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…
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.
You can also pick-up tons of gear at REI via these links, which is a long-time supporter as well:
Alternatively, for everything else on the planet, simply buy your goods from Amazon via the link below and I get a tiny bit back as an Amazon Associate. No cost to you, easy as pie!
You can use the above link for any Amazon country and it (should) automatically redirect to your local Amazon site.
-
Check out my weekly podcast - with DesFit, which is packed with both gadget and non-gadget goodness!
-
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!
5
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 wear a headlamp and warm clothes, and keep running. I prefer running in the cool southern winters over running in the scorching southern summers.
In winter I do shorter faster training runs supplemented with indoor gym routines mixing cardio and core.
If you’re cold, you are probably not running fast enough.
Try to avoid patches of ice.
I live in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U. S. For me it is the time change that forces me inside onto the treadmill. I prefer to run in cooler weather but not in the dark.
Mudguards!
No changes. Just extra layers.
Usually run over the winter and ride over the summer. But I like to do a few km’s on the trainer in the garage or run on the treadmill to mix things up.
Always make it a point to run outside on the REALLY nasty days. That way everything else seems easier by comparison.
If I am going to wear a sports watch to work it has to be the fenix! Love the blog. Bravo!
Garage city for this ny guy!
Thanks ray
Living in Alaska my sports completely change. Running becomes cross country skiing and biking goes from a road to a fat tire bike. Although the last week it has been -5 so the treadmill has been my friend.
Sydney’s temperate climate means that not too much has to change.
Running is generally OK in winter (and usually much nicer than the sweat-fest in summer) – shorts and t-shirt is fine.
Some outdoor pools are unheated, and close over winter. A lot of pools though are heated and therefore year round. The only issue there can be the sprint from the pool to the change rooms.
Cycling is probably nothing compared to what Northern European or Northern American cyclists deal with. We don’t get ice or snow so the roads aren’t affected. Long knicks and jerseys are the default. My favourite bit of kit though are shoe covers – amazing how stopping the wind and early morning fog from reaching your socks makes a HUGE difference.
Thanks for the giveaway
I plan to adapt by snuggling up to my new Wahoo Kickr and get caught up on Trainer Road episodes…not a big fan of being cold…
Based in Michigan, I dial down volume and focus on strength, technique, and quality, things that tend to get lost during racing/event season. When I can get out on the MTB or for a run, I do, as trainers and treadmills are *awful*, but diversions like The Sufferfest make it all bearable until the winter is over.
Thats why i love Miami……Dont need to change nothing!
I tend to run a lot more in winter, as its less daunting, and less cold, to do than cycling. My swimming tends to get a boost when its too windy to run.
I’m a summer rower and switch to running in the winter; a lot of it on the treadmill. The variety helps keep me motivated.
Trying to decide between this and the forerunner 235 quite a hard choice at the moment……..
I would love to say that I travel the world and never see winter, but alas I don’t. However being in Perth means the winters are mild and there is little that needs changing other than putting a stronger light on my bike on the shorter days.
No need to slow down in the cold. Still run outside through the winter and snow — just need the right gear. I keep my cycling up indoors on my Kickr and my open water swims are replaced with XC skiing.
Turbo training time :)
Been wanting a Fenix 3 for sometime now. Love the leather straps!
Winter means trainer in the morning and running in the afternoon…The benefits of living in Arizona.
I live in Florida…in winter, we get to train outside at anytime of the day, not just 5 AM!!
Swimming indoors and layering up outside otherwise I try and keep up my routine.
My focus is cyclocross, but winter isn’t without its challenges. For the most part I get workouts in at midday before/after lunch time. When that isn’t possible, I’m out the door at dawn to avoid evening trainer sessions.
I train outside all year round.
I live in Northern Indiana where it gets mighty cold and the snow piles high. In the winter I will mostly bike on the trainer or run on treadmills. If I get lucky, they plow our local jogger paths and I can use those to run.
20ºC tonight in Alicante (Spain). No excuses here.
I switch some of the sports. I tend to do about 2000km of xc skiing instead of biking. (Both, classic and skate)
Who needs to train? I just race.
Who cares… Just put layers on
I relish the shift into winter. Running on the freshly fallen snow, mountain biking on frozen trails and not having to worry about over heating. You can always add another layer, but if you take too many off you generally get arrested.
More time on the trainer in the cold garage!
Gotta run!
We start skiing up here in Canada!
Now the temperature drops I prefer running.
Does Alabama get winter? I guess I’ll find out.
This would help so much in my training. Thank you for all your reviews and be safe in Paris.
When the winter months and inclement weather encroach on my training, I enjoy to vary things up by moving the cycling to the indoor trainer and the swim to the local pool. (In fair weather, I use the neighboring Chesapeake Bay to do some open water swim training.)
But the run is another matter entirely: instead of logging endless, tedious miles on the treadmill, I throw down some winter miles on the local trails. In recent years, this has been an important part of my training – just in terms of staying motivated. Varying the scenery, the weather conditions, the pacing all have been important for me to keep the legs moving!
(And PS: a new Fenix 3 would be a great addition to the training tools, especially when I go off script and off trail, either intentionally or otherwise!)
#Allflashnodash
In San Francisco, I still ride outside, but as it gets colder I’ll use the Wahoo Kickr with Zwift and swimming indoors.
My wife and I live in Okinawa Japan so we are fortunate enough to not really have to change our training plan around during winter. We do however have to switch our training plan around during the summer months cause it gets scorching hot.
In Portland OR, train and get out with friends. Embrace the rain and the mud; cyclocross and trail running. Enjoy being cozy; swimming, sauna, sufferfest and beer.
Me live in sunny Singapore…. summer shine upon us 365 days, 24/7. No change in our routine workout. ? #trainhardeatgreatsleepwellandrepeat
I shift from cycling to (trail) running and get the workouts in much earlier in the morning to make the best of the day light. Then every now and then enjoy the fruits of staying in shape all year by ski touring some off the path slopes.
Just more clothes in some cold days.
It’s my first year in a country with four seasons, I’m going to try to mix in some weights sessions in the gym with some runs when the temperature is not too low
Decrease cycling volume to a few spin and trainer sessions a week and up gym cross training combined with weekly ski outing.
I’m one of the lucky ones living in Florida, so training season has just officially begun! However, during Florida’s “winter” (our summer) I prepare by running erlier in the morning when it is cooler out, carrying plenty of fluids, and then just sucking it up!
sea swimming has virtually stopped here in the UK for me now so more time endlessly swimming back and forth in the pool.. a torn hamstring has stopped all running and cycling for a while but hopefully back on the bike for gentle commuting next week!
I’m a lucky duck that lives in California :-)
Basement spinning on the trainer, with occasional wrap up warm rides!
I live in Gibraltar, we can cycle all year round! Jacket in the winter ??
Just warm clothes and a little more motivation to start. And when the snow is there, I go cross-country skiing
I live in San Diego so no adjustment is needed…usually. This winter we will get hit by El Nino so I might be doing a lot more indoor training.
I tend to stick to the same training all year round. The weather in England isn’t exactly great for that, but for some reason i enjoy riding my bike on the cold dark mornings :-)
One of the awesome things about living in Australia is no need to really alter winter training (other than doing more base work). A little bit of rain and temps around 10C (brrrr!) are not that big of a deal.
Regardless, my winter training plans usually include a dramatic increase in laziness…
Change to skate skiing, and go to the gym
Lucky enough to live in Az! We UP the training in the winter because it’s actually bearable to run outside! Been eyeing the women’s white and rose gold watch for awhile now! Would love to wear it this winter for training!
From singapore, no winter just hot weather
Just gotta hit the road
More boot camp classes Y. Less swimming.
It’s more about time on the feet in winter than distance or speed, if I’m trail running in the snow I’m getting a good workout no matter what.
I take a month off to recover and then ride the trainer through the cold winter months. I do run outside when possible.
What I do in winter is wear plenty of extra clothing and ride till my toes reach a nice shade of teal. When that no longer sounds inviting I’ll stay on the bike but put the time on my rollers.
As the sunlight hours dwindle, so does my outdoor cycling. So the spin classes at the gym help.
The primary difference winter brings to my training is tights, hyper warm shirts, stocking hats and face masks. Mileage doesn’t change. ??
i emphasize weight training more in the winter.
Hi there
I am based in singapore. It was hazy for the last 2 months. From Nov to jan, typically it is a raining season. Training can be done in the gym if it rains the entire day if not we can still look at the weather forecast and run in the early morning at 5am or at night if it rains during the day.
It can be humid in singapore in some days so the rain before the run ill help me to be able to cope with the long runs.
I will look at the weather forecast if determine how and where i am going to run.
The another options will be running.on treadmill if it rains continaully for.day and night.
After all, The training plan need to be adjusted accordingly and achieve what i need to do for that week or month.
Living in Australia means that summer’s approaching… But skiing and hiking are always good ways to get through the winter (and gym/indoors for when the weather’s miserably hot/cold)
I’m in Canada so I take it (mostly) indoors. Ride the trainer, hit the gym; and some XC skiing on the weekends. And maybe I’ll get some speed skates this winter and do some skating on the Rideau Canal.
i live in southwest florida- and will have to wear a jacket at times, but otherwise no change
I’m in Santa Monica, and the weather is fantastic year round. At worst, it may get down to low 60s and windy… or it may even rain! But I can run along the beach enjoying the sea breeze, landscape and the tranquility in the early mornings; then switch to a heated outdoor swimming pool in the evenings YEAR ROUND. So no, I don’t change my training; and yes, I’m a lucky duck.
Park the bike. Run in woods.
Living In sunny island Singapore. Only period where I change my training programme is Sep-Oct when haze choke the island. Winter period for us is the rainy period which is Nov-Jan. Not much changes either, love running in the rain! Indoor gym training when the rain gets heavy.
In Georgia we make moderate adjustments to our training by setting up the trainer and treadmill on those days when we just can’t get outside!
Since I live in a snowy winter city, I use a Tacx for biking but I keep running outside, in trails as much as possible.
I bike using a home trainer but I continue running outside, when it’s not too cold… I live in Montreal;)
Train harder to get an advantage over the competition :)
Canadian prairies – the standard plan is to put studded tires on mtn bike and hope it doesn’t get too cold for me, and add Concept2 rowing, turbo trainer, and more yoga.
I adjust for winter by wearing longer-sleeve, thicker, and more reflective gear- and sometimes a custom-made dry-fit fabric Santa Hat :-) FWIW, I’m in Southern California, so “winter” for me is a relative term.
In Winter My training not chance. I cycling and running
I just put on a little more clothing and let the run warm me up!
1-2 gym strength workout, 1 plyo or yoga workout, 1-2 trainer rides during the week, get outside on the weekend to go slow and hopefully long!
I focus on running more during the week as it’s easier to prepare to head out in the dark evenings
Love the fancy Fenix3
I recently moved to Madrid a few months ago from Paris. The weather right now looks quite promising and wouldn’t really require a change in my training schedule :D Though Madrid’s more hilly terrain and the not-so-bike-friendly streets make it harder to bike here anyway. Definitely will be adding some snow sports this holiday when I move to Frankfurt in January :D Super excited! Yay
I ma not lucky, just put on more shirts and hats….
I am a fortunate one to live in the south. I look forward to winter runs, because there is less humidity and the cool air feels good. The problem isn’t snow, its usually rain. Either I cross-train in the gym or use the dreaded treadmill when its too wet outside. Light rain showers call for a hat and wind/rain jacket though!
Sure I change sports because of winter. Swimming and cycling on rollers are having prio in winter. :-)
I live in Oregon so with so much rain I move most of my training indoors. Treadmill, cycle trainer, indoor pool at the y. Will still run outside in the rain but my bike just isn’t setup for that.
I keep on running – it gets cold but that just makes me want to finish faster – if you can take it you can make it :-)
I plan to spend the winter in the warm gym :).
Wait not everyone gets fat(ter) in winter?
Still prefer outdoor cycling to indoor trainer in NE England. Have plenty of cold / wet / windy gear to put on.
I typically start a winter program that includes more core work and running, less biking – although I still ride quite a bit as long as there isn’t ice on the ground.
I’ll still try to get outside whenever the mercury rises above 25f (chilly in winter in Chicago) and if the ice/snow doesn’t make it too treacherous under foot. I’ll keep mixing up sessions with some lower intensity mile building on a turbo but mix in some speed work as well on an indoor running track and some swimming. I won’t have as much of an excuse to avoid weight lifting….
I move to maintenance mode in the winter. Bike on the trainer and run on nice days.
More layers… maybe the gym a bit more often (trying to do that anyway). Running in the evening vs early morning to let it warm up some. In the southeastern United States, so not *too* bad.
Winter training me in Canada means leaving the shirt on for the whole run.