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.
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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.
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 did nothing, fit it all in during to week to leave the weekend free
Well, well…
I didn’t do much on a training perspective last weekend… I guess my body required some rest!
But now, I am back on the track (or treadmill)!
did a 30K race to prepare for Wings for Life. Hope to get close to 60K – my first ultra!
12km run on saturday and 16km on sunday
Went for a bit of a hike….. struggling to train properly at the moment.
Most of my training is done during the week (last week was 3 hours of squash, 2 hours of badminton and 20 miles on the bike – in the rain!).
Thus my weekend training log was a measly 15000 steps or so (mostly around shopping centres!)
Did some trainerroad sessions as part of the mid-volume SST program.
Did a 3hrs gym session followed by a 10km run.
Put my two kids on their bikes as my pacemakers for my 13k running loop. Kids, Daddy and Mom were all happy. Thus, it was quality time for all of us and the best Valentine’s Day present. Highly recommended to all the Daddies in the world.
Just a short walk outside this weekend…
Unfortunately nothing! Coming off bronchitis but looking forward to getting back on the bike this weekend.
My wife and I did some running and biking in the basement.
The weekend was not as expected. I should have raced a sprint duathlon on sunday, so on saturday I just run for 20 minutes with some progressions to activate the legs. Finally the duathlon was cancelled due to bad weather conditions (huge winds compromising participants security).
Saturday was a rest day, though I did make it to the top of a mountain (via the gondola…) Sunday was Sunday morning long run! Ungodly early, but I didn’t have to people-dodge at all, so it was worth it.
Finally sunny skies here in Norway, so a 38m ride on saturday then a 71km morning ride with a friend on sunday (average temperature was -6C, a bit nippy)
Sadly nothing , I’m having motivational issues at the moment :-/ But I think some new gear would help tremendously :)
Sufferfest Extra Shot X 2.
Training log last weekend:
Mid-Atlantic has been covered in snow or rain for weeks, so trails have been awful for the mountain bike. I’ve been banished to Zwift for weeks. Last weekend it finally froze really hard so the trails were good.
Saturday: 2.5 hours of Sweet Spot work at Patapsco State Park near Baltimore with an emphasis on technical skills including log hops. Was able to ride the “log trail” clean for the first time and cleared every log, many are taller than hub height on a 29er. Steam crossings were sketchy as the water had a crust of ice, but not enough to ride on. The streams were swollen, so walking across was not an option either. Had to ride slow and clean to stay dry. Eventually the shifter cable started to freeze in the housing and my bottles were solid blocks so I pulled the plug.
Sunday: Shorter ride with quick (<2min) climbing intervals. Done on my home trails in Arnold, MD. Trails were frozen and it was even colder, about 15 degrees. Created a new strava segment on some new trail in an effort to get some of the locals to start fighting it out for the KOM. As I'm the first person to ride it, I can claim the KOM right now! I only lasted an hour after the longer Saturday ride, but spent a good 25 minutes in the red. Overall, lots of good quality time on the mtb.
Paul
Looking forward to my 7 mile tempo run this Saturday!
Trying out some yoga, and a long walk through the Dutch hills. No heavy training due to Valentine’s Day. :)
Last weekend I just relaxed. I’m waiting for my injured shoulder to heal, so I can get back to lifting.
Traveled to India to run a half marathon.
I walk 12 km, and run 7 km
Run aprox 7km on morning.
I had the pleasure to be skiing with family and friends in Andorra last weekend!! Saturday and Sunday for a total of around 60km skiing as measured by my trusty fenix3.
No Workouts, recovering from getting Lasik
Following my Build plan: a brick session on Saturday and a long endurance ride on Sunday.
It was a miserable -17 Celsius, so lots of treadmill running. 40 minutes on Saturday (Feb 13) and 65 minutes on Sunday (Feb 14)
A quick 5k!
I participated in an excellent triathlon swimming workshop at the Landessportbund Hessen, Frankfurt, Germany. It was alot of fun!
Travelling but managed to get in 2 short runs! São Paulo is definitely less hot than Singapore!
Spin class, 1.5 hours in the pool, and a short walk/jog to continue to recover from an injury.
Last sunday was an easy 20 K ride
Busy week prepping for a vacation to Mallorca, so all I was able to work in was a 45 minute session on the trainer and an hour run,
9k endurance run and some cross-training on Saturday; 1 hour at endurance pace then 30 minutes at marathon pace, Compex capillarization and training recovery sessions, and finally some stretching on Sunday :)
spent some time on Zwift using their workouts. Some longer threshold intervals… fun stuff :)
Saturday – 2 miles with strides
Sunday – 13.1 in 1:51:09, a personal best!!
Monday- Rest my tired legs
Tuesday – continue to res
Wednesday – 3 easy miles to get back in the swing of things
thursday – 5 easy miles, reverse tapering
Friday – eat sushi :)
Saturday – 10 mile easy long run
Last weekend was a “down” weekend after a trail race the weekend before. But, down doesn’t mean easy! Oh, and I was stuck on the treadmill. Coach tasked me with 12 miles total including 2 miles of 1 minute hard/1 minute easy and 2 miles at half-marathon pace. I followed that up with Pilates right after and an easy run in the snow on Sunday.
I ran the furthest I have ever done in 1 week, 34km and MTB’d 15km. All in all feeling pretty fit and healthy.
Saturday was my long run of the week. That week it was 17km, also did some intervals at the end 5x100m. Friday before that was 5km+5×100.
Trying to have two high intensity sessions. Motivation had the best on the first, but certainly the best after winter break.
Trying to get back on track (trail to be more exact) after leg injury… :-(
2 hour trainer ride and 17 mile run….LSD
nice ride in zwift and bkool, funny all the time!
Running, running, and more running… Followed by dinner and wine!
2hrs on the trainer.
Last weekend’s training involved being lazy and staying in bed :/ hopefully this weekend will go a bit better in terms of motivation!
Last weekend was one of those days to forget! After being sick with some sort of stomach bug during the week (Wed & Thru) I set out make up for the untrained days with a 160km ride with roughly 2500mts of elevation gain on Saturday. BIG MISTAKE, I bunked to the point of almost giving up in the last big climb (21km @ avg. 6% not an easy one on a good bay anyways). Luckily I was with some friends that help make it to the end otherwise I would have likely exchanged my bicycle for a ride home.
If I am selected I promise use part of the giveaway to get those guys something to thanks them.
Road bike 40 miles each day. Then went for a run and tweaked my biceps femoris. Ice, rest, and NSAIDS.
Last Saturday: 120 minutes of 60-75% of FTP riding with a 10 minute brick run with quick turnover (190 rpm)
Last Sunday: 8 miles negative split from 8:00/mile to 6:30/mile.
PICK ME
Run, Rest..Repeat.
Did a couple TR rides to prep for IM 70.3 Haines City. Virtual power is crushing my soul, so I’d definitely put it towards a power meter!
I finished my four week running string. Topped of my 160K month with a half marathon on local hilly roads, because it’s soaking wet this time of the year here in Czech Republic. So no trail running.
Two 45 minute TRX workouts and various bike rides totally 80 miles.
Last weekend, I hoped to do a 5k parkrun, but it was far too rainy – our course is partly on grass, and I didn’t want to slip and slide.
Intervals this week. Did 25 miles over 3 runs.
An easy 10 km. run on Saturday. On Sunday, rest and more rest.
Do I get marks for honesty? lol.
I came down with the flu/cold, and missed the gym on Monday through Thursday. This was a bit demoralizing, as I’d just started working out in earnest again about 3 weeks ago.
TODAY, however, IS A NEW DAY! I will be going to the gym and plan on running on the treadmill for 30 to 40 minutes. I’m still not 100% better, but it will be good to shake things up. Who knows? Maybe a good run will help shake this bug.
Walking around and adjusting to the altitude in Mexico City!
Ramp up to 15hrs, including first century ride of 2016… still a bit chilly in the UK for that!… 6 weeks to first event!
Saturday – Did yoga / stretching and a 45 min recovery run
Sunday – 10km easy
Taking the time the try out my new Argon18 bike!
A couple short run in the bone chilling Chicago air and an indoor soccer game
10k run on Saturday, Swim/bike brick on Sunday
Super sweet week!
It’s time for some long sweetspot training
90min Crossfit for the core, 6miles run for legs, 2 beers for the head :)
10 km of XC skiing and 1 hour of recovery ride.
4 miles steady run, while learning to nose-breathing in 3-2 pattern
All running, and it was a double day of 8 and 4 on the Saturday, and then a daunting 18 on the Sunday. In the end I felt great, and extended it out to nearly 21 in about 2:20, then followed it with a core session. A good weekend!
A very good 4K run with my kids (11 and 9 years old)!
And then a 6K run by myself.
Sat: 90 min on trainer (Sweet Spot intervals), 1h swim (endurance)
Sun: 15 mi base run on a hilly route
Full effort sprint and a lot of high cadence drills
Just an easy long bike ride, before the rain..
I had a pool swim and an indoor run, can’t wait for spring!
Swim intervals and indoor trainer workout
Running. Training for the marathon of Rotterdam
30 minutes of HIIT at friday evening and 45 minutes of virtual spinning at saturday morning at the gym.
5-mile run. Trying out new gear. Loving the reviews on this site! Can’t wait for some warm weather so I can get out on the bike.
Lots of snow last weekend (Boston area) so a couple of Spin classes and a lot of shoveling.
Not a great weekend, too cold for a bike ride and ankle still too sore for a run
Drove to the one hill within twenty miles to ride it over and over.
10K and 7K runs. That’s all my achilles will allow for right now :(
I ran and rode last week… the highlight being 225 miles on the ElliptiGO in 15 hrs. During that ride, I took off my Fenix 2 and my wife LOST it…. so here’s hoping for some good karma so I can get a new watch :)
2 miles with strides on Saturday; and the L.A. Marathon on Sunday (PR’ed it).
Got out for some base bike miles on Valentines Day!
Last weekend I had an 8 mile outdoor run. Unfortunately my running mate was sick (fortunately), so instead of running outdoor in the frigid NYC temperature (-15c or ~5f), I ran in-door on a treadmill. I managed to run 6.5 miles. Not a great run, but I do really prefer outdoor running.
I went for a 12 mile run! It was very important for the nothing I’m currently training for.
No workout unfortunately. Got all of my wisdom teeth pulled out last week and getting bracelets next week… I’m 25 btw ;-) and the strangest thing is I’m looking forward to it.
Thanks Ray
Last weekend’s training included a 2500yd swim, a 5 mile run, and a morning spent picking broccoli for some local food shelters.
It’s going to be 80 degrees in Florida this weekend….plan on spending lots of time on the bike!
Shoveling snow and scraping off wallpaper. Recovery from training block.
I took advantage of a long-weekend trip to Florida and got an 8 miler in on Sunday in beautiful weather. Welcome break from deciding between toughing it out in the cold or hopping on the gym treadmill in NYC.
link to connect.garmin.com
A bike ride on both weekend days. Easy and steady, not overdoing. Coming out of winter (ice and snow) here.
Early morning easy spin long or intervals on the bike trainer.
Last weekend, I rode on my bike trainer for 30 min while my kids cheered me on. I followed that with a short 5k run around the neighborhood.
did 10K of running x 3
Ran the half-marathon in Vancouver for a PB of 1hr49!!!
21.17 KM – did my first ever half-marathon distance and it fellt great.
Did some good old Insanity workout.
2 45min criterium races on Saturday, 1st race Avg speed 26.1 mph,
2nd race Avg speed 27.5 mph,
Sunday 1:35 cycling, avg 20.2 mph
Rode the trainer for an hour Saturday and took a rest day Sunday. A lazy cold winter weekend.