Heads up! Here’s your massive list of sports tech deals! This includes the Garmin Forerunner 965 for just $499, Garmin Epix for $429, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium for $735, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $299, (or Hero 13 bundle for $339!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list here!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
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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.
Living in Chicago, so the bike goes on the trainer and the running goes indoors on the treadmill.
For now I am in a temperate weather location so little need to change the routine but I will soon find myself in a place with a harsh winter. The military doesn’t always change its workout routine but if I had a choice I’d run indoors. On my bike I’ll just use an indoor trainer but unfortunately I won’t be allowed to pack that up and take it with me.
No change – just add more clothes :)
Im mainly a runner & I live in the uk – not too far from the Lake District. I tend to just get on with it & put some warmer clothes on to go out! Although I’m currently debating a gym membership so training runs can be done on the dreadmill!
Winter brings more inside “activities” and weather appropriate garb–especially when it is icy– (Yaktrax) fell on ice 2 years ago –broke 5 ribs–ouch!
I do not need to modify my training since I live in California :)
I just keep on as per normal, the cold never bothered me anyway.
Winter training, ride outdoors when the sun is out and the temp is above 40, indoors when it rain and is COLD!
I do my best to continue cycle outside until the snow/ice covered roads make just too dangerous, I can sometimes MTB a little farther into the season but not much. By then it’s January and I focus all my attention on indoor training with a 12-week plan hoping for the first spring day I can safely put the bike bake on the road/trail.
I put my bike on my CycleOps upstairs (indoor cycling), running I continue to do outside. I also will do core stability two times a week in the gym.
Trail running in Scotland means we add a head torch for evening training when DST starts, but apart from that it’s business as usual.
Wow what a nice watch (The guys one!) If i win I would wear it as an smartwatch. But back to the sports. I used to be a big boy (120kg) but sinds 2 years I’m around 77kg and just training all year round. my favo sports are cycling, fitness and running (marathon). I try to do sports every day. I’m to afraid to gain weight. I’ve bought a tacx 2 weaks ago because of zwift. but I also ride outside. Dutch winters are fine nowadays;) So i don’t change sports at all!
I currently using a garmin 210 with alot of gps and usb connection problems. I would like to update to an all in one watch
At last i will thank you for all your great work. I allways check your site for the newest sport tech!
Greetings
Sjoerd
During the winter i get up a bit earlier and hit the gym on way to work. Running outside in the wet Irish winter is not my thing.
I’m in Florida. What’s winter? It does allow for longer runs compared to the crazy hot summer months.
Instead of mountain biking I take my dog for longer walks uphill and rest more through the winter:-)
I will just continue my normal 4-days a week running schedule.
Yes it will be cold when the snow comes but i am not willing to go to the threadmill ;)
For the winter in north east England I swap the summer clothes for layers and due to shorter days I move in doors for during the week and bad weathered weekend days. Supplemented with a game of squash mid week
Please, me, me, me!
Transition to indoor training when weather turns to snow.
I switch from predominantly cycling to running. I still cycle but train road on a fat bike on the weekends. I try to do shorter mileage (so I don’t need to have my toes amputated) but I hit the same climbs I would on my road bike. I think the extra 20 pounds and the flex with the squishy tires helps maintains fitness.
If it gets a bit too wintery… I’ll put some mudguards on my bike ?
When it comes to winter I typically use my concept 2 more than I would in the summer. I am fortunate to have purchased one over a year ago for my workout room at my house. While the concept 2 is a love / hate thing due to how tough it can be but as soon as you get into erg shape it is a beautiful thing.
In the winter I ride in spin classes twice a week and use a trainer 2-3 times weekly. I run on a treadmill when the weather is not good and outside when the roads are clear of snow. I run based on time and not on distance, increasing by 2 minutes each week. Running is 3 times per week. And with swimming I participate in Masters swimming with organized +- 3000 yard sessions 2-3 times a week. Cross training on weekends is snowshoeing and x-country skiing.
Turbo trainer for the bike, hyperaware for the running!
In winter I put up the bike and revert to indoor swimming and running.
My training schedule is completely rustled around during the winter. Being from rural Indiana, road often aren’t cleared so that leaves me to run on the treadmill and put the big on the trainer. I’d almost say I change sports altogether as a lot of my time is spent coaching wrestling rather than training.
This would be a great giveaway!
I continue my same use in All season, I change the dress but I make the same distance every month
Layers are the key!
I don’t change my trainings, I just use more layers, gloves and an head lamp.
doing some skicross and participating in the winter uphill challange from december trough february
More running, less cycling. The cycling I do is typically flatter, as the roads in the foothills can be a bit unpredictable.
Running and a lot of time on the Kickr listening to DCR podcast….
I will run all winter through, -20C is no problem. This year I will try to run more at my lunch breaks as the sun is only visible for a couple of hours in winter here in north of sweden.
In november and half of december I will try to gain some strength by heavy barbell lifting.
In december I will start a long period with lots of long runs. I will also hit the indoor track at least one time/week.
When the snow starts to melt in april I will turn the long runs to shorter and faster ones.
I’m a Kiwi in NZ – winter brings fairly volatile weather, but it never really snows or gets fully cold.
The biggest challenge in winter is the reduced light and the rain. Solution – lights and waterproof gear.
Being subtropical, spring can almost be worse than winter. While it isn’t as cold, the wind (especially in my city, Wellington) can be a killer. In that case, you have two choices – Wind trainer or wind training.
Don’t be a pussy, keep pushing! My watch is waterresistent and so am I!
My training regime is essentially the same come rain, hail or sun. From downunder.
I live in New England and detest the winters. I run outdoors until it reaches close to 0F. This is my first full winter with a trainer but no data besides time and HR. I swim at a pool but always forget what lap I’m on. So you can see…I have many electronic needs! Thank you for your work. I was able to pick out the perfect running watch for my wife based on your reviews. Merci
Ray, i’m pleased to see you’re accepting money from us now! As it’s been mentioned in the podcast, this really should be your full time job!
Anyway, as for my winter training, it pretty much started today when I had to fish my long sleeve winter cycling jersey out of the drawer it’s been in, unused for months!
Other than that, i’ll probably start riding more on the main roads to avoid debris likely to give me punctures, and conversely, i’ll grab my trail shoes and head off-road!
Cheers Ray, keep up the good work!
This year I’ll be spending a lot of time at the gym doing cross training in a group fitness class. Hoping that it gives me a better base to start running again in the spring. Unfortunately Upstate NY is no Hawaii.
Hawaii is sadly not an option in Scotland. Gym and wattbike are the solution.
I live in Northern California so its not that cold, but it’s still cold enough and now dark in the morning and and at night when I usually exercise. So cycling becomes more painful and I’ve taken up running more. I plan on getting a trainer soon so that should help.
Trail running in Scotland means we add a head torch for evening training when DST starts, but apart from that it’s business as usual.
(Ray, I’ve had lots of problems getting a comment accepted by the site so I apologise if this results in multiple entries. Cheers, Sandy)
For winter a big thing is to training with a group here. Weather is not that bad in Durban South Africa. With a group you get more motivation to get up in the mornings.
The only adjustment I make is to do all my cycling training on the trainer. From a triathlon standpoint, its the offseason. Its time to just focus on perfecting skills and resting the body. Marathon season is in full swing, so I’ll participate in a few Half-Marathons.
More time on the Kickr and more layers outside!
I don’t live in Hawaii, but I live in Rio de Janeiro! so… There’s no winter here!! Running and cycling all year long!
Living here in Florida, I’m lucky to not have to adjust my training regiment much in the winter. Maybe throw on a long sleeve here and there or a knit hat occasionally and I call it good! It’s rough, I know. :D
Starting to train more inside and focus more on swimming
Treadmill :-( or extra layers.
Hit the gym for weight training. On the treadmill if ice on the road. Swim laps in the pool and stationary bike to keep the legs fresh.
The indoor cycling seasons has begun
Moving indoors with trainer and treadmill when things get nasty.
Lots of lights and layers
I use to train into the gym
Rug up and run (or ride) faster!
I really like your review, keep going DCrainmaker
TrainerRoad, run with at toque (that’s Canadian for hat), swim lots and more yoga and gym sessions.
I try to keep my training focused on maintaining fitness, letting the speed work go until early spring comes around. I also try to stay outside as much as possible – I can’t stand the treadmill/trainer/rollers. It’s kind of surprising what you’re able to run/ride in once you bundle up and try it!
Move evening runs to early afternoons because of the 4pm darkness. More road running because trails are muddy. Mtn biking stays the same because it’s more fun :)
As a runner, I just add a little extra clothing. As a runner in the SE United States, I’m still not having to add much extra.
The one rare benefit of random shift work is that during winter I can adapt my training times to avoid the bitter cold mornings and evenings. Nothing like a warm run in the middle of a sunny winters day.
XC Ski time!!!!!
In DC, so winters are not too bad. Cycling moves entirely indoors, running just means tights and watching one’s footing because the sidewalks often are not clear if it snows.
If we don’t get snow, just add more layers and keep running. If we do get snow, strap on the snow shoes.
I switch it up and focus on strength training! Although I have come to appreciate running out in the cold (as long as there’s no ice! )
I add layers and keep running.
Hardcore outside running and cycling, plus back in the pool for the swimming. If all else fails, running machine and turbo trainer.
I just do more running and less cycling to keep fit.
We actually get winter here in Wisconsin, so a lot of my workouts get moved indoors. Although, when we have enough snow, I do try to get out on the local XC Ski trails on the weekends.
Here in Varna is still 20+ Celsius during the day, so no problem to ride my bike several times per week.Winter is time for the gym and pool.
The leather Fenix would be nice surprise for my forthcoming birthday.
I’m not scared of winter weather
Long steady running miles with lots it off road. Ice, snow, rain? Love em all! :)
Wow – 4621 responses so far. I’m not sure how to stand out :)
How do I adapt my training schedule for winter? I largely stick with running year round, so Winter means a switch from early morning runs to mid-afternoon or evening runs. It’s colder and darker so I have an additional layer (but not much … running warms me up!) and more reflective gear. I put on my trail running shoes which help with icy and slushy paths a bit better than my road shoes. And then I do what I do the rest of the year — forget about the world for 30 minutes to 2 hours and enjoy the cool, crisp air. Sometimes a headlamp is needed — those runs are better than most since if you need one, fewer people are out and about. Mile after mile, I run toward spring. It’s a great journey, if a simple one.
I just picked up some weight lifting, so that will be my big change this off season for training. I also ride my trainer vs. bike outdoors and I tend to do shorter runs rather than long distance running in the off season.
For running in the winter just some thicker clothes.
For the bike replace the weekdays short rides with indoor tacx, longer weekend rides continue.
For swimming no open-water swim only pool training once a week.
I live in Sacramento CA and I am mostly a runner so I rarely get on the bike when its cold but as for running we layer our clothes and keep going rain or shine.
Im running in winter more then in summer. Cycling only on trainer. Swimming in pool is the same in all season.
Don’t change anything, weather isn’t a excuse it’s a motivation!
I train during the warmest time of the day. I also swim indoor and do some weight training.
Switch from cycling to swimming over winter.
Actually enjoy running more when it is cold and there is snow. I put on more clothes, a pair of gloves, and use shoes with studs to avoid slipping on patches of ice.
The case Finland: Continue running outside, hop on the good ol’ turbo trainer & swim in the indoor pool (Add in the occasional ice hole swimming!)
Just ordered the new taxc neo as you recommend for my winter training.
I row (& ergo) in the winter, and triathlon/cycle in the summer.
will run year round in the Netherlands. May just have to wait a few hours for the roads to be (semi) cleaned sometimes.
More running, less outdoor cycling. And setup my wahoo kickr :)
I bike a lot less and run a lot more.
WTH
Lots of indoor training.
On the bike in summer. On the bike in winter. You haven’t earned the long summer rides till you’ve been trapped on a mountain pass in a sudden snow storm and having to carry your bike cross style while running in snow packed speedplay cleats to get back to the gritted main road!
I’m mostly a runner and live on the edge of the foothills in Colorado. I have a light up vest and plenty of cold weather running gear, and sometimes put the cleat strap on things over the running shoes. I do less trail running and more path running once the snow’s been cleared. I also have my bike trainer set up inside and catch up on missed episodes of Game of Thrones while I spin…
I train indoor. Love to swim!
Getting ready to hit the treadmill!!
warm clothes and indoor training for most colds days!
Living in south Florida I require I adjustments.
I’ll run outside with warmer clothes in middle of the day to have not too cold temperature, or use indoor running equipment.
Still running … But with warmer clothes
Winter has me swapping to the heavy weights to build bigger muscles for next year.
Well In Canada, the right clothes and layering are paramount to successful outdoor running, or any activity outdoors.
Mark