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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.
Winter gets HECTIC here in Cape Town, so all thoughts of swimming are definitely packed away. I continue to run per normal (albiet with a headlamp and tons of layers – see windproof and waterproof), but the major change is moving majority of rides onto the trainer in the garage, and only heading outside on the mountain bike if the weather ‘clears up’ a bit
Winter time is for running, summer time it’s triathlon training time.
I run all winter, unless it is below 15 F or really icy. And sometimes I swim, if the thought of a cool pool doesn’t make me want to scream in the morning. But mostly I double down on core and strength training. Except for right now… just getting a little fat right now.
How do you adapt your training schedule for winter? Do you change sports altogether, or do you happen to be one of those lucky ducks living in Hawaii?
More running, less swimming (no open water), and much less biking (never loved the trainer).
Belgian weather is shitty all year long, no need to adapt ;-)
Winter means a lot of trainer time and scheduling the running around the weather forecast
I live on a trainer located in my basement. It’s amazing how disgusting the floor is after the winter. Otherwise, the routine stays the same – swimming at the local fitness club and running along the parkway (although on the colder days here in Wisconsin I sometimes take it indoors to a treadmill).
Winter runs in Wisconsin means layers on layers on layers on layers. Any temps above -15 Fahrenheit is fair game for outdoor runs. For cross training and the coldest of days, I just bought a Travel Trac trainer on sale last week!
Going to be less than -20C, but I’m ok with that, just more layer..
Indoor rides on a trainer, cold runs outside, mind bending sessions on a treadmill, and more opportunities to play tennis (cross training of a sort) :-)
Lots of miles in the Trainer. I try and get out as much as possible but work prevents me from riding during the day. It snows a lot in Boulder so Ive learned to love my trainer.
I cycle indoors but will still ride sportives if the weather isn’t ridiculous!
I’ll mostly be eating cake while drooling over the spec of the fenix 3. I don’t think I’ll be able to run till it arrives, just in case I miss the postman. Hope it won’t be too long as ill get really fat. Wink wink nudge nudge.
Winter = summer in New Zealand. So I shall be galavanting around the place soaking up the vitamin D, albeit while increasing my skin cancer risk in the burning sun. Although in reality I’ll be getting winded while running and biking in Windy Wellington.
I’m in Indiana so will do most of my riding on computrainer or rollers and swimming at the nearest indoor cave of a 25-yd lap pool. I’ll keep running outside, though – even the track workouts! Need to build base to go out and kill Boulder 70.3 in early summer!
Very little change. Just more layers. That Rose Gold is pretty.
The dreaded treadmill here in Colorado for a few months until the days get longer.
Bundle up, and keep running! No changes required. And I live in a place where a week or two of -30 to -40 temps (in Celsius) aren’t unusual.
Winter = ski! Cross country, downhill, anything!
İ Cross train by combining running with cycling, It’s the time of year to rest and i try to enjoy the down time. Will be using Zwift this winter :-)
During winter I mainly concentrate on runnning, although this January I’m getting my new roadbike. This “might” lead to a spike in bicycle stats :-)
Run outside as long as it’s above freezing, otherwise treadmill. Bike trainer and stop swimming :-)
I Run at lunchtime here in South Carolina, USA.
Treadmill and indoor cycling. Outdoor running in winter is not an option for my knees.
My wife would love this. She loves her forerunner 220 and this would be a nice step up.
My wife and I successfully dieted through Halloween, now need to shift into more exercise for the rest of the holidays, both outside and in the gym.
I’m live in Houston, but spend at least a week each month in the frozen tundra of North Dakota. Winters are pretty mild in Houston, so all I normally do is trade in my short sleeve tech shirt for a long sleeve shirt, but my winter routine is to trade outdoor runs for indoor runs in ND if it’s too icy to be outdoors.
No change for me running all the way, living in Manchester UK it’s just as wet in the summer as it us during winter, as for the cold no problem, soon work up a sweat.
I started running again today, after a 15 months break due to health issues… So it will be more instead of less training each week, no matter which weather or temperatures! Maybe I will add swimming and gym, but most of the time I will be out and running!
Training for health and love fitness gadgets specialy watches new Fenix on lether is cool!
Lights. Head lights taillights, headlamps.
Winter is the main season; ski touring is it! Of course, if you’re in the right places, one needn’t stop skiing at any time of the year…
Wonderful winter training….Fat tires and skinny skis or cycle trainers and indoor tracks. I tend to alternate. Winter lasts a long time around these parts!
Here in NC I’ll cycle less outdoors, more indoors. I also plan to add swimming this winter as I begin training for triathlons (1st timer). No change to running outside (never on a dreadmill!) and will certainly get out for a run or hike if it snows.
Layer up for runs and ride. Increase the gym sessions.
I try to cycle all winter, except on the days when the roads are snow covered.
As a runner I’ll keep running all winter long, and the few miles on the bike are going to be indoors.
For me it is more about running, pool swimming and cross-country skiing, rather than cycling.
Cycling, rowing and cross training. So good to train for training in off-season.
I train outside regardless of the weather…I just change my apparel, shoes or bike.
Indoor training mixed with outdoor session on weekends when the weather allows
I am a triathlete and change my road riding to a combination of mtb and swift/trainerroad. Swimming is more technique oriented and running moves to longer distances trail running.
In California, it’s just a question of digging up my reflector and headlamp, no other changes needed. :-)
I will do a lot less running outside and a lot more swimming and indoor biking. I’m a wimp about cold weather. I hate running when I’m cold.
Also, I seriously need to work on my swimming.
Winter training=running jacket with fold over mittens, thicker socks & headband. Chang=Cross training in a warm pool or bike trainer watching Netflix.
I still run outside, just wear more clothes
I just layer up for my runs outside, stick to the trainer and get in the pool for my winter workouts. I also do a lot more strength training.
Fatter tires and strong lights :)
I run and bike, so add layers and run outside in the cold/snow and bike on the trainer.
Hey Ray,
In the winter I focus on running, mostly slow and long miles :) as well as getting to the pool in anticipation of triatrhlon season.
Stay safe in Paris!
Thomas
Training? In the winter? I’m not nearly that dedicated. *sad face*
Set my hometrainer and put some watts…
MUCH more time on the trainer along with more gym hours.
The only adaptation is clothing choices as the temperatures dip down here in the Midwest
Peace
I convince myself that I like the trainer and then its Netflix and Hammer!
I refuse to let winter interfere with outdoor running, so during winter runs I look like Randy from Christmas story on his way to school…
No change at all for winter in running, but I have to adapt my cycling, so i go spinning. Pool training sessions will not change.
put on more layers
there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong gear
Doing my base training plan with trainerroad, and watch TV shows I missed in the summer
Living in LA, I wear a long sleeve T in the winter ;)
Joe
I would love the fancy Fenix3!
not too many changes in the training for me – it’s mostly volume running and if it’s not colder than -20C or more than 20cm of snow I run my usual
Switch from tri to ultrarunning. Nothing say long slow distance like not being able to feel your legs
Keep up the inspiring work Ray! I’ve sent you my $20. I’d like a proper fitness watch for myself, if I have any luck.
I just have to deal with more rain, not too much of a big deal for me.
Cycle when it’s not too wet or too windy or too cold or too dark…
run in the evening instead of mornings
Adapt training for winter??? Oh…sorry…I’m one of the lucky ducks who lives in Hawaii. :)
Move from marathon season back into cross training – welcome back pool!
I continue to run, but limit my trail runs to more accessible trails. Every now and then, I will venture out in the snow, be it snowshoeing or a postholing “run”.
DCR Supporter! Sign me up!
Thanks for all of your reviews!
Living in Los Angeles, I don’t have to worry too much about winter weather. Basically it means running with a long sleeve shirt instead of a short sleeve. The only other main activity I do is hike specifically for photography. I was in Iceland a few months ago for work and had the privilege of hiking a glacier. Can’t wait to go back on my own time.
I move my runs to the morning to avoid to running in the dark evenings. I’m from Berlin ;-).
Wider tires on my CycloCross bike with profile for bad weather.
cheers, Philipp
Winter is the best time to work on technique and be better for the next season without the importance on work load. Especially in swiming, this winter I will adapt my training to focus on improving my tumble turn so I can sustain a better intensity in my future workouts.
Move everything indoors, do a little more cross-training/hit the gym.
Cross training for me, row/run/cycle
I’m a runner, so all I do is put on more clothes and maybe yax trax if it’s snowing outside. Oh and I go to the gym regardless of weather, so I do that no matter what.
I live in the UK and winter is when running really gets started for me. No BBQs to get in the way. Nothing quite like running through the woods on a snowy morning.
I actually prefer cold so winter is the time when i can run as much and as hard as i want – only needing head lamp and some extra clothes :-).
Wear more clothes!
Living in Northern Greece so just a windbreaker most of the times. Sometimes it gets cold but I guess our cold is warm for people who live up in the north :)
I hermit-ize.. Cold weather gear comes out and indoor workouts take the place of entering the frozen tundra…
Add in hiking, cross-training, camping..
I run all winter long and add cross-country skiing as I happen to live in Finland:) Swimming is also part of my training program.
I’m in training for my first half in April, in Florida, while training through the winter for my first time here in Chicago. I’ve read your column on winter running, got some warm stuff and have a gym for some treadmill backup. Hoping it all works.
I’ll switch to cross-country skiing once there is enough snow
I do live in Sweden so we get snow and ice winter time. :-)
So more cloth on, but the hardest part is the ice so very little forest roads in wintertime.
A lot more treadmill and weight lifting in the wintertime and that’s quite good to help to prevent injuries.
I’ve found I don’t change much. I’ve discovered I like to run, even in the winter, even in Iowa!
I just switch to running on a treadmill and biking on a trainer. And get a bit lazier.
I’m tempted by joining the 100 days running challenge to increase the amount of training in winter (/me is so enthusiastic about the Hoka running shoes I bought this week :-D )
Honestly speaking, winters are very mild here in Vienna. I hardly ever need more than one layer, so with few days of snow/ice per year that is not a problem.
In the winter i do indoor spinning, more or less instead of outdoor cycling. I try to keep the running exercise up to level as long as the weather isnt too bad. Also some occasional ice skating
Well, I’ve only been running for about 2.5 years now so this will be my third winter to deal with since beginning this journey. The previous two years I’ve gone into the gym to do my running on a treadmill, but this year I’m trying to stay out of there as much as possible. Previous years, I would have already been in the gym running due to the time change and dropping temperatures, but this year I’ve vowed to stay outside as long as there is no snow on the ground. Not sure if I’m ready for snow running, yet. Last year was definitely a brutal snow season for us up in the New England area, so I’m hoping for a better winter this year.
Winter is rug up and slow and easy time. Otherwise, not much else changes.
To the question “How do you adapt your training schedule for winter? Do you change sports altogether, or do you happen to be one of those lucky ducks living in Hawaii?”
I cherish winter rather than being one who complains about it. I live in Québec where there is enough snow to actually do something with it. I mainly adapt my training by running more often. Running on hard packed snow on a sunny day, even at minus 30°C is quite enjoyable and I am looking foreward to repeat that as often as possible this year again.
I also keep doing my comute on bicycle as often as it is safe to do so. One can get some valuable skills by the end of the winter season!
And then, there is the Fatbike, the cross country skiing, etc.
Hawaii? Not for me!
I switch from a 50/50 mix of cycling and running to mostly just running, excepting commutes, and add in a few extra weight sessions.
I just keep running. In alabama it doesnt get too cold except for maybe in january then I just wear warmer clothes. Thanks for the giveaway! Good Luck to everyone!
Everything gets a little shorter. Shorter runs, shorter bikes (on the trainer), and consistent swims. Seems to keep me fit and hungry to get going once the snow goes away!
Winter for me the past few years has been about running. As opposed to spring and summer where I focus much more on swimming and cycling.
The logistics are just simplier and safer. I balance my cross training with at least a weekly swim and trainer ride.
Changing my focus to running helps me to build a strong aerobic base for the start of tri season in the spring.
I start spinning in the winter but continue to run outside. I hardly swim at all in the winter and I do more core training.
More runs indoors on the treadmill, I hate running in the cold and dark in winter.