Heads Up! There’s a very solid deal on the Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 right now at $399/EUR/GBP. This trainer just came out last fall, and is easily one of the best deals right now for indoor training.
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
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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 2024 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 can’t wait for my second half ironman :)
I am preparing a Marathon, I love watching all the videos about it and the garmin would be a perfect friend since after that “the man of iron” is my next dream!
Just let me now when you need my address!:)
I’m looking forward to my first long distance triathlon in August. A 70.3 Ironman in Cebu, Philippines.
Want to get my weight below 100kg (3 more kg to go) with raod cycling and re-start barefoot running after my knee surgery last October.
I am looking forward to starting training for my first sprint triathlon. Thank you for the great reviews and insight. Keep it up! ;c)
I’m excited about completing my first tri of the season at the Desert Tri in Palm Springs and now I’m looking forward to working on my weak areas so I can rock the OC Tri in a couple months!! :)
I’m excited to finally get my butt in gear and hit the pool and pound the pavement to get ready for my first Tough Mudder race in Seattle at the end of September and maybe a marathon thrown in there for good measure!
For more info on the race visit:
http://www.toughmudder.com
Jenn
Honu 70.3 and another chance at the lottery.
I will participate in my first ever sprint distance this coming Sunday in Thailand. My plan would be try to participate in standard distance aroudn Dec 2012.
I’m looking forward to my first marathon!
I’m equally excited and terrified of my first 100 mile ultrarun in Illiniois on April 15. Potowatomie 100 miler.
Been out of action due to work related travle over the last year, but that didn’t stop me from entering the singlespeed world championships in SA this year. Going to be using it to kickstart me into the world of XTerra – Super excited about becoming a real athlete again!
Looking forward to my first ultra race (100K) after starting to run again last July.
Went from 264 pounds to 195 during the course of this time and I’m still losing weight, just from changing my diet and getting out on the bike, running and swimming :-)
I’m excited to finally get my butt in gear and hit the pool and pound the pavement to prepare for my first Tough Mudder race in Seattle at the end of September and maybe a marathon thrown in there for good measure.
For more info on the race visit:
http://www.toughmudder.com
After serious back injury and being told maybe I shouldn’t run, Ive put the naysayers behind and on course for Vancouvers 5 Peaks trail running series…whoo hoo!
Mmmm….Garmin
I’d love one of these to help with my tri training when I’m away for 3 weeks on honeymoon. Lots of sea swimming off the coast of Malaysia.
Returning to the marathon distance, and hopefully a good run and time at Berlin Marathon :-)
I live in Seattle and I’m ready for this mamby pamby “snow” to go away!
Im excited to get on my bike and race again, hoping to be more fit than ever before :-)
Just had a stunning competition at the German cross country (running) championships, which gives me a boost of motivation to continue training hard for regionals and nationals this summer. A lot of work ahead of me!
I’m looking forward to my first race ever! The Batavierenrace in the netherlands, a 175km long relay race for students. Gonna be a lot of fun.
Hi Ray,
I am an ultra long distance mountain runner . Last season was very promising to me with some very good results on new competitions such as the longest nonstop Ultratrail in the world (Tor Des Geants in Aosta Valley, 330km, D+). This season I am excited to come back on competition where I have already been to improve my previous results and this is exciting. The most important competition to me will be the 20th anniversary of the crossing of the Reunion Island from south to north (several volcanos…). the Race is called Grand Raid de La Reunion or Diagonale des Fous. Best trail runners will be there… Exciting !
Look forward to my next marathon!
I’m looking forward to a marathon PR.
I am so much looking forward to recover from my bad ankle injury and run my first miles!! I SO can’t wait!
On the road again? No…not yet
I’m looking forward nervously toward my first half ironman in Zell am See-
I work with a group of young men in my church and for a summer activity we are having a triathlon. Looking forward to sharing this great sport with them.
I will run my first marathon this year!
I’m looking forward to getting married this summer! And the Olympics! And the European football championships!
Did I go it right?
Racing the Bike and Running the trails are always better when there’s data to prove it!
Down here in Australia looking forward to the start of the running season!
Hi Ray,
I have discovered your blog this year, and I thoroughly enjoy it.
I’m contemplating the idea of IM 70.3 Taiwan this year.
I’ll put that FR910XT to good use :-)
Again, I appreciate your blog, and THE GIRL’s.
Keep blogging!!
Ken SwimNbike
First would say that great idea. This kind of watch is helpful for everyone.
About my season, I will have my first Marathon in a Autumn, this is quite exiting. But also just to see will my results be better after two year regular training – so called back to reality check :)
What a great idea Ray! :) I am looking forward to my first marathon – ideally _with_ a FR 910xt ;)
pret pour mon prochain marathon à Barcelona
I’m excited to be back in the running shoes after injury
Looking forward to the inaugural National Harbor 70.3 as well as the Marine Corps Marathon (my first marathon).
What a great idea Ray! :) I am looking forward to my first Marathon in Berlin this year, ideally _with_ a FR910xt ;)
Good stuff! I’m hoping to run my first <3:30 marathon next April. The 1:27 half marathon I did last sunday says I can... :)
Just have year of race without injury, would be really great !
Hi Ray,
I have discovered your blog this year, and I thoroughly enjoy it.
I’m contemplating the idea of IM 70.3 Taiwan this year.
I’ll put that FR910XT to good use :-)
Again, I appreciate your blog, keep blogging!!
Ken SwimNbike
I’ll beat 70.3@Phuket, Thailand
Just 2 months to go to IM 70.3 Mallorca – will chase the sun!
I am inspired to get ready for 70.3 Distance MetaMan on a tiny Island in Indonesia.
Looking forward to my first out of state Ironman.
I will do some triathlons and a marathon this year. Beside this I try to write a iOS tool for the training management.
Really looking forward to my first run after being injured for over a year…
I’m excited to do my second season of active sports after I quit smoking a year ago ;)
This years ambitious goals – 1st marathon, 1st 3hr MTB race, 1st sprint triathlon. Hope at least two of these get accomplished by say October ;)
Going to run my first marathon in August!
Been training hard in the off season – looking forward to surprising a few in the races coming up :)
Been training hard in the off season – looking forward to surprising a few in the races coming up :)
Looking forward to training for the Air Force marathon followed by the Marine Corps marathon. This watch would certainly help…!
excited about IM Austria coming on July. Abu Dhabi was magnificent!
I am looking forward to all the ridiculous amounts of snow we´ve been having here in Finland to go away so I can be out running and enjoying nature.
started triathlon 3 years, and one IM last year already… amazing what we can do when we are motivated and passionated… 2 70.3 and one IM this year are planned… I love this sport!!
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Looking forward to the new season — I’ve got New Year’s Resolutions to keep! Can’t wait for my first marathon!
Looking forward to Wildflower once again.
I’m excited to be training for my first half-marathon!
And I’m considering doing a sprint tri later in the season.
Torgeir
Silly thing ate my comment! Like i was saying i’mexcited about my first and last IM this summer in Zutich!
I’m looking forward to Ironman South Africa and slogging away during the winter months here for Challenge Barcelona!! It’s going to be tough to stay motivated during winter, but a brand new 910XT should make it more bearable…
:-)
I am looking forward to my first marathon and maybe triathlon
This is my master plan:
– Pick a day of the year when it isn’t 8 degrees below zero and finish second marathon sub 3:30
– Do lots of intervals, finish 10K sub-40 minutes.
– Really enjoy a 50K trail run in Belgium
– Maybe have a sniff at a 1/4 or 1/2 tri (would have to do a lot of swimming, which is where a 910XT would come in handy)
– Buy entire Brooks Pure Connect stock available in Europe, so I never have to spend hours online anymore picking the right pair of shoes.
Just finished my first 1/8te and my last MTB duatlon of the season to kick of a well filled tri-year. Working towards my first 1/2-tri ever on the 5th of august… it’s going to be fun.
Looking forward to start training again and hopefully the doctors will give me a good diagnose!
Looking forward to my second season
My first Olympic Triatlon in Vilvoorde, Belgium on the 8th of July.
I really want to break my marathon PR.
In less than 6 weeks I’ll be running my first marathon! That is for the momento my A++ race. After that, I’ll start thinking about racing my first triathlon :)
I am excited for the Spring because I can run around the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Usually the Spring in Hong Kong ushers many joggers and runners using their Garmin devices.
I’m anxious and excited about my first marathon on the 15th of April. As the day gets closer, the more the anxiety raises.
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I am looking forward to Spring because I can run at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Race coarse.
Looking forward to spring arriving here in Switzerland. Just about time to get the bike from the hibernation state back to life…
I can’t wait to get back in the open water for my second season in tri
i’ve decided to work on my wim, once and for all. enough excuses along the lines of “i’m crap at swimming” or “the swim is just a warm up for the bike”.
4 weeks left before my first marathon & Then into the 1/2 IM training. Winning this will help with those pool sessions :)
Alreadu love my fr60, but this one with gps rocks!
so please let me know when I can pick it up :)
First thing is a season without injuries, then my first tri and then getting a shot at 2:45 in Berlin!
Now that my friend is a great giveaway…I hope I get one :D
I’m looking forward riding the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix in the 10th of june. http://www.vc-roubaix-cyclo.fr
As an active member of the Royal Air Force and currently recovering from a back injury. I am looking forward to competing in my first Off Road Duathlon this year. Excited and Nervous is an understatement
This year I will start with the triathlon and what better way to train with a Garmin FR910
I’m looking forward to getting back running after a couple of months off after the arrival of our son.
Plus me and a couple of friends are hoping to do the Exmouth Exodus.
After living in Tunisia for the last 6 months its not been the best place to train. Moving to Australia in April and can’t wait to get back into training.
Maybe tackle my first marathon this year…
My personal goal is not to compete in any event for the whole year, yet continue to motivate myself to train 4-5 days a week, including some velodrome fun. Is it about health and wellness or competition?
Keep the nice literature around here.
I’m looking forward riding the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix in the 10th of june. http://www.vc-roubaix-cyclo.fr
I am excited to get back on the running trails after a year layoff!
Rob B.
rjbennett@centurytel.net
The good young lady wife would be very happy to take one of these out training.
I hope I will run again as I was able to before my knee injury.
I’m looking forward my first marathon this year, in september, near my hometown : The “marathon du medoc” branded as the longest in the world because you can abuse fantastic wines along the race in some of the best wine domains in the world :D
Last year was a great season for me, I plan to top it this year. I’m excited to do the 100km MTB marathon, 100km The North Face Trail run, 70.3 Philippines and an iron-distance race. The Garmin FR910XT will help me keep track of my pace during those races and also my training preparations.
Looking forward to pair my new Garmin 910XT with my new Garmin Vector pedals…
I’m looking forward to my 5th marathon and I’m better prepared than ever.
Looking forward to my next IM
Excited about my first Half Ironman!
Making the transition from MTB to road bike and preparing for my first full marathon. Bring it on!
Looking forward to my tre season this year.
…since following your excellent and inspiring blog for some time, I´m really excited about doing my first long distance triathlon this summer… after hopefully finishing my first semi-ultramarathon this spring….
have a good day!
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Thanks for the giveaway again Ray! Great posts lately.
I’m in the southern hemisphere and I’m looking forward to spending some serious time in some serious warm gear running and riding in the dark of the morning. For some reason I find it easier to motivate myself when it’s dark. Weird!
At the moment training for a 24 hour roadbikerace in may. Greetings from Germany
Really looking forward to the Paris Marathon in France on April 15, with one month to go there is still lots of work to be done!
Marathon coming up in 5 weeks, and training going well enough that I’m getting quite hopeful for a PB. (Sorry if this is a double post; got an error message first time)
I’m looking forward to hopefully training for LEGOG in the UK, and starting to increase my amount of running :)
I’m Gianluca from Italy, near Venice….and now the explosion spring is starting: I love the cherry blossom season and run through the olive trees ! Come back in Italy: you will be welcomed !
Looking forward to my first triathlon this summer. Also, my first tennis tournament and first cyclosportive events. Regrets? Not starting years ago!
I’m excited about completed my first marathon (hopefully!). The Sundown Marathon in Singapore on 26 May.
Hi I’m Paolo from Verona, Italy!
I am excited to use my bike afther a winter of trendmill!
spring is coming! much better to run now
my 310xt was stolen recently whilst travelling and my insurance found a clever way not to pay :(
i would love to get back to basics, analyse my running metrics and kill a couple of halfs in the off-season.
having a crack at a BQ
Looking forward to my first marathon. And my second, in Bordeaux.
Two halfs do not make a full ironman, but will still try to convience people it does..
Looking forward to my first half-marathon in May!
Looking forward to a new season……after a disastrous bike crash and long recovery last May 28…..I have no where no go but up.
I’m just preparing for my next marathon (Paris in April) and for my first half-ironman in June… For the first, planning a PB, for the second planning to survive…
I am looking forward to start my second triathlon, really nervous about it. Some many things to do and keep in mind but with great fun.
I’m goint to make my first 70.3 Ironman this summer, cross the Boshorus channel swimming and run my firs marathon as well :)
I’m goint to make my first 70.3 Ironman this summer, cross the Boshorus channel swimming and run my firs marathon as well :)
Excited that Taipei101 Run-up is coming!!!
And probably..collect another 2 marathons!
I’m excited to train for and race in my first Ironman (Mont Tremblant)!
I just hope, that this time I’ll be lucky.
António Cruz
Looking forward to start swimming again now that it’s warm :)
Looking forward to doing some long runs and rides this spring after quite a long calf injury, and if i can increase my FTP and rFTP in the process that’d be great!
Hopefully i’ll also do a short triathlon in the summer if everything goes well :-)
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Am I tough enough for 70.3 in 2012?
Looking forward to working on my pool swimming hopefully with my new Garmin 910XT!
I’m excited to run another half marathon this season after running my first two last year. Hopefully I can better my time on the 10K as well!
See if I can qualify for Las Vegas after only doing 1 year of triathlon at the IM 70.3 Italy or Austria. Getting my swim time under 26 minutes would be great!
Training for my first half ironman. Been doing sprints up to now. 2 months of injury free running. Bring on September!
In two weeks, I’ll be running my first marathon. A week of rest and I’ll be ramping up the bike (new bike!) & swim again, competing a few OD triathlons, and end of June my second half tri (a very hilly one).
After that, I don’t know yet; looking at a long distance duathlon and some cyclosportifs, but nothing decided yet.
All this using my trusty old FR305, so a 910XT would be welcome. ;-)
Nervous and excited to run the Laguna Phuket Marathon is coming June. It’s going to be hot and humid, but looking forward to the heat!
Im very excited to race the Fishermans Friend StrongmanRun in Germany and i hope getting much fitter für the new hockeyseason 2012/13.
Just a comment? That is the cheapest way to get a Forerunner 910XT. I was planning to save some money to get it. This seems to be a better idea ;-)
excited to get back back in shape after winter hibernation
I’m excited to run the Rotterdam Marathon, to climb the famous Galibier and Mont-Ventoux in the French Alps and to take swimming lessons and improve my swimming skills to end the season with a triathlon perhaps…
Nice! Planning to increase my mileage, maybe run ma first ultra and of course stay injury free…..
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Moving from New Zealand to Scotland in just over a week – so i’m looking to forward to buying a road bike over there (my first official one, I have a hybrid currently) and riding for hours on end as you do when you get a new toy.
Looking forward to training with my 10 year old son to help him complete his first triathlon. A FR910XT would make it so much better. ;)
I’m currently skking but looking forward my trail running training !
Im looking forward to faster/quicker running, getting out of the comfort zone.
Having a beer after IMUK!
Having a beer after IMUK
We don’t have an “off season” here is Australia – weather is too nice all year round ;-)
Goal for me is to finish building up my new roadie & starting hitting some good climbs.
Thanks for a great competition DC !!
Busy summer planned would love to have a wonderful new tool.
Just excited to start riding in shorts again, preferably with a brand new 910XT on my handlebar :)
I’m trying to get back in shape from a knee surgery. So excited, that every day I’m counting till my next training comes.
I am looking forward to a beautiful season of running,my first half marathon and excited to start training in the pool again.
Really looking forward to participating in a 5k race on the Zandvoort Race Circuit (former F1-circuit). I’ll love uploading the data to Garmin Connect afterwards, one doesn’t get too many chances to run these kind of routes.
I’m excited to my upcoming 10K and lots and lots of summer trail runnning!
I am looking forward to competing in my first triathlon.
Hey.
I have run for several years, but this season I will focus a little more on cycling. And sinews might. combine it so it probably ends up with either the triathlon or duathlon. Was a good start with my bicycle exercise / spinning. But, unfortunately, had little trouble with my knees. Hope it passes soon so I can really get started with cycling season.
I will of course win the FR910XT. I gotta use it in my future triathlon / duathlon.
/ Tommy (Denmark)
More training with my bike to can stay in Group A of The Saturday ride here.
I’m looking forward to more running and cycling. Have a halfmarathon I’m training for this year, first time, so I’m really looking forward to it. Cycling wise I’m thinking about starting to commute, but I’ll need another bike for that´. I’m looking forward to better and hotter weather, and riding on my racing bike! Love the spring / summer!
I’m excited to do my first triathlon! And hopefully many more to come!
I´m looking forward to my first ironman abroad – june 9. in Germany
Martin Sanderhoff
Excited to celebrate the 10th-10th edition of UTMB-UTMB (100 miles, French Alps & Italy & Switzerland) on a very special-special way :)
Good job Ray.
Happy to be back in the south of France for some steep trail running.
I am really excited about running and cycling in a different country as I have just moved from the UK to Switzerland
Helen
Looking forward to another marathon build up and race
Looking forward to the season ahead. New races, new goals and new challenges! Bring it on!!!
Looking forward tothe Pars Marathon in 4 weeks
Johnawilliamsiii@yahoo.com
Hey Ray, i’m looking forward for one or two ultra running in the year (propably one) and restart my swimming session.
I think it could help me in this year Great Wall Marathon in China!
Great blog!
I’m looking forward to my first ultra of the year, the Highland Fling, a 53 miler along the first half of the West Highland Way here in Scotland. I am then looking forward to ‘hopefully’ a good year of training before heading to Morocco in 2013 for the Marathon Des Sables.
Excited about the Olympics coming to London, and getting the chance to volunteer at the Triathlon, Road Race and Time Trial. Kinda blows my season out of the water, but I’m sure I’ll find time for a half or 2.
O
I’m looking forward to my second season and second half marathon.
Keep improving bit by bit and one day do a full marathon!
Can’t wait until the first tri of the year here in Clermont, FL on March 26th (Great Clermont Olympic)! Also for FL Ironman, going for a qualifying spot this year :)
Excited to run outside again.
My excitement: 2012 will be my first year dedicated to TRI! KM’s!
Can’t wait to put on miles on my newly ordered newton shoes!
I’m excited to train again for a marathon 30 years after my first and on my 50th birthday. And I’m more motivated today than yesterday
Hi Ray,
I’d loved to get this watch for finally having everything on one watch.
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I am looking forward to running more distance everyday for 100K ultra marathon in the near future!
Excited to put the beast to the test here in Chamonix Mont Blanc with some of the best trails, natural lakes and biking cols….can it get better than this?!
Looking forward to longer runs while recovering from a hip injury.
I am looking forward to July 22nd when I take on my first Ironman in Lake Placid :)
Race Around Austria – can’t wait :)
Recovery in the offseason
Looks like this is finally gonna be my weight loss season.
just did my first HM last sunday, still in recovery mode… but can’t wait to train n run for my next HM. and the motivation just increase drastically after i got my FR610.
Looking forward to all the racing that is coming up, and of course the warm weather!
Waiting for first outside ride this year.
I start competing, and plan tristar in coming years :) Always pleasant to read your blog. Cheers from France
I’m training to be able to run all-around my island: Tahiti, in French Polynesia ; and establish a record time for these 140km. I never try a Garmin watch but it interest me a lot. Good luck to everyone and IA ORANA! :)
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I’m looking forward to start my second year of triathlons. Hoping to beat my PB at half-IM.
I’m excited about competing in the European Olympic Triathlon Age Group Championship at Eilat, Israel and starting my first marathon training right after it.
My 1st half iron!
i am looking forward to my 2nd year of racing and improving my times. and maybe a win in my age group.
Looking forward to finally getting under the 10-hour barrier at Ironman Texas.
I’m excited for my first tri of the season is weekend!!!!
i hope i participate to more competition
I am excited for IMLP!