fun than a treadmill. Other than that i up my swimming sessions and sweat like hell on the trainer and in the spinning class…
What a relief, I can finally go for late-night runs without having the face tasked with summery mosquitoes drowned in my sweat…
I spent my last winter in Kentucky, where I either wore layers to run outside or used a treadmill for running. For cycling, it was all trainer, all the time.
Now I’m in Florida. Maybe I’ll wear a gillet on the bike.
I stay in South Africa so we have kinda crappy winter times here, we continue with our training schedule with the same intensity as if its summer lol, its tough but we try our best to stick to intense training in winter so that we are able to reap the benefits in our Summer races :)
Some things change, and some things don’t. In particular, I’ll continue cycling through the winter here in the snowy Boston area. “There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.” I’ll cycle down to about 20 F in winter boots, SmartWool base layers, etc. And last year, I started having fun with studded tires.
I’ll stop rowing (single scull mostly) on the Charles River though: first the river gets too cold for safety, and then it freezes over. To compensate, I’ll run more, and inside spend time on the rowing machine and bicycle rollers, and of course skiing. So far, I prefer rollers to a stationary trainer; needing to balance keeps me more mentally engaged on a longer workout. But it would be interested to try the new connected trainers…
The training schedule stays pretty much the same, but weekend runs are often closer to midday rather than early morning or late evening, depending on the daily weather. Low temperatures in the SF Bay Area are rarely an issue, but sometimes I wear long sleeves and some thin gloves, especially on weekday evening runs on the lighted bike path in my neighborhood.
Can’t stop, won’t stop. Bundle up and hit the road…
Living in Minnesota, I move indoors for weight training and swimming, not much cycling or running, except when weather (and roads) permit.
More running, less biking.
Given this will be my first winter training, I’m thinking warmer gear, more time on the trainer and gym time to get some needed core and strength exercises in.
How do I adjust my winter training? Well, I live in Orange County, California – so I basically don’t.
I don’t move indoors or to the basement (don’t have those here, either) to ride a trainer. I have a basic trainer, but rarely use it as I can ride outdoors most of the time. So, for riding; I’ll use arm warmers or a long sleeve jersey. Sometimes even knee warmers and a jacket. For the ten or so days it rains; I sit on the couch. Though the Godzilla El Nino may change that.
For running, I might slip on a long sleeve shirt on the colder days.
For pool swimming, I’m still in a Speedo outdoors in heated water, so that doesn’t change. Just maybe long pants instead of shorts to walk to the truck in the parking lot.
For my OWS; which is in that big blue Pacific Ocean; it does get pretty damned cold in the winter. I swim less and use two latex caps – still in a Speedo. (Wetsuits are for pussies) I’m fine to 58ºF or so for a couple of miles. Those 53ºF to 56ºF swims get cut to a mile or less and there’s a whole lot of shivering going on afterwards.
Does DCRainmaker really read all of these posts?
Would he respond to this one if he did?
We shall see.
My winter training is more of an off season until January. I continue to ride but not as far and not as fast so I can truly take time to enjoy the ride. Once I hit January, I lengthen my ride slowly to prepare for my May races.
In the frozen tundra of WI, I get away from swimming for a little bit and adapt to the indoor trainer with a weekly computrainer studio visit. I also to some more strength training and an occassional workout video.
I hate the cold and I won’t risk getting caught in the rain, so I’ll stick to the gym and the pool.
Man up. (except when icy, run more, ride less)
layers when it’s not too sloppy, treadmill when it is.. fatbike for funtimes on the bike outside, trainer indoors otherwise (though that’s not unusual b/c I’m on the trainer year round)
Living in Wisconsin can get pretty cold with lots of snow, so I try to find the best winter running gear available and run outdoors as much as possible.
Living in Sweden, winter season is a reality. I change to base training – distance, hills and strength rather than speed work. I continue running outside even though in the coldest days I have to be careful get too much cold air into my lungs.
The darkness is the hardest aspect of the winter for me, but running always makes me feel better!
Only 2 times a week on the turbo trainer.
In New Zealand I head for more trails where I’m sheltered from the howling Antarctic southerly wind. We don’t get snow so just a little muddier
There is no suck thing as winter in Brazil! Not Hawaii though….
warmer clotes is all I need ;-)
Winter? I’m in Los Angeles so I’ll find a long sleeve shirt and keep chugging along. But I may have to change things up for El Nino.
I’m going to be out in all weathers, winter dont stop my. :)
living in the northern part of europe means weather is always shitty, so either buckle up with big lights, lots of insulation outside or just do a lot of exercise indoors. – or a bit of both. – doing cadence work on MTB outside is quite ok, and as much indoor rowing, treadmill running etc to break “boredome” – have actually started to try and run to and from work just to get that 5-10min of daylight exercise as long as i possibly can.
I tend to put my bike on a trainer and run more outside. indoor pool swims for sure!
I grow a pair and bite through the wind, rain, snow and every else the seasons throwing at me om the trails :) Do trend to cut down the mileage a bit a swim a bit more
I use 1. KICKR 2. TrainerRoad 3. Treadmill 4. Indoor Pool
But anymore, I do most of my rides indoor. I feel like I get more workout and less danger. To many killed cyclists in my area recently.
I wish I lived in Hawaii…no, I definitely switch up activities in the winter. I do more yoga, strength training and classes at my gym. Living in NC, I have the luxury of doing more SUP in the fall and winter. I also bike commute to work through the winter a few days a week.
I keep the running outside going and just put more layers on (and a hat, and gloves!!!).
I switch from cycling to running. Winter gear for running is much cheaper than cycling winter gear :)
Lots of hours on the treadmill and trainer. At least on the trainer I get to use (virtual) power.
As I live in the uk I start to jog once a week as my cycling miles tale off a little with the dark evening. Don’t really enjoy it but keeps me active after a day at work. Of course the weekends are still time for riding with the odd weeknight ride also.
In winter I focus more on running and (indoor) swimming, and sometimes do a bit of cycling on a trainer.
Winter training in the SF bay area doesn’t require much in the way of change (minus the early sunsets) … but time on the slopes is a worthwhile reward!
I pretty much quit running and go skiing instead.
Hi DC Rainmaker! Nope, I don’t really adapt training regime, although since I discovered zwift it may move me indoors more. Otherwise, you don’t get to claim sunshine in winter when living in Flanders. The magnificent routes of the tour of Flanders however make up for the cold weather;)
I switch to morning workouts, for some reason I lag in energy after about 5pm during the winter months when it’s dark by then but at 5am when it’s dark I have more energy!
Winter here in Sweden doesn’t provide much outdoor road biking (which is my primary sport). But since I live in the south of Sweden I can still do some biking on my hybrid on tarmac/gravel roads. But basically winter means leaving the road bike inside and doing gym for the muscle build up and also more running for the cardio, I do tho think winter is pretty dull because of the few sunlight hours. Oh and not to forget the swimming, which is really great since it’s indoors and no need for sunlight.
I live in Canada so I definitely need to adapt. I bike indoor with Zwift, I run in the snow and I add some cross country ski to my activities!
Winter is fun!
Running in the AM just with yaktrax and a headlamp
Living in Guadalajara, Mexico temperature will only go down to 5 -10 Celsius for a few days, so changing early morning runs for afternoon runs, will do most of it. For days where early morning runs are the only options, will add a few layers.
I’m one of the lucky ducks that exist in northern Minnesota. Swimming consists of the Polar Plunge, then pool till ice out in May. Biking is on a trainer from November till April, training for the Tour of Sufferlandria on TrainerRoad. Running this year is recovery from ruptured Achilles, one month before IM Wisconsin, never a dreadmill, just ski goggles and lithium batteries. Semper Fidelis!!!
I will be layering up until ice covers the ground and then using the treadmill.
What’s winter? SIUBC!
There is never an excuse to stop running or cycling because of the weather, you’re just inappropriately dressed!
I dig out my winter cycling clothes and wonder why there’s not more urban legend around arm warmers getting eaten by a clothes dryer.
I bundle up and battle the Texas “winter” just the same as fall/spring, except for the rainy/icey days.
No change. Train whatever the conditions.
I’m lucky that it doesn’t get too cold in San Antonio TX. Unfortunately it gets dark earlier so I cannot ride when I get home from work. I do 2 days on the indoor trainer and ride outside on the weekends.
I take the month of November off to rest up. Then start running or snowshoeing as the winter weather dictates. You and the girl be safe and viligent.
Indoor Trainer
Living in Florida, I love the winter here. Sure beats 6+ months of temps in the 90’s with matching humidity.
As an almost daily reader of your blog I’ve signed up for the news letter just because I Prefer to keep the Ads :-)
My cycling virtually comes to a stop during the winter due to the incessant rain and a lack of daylight hours when I’m off work.
For my running, I shift early or late runs to midday as much as possible, layer up with long sleeves and tights and don my rain jacket when it’s wet, which is most of the time. And for those times when the run is in the dark, light for visibility must be worn.
No change whatsoever. Just a bit more careful cornering and an occasional salt-be-gone hosedown for the roadbike.
just more clothes.
I adapt to winter by doing more indoor cardio like spin classes, and less running outside.
More layers on my commute. It’s dark and wet so I’m naturally slower and more cautious so it helps keep me in the endurance zone.
I live in Montana… A combination of indoor running and headlamps!
I switch my routine almost completely. Summer is dragon boating, cycling and running. Winter is crossfit, swimming, indoor rowing and cross country skying. I bit of running also fits into winter.
I focus on outdoor running and indoor swimming in the cold Phoenix, Arizona air and save the biking for warmer days.
Winter means fewer orienteering events and even less daylight. So strap on the headlamp and head for the woods for some terrain running. Biking around the lake if the dirt roads aren’t too icy. Maybe do some more snowshoe racing, haven’t done that for a couple years now. Good aerobic workout.
Living in the tropics!
I’m going try strength training for the first time! I’ve been a strictly swim, bike, run, but this off-season I’m going all in, and hopefully become a better triathlete.
My summer focus is on outdoor biking with swimming and running being lesser components. During the winter I primarily focus on running with some swimming and biking on the trainer.
I live in AZ so winter training just means a little more clothing, or run a little later in the day. It is summer training that is painful.
Trying to do more running and swimming during winter.
Schedule stays about the same. More treadmill work and indoor bike training for these Wisconsin winters. Outside run when it’s not below 0. Out in the tights and winter clothes.
I wear warmer gear. Layering, that sort of thing. My philosophy has always been you can’t control weather on race day but you can always control when you run. Weather should never be a factor whether you run or not!
As a runner in Memphis, TN, I don’t have to alter my winter training very much…maybe a day or three if there’s ice on the sidewalks, but other than that, add a layer and keep on trucking!
mostly nothing changes, I just wear more clothes and dig out my head torch!
I’m one of those lucky “ducks” living in Israel
More layers for running, unfortunately less biking, but adding early morning hikes on the weekend with the mutt.
Sign up for something tough and challenging. Like a race longer than anything I’ve done to date. At night. On a trail….
Living in Denmark we have green winther and white winter(sometimes).
The trail runs are just a bit more wet and challenging. Will keep my run schedule with 30km a week. Adapted with a bkt warmer clothes
I just wear warmer clothes, a headlight and run slower.
Treeadmill and swimming
Living in Sweden, winter is tough for a runner. I go out with special shoes with spikes under and a headlamp. The darkness after work is killing me but as soon as you start running you tend to forget about it. You tend to get tougher here. But I think the key is a motivation like an early spring race.
Keep up the good work! Love it.
Being from TX it does not require much change except for additional layers and no open water swims.
Focus on trying not to gain weight.
I live in Yorkshire, England so get a mixture of everything. I just keep doing the same running but put a jacket and high viz on.
The winter becomes running season for me. It’s a great time of year in the south to get some great trail running in and this will be the second winter in a row that I am training for a spring marathon. I have a Boston Qualifier in my sights! I still cross train with spin and swim sessions but enjoy the focused time on running with friends.
In Portugal it is still pretty cool to go out and enjoy an evening run.
Treadmill can be your running buddy during some months, but if you keep a close eye on the weather forecast it is possible to plan ahead your morning runs.
Keep Warm, and book some winter holiday to come here!
I end up doing mixed cardio and weight training. I have a stationary bike that I’ll use, too. If it is not horribly windy and above 40 degrees, I’ll go for a short run.
Rowing and lifting in the winter
Changed my focus from running to cycling to be ready for my first cyclocross race.
This Winter I will be Running/Cycling/Swimming indoors
I have the warmest weather, and even when it rains I won’t change my running schedule
For the winter, more trainer time. Gonna play with Zwift some more as well as TrainerRoad…
I have plans to start doing 5k runs on a saturday. Bikewise its Turbo Time with my Tacx Genius. I am soon sending a part of it away for replacing with a smart upgrade.
Wintertime is cycling roller indoors and cross-country skiing outdoors. I prefer cycling, but I have to admitt that Friday afternoon skiing in the dark with moonlight and northern lights is something that makes winter magic.
I hit the gym, take on swimming and more full-body work outs.
I’ll be taking time off the road this winter to build up my swimming as to train for my first half ironman in the summer. More time on the indoor bike and some crosstraining in the gym for all round fitness. Living in the North East US it’s probably better to stay safe and warm (even though I’ve accumulated enough warm weather gear over the years to clothe a family of eskimos).
I live in Florida so the only real adjustment I make is moving my swim indoors. The run and bike continue outside although the amount of clothing I wear does increase slightly. Oh and I have to do MORE cardio because watching the snow in the north on the Weather Channel makes me crave carbs. I have no idea why but it does.