Heads up! The big Garmin annual spring sale has started, with $200 off the Fenix 8 (first sale to date!), $100 off the Edge 1050, Forerunner 965 at $499, the Forerunner 265, the new Instinct 3, and countless other Garmin products including inReach Mini 2. Plus the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium is on sale, and some Suunto & Wahoo product deals too. Full list & thoughts 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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My Paris Journey
1
We’re moving to Paris… tomorrow!
Yup, that’s right, we’re packing up shop and moving over to the land of …. and of chocolate macaroons! Actually, rather, we’ve already packed up shop – over three weeks ago. The stuff is slowly plodding it’s way across the Atlantic (just off the coast of Newfoundland as of tonight).
2
Moving into the apartment in 40 seconds
Last week, we showed you our final apartment selection with the House Hunters style series. However, getting all of our stuff into our apartment was probably even more fun.
3
Going to the farm and picking fresh produce!
One of the things we both really enjoy doing is going to u-pick farms and picking our own fruits and vegetables. In the past, we’ve primarily picked apples, blueberries, and strawberries. Given it’s fall (crazy, huh?), we figured it was time to go out and pick some apples.
4
The Beaches (Paris Plages)
Let’s make this clear up front – Paris is nowhere near a beach. The closest oceanesque body of water with sand is roughly 200 kilometers away – and the water there isn’t terribly warm either (the nice stuff is down south). So what do the Parisians do in the hot summer months (aside from close up shop and leave)? They truck in a boatload of sand and setup a beach right in the heart of Paris on the Seine.
5
My Paris Swim/Bike/Run Resources
Are you coming to Paris? Looking for places to swim, bike and run? Or just simply want to see where I swim/bike/run? Well, here’s the skinny on all my favorite training locations – complete with maps and downloadable routes.
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.