Heads up!!! Here’s your massive holiday sports tech deals list! This includes the Garmin Epix for just $419, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for just $699, the GoPro Hero 12 Black for $249, (or the brand new Hero 13 or $299!) and plenty more! Go check out the full list of 100+ deals here!
I’ve long since wondered what to do with all the random tidbits of things I collect each week – or the little thoughts that don’t quite make for a full post. But I finally came up with a solution: The Week in Review Post. This takes the place of my Weekly Mailbag – which is 
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.
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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.
I actually have a question for you about the whole drug thing in regards to triathlon… I just signed up for my first triathlon (Boulder Ironman 70.3 in August 2011). I don’t have any triathlong experience though I do bike 200+ miles on a bad week, and swim a good 10. I have narcolepsy, so I am on high doses of stimulants everyday (Adderall and Nuvigil) so that I can safely drive and for the most part function. I’m sure both of those are on the banned list. Should I try to talk to race people now about it, or do you know of anyone who’s gone through similar things? Going off the drugs aren’t really an option, as I’m little more than a zombie, and since I’m not a professional, or for that matter planning on more than simply trying to finish and using it to help my weight loss goals, I’d love any advice…
Thannks!
You wouldn’t be tested, so I honestly just wouldn’t worry about it – especially if you aren’t going for podium positions (Read: 70.3 Champ positions).
You can grab the all the details on which drugs are banned and depending on in vs out of competition, here:
link to dcrainmaker.com
That said, it can’t hurt talking with the Race Director and asking what your options are.
just found your blog today! (searching for ironman vs. non-ironman events and you were second hit. great write up. signed up for my first full (rev3 sandusky) as i am hoping for a baby and the transferring to following year with no penalty was appealing.
anyways, great blog!
Thanks Nicole!
Glad you found it useful. And, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Rev3 (even if a year later…) – I’m seeing some really good things there.
Good luck on both fronts!
Thank you. I found the links, according to the site unless your Level 2 or above, you don’t need to submit anything before the day of race really.
Thanks for running a great site.
so, just read your rev “got hit by a car” race…
wow.. happy you are ok and hope my report doesn’t include “got hit by a car” in the title!
If you are interested in another repeating sprint triathlon, here’s a link to a rather goofy looking one in northern Wisconsin: Burrito Union 10 Hour Triathlon. There are 5-hour and 10-hour options, and a couple different team options. It is apparently ok to stop and grill near transition between go-rounds… If I lived nearby, I’d have to check it out.
I am impressed with your reviews of equipment. I am always surprised on your ability to get the coolest and newest stuff. What a cool side job. Do you need any support. I will work for free.. Well maybe not free just get the same stuff you do. ha ha. Keep up the good work. Any possibility on you getting bikes or parts to review????
Your note on the computrainer had me excited, but I’ve been watching the bids since November (somehow missed that $600 one, it must have gone fast) and they seem to go consistently for around $1000-$1300 these days. My present plan is to hold out until March when I believe there will be fewer buyers to compete with. Also, I think the price may get suppressed a little when the Racermate One software is released, since any older unit will have a $190 software cost to update.
Meanwhile, it is me and the fluid trainer.