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’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.
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.
Excited about doing my first 70.3!
Been training for a few years, I’ve been much more serious about running and cycling this year, I hope to find some time this summer to swim too!
I’m looking forward to do my first races both cycling and running!
I’m looking forward to running my first 100M!
I’m excited to start riding my bike to work and to the gym, now that it is getting warmer. Trying to find some nice panniers and a rack so I don’t have to carry everything in my backpack.
It feels so stupid to drive all the way to the gym to sit on a bike, when I could bike there, do my weights, and bike home.
I really want to see more of my bike rides with GPS data!
I’m mostly excited about being able to do after work rides
Well, mine seems a bit different than the majority, I am so pumped on this next gradening season. My husband is on board more than ever so that means even more help. He already built me a sead starting light station, cleaned the green house, and helped me plant bareroot strawberries; All without me asking! Love it! And with the longer days, running after work/class in the late evening :)
The winter has been l-o-o-n-g, looking forward to some l-o-o-n-g rides.
Looking forward to bike season.
Just started my first training plan, leading to my first race ever. Need all the help I can get.
I am looking forward for to a very busy and successful triathlon/running season before I turn 30 this year!
Excited to see my girlfriend start training for her first marathon and lead up to her goal of a triathlon. This would be a great gift for her! Thanks!
Even if my preparation is so so la la (studies (much, much, much), familly, than sport, check priority).
I’ll try to race 4 triathlon and some running race. I hope i’ll be able to do better in triathlon than last year in OL.
Kick it up !!
I am looking forward for to a very busy and successful triathlon/running season before I turn 30 this year!
I am very excited about doing my first half ironman in Switzerland in June (and this will be the last one in switzerland, as ironman will remove it from the calendar next year), so excited as well by doing for the second time NYC marathon!
Cheers, and congratulations for your excellent Blog, that’s on my top 5 feeds :)
I am looking forward for to a very busy and successful triathlon/running season before I turn 30 this year!
I’m looking forward to improve my Half Marathon record.
Ronen Ben Ari
Looking forward for my new XC bike. Hope I’ll be much more faster in races.
I am looking forward to a difficult hill climbing half marathon in April (Race to Robie Creek).
Wow!!! 1206 comments when I last looked. Make it 1207 or more now.
I’m looking forward to do “A Swedish Classic”
I am extremely excited and scared to death for my first half iron this year!
Looking forward to training outdoors with power on the bike!
I’m looking forward to my first half-iron
I’m currently coaching a group of people with Team In Training for the Rock’n’Roll San Diego marathon and half. It’s great to see people come together to help raise money to help people battling cancer, and to push forward to a day where cancer won’t be a scary word. Watching ordinary people turn into endurance athletes, and cross the finish line is a fantastic motivator as well.
I’m excited to be on way to fitness again after wife gave birth. He is now 9 months old.
Some good old sunshine is pretty exciting too. Beats the bike trainer and treadmill indoors.
I’m looking forward to the snow melting!
Looking forward to 1 marathon, 1 ultra, and a 1/2 ironman later this year!!
MiltonJ
I am excited to get started on my first Sprint Triathlon, get my 5K under 21:00, and train for a full marathon
I’m excited to train for my Ironman in Phoenix, Arizona, which is where I will be moving in 2 months!! :) email is ellabarg@msu.edu
After my wife had back surgery last year and hip surgery this winter I am just excited to get my training partner back for the summer!
I’m looking forward to running all my 5k’s under 20 minutes this year, and at least one 10K under 41 mins. Hope to do the Tecumseh Trail Marathon again in December. Thanks!
I going to try for sub-3 in the Malibu Triathlon International Distance
I’m looking foward to riding my summer bike again.
I have my first Half Marathon on Friday then doing another in two weeks, aiming to break 1:30 in at least one of them. Later in the season I’m looking to try my first triathlon
I can’t wait to get the season started. This would be a great addition.
Marathon #2!
Looking forward to a great Tri season!
I intend to put those running shoes to work in sunny Singapore’s heat!
I am focused on winning my age group in 3 SF Bay area sprint triathlons this year.
Looking forward to racing my first half marathon as well as my first tri later in the season! Going to be a great year.
I’m excited for my second 1/2 marathon and trying my first Tri!
I intend to put those running shoes to work in sunny Singapore’s heat!
I intend to put those running shoes to work in sunny Singapore’s heat!
kaiwei@akapost.com
Looking forward to racing: 1) as a newly married guy, 2) in a new age bracket (40-44) and 3) in my new home state of California!
Trying to crack the top 10 in AG in an Olympic Tri and first 1/2.
I am excited because I got a cyclocross bike this winter and plan to use it to commute to work with the longer days. I should be able to set a personal mileage record this year.
I’m excited to improve my run. Now to that pesky detail of actually getting out to run more.
-ErR
I’m looking forward to defeating my IT band injury once and for all!
I am looking forward to do more swimming beside cykling and mostly running. And i am excited about my girl’s running enthusiasm.
Excited to train for my second IM!
Well, my running has been down lately. I’ve got a personal life now. And I’m getting married in July.
So, I am very excited to start a new chapter in my life and have new routes to run/discover in the town to which I will be moving.
It would be even more exciting to track these new routes with a new Garmin. It might even encourage me to run down to the pool next to the Y and start swimming again.
Excited about a Half Marathon this Sunday!
I am focused on trying to win my age group in 3 SF Bay area sprint triathlons this year.
robdick2003@yahoo.com
Me! Pick Me!
Paris Paris, here I come!
Paris Marathon 2012 – first marathon
Mont-blanc Half-marathon – first timer (recommended, race looks freaking awesome: link to montblancmarathon.fr)
Paris Triathlon 2012 – first triathlon period
Gerardmer Half Ironman – No comment
Exciting first season as a runner / triathlete!!
I am looking forward to pushing my one year old daughter in a running stroller to help me with my marathon training.
Ambit or 910xt for ultra and mountain running? Good question…
I’m looking forward to tackling Vineman 70.3 and my first Xterrra.
I’m looking forward to the Spring to get into decent riding shape to get ready for the racing season and my upcoming Wedding! Nothing like razor sharp tan lines at my rehearsal dinner to make a statement! The Fiancee is rather happy that none of the lines will show with the tux
Excited for my first 70.3 in Florida!
Looking forward to my second marathon in June and getting into biking.
Just completed my first half marathon and looking forward to my first full marathon in May.
I’m working hard to save money for a powertap device and improve my cycling trainning, a 910 would help me because I wouldn’t have to buy the dvice’s screen
I”m looking forward to participating in the Death Ride.
I’m excited to get the winter, and the associated cycles of flus the kids brught home from school/day care, behind me.
This would be awesome. First tri in 8 weeks…
Looking forward to running my very first marathon this year.
Looking forward to lots of trail running, seeing the flowers come out while on a run
Looking for warmer weather and to take my tri bike for an (outdoor)ride!
I am looking forward to my first half ironman this season.
Weather is soooo nice. Looking forward to getting outside.
I can´t wait to get some outdoor bike training again!! Training for marathon and La Marmotte in France this year
I’m competing in my first Ironman this year (Canada). Looking forward to crossing that finish line!
Hi DC Rainmaker
Four years ago, I was told by my consultant to forget about any long distance sport….
I’m excited about proving him wrong by making the step-up to half-ironman distance.
Anything is possible if you put your mind, good surgeons and hard work to it :)
JT – crampon@gmail.com
Looking forward to using the brand new road bike I just bought! Perhaps a DU is on the horizon in a year or so!
Looking forward to running my first half marathon!
I am very, very excited of getting in the top 3 women in trail running in Romania this year! This is where my focus lies right now and I am definitely starting to see my wish come true as I am making more and more progress each day! Running definitely changed my life and my spirit and I am so happy about that!
My first race is this Saturday, eeek!
I am excited to start my second season of doing triathlons with my wife. We will be competing in our first half-iron distance race, which has a bike that goes over a mountain pass and then back over again. I have been a long time reader and love the blog.
I’m excited to sign up for my first Ultra!
RNickols@aol.com
I’m looking forward to competing in my first official triathlon race. :)
Jeppe_ks@hotmail.com
Im excited to do a couple of Tri’s early this year…then spend the second half of the year concentrating on qualifying for Boston!
I’m excited to get a chance to Escape from Alcatraz!
Greetings from Romania!
I’m very excited about the new season because I recently operated for inguinal hernia and now I’m recovering.
I would also be very happy to win this watch because I’m the editor of Biciclistul.ro, one of the most popular Romanian website for cyclists and related sports (running&triathlon).
Looking forward to the spring marathons and less laundry since it will be nice enough to wear shots and short sleeve shirts.
I’m looking forward to an intense swimming season and preparing for my first marathon.
I’m looking forward to warmer weather, longer days, and several running & tri races!
I’m looking forward to bet my bike out and to train win my new Garmin watch!
I am looking forward to a healthy tri season!
Great reviews!
I am excited for my family to see me finish my first 1/2 and see me put in the time for my full in 2013. What better way than to keep track of it all to show them!!!
What a great chance to get this amazing gadjet.
Looking forward to use it next year in Lanzarote ¡
I’m excited for my first season of collegiate road cycling.
Looking forward to get beg good health and shape this season!
Looking forward to running in warmer weather on the beach
Still reeling with joy over my January BQ- I haven’t set up my tri race calendar for this year, but there will be a few sprints, an oly or two and perhaps a late summer/fall 70.3. That 910xt would be a hoot for OWS. Fingers crossed!
Excited for the nice weather and to be back on the bike after a couple months off. Tours and Tri’s, here we come.
Its 75 and sunny here in Kansas. Gets me out of the Paincave/basement and out on the streets for some bike intervals!
I am excited 4 racing to begin. Hope to qualify for Boston this year! Warm weather means easier runs outside… YEAH.
Charles S.
Twitter – @clswannie
I cannot wait to ride and run without endless time spent putting on endless layers of clothing! :-)
Wedding this year, have to look good :D…I have been a pool swimmer for long time and started cycling this year, on 8000 miles course this year!
I`m just exited about my first year in triatlons, actually I`m gonna run Rev3 Costa Rica next saturday, and besides that run my first marathon with my wife in Philly next november!!
Looking forward to getting faster this year. Did my first Ironman last year and my goal was to finish. This year, my goal is to finish…faster :)
I can’t wait to see how many run/bike miles I can accumulate in a one month time span this summer (only been biking since fall of last year)
Exited to run my first full marathon
Excited to race my 3´rd Ironman Lanzarote in May!
After having knee surgery I am lookin at more focus on the bike and getting my times down in the 5K. And my favorite part, the one mike fun run with my son.
looking forward to my first cycle to the sun race this aug in Maui. 36 miles 10.000 ft elevation gain. On track to beet my previous time by 20%, from really slow to respectable….
Pete Salomon
I’m excited to race the Leadman 125 in Bend OR. It’s about time they got a big race.
I am looking forward to not training for an Ironman and enjoying the weather :-)
Trying out a pair of vibrams for the first time. Go slow.
Looking forward to a spring and summer worth of build to and early fall 70.3 at Branson
I plan on doing my first Oly triathlon, and working on my run so I can do a 70.3 in the fall or next summer.
Looking to add Half-marathon and 5k open water swimming to my list of competitive events this year. CANNOT WAIT!!
Been running but need to dut off my bike.
lucy’s in the sky with diamonds..
Looking forward to the warmer weather and getting out more on the bike as well as the feet !
mabooth_uk@hotmail.com
yes please. looking to race short, local, and often.
I am looking forward to two half irons. One in June and the other end of August! :)
Looking forward to some serious Ocean swimming.
Things are getting cold in the south of Brasil,so I’m starting my marathon trainig.
Great Blog by the way.
javelsilveira@hotmail.com
How about that weather!!
Getting back to running trails and training to do my first sprint tri hopefully this summer.
Im excited to have a packed race season with no injuries. Hopefully after a nice offseason I’ll be injury free but action packed with a bunch of races
Enjoying the abnormal temperatures too!!
Making a big jump up this year from my first couple of local sprint tri’s to a half iron that includes Chrissie Wellington.
Could really use the watch to help me better (or at least count laps) my self-taught swim stroke.
This will be my 3rd year of triathlon and I want to make it my best yet. Looking forward to a great season!
Melanie in PA
Enjoying this nice weather!
Looking forward to my first Garmin FR910XT.
Oops. Previous anonymous post by: triguyTy
I’m excited about running my first ultramarathon races this year–a 50K in June and 50-mile in September!
Great weather here in NYC as well. Looking forward to some outdoor riding.
Keep up the good work.
I hope you will be all having a great year! There is no ‘off season’ in my opinion as all seasons are great for running – except when it is *very* hot perhaps.
I hope to complete my first marathon this year! :-)
When my foot heals I will work again toward my first tri this summer.
Excited to start my annual marathon season, with races in March, May, August, September, October, November and December (some ultras thrown in there for good measure).
I am excited to run with my new Garmin FR910XT after I win this contest…wishful thinking I’m sure.
I just finished my first (first-ever, not first this season) sprint tri, and I’m looking forward to my first Olympic distance in May, as well as looking forward to continued improvement (I hope!) on my bike.
Preparing for two marathons this season. I’ll give away my Forerunner 305 if I win…:-).
An action packed year ahead. Good way to keep track of all the fun.
looking to get passed ITBS, and max my cardio before hitting my pain threshold.
I’m looking forward to finally getting over my stress fracture, and hopefully getting in enough miles to complete my first marathon before winter!
looking forward to pushing some PR’S!!!
I’m looking forward to doing something besides just running. And a solid year, appendix-free!
I am looking forward this year to complete my first triathlon in a couple of months.
2012 plan is to run Rome and Tallin marathons and beat 3:15
Excited and looking forward to second season of triathlon – want to complete my first olympic distance tri as well as a half-marathon.
I am excited for my first off-road tri this year! Should be a nice change of pace.
I’m looking forward to the season. Got a big year planned.
I’m excited about running again after 10 years off after high school, and am looking forward to ending the season with my first half marathon!
I’m looking forward to the season!
Looking forward to getting faster off the bike. Lots of running this season
Im excited to run my first 10 miler!
I’m excited to run in the warm weather! Tired of running in the cold.
Looking forward to running in warmer weather, and more daylight hours to choose from!
I am excited for spring because I have been spending way too much time in the basement.
Looking forward to starting training for my first full marathon (NYC!) on July 4th!
Looking forward to having a baby in May then get in some training and races during the fall.
anExcited for London Tri – The September one in Docklands; It’ll be all 15 in a row for me!
I’m excited to run my first full marathon and continue to grow in the sport of triathlon.
I am looking forward to visiting Paris for the first time. Going to squeeze in a run during the trip for sure!
I live in the Pacific Northwest and (even though it snowed this morning!) we are getting closer to spring. What I’m excited for in the spring is the chance to do more running outside and lots of hiking!
After 6 years of applying I finally made it through the HardRock Lottery.
Will be spending June at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, then off to Silverton to get ready for a tour of the San Juan Mountains.
I’de like to run my fastest halfmarathon.
I’m looking forward running my first half marathon
This is my first season doing the 70.3 distance and I’m beyond excited!!! I feel like I’m stepping it up with the big kids.
Love your blog and looking forward to my first tri of the season at the end of march. Kathy C
So warm now, need get back on the bike now.
I’m looking forward to getting in better shape, feeling better in my own skin, and competing in my first tri this year
I am excited to see the improvement in my swim form from the off-season and a series of half-irons scheduled for this year!
I am looking forward to getting beat down by Mont Tremblant Ironman.
My wedding followed by my first Olympic tri!
I would love upgrade my 305 to a 910
Excited for the season to start!
I’ve been running in college for a couple years, looking to complete my first tri in may!
It’s crazy how many people comment when you’re giving away stuff. And i’m one of them!
I am excited for not just my first Ironman but my first two. Couer d’alene and Arizona should be awesome.
I’m looking forward to finish my first marathon on April 15th in Rotterdam (Netherlands). And in September I want to reach the top of the Mont Ventoux (France) by bike.
Looking forward to do my first ever marathon in May!
I’m exited to finally get to ride outside more than once a week.
I’m excited to finally ride outside more than once a week.
Spring is in the air! After a cold winter, every bit of sun feels so good. Can’t wait to play outside and get a bit of color on my skin again.
I’m looking forward to keep celebrating my 50th birthday. Last January did the Disney Marathon, this coming weekend will do the San Juan 70.3 IM for the second time. In May will try 50k trail run in Sulphur Spring Canada, August I will try Louisville KY IM and if I haven’t blown the engine I’ll try the Marine Corps Marathon to close this year, my second year in endurance sports. This second half of a century will be fun!!!
I’m excited to get back into my training routine – and take on IM Mont Tremblant!
looking forward to riding in this nice weather
Looking forward to riding in this nice weather
Hi Ray – I’m looking forward to completing my first Triathlon. Thanks for all the great information you post on you blog !
I am looking to PR in the half marathon.
Great reviews – easily the best out there. Brett C
Really excited about competing in the Olympic distance tri at the Age Group Worlds in Auckland this autumn!
Looking forward to actually racing this year after having ankle surgery over 2 years ago and being worse after the sugery. Can’t wait to race with friends again.
I am looking forward to the new season and hopefully this watch, my trusty 305 fell off on a ride recently =(. I hope to finish my first sprint tri and also run a marathon or 2.
Just excited to still be around and firing on all cylinders !
I ran my first half marathon last week and my wife and I are running our first full marathon together in November. The marathon is on the exact date of our five year wedding anniversary. The Garmin 910xt will also be a great tool to use while paddle boarding too!
I’m excited to start my first year of racing. I will be doing a 5k in April, a Century in June, Warrior Dash in August and my first Tri in September. Training is going well and the weather is finally super nice in CO!
I am looking forward to start my swim training this spring once the pool opens.
Excited for some long mtn bike races, and generally lots of riding once the rains stop.
Tracking my data is a big motivator for me, it is great to watch those numbers go up. I’m hoping to try an ultra-marathon this year, and this would be a great toy to carry with.
Because training outdoors is unpredictable, like an opponent.
As a former fat kid, I am looking forward to finishing my first marathon in 2012 and my first triathlon in 2013! Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative is in full swing!
I’m excited to work on recovering from a recent injury and getting back to the shape I was in last year