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.
Hi,
I’ m doing triathlon. So I am not addapting very much. I swim in the swimming pool in Sint-Niklaas (Belgium), I run in any weather condition. Just for biking, I ride the mountain bike in winter.
Greatings,
Frederick
For me I am a trail runner in New England in a metropolitan area (USA) the weather from season to season can change quite drastically, so adopting a rather more adhoc approach is a must. Basically activities that mother nature will allow. When the roads are clear hit the roads, if there is too much snow and roads are not clear, snowshoe run or XC ski. Temper all this with a bit more strength training, my fitness can survive the winter. I am not lucky enough to live in Hawaii.
All I need is my partner to help me out of bed! then I can get going after that!
Plus a sexy looking Fenix 3 may be the training buddy i need ;-)
I´m doing indoor intervals on a 200m track – it´s fun! However, after five years in Spain it´s a challenge to adapt to rainy/snowy/muddy/grey conditions in Germany when it comes to cycling. Trying to make the most of it, though – got me a cyclocrosser…
Typically head indoors to the local gym for spinning or hit the treadmill or elliptical at home.
I’m from Belgium, we need to guess if we’re getting a mild or strong winter.
It varies from year to year and even from week to week ..
For me just a thin extra layer for your body, it’s all that you need!
Don’t change your surroundings or habbits cause you ‘ll miss the charm of the winter!
Let your body and mind feel new experiences, it will make you stronger!
May take a spin class, but run outside year round.
Thanks
Sign me up.
Winter = like summer but colder. A lot colder here in Quebec but eh, just keep runing and all will be fine :)
During the week i do some indoor sports (basketball), and some living room crossfit :). On weekends i run, if the weather allows me to…
My training on the bike moves indoors on a Sunday when the weather is bad but i still run outdoors and swim in the local pool like i would any other month of the year.
On the odd occasion i do use the gym for treadmill purposes its generally because the weather is just too stupidly bad to run in and would be more damaging to my health than good i.e. blowing a gale and monsoon rain!
Trainer Road is my weapon of choice indoors and Hard rock provides the ammunition. :)
Happy training everyone
Winter in the Middle East is usually closer to what Europeans call Spring, so for me there’s no real reason to change training routine.
Nevertheless, I take great pleasure in buying winter training stuff, as if I really need that sub-zero, blizzard-proof, glow-in-the-arctic-night running coat :)
Live near the equator … its going to be like any other day :)
One those lucky flamingos living in Kenya. Excellent weather all year round for running. It can only get better with a Fenix 3.. :-)
I live in coastal Georgia and the winters are mild. I’ve only been running since May and have not had to adapt to Winter conditions. My expectation is I’ll be moving my runs from early morning to lunchtime or late afternoon.
Treadmill treadmill treadmill
And trail shoes for outdoor snowy/icy runs.
Ooo, now I can keep a Fenix3 on my wrist even in my tux…perfect for Christmas parties!
The winters in the Netherlands give an extra dimension to your training’s. Going out there and battling the winter conditions, everlasting wind and cold, rain and sometimes snow makes you feel like you earned it more. Runny nose.. tingling fingers.. bring it on, winter! I’m ready for a battle.
I just layer stuff on and maybe put on some Yaktrax for my runs. I live in MA (we refer to last winter as “Snowpiercer”) and am training for Boston in April. Not going to let three feet of snow stop me!
we don’t have that problem here in Panama!!! :) LOL. we can train all year
Rain jacket and hot chocolate after finishing!!!
I’m starting a new Skimo series here in Quebec so it’ll mostly be skimo this winter… if snow finally arrives! Also some time on XC Ski, Ice Climbing and running.
Let it SNOW :)
Living in Florida, the winter provides some of the best weather for running. It’s a little cooler and pleasant for outdoor running.
I live in Austria and love running in the winter. When there is snow and the temperatures are low, all you need is the right clothing. It is better than in summer. What can you do when it is simply too hot ?
Adapting for winter training is more of a mental shift for me (as well as making sure my winter gear is on point). I have to get my mind geared towards going out in the cold and going out as early as possible so I get as much daylight as possible.
I live in the Southern US & can ride all winter, Summer is actually when I ease off because it’s too hot
Throw a spin class into the mix every fortnight, along with keeping the cross country spikes wet and muddy to really kick in the endurance muscles.
The biggest chunk of my cycling time will be spent on the trainer and I will be running more than I typically do during the summer. Also winter is a great time to hit the gym more often and do some weight work and upper body strengthening.
I alter my running schedule by taking 2 days off. I live in south Mississippi. There are normally on 2 days a year cold enough that I won’t run.
I usually just reduce the number of runs. On top a bit cross-skiing if possible.
When it gets colder, I just try to add layers and try not to freeze
Nothing special about my winter training… Swimming in the 20yd indoor pool (so many turns!), lots of rides on the trainer (hopefully getting a Tacx smart trainer for Christmas!), and running in the wind, cold, and snow (Illinois training)
Texas – we pay dearly through the summer for a few cool days of winter
Since I live in Florida…I do not have to get up before the crack of dawn to get my run in before it is too hot!!! The swimming is usually put on hold and being a Floridian I am adverse to being cold!
I’m a rower, so winter means moving off the water and onto the indoor ergometer. It’s a long period of hard training to prepare for spring racing. I still try to get outside for runs as much as possible, as it’s also a great opportunity for lots of cross training.
Winter? I live in Florida…I actually get to enjoy running in the winter! I travel plenty for work though so I often get stuck on a treadmill in a hotel up north since I don’t do the cold & dark
Switch sports to xc-skiing in the fall months. Biking to rollerskiing and eventually snow.
Is there a way in the garmin connect iOS app to have alternate sports as the dashboard (like skiing)?
cross country skiing!
cold weather is great as long as it’s not raining, if that’s the case more indoor training
The watch with the leather strap looks great, but I’m not sure I’d like to run with a leather strap. I guess the point is to make it nice to wear when you’re not running.
I generally move the bike indoors (with the occasional excursion outside), still swim in the pool regularly, and nearly always run outside rain, snow, and even ice on occasion.
This year I’ve opted to do some trail races (for fun) to break up my winter season.
Train indoors or at the gym
pretty much head indoors for strength/swim unless I can get out for a run in the middle of the day!
Run more, ride less and more indoor riding. Pool is unsurprisingly the same year round.
indoor training at the GYM
This will be my first year adjusting after being spoiled living in SoCal the past 35 years. Now in the midwest I have moved all biking indoors and will do my best to be brave and go run outside more often than not.
More gym & strength training + skiing.
But mostly still the same training, just warmer clothes and a headlight for evening runs :-)
Winter season is perfect for long runs, you need to keep going to stay warm!
My winter training consists of hikes and slow hill training runs. I pack on muscle during the winter for my rugby season and then switch to endurance training. I eat and drink well (like a king) and watch a lot of movies. Also have a bike trainer and i set that up in front of the TV as I eat Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey. That’s about it.
I transition to triathlon base training in winter in MA, with some fun, recreational activities sprinkled in like hiking and skiing.
I’m fortunate to work at a company that provides onsite gym access for a nominal fee, so in the cold Ohio winter, I hibernate on the treadmill.
I just bundle up for the sub freezing runs…( there aren’t that many in East TN) When its really nasty, just head to the gym for treadmill work.
In the UK winter I keep on cycling outside – just fit wider tyres on the road bike, or take the MTB for a spin in the snow. As for running – as the weather gets worse, and the mud gets deeper, I go off road with a headtorch!
Winter in the Northern Midwest gets a little long and cold. Trying new things and having a different focus is key for me. Lots more weightlifting to help keep body composition somewhat acceptable.
Tri related motivation usually starts ramping back up by February so it’s very nice have a Powerbeam Pro and TrainerRoad to make the bike thing happen.
I run outside a little less and focus more on cross-training indoors. It’s a good time to have some down time from running, both mentally and physically.
All workouts into the gym yuck.
Until the snow really piles up, I just put on another layer. Once there is a couple of feet of snow on the ground, I move inside.
Trainer, treadmill, pool. Sometimes xc skiing or snowshoeing. Have to enjoy the winter living in Michigan.
I’m in Alexandria, Va, so I run in the dark a lot now and bought a really bright light for my bike. And I use the building’s dread mill. Since it is in the laundry room, I can get errands done at the same time. (Which means I can take a shower and dry off with a warm towel!)
ride inside on my trainer and do not go to the outside pool!
I wear long sleeve shirt and a windbreaker and continue to run outside all winter. I also have snowshoes for trail with a lot of snow.
^ lucky duck living in South Florida :-)
I’m in Maine and I use winter as a good excuse to change things up. In the pool I focus on speed instead of volume. I also cut back on biking and switch to on the trainer and in spin class instead of outside. The only thing that doesn’t change is my running- I run just as much in the winter as summer.
run more, and move the bike inside
No change! Will still have weekend rides rain or shine!
Usually I run during the day to avoid the bitter cold and ice. If it is dangerous outside I’ll use the treadmill (not happily though).
This year I’m “lucky” though and I’m on an all expense paid trip to a very warm part of the world where it is just now cooling down enough to run outside. So for this winter I’ll be running happily outside!
i take some dance lessons!!!!!
I run through the cold and snowy winter! But I do switch to an indoor trainer for biking, I’m a wimp in that area.
Coming from New York the winters a brutal. But nontheless once you have a good set of warm clothes you can pretty much muster a run. That said, the hardest part is actually leaving your toasty home.
I usually do run through winter, but also increase the laps in the indoor pool for swimming and do more bodyweight exercises for core stability!
I Zwift and chill
Living in Hong Kong, we welcome winter by being able to reach speeds that the humidity and the heat of summer forbids us. Even the open water swimming is much faster with the wetsuit between December and March…
I run and bike mostly inside during the winter
I still run in the winter but just for fitness, not usually to train for a particular event. Extra layers and spikes on the shoes and I’m good to go. I also bought my first fat bike this fall so I can get outside and not be stuck on an indoor trainer; this is also the year I stop pretending I remotely enjoy skiing. ;)
My training schedule does not really change other than some runs turn into snowshoeing and some sessions are longer. The winter is handled mostly by equipment… wool layers, screws in shoes
Try my hand at trail running and spend more time on the kickr.
As an early morning runner I typically try to maintain my schedule throughout the winter months. The hardest part is trying to do either speed work or tempo runs with a lot of layers on. So I may opt for the treadmill. Other occasions, like an easy or recovery run, I opt for a lunch or early afternoon run if the weather and my schedule looks more favorable.
I live in northern Germany. So the day are short an often windy and rainy. Normally before starting my “winter-season” i´ll have a 3-4 week break in late autumn/early winter. After that break i start with some short and easy rides my winterbike to get my body used to the action again. During the winter these basetrainig rides get long, as long as the weather lets me ;) Additional to this training in late winter i start with some harder intervals on the roller.
I live in Greece and I enjoy cold weather.
Every night i go for run…
I am not fortunate enough to live in Hawaii. During the winter months I just end of spending more time on the trainer and treadmill, trying to get my longer runs and rides in outside. I don’t mind the treadmill and trainer and use it as another tool.
I love running in the cooler weather but my wife doesn’t like me running at night and since she is the boss…
Switch to lots of indoor trainer riding but still lots of out door running. Cold won’t keep me inside!
Live in the US North East so winter training is brutal. I generally try to get outside runs in when the wind/snow isn’t too bad, the rest is primarily indoor treadmill, bike and I put more of a focus on strength and cross training exercises. Can’t wait to move to CA next year, I’m officially done with snow.
I ride the trainer 80% of the time, run everyday, and never swim.
I just got an indoor trainer for my bike so I will be putting in a lot of miles on Trainerroad, and lots of miles on the dreadmill. Those along with a few outdoor Obstacle Course Races that get put on around me! Hooray for Blizzard Blast!
no need to worry about winter, i live in the eternal spring city!!!!
Sorry if this comment shows up twice – I had issues the first time and wasn’t sure it went.
In Wisconsin I hope to do some cross country skiing, but I will continue to run outside. Bring on the layers! Biking will be done on the trainer indoors :) Thanks!
Cross country running!
ditch bike, start running :-)
I ride my trainer for most of my biking, and swimming and running don’t change much. I switched to roads with more lights since I’m stuck running in the dark most weekdays and I’ll be putting in more layers. I live in a more mild climate too being in Tennessee and all.
Luckily, I live in Dallas so there’s not much adapting to winter training. I have to wear a bit more clothing but that’s about it – save for those couple of days a year where it might snow/ice and I will just take a few extra days off….
During the week I’ll be in my trainer using trainerroad workouts, at the weekends hopefully outside on trails on MTB and running shoes
Little changes because of the temperature (no outdoor swim)
but evening bike training moved indoor because lack of light.
This sums up my plan pretty accurately…
link to roypumphrey.com
Currently living in Toronto where it has been relatively warm so far this November, but soon I’m sure I’ll be wearing Yaktrax on my running shoes, and the turbo trainer is set up of course. Looking forward to the -10 and lower days plus windchill! I have been intending to learn to ice skate properly this winter too, and skiing from January.
I live in the Pacific NW, and I get wet, and dress warmly, wear bright lights and a great blinking vest as I end up running in the dark ,as it gets dark early.
I quit training/cardio/working out all winter long. No, not really. Just trainers/treadmills/weight room and the occasional outside run/ride when its not too cold (South Carolina doesn’t get too cold, but I’m still a wimp.).
I live in Sacramento so winter means a little cooler and a little wetter. No real change in my training except I might get on the trainer for a bike day if it’s raining. Otherwise I just dress a little warmer.
I live in Florida which definitely helps when it comes to winter training. I run a whole lot more and bike quite a bit less. I’m hoping to finally get to marathon shape this season.
When it gets moist I’ll switch bike to running and when it gets cold I do everything indoors. Simple :)
More running in the dark and less cycling
I have added cyclocross to my fall/winter routine.