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!
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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.
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 train inside much more !
Living close to the Polar cirkel in Sweden mean you have to get used to run or ski when temperature fall way below -30 degrees celcius. How ever you mentaly get realy strong after compleeting those strides:)
Winter? What is that? No changes at all from Summer, the same training (and with this heatwave it is even easier)
50% more treadmill than in summer
During the winter, I hit up the trainer and treadmill a bit more than I’d like, but the change can actually be welcome during the single-digit months.
Wear warmer clothes! Running in zero degree weather in the snow just means you had to wear the right gear. As for cycling, spin classes are the best. I miss swimming outdoors the most in the winter, both open water and in the outdoor pools.
Also enjoy x-country skiing to mix things up.
Winter is bulking season. I change sports from running to lifting and eating.
Outdoors as much as possible…
A few more TrainerRoad workouts in the basement, a few less rides outdoors. I also tend to find my way to the pool more often.
Train indoors at the gym. Focus on strength training and stretching. Run out doors when the NYC weather is warm enough.
I change my training plan i.e. more activities in gym.
Regards
Bond
I do the onion. Lot of layers and try to keep the frequency of my trainings
Actually, unless the ground is almost completely dry, I’m scared to run outside. The thought of hitting the pavement with little or no warning sends chills up my spine, so I turn indoors for exercise. Love to mix things up and HIIT it! ;)
For me, turbo and much more running and less riding :(
I hope I win!!!! I would love this thing.
Since I’m a frequent reader of your posts (via RSS) I’m pretty sure I should be the owner of. It would see very nice in Panama.
My winter training tends to be more trail running during the fall and winter season.
Cycle on the Fluid 2 and just layer up to run =D
We live in the lower Eastern seaboard so we can train outside 11 months out of the year. That other month is spent on the stationary bike or bundled up for a train run along the beach dunes. if the sun is shining, the dunes block the wind so it’s a nice, chilly run.
I start spinning classes in the winter, because running outside in the evening is too dark. Ik keep on running in the weekends.
I normally run lots more during the winter, instead of biking.
Santa Barbara, California is one of the best place for winter training. As an cyclist, all I need is leg warmers and arm warmers, and that’s it. No worries for the snow, no worries for the extreme winter weather. Get on the road whenever you want, and enjoy the nice view along the road!
So I would say I am the lucky duck in Santa Barbara, instead of Hawaii. :)
No cycling, a lot more swimming & running. Opposite for summer.
Have been very lazy lately. But usually I move from outdoors to indoors mostly spending time at the gym instead of offsite. Not as motivating but hey better than nothing!
Moving to indoor swimming mostly instead of the runs outside. Fancy Fenix will certainly help :)
I would really like to win this. Thanks!
I run outside the whole year. But since I live in Norway i have to run more on asphalt when we have snow, than I do the rest of the year… And on really cold days i run shorter runs.
I just wear extra layers, gloves and a hat (in the UK).
For this winter I’ll try to add swimming, hoping not to go under
Being in Ireland, it doesn’t get too cold. Just very windy and raining at the moment. In the triathlon off season over winter, my training turns to a lot more gym workouts, turbo training and spinning! Have been trying to convince myself to buy the Fenix 3 rose gold as a Christmas present for myself! It finally looks like a watch a girl can wear during the day, not just for training! So winning it would mean the world to me! Thanks Ray!
I run in almost every climatic condition. The only thing I hate is wind.
Moreover, just few weeks ago, I bought Ark reactor (light run by decathlon) :-)
never ever..it will get too cold and wet for my FIVEFINGERS and me ..!I ´m looking forward to take long hot shower after running and then:
rund,rund geborgen
Kopf gesenkt und Augen zu
rund,rund geborgen
mit angewinkelten Beinen
die Arme um die Knie geschlungen
den Kopf in die Armbeuge geschmiegt
hat soviel
Wärme.
As a new indoor swimming pool will open nearby in January, I’ll try swimming.
The main difference in training is caused by how early it gets dark now! I have to run on treadmills at the gym instead of the local parks and London pavements. I really don’t like it, I feel like a hamster (not very original, I know) but it’s safer and really the only option in this stormy weather caused by Barney.
I also cycle to work but nothing has changed yet other than getting a flat the previous day.
I really want to condition myself to train for the London Marathon before going to work…I just need a bit more persuasion!!
No excuses – just run
Winter training is done with spinning and more pool workouts.
I used to live in tropical Philippines but will be staying in Vegas for the winter. It ain’t fun coming from a country in the 80s to a state in the 50s. Time to purchase a new trainer and a season pass for the indoor communtiy pool
Winter brings the cross country ski season in Europe…although I live in the UK. Now’s the time of the year when all the rollerskiing and cross training get properly tested by trying some races. Have the weak links been strengthened…what needs a rethink.
I live in the northeast so it makes it tough to train in the winter. I am a runner all year round so I do try to keep up my average of 12-15 miles during the week. Not so much weather but overcoming running in the dark since it gets pretty dark about 5PM.
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?
Changing sports. Winter is pretty harsh in Canada so I switch my outdoor running to some indoor squash. Obviously outdoor biking doesn’t work as well so I try to alternate between indoor bikes at the gym and some stair-climbers.
Unfortunately training schedules in the run up to Christmas tend to be substituted with college work
I’m heading indoors for a winter of Zwifting! P.S Glad you’re safe Ray!
Half Ironman is the goal next Summer. Picked up the Tacx Vortex Smart thanks to your review.
Reduced bike and run volume. More swimming, focus on technique in all three sports, more core, less rigid of a training schedule.
I switch my workouts from set distances and paces to be based more on time and effort.
Training stays much the same, I just change to tracksuit pants instead of shorts, and maybe add a jumper.
have a trainer set up and ride more mtb
Few extra layers, that’s it.
Normally a cyclist, but swap to running more and buy mudguards and lights for winter spins in Ireland :(
Play hockey 3 times a week (one practice and 2 games), which is the BEST, and log some miles on both the treadmill and the spin classes…
Love your website and blog. I refer to it often. Glan to hear that you and “The Girl” are safe.
In the winter my training schedule moves indoors with Spinning classes, except when I can get to Florida and bike.
I do a lot of running on the treadmill and I get a lot of use out of my bike trainer!!!
Generally always cycle, both MTB & road however due to shorter days and getting more pushed for time with a young family have now started trail running to get a better workout return from the time I have.
Much quicker and easier to get out in the woods and highly addictive, especially when it’s wet and muddy, certainly beats the turbo in the garage!
Great site, been using it as a reference guide for a number of years – thanks.
Steve
I migrate indoors to the treadmill and weights.
I start skiing!
Being in California, there seems to be no winter as such, just what we call ‘cold’ and shorter days. So my weekday rides become lunchtime rides instead of after work, at least that’s what I’m trying to do.
Not in Hawaii but living in Spain though. Mid-november and still 70 degrees at noon
Relax for six weeks (and eat lots of chocolate chip cookies) then start training (and eating right) December 1st.
I’ll keep training outside with thermal clothing or just more layers and my Swim sessions get limited to the pool only. Hope we have a mild winter this year :)
3 weeks in Sydney enjoying the sun and some nice warm weather runs, then back to the UK and zipping up the man suit for the British winter.
No lucky duck here – born and raised in Chicago and despite a brief warm weather living situation in Kentucky, I’ve found myself back in Iowa where we are expecting 5 to 9 inches of snow tomorrow!
I try to keep my training the same as possible – gearing up and running outside as long as it’s safe (i.e. no snow or ice). But biking is a different story – we’ve been digging through your trainer reviews to keep us in shape for RAGBRAI next year!
Outside training takes a hiatus unless other hearty souls are out there running. I switch to the gym and move to strength training and yoga.
More swimming and xc Skiing
I do live in the sunny British Virgin Islands… no need to adapt, actually do enjoy the cooler temperatures!
Winter running is my favorite, so I don’t really adapt too much. Put on more layers, I guess. I live in Kentucky so the winters are somewhat mild.
Great
I don’t it when temps dip under 15 degrees F so I do a lot of Spinning and treadmill work in the deep cold of Western New York State
Living in Northern Australia – Winter is running time! I Change sports for summer…
Try to eat less during winter months, since I don’t workout as much.
I bought a rebounder for winter training. Working out on a rebounder isn’t too jarring on my two previous broken ankles and it’s also great for the lymphatic system.
I wish I lived in Hawaii! Training moves from the road to the trainer and look forward to randomly nice days where I can get back outside!
Since I’m living in Norway close to the nature, I like to go cross country skiing in winter. And if we have little snow, as have happened in the last years I also have crampons and snowshoes so I can go hiking. As for cycling I put winter tires on my bike so I can use it all winter.
i’ll take it!
Warmer clothes!
Sweden… start to run more often instead of biking or inlining.
Depends on the upcoming race schedule. As for now I’m currently waiting for MRI results, so my IM training consists mostly of swimming and beer drinking.
This is actually the first year that I’ll be running in winter so still figuring it out. Just invested in a road bike so I plan to be cycling too. On the really cold days, I’ll probably stay in and focus on body weight training or aerobics (or both).
Sadly, more running…
:)
I move everything indoors. The dark makes outdoors a bit dangerous of a morning.
I move much of my training indoors because I am a wuss.
In the winter, the road bike goes on the trainer and I suffer through various workouts and videos. Thank God for the new breed of trainers and workout subscriptions! (takes gun out of mouth and puts it away)
I pull out the mountain bike and trail shoes and promise that I’ll do one of each every weekend. (except when it rains or snows or is too cold or I’m too tired or hungry or busy or football is on TV or the wife needs me to do something)
Oh, who am I kidding? I eat and drink beer all winter long and gain 20 pounds.
As a runner, I just transition to running on a treadmill. I still do some runs outside, even in snow, but sometimes it’s just too cold or there’s too much white stuff on the ground.
Tough out the weather in Chicago. At least the streets are plowed.
I’m pretty lucky living in Sydney Australia. Winter doesn’t make much of a difference.
I plan to change my routine this winter and do some video workouts to get into shape for next season.
Living in WI my sports are seasonal; cycling and paddling in summer (and shoulder seasons) and XC skiing when there’s snow. Thought about fat biking, but I’d rather ski than haul a bike along. Hit the trainer too, but ugh… Gym time gets upped a bit, but I do some strength stuff year round.
I pretty much don’t change much other than maybe wearing more layers!
Love DCR
I do mostly trail running and hiking. For me, winter means I can lay off the bug spray and I don’t have to eat spider webs.
I like to take spin classes and do more core training to increase balance and muscle strength. I hope to start riding rhe trauks, if Santa brings a MTB, unless my wife realizes that I’ll start leaving on Saturday mornings again.
And just to be honest, I’ll add 15 pounds from now to Jan 7, and then start the new year with a 21 day all vegetable plan to flush the system.
I’m continuously chasing the sun because of my job so that helps keep me in good training weather. The only issue is I travel by boat, so the trainer definitely comes into play!
I take the cold, snowy, icy months as an opportunity to work on aerobic fitness, training primarily by HR.
I just know I’ll be running in the dark most of the time.
I break out the cold weather gear and boots when the snow comes for LSD runs. This year I’ll be adding Zwift work on the turbo trainer though!
Winter.
Sick of rain, sleet and snow from December to February?
Me too.
For that precise reason, I moved to New Zealand. And pronto: December to February is the best time of the year. And our winter is like a northern hemisphere Autumn, so it’s a double win
And talking about winning: I’d really like to win one of these fancy Fenix 3 watches. Pick me! Pretty please.
DCR rocks
Living in Los Angeles, we don’t usually get too much of a winter. But I’ll taper down my trail runs (probably stop them entirely if El Nino decides to hit us hard this year) But cycling gets me to work, so, add some long tights and it’s go time. :D
Drop the bike onto the trainer and fire up Sufferfest.
Living in the tropics so I’ll chip in on training during bad weather. Uphill running or lactate intervals on treadmill, more frequent core exercises, doing intervals on stairs. There is no stopping regardless of weather!
I don’t like running in the dark with a headlamp so I often run paved trails without the light.
I do like the cold. Much more control of my temperature with layers and half zips! I now prefer spring marathons because I do much of the hard training in cold or cool weather.
DCR rocks! I was glad to see your post that you survived the attacks in Paris.