Heads up! There’s some pretty substantial sales that just started. For watches, the Garmin Epix is down to $499, and the Fenix 7 to $449, with the Pro editions also $200 off! Meanwhile the top-end Edge 1040 cycling GPS is down to $499, and both the Edge 540 & Edge 840 are also on sale. As is Varia radar for $149. Some incredible deals, and ll the deals are 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:
With TPC (The Pro's Closet), you'll save $40 on purchases over $200 with coupon code DCRAIN40 for tech and non-tech purchases!
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 and Equipment 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! 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.
Looking forward to finishing my first Ironman in Louisville.
I am looking forward to getting outside more often to run or walk while enjoying the sights and sounds of spring. My goal is to hit a 50 mile month!
I look forward to my first season of not starting from scratch.
thanks a lot for your inspiration.
Looking forward to seeing how much fitness I’ve gained during the off-season.
Finally going sub-20 mins in a 5k.
I’m excited to drop off the couple!!? of pounds I picked up over the off season. With a young daughter added to our family and all…
I’m ready to ride! The weather is great and bikes are running smoothly! Love stretching the legs on the hills around my house!
Hi! I’m excited with this season, because here in Portugal we’re just leaving winter and almost half the races are done. Good weather here… and now comes the hard, sunny and hot long races! And it’s just 1 year since i did my first official race ever! Life is fantastic like this! Thanks :)
Thanks for all of your great info throughout the on and off season!
I am hoping that spring will pass without any setbacks and I’ll be ready to rock’n’roll in summer orienteering/adventure race events.
Thank you for all of your great info during the on and off season!
Just finished my third race for the year … here in Granada, Spain and now looking forward to my first half marathoon in a month.
I’m looking forward to my first Peachtree Road Race!
Having taken up running recently and running my first 10k in 2 weeks time I must say that I really enjoy reading your posts.
Moving to Delaware and swimming in the ocean for the first time.
What am I excited about? Let’s see…I get to come home from Iraq in May (for only a couple weeks). That’s not the exciting part…I’m going to do a sprint tri with absolutely no swim training done in the past 1.5 yrs…that’s exciting!!!
I’m looking forward to enjoy the sun and nature, as i train for my love duathlon!
Have been really interested in these… especially since my GPS radio problems on my FR305
After having to take last year off due to finishing my engineering degree, I am excited to get back to racing and step up to long course. Chesapeake Man here I come!
I am looking forward to my first Ironman this summer. If everything goes well – the plan is to take a year of to qualify for Kona.
Just starting triathlon, your blog has been a great source of information. Thanks!
I’m excited because this is the first season I’ll be doing triathlons. I’m double excited because this is the first season I’ll be doing anything after having had a severe injury and I’m looking forward to persevering and making good things happen!
Im excited to win the 910xt :)
but really im excited for the NYC half this weekend, the NYC Tri in July, the NYC Marathon in November, and the Boston Marathon in April 2013. thats my upcoming season
I can’t wait to race my next ultra, Highlands Sky!
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I’m excited because I’m doing my first triathlon in a few weeks, then a Half Ironman in August!
Looking forward to a half marathon in YOUR backyard (Alexandria running festival) as well as a couple of marathons.
Also, of course, looking forward to receiving the 910XT from you…
Looking forward to running in shorts and singlets again
DCR:
Even if it was a mild winter, sounds more like summer than spring . I’m headed your way this week for the SunTrust Rock ‘n Roll USA Marathon. I hope it will remain cool without the Potomoac wind.
In any event a three week old broken rib will have me lumbering through around DC and Maryland.
Thanks for making a great gear available via Loto!
Excited about the training I’m starting for a full marathon!
Recently off the disabled list and totally excited about getting back into it, especially with this weather.
I’m excited for the Bintan International Triathlon in May!!!
I am looking forward to PRing the hell out of Grandmas marathon in June…
looking forward to a 25k race and a 20k
I am recovering from an IT band injury and am excited to start training again. Planning on some open water swims, a couple sprint tris and a trail HM or two.
Looking forward to getting outside more. The trainer has had enough use.
Better with email I guess : “blaccko [at] gmail [dot] com”.
I’m excited about a training I’m starting for a full marathon!
Ray, I am in! Your reviews are awesome and I bought a PowerBeam using your link last night. I am looking forward to Ironman Mt Tremblant this year. -Eric in Columbus, OH
After a skiing accident earlier this winter, I’m looking forward to healing, cycling and a 20 mile work commute by bike this season! I previously used my iPhone for all of my GPS activities and have been reading at length all of your reviews as a way to decide which unit I should go with to log all of my activity. When I saw this opportunity, I thought it may be a sign.
Thank you for producing such a great offer!
I’m excited to try out my new jets (faster legs), and my jump into the tri this June!
I’m excited to try out my new jets and my jump into the tri this June!
Looking forward to the Rock’n’Roll Marathon in DC this weekend! Hopefully with a new PR! :)
I’m looking forward to the l’Etape du Tour stage in the Pyrenees!
I’m doing my first full IM this season, I can’t wait!!
Looking forward to the Rock’n’Roll Marathon in DC this weekend! Hopefully with a new PR! :)
I’m looking forward to my second triathlon season, but mostly to doing my first tri with my son (3.5yrs old) at a local mighty kids tri.
Whether I win or not, I’m still looking forward to running my second marathon on Apr 22. :)
This is a important year for me. My first two half IMs in preparation for a crack at IM Austria in 2013. Really excited for the year ahead.
Can’t wait to start and end my season doing trail running and sandwiched between will be a bunch of triathlons. How fun and nice of you to have the Garmin Giveaway! Thanks for all the info you always provide.
I am looking forward to deomlishing some personal bests on the water, and (hopefully) building up a great tan at the same time :)
I’m a (slow) runner, and I am most excited about the Tower of Terror 10-miler at Disney World this fall.
Hi Ray,
You do great in-depth reviews on sports technology.
I am EXCITED for 2012 because this year has been the upward turning point of my life so far. I have rediscovered my love for sports, particularly running and cycling. In the process, I have slimmed down and lost 8 kg, actively swimming, running and biking again. I am looking forward to my first full marathon sometime in May this year.
I am also learning how to swim freestyle on my own and riding an old iron road bike.
One day, I WILL eventually be part of Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in 5-6 years. Cheers!
I am looking forward to run my first NYC Marathon in November.
I’m looking forward to getting off of the treadmill and back outside to continue training for both the Pittsburgh Half and the Cleveland Half.
Excited to redeem myself after a sucky tri last year!
Excited to get back into MTB racing and do some Xterras and 1/2 IMs!
Thanks for the give-away contest.
I’m getting pumped for Ironman Wisconsin! 180 days to go!
I’m excited for my first ever trail running race and stand alone century race this season.
Love your site and looking forward to my upcoming races and enjoying beautiful warm weather.
nice! I’m in!
I am looking forward to start training with my boyfriend and support him with his triathlons!
Excited as the race season will start soon :)
This year will be my first Olympic Tri at Lake Anna.
To start tracking my swims with the 910xt. Can’t wait!
Looking forward to commuting to work by bike.
I’m stepping up my game this year and signed up for my first 70.3 this fall. I’m excited about the new challange.
I cannot wait to do the climbs at IMCanada. Coming from Seabrook, TX where it is pancake flat and our only climb is the Kemah Bridge I look forward to the challenge. My swim and run are gonna have to rock out there!
I’m looking forward to continuing to push on the distance limits that I established last year, to continue to get, and stay healthy (IT Band injury) and potentially add biking to my running routine.
I looking forward to my first Triathlon ever !
I am most excited, about getting outside and training, after a long cold winter. Maybe setting a few PR’s in race also.
Thanks for a great blog I read it daily.
I hope to break a 20-minute 5k in April. Morning track workouts are killing me, but this has been a long term goal.
I’m excited to see my hard work on swimming pay off in races.
Andrew
I’m looking forward to Ironman Florida as my first of many Ironman distance races to come!! This would be the perfect way to get it started since I was planning on buying one this week or next week now that they are in stock at most stores.
huge fan of the blog and i’m excited for a great season on tris ahead and hopefully a few PRs
I”m looking forward to running again after a stress fracture and my first Tri!
Gettin my shot at Lance at Orlando/Haines City 70.3 in May.
Packaged with a cupcake from Bertie’s Bakery?
I like it!
Looking forward to riding my first century this year!
I’m looking forward to swimming over people. My favorite part of every tri.
Looking forward to the first race of the year (Newbury Duathlon), its like coming home
Thaks for the all the informative reviews!
I’m looking forward to designing my own iron distance race and then doing it. It’s going to be awesome!
I did my first triathlon last year and I’m excited to repeat that race with an improved time!
Excited to get some consistency in my training
Excited for my first Boston coming up and then some triathlons in the summer. Oh, and getting my new Cervelo s5 on the road!
I’m quite excited about the new IM70.3 Mt Tremblant that will be close to home! Can’t wait for June 24th!
I’m excited to get back to training with friends and have fun at our upcoming races. That, and my first Ironman!
I’m excited that I managed to register for the 2012 MCM, I’m also attempting my first ultra this year – The North Face Endurance Challenge in DC, 50 miler.
I’m looking forward to a healthy year of running.
This will be my second season of Tri. Looking forward to my second marathon, London, in just a few weeks time. Then after that, it’s all out on the Bike training to get in shape for the Bala Standard in September.
I’m looking forward to finishing Ironman Wales in September. Please let me win the watch, I need all the help I can get!!! :)
trying to…no..going to get at least 6,000 miles logged on the bike this year….got 1300 as of today
Warm weather! Oh yeah, and my second triathlon ever in 2 weeks. Did I mention warm weather?!
Hey DCR!
This year I’m looking forward to my second year of Ironman distance racing. Thanks so much to you for blogging as this was one of my first tri/fitness blogs that got me going a couple of years ago. Keep posting!
JZ-Ohio
After a self imposed break to recover from an overuse injury, I’m looking forward to simply running again!
I’m looking forward to running in Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN, this June!
Looking forward to my first giveaway…
I am looking forward to doing speed work and getting faster this year. Maybe do an IM and PR next year =)
Hello,
I am excited to start a new running and cycling season in the beautifull surroundings of Purmerend, the Netherlands. Thanks for your great website!
Excited about spring racing season!
Thanks for running the giveaway, Ray!
Because training outside, like an opponent, is unpredictable.
Looking forward to getting the jogging stoller out and hauling my kids around Central Park!
I’m looking forward to tackling my very first triathlon and marathon this year! It’s time to dig deeper and push myself further in 2012!!!
Last year I found out what kind of athlete I wanted to be. This year I want to become that athlete. Go Rainmaker!
I can’t wait for the warmer weathers and my 2nd Ironman. Lake Placid Here I come
I’m excited as its my first middle distance and its gonna be awesome!
Excited to be done with endurance sports by end of May – then I get to spend my summer working on speed and power.
less trainer – more bike
I am excited to try another triathlon this year and get back into running after a multi-year hiatus.
It’s been a cold winter up here in Canada and I can’t wait to get my new TT bike on the road.
Yeeehaaaaawww!
Mike
I’m looking forward to running in my favorite woods on a beautiful sunny morning!
I would love to get some extra data fields on my wrist as I train for my first Half Ironman
I’m so happy I’m going skiing again after 9 months after ACL reconstruction surgery. Skiing in spring will be great!
Looking forward to my second century, and maybe even starting to run a bit!
I’m looking forward to training with my tri friends for an iron-distance race in September.
I’m excited about the Zombie Run in Baltimore.
Ready to kick off a fresh tri season with an olympic race in May and break in my new bike!
After 6 years of applying to the HardRock Lottery I finally got in this year.
That is my big focus of the spring and going into the Summer.
2012 is the year I get the swimming down and plan to finally move from duathlons to triathlons. Other than that, very excited for spring to get on my bike and ride it outside rather than on the trainer in the basement.
I love the Blog Ray, starting running/training this year and have gone from a 10min pace 10k to a 8:50min pace. I’m running my first 15k in April and hoping to do a Half in May. The reviews have really helped!
-Alex M
This is the year that I’m finally going to do a triathlon. I’ve been swimming and running during the winter and with this spring weather I can bike more. The FR910XT would definitely help with my training.
looking forward to my first 70.3 !
Looking forward to the warmer weather and being able to bike and swim outside, finally!
I’m looking forward to putting together solid training and take my racing to the next level.
I am excited to attempt my first half-ironman!
I’m excited to just be able to ride outdoors! The trainer is driving me crazy!
I’m looking forward to two events. 1) Tough Mudder and 2) Rock & Roll half marathon.
While setting goals for these events pushes my training, the main motivation is the teamwork. Tough Mudder is all about helping each other finish, no matter what. The Rock & Roll will be a fundraiser to find a cure for Crohn’s & Colitis. Nothing more empowering than helping others through my sweat and training!
The weather and longer days. 74 degrees on an evening run yesterday!
I’m excited to shed all of the layers that have been keeping me warm during my morning runs.
I am training for my first tri this year, but am very weak in the swim. Was going to try and get the 910 to help with its advanced swim metrics. Would be a good birthday present :)
First of all, thanks for the wonderful job. Your reviews helped me decided on the Garmin watch to use. Contrary to most of the other commenters, I am a walker, not a runner, but am trying to upgrade at least to short, slow runs during the next months down here in Northeast Brazil.
Most of the time, I work on the gym, though. These next months thats should change to almost exclusively on the gym, since our raining season should start these days.
Looking forward to get out for some rides in the Sierra de Guadarrama near Madrid – after finally getting over a series of influenza attacks in the past weeks…
I NEED this… first up National Harbor 70.3. 2013 will bring IM Louisville!!
My husband is recovering from cancer and will be running the FL Half Ironman in May.
Excited to be preparing for my first full Marathon later this year.
Would love to have one of these!
My husband is recovering from cancer and he will be completing the Fl Half Ironman in May as his come back race.
I promise to never do anything as ridiculous as a triathlon with it :)
I’m excited to get some warm weather up here in Maine. I’m tired of freezing my nuts off.
Early morning, weekday runs with the sunrise. Early morning darkness keeps me in bed.
Looking forward to some rides in the Sierra de Guadarrama north of Madrid – after having some sort of serial influenza the past weeks…
Excited to start running again…
Excited for Boston!
After a couple years of sprint triathlons, I’m looking forward to moving up to the olympic distance.
I’m moving to the US, so there will be a whole slew of new running routes and races to look forward to. And better weather!
Looking forward to running in the daylight and warmer weather. Even a nice Minnesota winter makes for a lot of cold and dark runs. I went from just a cyclist to a running two half marathons in 5 months. How is that for fighting trainer boredom?
Cycling outdoors with others stead of indoors with the t.v.
This is my second year doing tri’s and I am really getting into it. bring on the warmer weather
I’m looking forward to another fun tri season here in Minnesota!
I’m looking forward to enjoying the warm weather as much as possible, biking, running, canoeing, swimming and just staying as active and fit as possible
I can’t wait to get the race season kicked in 4 weeks.
I’m excited to get healthy and finally get in more than 2 priority races in the year.
Avid fan! (also the words below say Aulan Terdwing which made me laugh)
Avery
Most excited for Marine Corps Marathon this year. We’ve been doing a few ‘destination races’ each year and this year we settled on Marine Corps. It should be a great time!
I looking forward to running to work 3 times a week as well as cycling on days off.
I am looking forward to weeknight rides! Woo hoo!
I am looking forward to weeknight rides! Woo hoo!
I’m looking forward to training outdoors again. It’s right about this time when I get fed up with being stuck indoors. It will be a good summer.
I am happy to be packing up the trainer and ready to start racing again! Vegas or bust!
I’m excited to start my first year of triathlons – after 2 years of warming up with just cycling :)
I am looking forward to weeknight rides! Woo hoo!
Looking forward to my first international distance tri since being hit by a car while biking almost 2 years ago. Recovery has been a long road, but I’m going to kick booty at Rumpas in Bumpass!
Season is about to kick off. two quick 5ks to get the competitive juices flowing and then right into a duathlon and my first tri in May!
Going to be a great season!!
I’m looking forward to redemption at Eagleman.
I’m looking forward to loosing 10 pounds…with the help of that watch!
I am eager to avenge my first ever DNF last year at Eagleman.
I’m excited to get this new 910XT you’ll be sending me :)
I’m looking forward to longer days and training outdoors!
I just want the season to get kicked off already…that’s the best part about having moved to Virginia (Hampton Roads area) from Michigan is that outdoor triathlon season starts in March! March 31st, VTS first race in Smithfield…although my fitness isn’t exactly where it should be yet ;)
Chris
Can’t wait to get cycling outside again.
Excited to start getting into shape.
I’m excited to start my first year of triathlons – after 2 years of warming up with just cycling :)
Many Ultra’s completed and planned this year
So excited! My first HIM this Summer! Mt. Tremblant, nevertheless.
I’m excited to start my first year of triathlons – after 2 years of warming up with just cycling :)
10 miler in May and a half marathon in October, and all of the cycling and swimming I can fit in between!
I’ll be increasing my mileage in summer.
I just started my mountain biking season on Sunday, and my first proper winter training is really paying off. I am now excited to get my first triathlon under way.
Excited to race
doron from tel aviv
I’m looking forward to 2012 cyclocross races (not yet scheduled in our neck of the woods, but they are coming!!):
link to keweenaw.info
Nervous/excited for my second Half Iron and first Ironman race!
Because I have much unfinished business with this sport and a year off from racing last season has made me itchy to have at it again.
Excited about my first race of this season at Boston Marathon. I did it last year and I’m excited to come back to this event.
Simon
looking forward to start running after getting the OK to resume now that my injuries are healed.
Looking forward to a half mary in a few weeks, and my first olympic tri this fall. Great blog Rainmaker.
Running two half marathons this spring!
Im excited to get some 70.3 distance races in, without completing the run injured…Eagleman, National Harbor. – Chris
Wooooooot! I’m excited about the season starting up!!!! And thanks for putting together an excellent blog!
looking forward to running again since recovering from my third knee surgery. the run is suffering, and I suffer when I run. But the swim and bike are strong and I’m looking forward a great season.
Looking forward to the possibility of competing in my first sprint this year!
I am looking forward to running a half marathon with my youngest daughter.
What can be better than that?
Hello, this spring i am looking forward to remove the pins in my hand, recovering from a nasty hand fracture (hit a goal post at soccer practice) and getting out on the road with my bike again!!
best wishes
Stein Arvid Lid
Norway
I’m excited to start my 4th season of Triathlon including doing my first Ironman in October!
hi Ray! Ironman Brazil!!! I’m looking forward to nail it!!! that’s my race for 2012!!!
I’m excited to train for a half marathon through road/trail races.
yes, finally hoping to win a lottery! The one thing keeping me busy is getting ready for the Tour the Flanders of April 1st. Nice cobblestone, great crowd, nice atmosphere and hopefully a Dutch win on Sunday….
I’m excited to do my first competition, half Marathon in Norway.
Looking forward to win this baby :D
Oh yeah and my first (probably last $$$) new york marathon.
I am looking forward to my first 70.3 race in 2 weeks.