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In Depth Product Reviews
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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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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.
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?
>Looking forward to adding swimming to my repertoire. I have been working with a coach 2-4 days a week to develop correct swimming form. I was doing 3-5 days a week on the bike, but biking in the dark in my area is too dangerous to seriously contemplate. Made some improvements in form, but I get my butt kicked every time I go. Great training. Hoping to be able to train during lunch since there is light and it is considerably warmer.
Hi Ray – unfortunately no Hawaii living for me (yet), I’m in central Ohio. For winter I continue to train outside until it drops to < 30° then I'm treadmill only. Ice is my biggest concern on the running paths. I also try to do more indoor cross training in the cold months.
I got a PowerTower at home, plus running with my dog in the snow. Makes it a lot of fun :)))
Mine, all mine…
Winter is good time to do sports I wouldnt normally do, ie. running, xc ski etc. Taking break from bike is refreshing not only physically, but mostly mentally. I just wish the winter in central Europe was shorter!
I go skiing every weekend.
Mainly just being prepared to get cold and wet more often! The running stays about the same all year round, just race less in the winter. It doesn’t get too cold here (SW England); generally above 0C/32F, so just contending with more mud :)
I run in north Florida so I occasionally need tights, which means I will inevitably run into someone I only kind of know. Also, I can run much farther, because the humidity is 250%.
We normally have a harsh winter here in Edmonton, Canada. As such, it’s all about the fat bike and running for me. None of this trainer nonsense!
I will train more. To be honest I like winter training more than that in any other seasons, because although I am a no class sportsman, I can be proud of cycling and running in freezing weather.
indoor cycling (kickr and rollers) until my head nearly explodes and I start shopping for plane tickets and houses in southern california …
My last race of the year is the TNF ECS 50k in Marin. After that I take a break from running for a few weeks and enjoy the holidays. As I start to get geared up for ski season, I run primarily in the early morning during the week and my headlamp and arm warmers become my best friends (no need for real winter running gear in the Bay Area) . I’ll do long runs on the weekends when I’m not skiing. I try to use January and February to rest my body, take a mental break from running, and cross train on my mtb and skis. Come March, I’m again focused on logging more miles and hours per week as my focus shifts back to running. Thanks for all the knowledge you drop on your readers!
Good question. Decided to re-activate the old Kettler stationary training bike. We’ll see how it goes…
More clothing, more gear, lower tempo. Looking forward to run on snow soon.
Thank you for the opportunity. If I win I’ll go with the leather strapped one.
Winters in Johannesburg are great for training!
I really need this.
Dress warmer if weather is not too bad, use indoor track & gym if the snow get too deep.
No changes at all! I live in Scotland and, even when the weather is biblically bad, I still go out running in shorts and a tee. Running in the rain and snow makes me feel like John Goddamn Rambo!
Running on the treadmill and less outdoor, adding Yoga to cross train with additional pool time. Preparation for winter downhill ski an cross country skiing when possible. Planning to buy snow shoes for trekking cross country run.
Our winters are cold (sometimes even -29C), so you have to prepare different clothing compared to hot period of the year. But training schedule then is adapted to gather mileage as a base for next season to start strong in the spring :)
I don’t change much from 3-season to winter, except for trainer/treadmill when it’s icy outside. And dream of being in Southern California or Maui of course
Ohio winters can be hit or miss sometimes, so my philosophy is I am out the door unless my training or I would be hampered/hurt by snow or ice.
We only just started running last Winter, so the real adjustment will be made this year since we’re a little smarter this year. Most of our running is slow anyway. :)
I switch to XC skiing. Fenix – yes!
I do more gym excercises during winter time and indoor running, plus occassionally cycling on tacx trainer.
Juist train as Ii normally do, indoor swimming and running outside ?
I live in a sunny place and our winter time is much better for doing sports than summer. So my changes for winter are:
Run more
Bike even more
Swim open water in a swim suite!
I love winter in Israel!
Living in Calgary Canada, i do enjoy year round running – although when -30 hits in winter time layers are key!
Get on the trainer due to it bring dark by the time I get in (not because of the cold and rain honest). Pool swimming with no openwater, gym more. Still run outside
Running the trails
I get more active during the winter – running, skiing, mountaineering, sledding :)
love the site! hopeful to win the watch!
I dont! Winter doesnt stop me!
I live in Holland and in winter it gets pretty shitty but.. I go on with my training plan!
In winter my training schedule consist of chasing after my 6yo in California sunshine instead of chasing after him in California sunshine – mmm not much difference apart from early sunset means sometimes chasing him indoors…
I do more indoor cycling, get lots of warm stuff for outside !
Swimming heads back to the pool from the pond and biking heads indoors to the trainer.
My Garmin Fenix never worked properly.
Thank you.
Winters aren’t too harsh in Perth, Western Australia. But if it gets too wet, then inside on the treadmill and spin bike.
It will be mine not Bartek’s :)
Ha! Cutting through the grim frost like an ice-breaker at full speed. No holding back in winter!
I love the cold weather running – not much changes!
This winter I’m going to finally figure out swimming so I can finally race in some triathlons instead of solely Duathlons. The focus on swimming is going to help build a stronger body overall while giving it a rest from the running. Duathlon will still be the focus on 2016 as I get ready for the world championships in Aviles, Spain but swimming is going to be the major change to training this winter.
Lots of treadmill monotony mixed with some yoga
Living in coastal California, all I have to do is put on tights and bring out the lights.
I live in Arizona, so it’s taking the training outside to enjoy the cooler weather–rather than the melt your face off hot! Thanks for a chance to win! ;)
I have to run in the mornings now to take advantage of the small amount of light available before I leave for the day :(
I still run most days during the winter but have to break out my long sleeve shirts, gloves, and beanies.
Snowshoeing!
it’s summer here all year round so i guess I’m one those lucky ducks (not in Hawaii though)
Summer bodies are made in winter. Jogging, skiing and having a lot of fun and motivation with Garmin. Stay active.
I have a NordicTrack incline trainer that I substitute for trail running when it snows.
I can/have even virtually run around Paris.
Thanks in advance Ray
ST
Yes please!!
In the UK it’s mainly just layering up although the treadmill eats some more use at the gym. God I hate treadmills.
It’s November 19th, and it was 70F this AM, …short sleeves or long is about the only adjusrment.
The snow is coming tomorrow, so the bike is going inside on the trainer. I’ll run outside in the snow, until it gets below 10 F or so.
Here in DC it’s more treadmill and trainer fun for me…and bundling up for long runs. Mental strength to get out there outweighs the physical!
Don’t really change much for winter, just hate windy days
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 simply eat more cheese (whatelse for a swiss guy ;) ?)
Layer up and let the cold air hit your lungs. Love running in the winter – no sport changes needed!
Do more in the gym (pool swim / spinning / x-training / free weights) than out on the road or in the lake as its just too cold and too dark for it to be safe. Roll on longer days and warmer weather !
after a busted shoulder due to a cycling accident last winter, my boss has given me a cycle ban as soon as the temp falls below 0 (celcius that is…) So now my race bike is on a turbo trainer, on above 0 days it is MTB for me…
I adjust my winter workouts by focusing on strength training in the gym, hit the pool instead of OW swims, riding the bike on the trainer and running mid day instead of early morning.
Switch to mostly indoor training for cycling. I use my rollers or computrainer for bike work. I hate treadmills, so will run outdoors in most types of conditions.
Winter is the start of footy (Australian Rules Football, Afl) season for me, it’s where all the hard work in pre-season (hopefully pays off).
Playing a hard physical game on Saturdays makes training for multisport adventure races (my other love) difficult on Sundays and sometimes Mondays.
Upping levels of swimming and riding and lowering running and paddling to compensate for a lot of interval style training and upper body work at footy practice is my main change.
Wills, Sydney Australia
Not lucky enough to live in Hawaii – so I add more treadmill workouts to my winter training schedule!
Living in the UK, we don’t get as harsh winters as some parts of the world but I take it as the time to get in some shorter quality workouts. Given the extra indulgence of food it is also a good time for hitting the gym and strengthening ahead of setting running goals for the upcoming 12months early in the new year.
No change of sports despite icy ground. Running shoes with spikes and woolen outer clothes does the trick :)
Less training and more sleeping in winter….;(
Still running trough the winter, just spiking up me shoes and put on a sheepish sports frock :)
When winter is coming, running is exchanged with cross country skiing (even though real winter is gradually becoming a mountain thing here in northern Europe).
Get on my wrist!
I spend a lot more time on the trainer during the late fall, winter, and early spring (If it was like last winter the entire spring). Plus I try to add in some running over the winter to cross train and just change it up a bit.
Live in the great midwest with lots of cold and snow. Move the swim and bike indoors, but I still run outside throughout the winter. I do also mix things up with snow shoeing, crosscountry skiing, downhill, sledding, fun outdoors stuff. Find if I move it all indoors I don’t build up enough of an acclimation to the cold winter weather.
I generally wrap up warm and keep going! Currently walking rather than running due to injury, but cold wet feet … What is new?
This is for mtb specific training in Mid Atlantic
2 days weights/core/stability whatever it is called now
1 long ride on weekend, usually road bike, on the mtb if it is dry or frozen trails
short road, mtb, or ‘cross bike rides during week, no more than 1 hour right before sunset
lights on mtb for trails in the dark
1 or 2 sessions on the trainer, never more than 1.5 hours at a time
some climbing/ice climbing to mix it up
all the above to work on FTP, skills, and some endurance until mid march.
Quad Dipsea in one week so trail running in California is a year round treat!
I do a lot of bike training indoors, increase my swimming. I live in Minnesota so I snow shoe and cross country ski so I can be outside a bit. I also try to go visit my friends in Florida to get a little warm weather running in!
I do more swimming than running once the snow hits. I’m thinking of finally getting a bike trainer, too!
My outdoor running actually increases in winter. A good windbreaker and yaktrax do the trick. Something about running along the icy Lake Michigan makes me feel more energized.
winner, winner chicken dinner
Storing the TT indoors, and getting some dirt on the MTB gets me trough winter!
I live in the Pacific NW, so usually it means throwing on a trusty wool jacket and maybe a waterproof poncho if it’s really pouring. Also typically start training in the afternoon instead of the morning as it’s warmer then but keep running and riding all winter.
In winter, I just go & run as usual (dressed warmer though). Usually, I run at a slower pace and it allows me to recover from autumn races.
Living in Scotland, winter is only marginally worse than summer so changing what I do isn’t really going to happen. What does happen is that I wear my off road shoes even on paths when it snows, get muddier when it doesn’t and pretty much rely on my headtorch. The result of all this is more energy used as I spend longer in the shower, have to wash my clothes more often and charge the batteries too. Sorry environment.
Layers. Add more, sweat more and wash more but still train! That’s what it takes to be a Flandrien.
Unless it snows, then I shovel. A lot.
I second my fellow Joburger, winter training here is great. No rain, mild temperatures.
Please be mind <3
throw me in there
Dug out the winter gear and purchased some new wool running gear (SmartWool socks, Saucony wool half-zip, Merino base layer, etc.)… also got my fitness gym membership re-activated for the rainy days – cold and/or snow doesn’t bother me with the right gear (see previous), but neither myself or my four-footed running partner like the cold rain, so on the rainy days it’ll be off to run on the hamesterwhizzle at the gym sans Fido.
Rollers, Running and Raincoats here in Bonnie Scotland :-)
I bundle up and workout outside unless the snow and ice build up enough to make it unsafe. I have to move my weekday bikes inside for the winter because its dark by the time I get out of work.
No adaption – warm clothes and start training
I switch from windsurfing to mtb when the temperature drops below 5 degrees celtius
Lately training has been keeping up with our 1 year old… really need to get back to the YMCA for the winter months.
Would like to live en Hawaii, but here we have to put on some more clothes or changes sport. I do change sport to swimming in door.
Living in Norway, the winter is probably the best season for training. Cross country skiing that is….no need to think about weather or clothing…just a good headlamp.
INDIANA – Indoor workouts, cycling trainer. Outdoor urban rides if weather cooperates.
CANDY BARS!
I renewed my gym membership for the rainy (and cold) days and more swimming.