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.
Tag Archives: Triathlon
Rhode Island Ironman 70.3 Race Report
The entire race can basically be summed up in the following: “Holy CRAP did I just bike that fast?”. But, since I’m not summing it up in just one short phrase – you get the full race report. Logistics: The … Read More Here
2008 Philly Triathlon Race Report
It will be my attempt to keep this somewhat short. However, usually I fail in that endeavor. Actually, it will be more photogenic than usual, with less text.Saturday:A good friend offered to both take photos…and fly me up to Philly … Read More Here
Friday Night Lights
Less than 36 hours from now I’ll be finishing up the Philadelphia Olympic Triathlon. One of the fun things about this race is it’s considerably shorter than all my races thus far this year, and also shorter than my upcoming … Read More Here
In Transition…T1…T1…T1…
After last evening’s 90 minute swim (back and forth a gazillion times), it was time to quickly pack up the automotive transition area and head over to the coach’s place to go through transition ‘refinement’ and practice. Translation: He must … Read More Here
Proving that we still have a lot to learn
A bit back I stumbled on this post by Joe Friel’s Blog. Essentially Joe is the god of all things when it comes to triathlon training (and to a large degree running/cycling). While all of his posts are awesome from … Read More Here
Wildflower Race Report: Where art thou…?
Wildflower has a bit of a reputation, both on the course and off. Off the course it’s known as the ‘woodstock’ of triathlon. And on the course it’s known for dishing out the pain.The long course has its renowned huge … Read More Here
Cal-e-forn-ya
I have arrived. Well, I’ve arrived in California anyway. I’m not sure I would arrive to otherwise really. Although I swing through the state with an odd regularly (at least once a month it seems somehow), I tend to forgot … Read More Here
Newspaper Running Roundup
Think of this like a bit of a link clearance. Stuff I saved up that’s interesting, but didn’t have any specific post to put it in.Running is a drug:Most of us have felt the ‘high’ of endorphins after a good … Read More Here
One year later: My first triathlon training workout
Well…I made it through my first ‘year’ of triathlon training. It was this week one year ago today that I did my first training for a triathlon (exactly one year ago yesterday). I had decided to signup for a 70.3 … Read More Here
Oceanside 70.3 Race Report (aka: There be big hills in California)
Remember yesterday’s post about how the Oceanside area is beautiful? Well, it is – that’s still true. Except, I probably should have withheld a bit of judgement until AFTER I had to cycle over 56 miles of hills. In.the.wind. With … Read More Here
Let the games begin!
I arrived relatively late (ok, technically really early – 1:15AM) last night into the Oceanside area – about 30 minutes north of San Diego. This where tomorrow 2,000 less than smart people will set off onto a 70.3 mile journey … Read More Here
Are you in the lost and found bin?
We’ve all eagerly awaited for our race-day photos to appear on the photographing companies web site. Sometimes we get awesome shots, most times we get unflattering shots…and then sometimes we’re missing in action. You then ask yourself: How could they … Read More Here
Time Capsule: My First Triathlon – Seafair Sprint Tri 2007
Last summer I did my first triathlon. This was before my blogging days. I originally wrote up this race report for a triathlon distribution group/list within my company, as is customary after a race. I realized I had never posted … Read More Here
Did ya miss recording Ironman Hawaii (Kona)?
Well the TV gods have granted you a second chance. Think you can handle getting Mr. Tivo all working this time before the big day? If you choose to accept this challenge, then tune your Tivo’s to: February 16th, 2008 … Read More Here
Bike Fitting
About a month ago, I had a bike fitting done by Coach Ken Mierke, a local triathlete coach and active poster on Trifuel.com. I had originally asked for advice on Trifuel back a few months ago about getting a bike … Read More Here
The State of my State
So this is my 2007 wrap-up and 2008 goals post all in one – and a few days later then the rest of the blogosphere. Cause really – ya’ll got your fill of reading the resolutions and goal posts last … Read More Here
Fuji Newest 3.0 Road Bike Review
(And now… I present a return to Tri/Running stuff…) I do a lot of traveling. In particular, I travel quite a bit to Seattle (where I’m originally from) for both work and leisure. The problem with travel is that it … Read More Here
Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island Race Course Preview
I signed up for the Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island race back a month ago. It’s located near where all my extended family lives in Connecticut and Rhode Island, so it seemed only logical given it also fits perfectly into my … Read More Here
Monday Race Registration Reminder
Just a quick reminder about a few upcoming race registration times/dates: The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler here in DC opens tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8AM sharp! It sold out last year in two days (or so they say, I thought it … Read More Here
Why should you date a male triathlete?
Since I’m single – this seemed like an appropriate thing to post. I stumbled on it a few weeks back posted elsewhere; but it’s funny enough to warrant a repost. It originated from cyclists, but I think it applies better … Read More Here
You think you can run fast? Think again.
This Friday’s most excellent TGIF running/tri related video is probably one of my all time favorites. I think the music and announcers voice really makes it even better, but even by itself it’s just so darn impressive. Especially towards the … Read More Here
Training against the log
I’m super-anal about keeping track of my workouts. I log every swim, bike & run. Along with it log stuff like time, splits and distances and occasionally HR. Meanwhile Sport Tracks will fill in stuff like temperature, humidity, course, elevations, … Read More Here
Reminder: Garmin GPS Rebate through end of November
If you’re looking for an excuse to spend some money and pick up another tri-gadget – here it is! I heart my Garmin Forerunner GPS. I use it for swimming, biking and running. And starting this winter I’ll use it … Read More Here
Ironman Rhode Island 70.3
This new IM branded race was announced a few weeks back, and looks like a pretty cool one. Given all my family is up in the Connecticut/Rhode Island area, I decided to swap it out in place of the Vineman … Read More Here
Brickervals
I’m tired. I started off the day with a 22 mile ride down to a river/park south of DC to watch some friends in a rowing (crew?) competition. It’s a bit of an interesting sport in theory. Very similar I … Read More Here