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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
Run an extra trail! My VFF will always be joining me on my vacation!
It’s all about exploring, whether you do it by foot, bike or paddle.
I do my best to keep up with my training. Didn’t used to be like that, but after seeing you and others using exercise to see a bit of the places they are, I decided to do the same. Granted, that’s just been Atlanta and Charleston, but still pretty cool!
I’ll try to alter my schedule leading up to vacation so that the bike is out of the way and I’m left with swimming and running.
Typically shift to interval training of the beer chugging variety
Try to sneak in some runs, it’s easy to pack some running shoes and shorts
I don’t work out much during vacations, but I try to go out for a run at least a few times. It’s a great way to get to see the area!
My activity tracker usually tells me I have 2 or 3 times the amount of steps I get in a normal day. I figure this is good enough.
It depends on the vacation. My annual beach trip with the family always sees bikes come with us. I usually try to ride at least 3 or 4 times, plus swim and surf. This year I’m going to add some beach runs to the mix.
I love to take my dog for a walk on the beach, and if there is time and its not to hot I will cycle up and down the coastal areas. I love to be by the ocean!
Was in krabi and had a 70.3 in a month. Couldn’t not train, so decided to run to tiger cave temple (a good half marathon if you don’t get lost like i did). It was another 1256 steps up a hill to get there, so a good session that didn’t forego the holiday bit!
Take it easy, it is vacation after all.
Typically my vacations have active components, so I don’t feel the need to train. Typical activities my vacations include are hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, etc. Normally, I need to train for my vacations. This is true of my upcoming Inca trail trek this summer.
When I’ve been training for a run I’ve carried on according to my plan. Now I have the capability to track open water swims I might add swim training to my holiday routine :)
On vacation my training will go up a gear to make the most of the warm weather – I would focus on more intense interval training for speed endurance and then make the most of the beaches for some resistive plyometrics!
It all depends on where I am. On my last vacation on La Gomera I did quite a lot of exploartive trail-running and ice-cold swimming and on winter vacation it was cross-country skiing after the days in the slope.
Ice-cream and beer tastes soo much better once you’ve got your daily endorphine kick.
I continue to train while I’m on vacation so that overeating doesn’t effect me as much. :-)
Depends on what I’m training for at the time – typically tempo and long runs. Great way to explore and see a new city!
Depends on where the vacation is….. but I usually adjust my vacation to be particularly run/swim heavy. Its usually hard to get a bike(other than gym spin bike) but usually the resort I’m at has a decent pool. So pound out those miles and laps. I may tone it back but often times its easier to log workouts when I’m on vacation than it is during the work week.
Depends on the location but I’ll usually explore the are through running and Strava. Exploring on foot is the best way :)
As I am from Norway I start with a warm morning swim (in the hot water), and I often go for a run in the afternoon to boost my ice cream apetite for the evening :-)
Usually get in some longer bike rides with my wife.
I love running and cycling mostly at nights
I do less frequent but longer rides/runs.
Going on vacation with young kids is the training. No additional workout required!
If hotel has no gym or pool. Just improvise by using hotel furniture and fixtures. Weight lift the hotel’s bed. Decline push up using the hotel chair/sofa. Happy workout guys :)
Swim, bike; run. The holy trinity.
I go running to explore the area and learn my way around.
It’s easy. Snow=skiing, No snow=running :)
On the seaside, in the mountains… running.
Running is easiest, a pair of shoes and some shorts and top and set. Otherwise it’s bringing the bikes on vacation — a great way to see a place is on bike. Especially on the train. I have a set of bromptons that make it super easy. While they aren’t the same as my felt cross bike, they definitely can provide a decent workout. I was visiting Seoul and blew past a pack of carbon fiber team kit wearing dudes and they were less than thrilled…
I tend to relax as much as possible but when if I get the urge will utilize the treadmill.
Try to get some run together with my wife.
Light run every morning, attempt a few swims depending on how busy pool is.
Drink pina coladas as protein shakes :)
I usually make sure that I get some ‘maintenance’ runs in, but try to take it easy mostly.
Depends on the destination, but typically cycling.
running
When on vacation I like to get up early and see the sights while everything is getting set up. Nothing sets the day up like an early morning beach swim and lending a helping hand to the locals cleaning the beach or just saying thank you! Going out for an early morning run also allows you to get out as the town is waking up, seeing the shops and stores open up sometimes gives you insight into the best local spots! Plus the early morning workout means you get to indulge with a hearty breakfast and slip in a late afternoon nap!
Even more activity on vacation!
Mainly running, on trails if possible. Also longer cycling trips.
I try to bring my bike whenever I travel, then I can explore new roads. But rather than small workouts daily I end up doing a big ride every 3 days. My goal is to have an epic Strava Heat Map.
Run because its fun !!!
Usually, run at the beach and swimming on the sea.
I end up training harder when I’m on vacation since I have much more “free” time. If vacation means “staycation” I’ll hit the bike and pool really hard. If I end up traveling for vacation then it’s typically hard running and pool if I can find one.
…and of course, ice cream!
Vacations usually start and finish with a high-tempo run to the airport, with target based on absolute time, and with kids in the arms and/or shoulders. The time in between is taken as a loooong rest lap.
depends on the vacation, normally competing in a triathlon somewhere, or a great week of Cycling, Swimming and running at Les Stables in the Dordogne. On a normal vacation always take some run kit, how better to explore?
I used to go on biking holidays (with panniers, tent, etc), now rather hiking with some running
a holiday is the perfect excuse for getting the wetsuit out and swimming in the sea… I’m about as far away from the sea as you can get in the UK, so its a rare treat ;)
If I can get away with, I also “sneak” in my road bike ;) nothing better than exploring new places by bike :)
Simply do my best to continue to train. When planned properly it’s fairly feasible.
short vacations – rest and recharge. longer vacations short runs
I am rarely able to take real vacations beyond a couple of days so the hotel treadmill for an hour is most common. That said, last year I was on my honeymoon in Aruba and the people there thought I was nuts or doing something impolite, maybe? Saw lots of people running like ten minute miles but I was running low sevens and would blow by them and get awful unfriendly looks from most of them that weren’t pasty skinned tourists like me. I guess my happy face and cordial salutations as I ran past them made me a jackass of sorts. Sometimes it’s hard to be an American abroad.
We tend to cruise a lot so I run on the treadmill. On an upcoming trip to Mexico, the condo we are renting has a lap pool so hoping to take advantage!. Also, lots of bicep curls by bringing my drink to my mouth!
Running is frequently one of the reasons I take vacations – I like to travel, run a marathon with friends & then do some stuff in the area surrounding the race.
On non-running vacations, I always try to run & enjoying using it as a way to explore some of the surrounding area in a manner you can’t experience otherwise.
On one trip, I was eyeing up a trail out the back of a hotel & asked about running it at the front desk. The attendant looked at me a bit funny & suggested I not do that, as it went past the shooting range that was apparently on the bordering property.
No formal training, but try to work in a daily run to explore the surrounding area (and a mental health break from the kids).
Training close to home all year long (-:
During vacations… Run a little and eat a lot!
I always bring my goggles with good intentions of getting a swim workout in, does that count?
Just a little running. Vacation is family Time
I get bored on vacation if I don’t run. It’s the best way to get to know the lay of the land and see the place from beyond the car. Depending on the terrain and availability of space to do workouts, it might just be an easy week with some easy effort runs.
My vacations typically kick off my off-season and are often scuba diving trips where strenuous workouts and 4 dives a day could have serious implications. I continue to eat smartly but usually give some focus to keeping calories in check due to not training and not wanting to put on excess weight during 10 days of down time.
Thank you for your interesting comments. It is a very useful blog for a runner as me
Walking… lots of walking!!! fresh air and sunshine (hopefully) cant be beat – holidays are for a rest from training as much as from everything else – but do need to keep some levels of fitness up ;)
I try to relax, is vacation for God sake, but a little run before the family wake up is great to not loose any fitness.
I am usually on vacation with my kids, so I hit the hotel gym before they wake up, then make them walk all day to see the sights. In DC two weeks ago, we averaged about 12,000 steps a day, according to my Fenix 3. Now my wife wants one too…
I increase my distance and intensity by 25%. To counter this I increase my consumption of craft beer by a least 25%. Maybe more… who knows… can’t remember my last vacation.
Usually the bike gets sidelined and I’ll run a bit more and try to do some OWS, depending on where I’m vacationing.
Mostly running. If there’s ridable routes and decent bikes for rent then ride trumps running.
I like to go for a nice run along the beach when I’m on vacation. It’s kind of the best of both worlds!
Do my best to run.
Running and swimming, but shorter and easier pace. Always fun to explore a new area with a run or swim and helps get the body adjusted after air travel.
swim,bike,run, as usual!!!
I keep with my training. I find that running is a great way to explore a new city.
I find some interesting routes prior to my vacation (using Strava) and do easy runs around 10k.
It depends on the vacation. If it’s winter and I’m heading to Florida (I’m from Minnesota), then yes, I will try to run at least once just to enjoy running outside again. If it’s spring or summer and I’m going somewhere ho-hum (like visiting family in Iowa), then I pack my shoes and running gear and head out if I’m able to find a free moment… which is never because I have three young kids.
Vacation usually is like a taper week for me, and includes some short runs and swims (when possible). Usually it’s because racing is scheduled during vacation!
Rolling mountain bike almost every day. Monitor shifts in the smartphone satnav app with Strava
Usually,I dont do any training, only walk at the beach and swimming on the sea.
Vacation training is all about feeling for me; I jump off any current schedule and just flow with it. Most often, I do more adventurous and exploring runs, and – Lo and behold – I get up earlier than usual to do morning runs. That way the chilled beer later on tastes so much better!
Take advantage of the extra time to get in some longer workouts.
My vacation I passes to prepare a marathon! The next one is scheduled for May 3. I stop writting and I go put my running shoes.
Hope to read you
Sidney ORHANT
Wow so much commitment here!
My holiday training consists of racing the kids to the ice cream shop (which I usually loose, go figure!)
i cut a lot if i can get 5k im happy with it :)
Probably a little more ice cream than usual, but you cannot stop training.
I just mix it up.Some lighter runs, more scenic bike rides (on traditional bikes in Holland) and some alternate activities like hiking,etc. Then we attack the bitterballen and stroopwafels!
I definitely try to keep training as normal. Usually vacation is code for “eating at lots of restaurants,” and I have to balance it out somehow.
Have fun!
Double up, ususally one set of running and one set of cycling on the vacation.
And loads of grilled food!
Vacation. I have to say we have two types of vacations summer and winter vacations. During winter vacations I try to keep my current running schedule (usually I miss one training) but on summer vacations it’s all about eating and swimming in the Aegean sea!!!!
mostly op swimming/hiking, no ice cream, lots of peanut butter though hehe
Light workouts of swimming and running. If travel is by car then easy cycling rides as well. Vacations are time to let the ol’ bod have some rest.
I travel quite a bit (military) and one of the first things I do when I get to my destination is run. Not only because of my passion for running but I love to explore the area. I like to see what’s all on base, what’s off base, how far to each place…I guess you could say I like to Recon the area. I also do this to get over jet lag and get my body used to breathing in a new area (altitude). I’m currently on leave in New Mexico and this dry weather is killing me! HaHa.. So yes, train no matter where…why, because the enemy doesn’t care if you’re on vacation! Always be ready!
Vacation for me is mostly about working out or spending time in an active way. This means, biking, hiking, running and eventually in the hotel spending some time in the gym and some swimming!
Get on google maps and find cool new places to run.
Our family vacations center on running a marathon. We will arrive in town a few days before the event, explore the area, take part in the event festivities, and even been known to volunteer at the expo or day before races.
I usually try to keep on schedule with training on vacation; but modify things a little to enjoy the downtime and different scenery as well. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a vacation.
Well if you don’t drink beer right after breakfast, you can’t say you drank beer all day. I train for triathlons so many days throughout the year that when it’s vacation time, it’s vacation time. Play and eat and drink guilt free.
I usually try to press on, but it’s usually limited to running, so I end up with time off the bike
Try to maintain a normal schedule, but truth is it barely works :)
I try to use vacation/travel time to train in new areas to break the monotony. When that doesn’t work I throw it out the window……
Running on vacation is one of my favorite things to do — I love the change of scenery! Of course I press on … sometimes I run more than the plan says.
pizza, ice cream, peanut butter cookies