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.
Half Triathlon this weekend in KY. Going to stick to my plan and not bonk.
Course du Canton – 4x8km race in the Geneva countryside..
Next race is in Ottawa, Canada (Mid June) and it is a shortened swim sprint triathlon. My goal for the race is to run as close to a 20 minute 5k off the bike as possible.
Hyvee chamoionship and hoping for a 2:15
My next race will be the 2014 Ultraskate on July 12/13, where I’ll skate as much as possible in 24 hours (on a longboard). Last year I did a bit over 100 miles. This year I want to break 200 km (round numbers are fun indeed).
Hawaii 70.3 at the end of the month. I’m looking forward to great scenery while suffering in the heat.
Ray, every blog entry you post is a gift. OK, enough with the brown-nosing.
Seriously, dude, your giveaways are icing on the cake for the only blog I read every day. And if picked, I promise not to blow the $400 on any stingray-related products.
Heilbronn Triathlon (shortened middle distance; 2k swim, 70k bike, 15k run) on June 22nd. Goal: club-record time ;-)
Taking a break from racing for the next couple months to rest up before getting back into training seriously. Planning to do a 1/2 marathon in the fall.
half marathon in a few weeks up in ohio, my goal is simply to finish.
My next race is the Beech mountain metric on May 17. 61 miles and almost 9000 feet of climbing.
Half Triathlon this weekend in KY. Going to burn up the course and set a new PR. Well thats what I’m hoping for at least.
Just did Boston in 3:02, thinking about the Cleveland Marathon next week and am for sure doing the Mohican 1/2 iron distance try in mid-june!
American Zofingen on the 18th.
link to forum.slowtwitch.com;;page=unread#unread
Local sprint tri tomorrow! Just trying to finish as I came down w the flu yesterday! Shld be fun!
I ran a half marathon last Sunday, for a new PR! Woot woot
Got a race this weekend and after a couple of races that I really struggled in I just want to have a good race and break the struggle streak.
Bigfoot Oly… Shake the dust off
Did the Brighton marathon last month, pulled my groin at mile 12 and hobbled the rest of the way around :-(
Just finished the Frederick Half Marathon (and goal was to simply PR, which I easily achieved). Taking a break from racing this summer, but will begin training for the Chicago Marathon, where I hope to run a BQ.
Next race, probably the Wells Ave crit in Boston May 18. Aiming for top 3 this time!
The focus now is Peasantman steel distance Half Ironman in September with the goal being a podium finish. Afterwards it’s the Rev3 Poconos 70.3.
I might do some 5-10K races for some speed.
I’m running the runDisney Tower of Terror 10 miler (i ran it last year in 2:15:33) I’m going to break 2 hours this year, and my dream goal is 1:40. I’m also debating doing the Space Coast Marathon as my first ever 26.2, but its really soon for training (i only got into running a few months ago)
Had to go with my last race. It was the Kentucky Derby Half-Marathon. I finished in 1:50:06 which I was very happy about.
Nothing planned until Texas Oilman late in the season. This will be my first 70.3, at the moment the goal is sub 6hrs however as my training falls into place i hope to see the possibility of getting sub 5:30. With good preparation and dedication this should hopefully be possible
Hoping to finish one of the three Lake Tahoe Marathons in under 4 hours at the end of September (only going to enter one of them but don’t know whether it will be the Saturday or Sunday). May also try to run the San Francisco Marathon in July if I can fit it into the schedule- aim would be 3:30-3:45. New to the sport- last year I ran Tahoe (Sunday) in 4:07, the CIM in 3:38, and finished LA in 4:37 (cramped and had to walk).
NJ State Championships.
Goal is to sit in, wait for the right move, then ATTACK…and win!
Eli
70.3 Kansas on June 8. Working towards a top 5 AG!
Fargo marathon tomorrow – just having fun as I have IMTX next weekend!
June 15ish – St Peter’s Rec-Plex Triathlon – Under two hours
Lifetime CapTexTri in Austin Tx on May 25. My goal is to no freak out in the swim when I hit the bat s&@t in the water under Cingress Ave, home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Clackamas Cove triathlon. 1st Olympic distance race.
For sure Warsaw Marathon this autumn!
Recovering from injury, so working back up to triathlon training. My last race was a local 5k, which wasn’t my best, but wasn’t my worst! Knee help up OK, which I view as a WIN!! Hoping to do 70.3 Miami in October. Crossing fingers knee rehab goes well!
As of right now, my next race is the HAlloween Half in October
My next race is a half Marathon in August, my goal is to break 1:50.
Half in December in Orlando, FL. My goal is to actually do it.
My next race is XTERRA DINO Logansport. The plan is to place in the top 3 of my age group.
Last race was New York City marathon in 3:23 no races planned for this year
Rokua Geopark Marathon (43k trail race) in Finland on June 7th.
Grand Rapids Half Iron June 8 and looking to PR.
Blue Mountain Beach half marathon on October 12th, hoping to run sub 1:12
1/2 triathlon of Poznan 27 july. Would like to go under 5hours.
My next planned race is Helsinki Half Marathon 7.6.2014. I’m taking it mostly as a training run to find out my current condition after a spring with very little training (first born came :D).
Running the Colfax marathon and just want to get through it without aggravating my IT Band.
The silverlake tri on may 25. It’s my first tri and my plan is to go hard and leave it all on the field. It will be a good test of my training towards the Great Floridian iron distance in the fall. Can’t wait!
Ottawa Race Weekend May 24th 5 km. I’m running it with my 8 year old son – his first 5 km – so no goals other than to finish.
Hey DC! Love the blog. So my next race is the Raleigh Half IronMan on June 1st. My goal is 6:30 and not to drown. :)
My next race will be the Super Hero Scramble in Amesbury MA in June. It will be my first obstacle course and my goal is to enjoy it!
Next big race is the Chicago Marathon in October. This will be my first full marathon and my only goal is to feel good throughout (while still making it in under 4 hours)
Ironman Texas May 17, 2014 – it’s my first full IM in front of my home crowd
Pacing the Poconos Marathon
I ran my first 2-mile time trial at the beginning of May, in just under 17 minutes… I’m hoping to get below 15. 5 minutes by the beginning of August.
I’m really excited about the Gran Fondo Nyc this year. I have my fingers crossed it’s not raining this time.
Next race is the Kinetic Half this weekend, but my goal is simply to cheer on friends and have a good time. Still rebuilding from meniscus surgery and I’m not ready to put on those kind of miles just yet.
Cascades 10k Firechase on 5/24. I was 45:17 for my last 10k, which was a bit hilly and unpaved. I’m hoping to break 45 minutes for this one.
Race is tonight. Just a 5k but still a great time! It’s the proactive 5k in Frankfort, Ky.
Sept. or Oct. 2014 I will break 3.30 limit on marathon. Roughly 12min to go from debut…
We have a family 5K in August but it happens to be a week before my due date. I will either be walking very pregnant or with a newborn. We will have to see.
Wicklow 200 is my next outing on the bike on June 8th.
First 200km cycle so really just want to survive.
I’ll be running the Sehgahunda Trail Marathon which is 26.3 miles (an ultra!) through Letchworth State Park in NY on May 24.
I hope to finish in under 6 hours (I’m telling myself 5:30 if conditions are perfect)
Next race is the Dunedin triathlon (my first). The goal is just to have a good time. No stingrays would be a bonus.
Next race will be the 10 mile Blessing of the Fleet in Narragansett, RI, USA at the end of July. Last year that was my first race of any significant distance, so this year I hope to PR it (so 1:45). It’s a great race and the festival is a lot of fun, filled with quirky Rhode Island fare.
Kona 70.3 on May 31, 2014. I want to qualify for Worlds 70.3 and Worlds Full at this race. I need a 4.5 hour finish! I’m ready for it!!!
Finished Shiner Gasp last weekend. 100 mile ride from Austin to Shiner. Wonderful experience. Talking about doing again next year.
Thanks Again
Love the in depth reviews, they have helped me a ton! Next race is the Rev3 age group Championships in Knoxville, and my goal is to podium! Gotta go fast…
Poolesville Road race, TOMORROW 5-10-14. Doing well this year. Looking for a top 5 finish in CAT.5
Mutual of Enumclaw Stage Race next weekend. Hoping to go for the win.
My next race is the north face challenge in June. I’m running with a friend and I’m hoping I can inspire her to a PR!
New England Season Opener this Sunday 5/11. First sprint Tri and my goal is not to drown.
musselman half iron, mid july, goal is to go sub 5hr.
Just completed my first marathon at the age of 34 (Belgrade Marathon 27.04.) with the time of 3:48:24. I’m delighterd with the fact i’ve finished it and my biggest concern, pre-race, was my weight (102 kg) but it turned out that the real obstacle was psychological aspect of the race challenging me to quit more then a few times during the event.
June 4th, Rev3 Quassy 1/2 Ironman! Prep race for Lake Placid Ironman at the end of July…
Next for me is the Brathay Windermere Marathon in the Lake District, UK. It’s a week on Sunday and I’m raring to go. The course is beautiful and challenging, and I’m hoping to get close to 4 hours. I’ll be happy with a strong finish though, regardless of the time I do.
Gulf Coast Triathlon sprint. May 10, 2014. My goal is to finish in less than 1:30.
Father’s Day – Ashland Olympic distance tri. My first go at an Olympic distance race after half a dozen sprints. I’m thinking I should be in safely under 2:45, 2:40 being a very good solid effort and anything under 2:40 would be all things going really well.
Olympic distance triathlon May 31st @ Rev3 Quassy. Goal is to crack top ten in age Group (M3539)
Ironman Lake Placid with a goal of under 11 hrs
No plans for this year due to a contusion. Last race on 10k was very successful in February in Gdynia, Poland
My next race will be a criterium at a local speedway. There will be multiple events including a straight crit, a points race and a miss n out.
I am doing 100 Mile of Nowhere on June 7th as a Fundraiser for a ride I’m doing in September. I will setup my trainer on the sidewalk in front of my house and ride for 100 miles. My goal for this “race” is to complete it and raise a lot of money for the Ride for Karen which help raise money to send kids with cancer to camp
Cotton row 10k. Would like to break an hour this year.
My next race is the Alton 10 on Sunday. This will actually be a recovery run for me after completing my first 50km race last weekend. Much more fun running with others so what better excuse for an easy race.
I hope that Ill finish my next run under 60minutes – 10k Ceske Budejovice Czech Republic
North face 50k in dc in early June. Goal is to finish.
Heatwave in Jackson, MS on June 2. 2:40
Next Race: Kinetic Half Iron (tomorrow!)
Goal: Crush Dreams
Ironman Coeur d’Alene on Jun 29th. Racing for Tri for Autism, Organization for Autism Research (OAR). Hope to finish under 13 hours.
My next race is the Waterton to Glacier 100 mile relay in June. My goal will be to enjoy myself in God’s country while not slowing my team down.
Next race is my towns 10k this weekend. I did a 51minute last year and hoping to get closer to 40minutes this year.
Good Times Series 5K in Lowell, Ma. on (every) Tuesday. Shooting to beat my current PR of 28:46. Yes I’m a slug. :D
Finish at the 50 10k at Gillette Stadium – under an hour
Little Foot 1/2 marathon on June 14; running to raise money for a local non-profit; training for my first sub-2 hour time in a half marathon
I’ve got a 10k in Toronto lined up for Sunday. ~30,000 runners down Yonge Street. Hopefully I’ll run mid to low 35 min.
Meech Lake Tri in Ottawa Canada. After a year away from racing, my goal is to match the performance of my last race.
My next race is the Lifetime Tri in Minneapolis, MN. I just hope to complete my first 1500M swim without drowning…Thanks for a great giveaway –
Ironman Texas next weekend. Looking for a 11:15
Fulton Brewery GranFondo, Minneapolis, tomorrow (May 10) – Goal: get my first official timed century ride in for the year.
Tomorrow! (5/10/14) I’ll be running the inaugural Starved Rock Country Half Marathon. It’s a pretty flat course, so I’m hoping to PR.
I will run the world’s largest half-marathon, Göteborgsvarvet, May 17th. The goal is under 1:50.
next race: St Paul MN urban 1/2 marathon…finish. (I have a bum knee now). Last race: Chippewa Ultra 10K. I’d like to win!