Heads up! The big Garmin spring sale has started, with $200 off the Fenix 8, $100 off the Edge 1050, Forerunner 965 at $499, Forerunner 265, the new Instinct 3, and countless other Garmin products. Plus the Apple Watch Ultra 2 Black Titanium on sale, and some Suunto & Wahoo product deals too! Full list & thoughts here.
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
Here’s how to save!
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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.
Try to plug along with my training schedule, but usually, I get lazy and just play and relax.
Depending on what the vacation is, I’ll typically dial back on all aspects of running and lifting and just enjoy some of the local scenery on my morning run. Also I’ll typically not wear any training devices, other than my phone for emergencies. Some of my vacations are extended backcountry trips so there is no training per say occurring then.
From home to work. From work for the market. Market to home. From home to the academy.
From academy the world …
Always running.
I usually try to stick to the schedule as much as possible. also i try not to go on vacation during important build up weeks :)
Rides and runs will happen as the plan dictates, swimming is out. Normally vacation involves some sort of exercise anyways.
I don’t train during vacation, it’s just a big party!
Vacations are family time so I get my wife and kids to join me hiking, walking, or swimming.
Total cut back. To spend time with my son
I typically cut back if it’s after a race. Or travel to a race.
Depending on the location, but mostly MTB and some trail-running and hiking, otherwise just some swimming on the sea, stuff I cannot do at home.
I bought the fenix 2 JUST before they announced this (and JUST before they discounted the 2). So getting the 3…would be awesome.
It depends on where I am with respect to my race schedule and if I am actively training. However, family is always a priority on vacation. That said, it has gotten easier to continue training as the children have gotten older.
For my 2 week vacation this year to West Coast of France (near La Rochelle, lovely area), I’m planning on using it a bit as a training camp, run everyday, ride as much as I can get away with (it is a family holiday after all!) and finally Swim in the sea after Body boarding with the kids! I reckon I’ll double my total training mileage against a normal week! bring it on!!
It’s usually limited to quality time with family, away from trainings…
Typically I am running in my vacation and swim if there is a pool or the sea. But sometimes I go on bike vacations in the alps.
I try to still get me runs in but sometimes its hard to do.
I tend to keep training going more during winter vacations than summer vacations, so it all depends. Unless adult beverages and campfires can be construed as training…
I have three young kids, so vacations are pretty busy at the moment. I’ve been able to squeeze morning shorter runs in before everyone wakes up, but anything longer than half an hour and everyone starts complaining I’m holding them up! Does walking around Disney world all day count as exercise?
Running and swimming always on holliday, the bike depends in where we go, in 2 weeks i will be running and swimming on Sardinie :-)
Typically vacation on a beach… so my training/running schedule takes a pretty big hit, I cut mileage by at least 25% and pace by about the same.
Vacation? What’s that?
When I do take one, I mostly train my taste buds with new and exotic flavors.
I use vacation days in order to travel to races…so I guess racing is a vacation for me.
Love to run in new places in the morning before the rest of the family get out of bed….
Man these giveaways really show how many readers you have. I’m always impressed.
I run/bike more on vacation. Most of my vacations are organized around running or biking somewhere. Preferably somewhere with mountains.
Run, I’ve been trying to keep swim and bike going but it’s difficult to find where to do it. So I put some more miles running and enjoy the journey…
Tend to back off, but vacations are usually active.
Vacation training mode:
– spend day with family
– run at the night ;)
Did a lot of long night runs on vacations
I always take it easy on vacations….Depending on where we are I try to get a couple runs in before it’s over just to stay in a routine.
I usually like to explore the surrounding areas in vacation with a nice run. Also, of its a tropical location, I like to take advantage of the water and swim too.
We work on T3 and maybe a little running.
I usually try to front load some of my training before I leave for vacation. That way I don’t feel quite so bad for missing a few workouts while I’m gone.
First, let’s trade lap swimming for surfing. If they are no surfable waves, some open water will have to do, maybe snorkeling too. The runs get short and fast, to chase some holiday Strava CRs. Walking and/or hiking into the wild for volume. If a bike comes along, it’s often the hybrid and the rides are leisurely.
I usually plan “race holidays”, actually was in Paris last week for the marathon (we met in the expo). Training included sightseeing runs (pre-race) and 5 days of incredible views, relax time and food in Paris (post-race)
Always take my bike with and use the quieter days for long rides in new places.
Running and light weight lifting training is focus when I’m on vacation.
Always bring the bike!
Training on vacation is more relaxed. However, I’ll get grumpy if I don’t do something. Best for all involved if I still get a workout in.
Working out on vacation mostly involves running as it’s simple and don’t need to carry too much gear plus it’s a good way to explore new places.
6K run on the treadmill at the hotel gym.
This year… my vacation involves 7-days of cycling from SF to LA. I think most of my vacations are more physically active than the traditional week, because I can enjoy the activity more without the pressure of work.
On holidays, I’m mostly running to explore the neighbourhood. These are all low intensity workouts, just enjoying new views and trying to burn some fat :-)
Looking forward to a few hangover runs on my vacation in California next week with the lady! Must take in the beauty of the coast by trail, but also can’t avoid the fine wine!
Hello,
I usually go running and biking. And walking the rest of the time with the family.
Bye
Cut back but still take advantage of the scenery and location. Always nice to be able to experience new places on a long run…..but at vacation pace!
My husband and I don’t usually workout together but on vacation we can run and go to the gym together.
I might do some light core exercises in the morning to get the blood flowing…but vacation is VACATION for a reason! Bring on the relaxation to recharge!
On vacation, I usually simplify down to running and strength training, but it’s still full speed ahead. I just adjust my training workload to match the availability of training options.
I keep up training as usual but it’s also an awesome way to explore a city
On vacation we like to go to coastal areas and hike or walk (w/ kids) the park trails and beaches. In the warmer spots and times of year I am all about being in the water! We also rent bikes with kids from time to time depending on the destination (great way to keep the iPad’s at bay for the day with the kids!).
I definitely cut back on training so I can focus my attention and time on the family but as a gear & data junkie I still track everything and go through the stats with my son (daughter and wife have 0 interest! haha).
Fingers crossed!
I normally choose vacation destinations that are great for running and cycling. hiking or trail running are alwaysh a fun way to get out and explore a new place.
Watch others running on the beach and enjoy….
Trail running, hiking and… sleeping!
I usually am able to get out only once or twice but like to find somewhere scenic to run at a relaxed pace.
I guess of have run a few times on vacation, but my main strategy is to just keep active and do fun physical things like swimming and snorkeling in the beach in Hawaii or taking my kids on a hike in Colorado.
I mostly run around the river in Bordeaux ^^
mostly, i feel bad for a few moments about the training i’m not doing. then i remind myself that i’m on vacation and get over it.
i like to contact local running groups and see if anyone wants to meet up and hit some trail runs! If I have something scheduled with someone else I usually will make great effort to meet up. Been great way to explore new places!
Drinking training ;) Hiking ;)
Running for sure. Everything else is kind of problematic.
None at all. I use the time to fit in more vacation activities, like hiking.
Cycling and cycling!
It depends where I am on vacation. If it’s somewhere nice and safe, I’ll go run (it’s a great way to explore). Otherwise, I will use the hotel gym’s cardio equipment. If those are not options I can always do some stretching, yoga, and core work in my room.
Get in the open water swims
Cycling usually doesn’t happen while I’m on vacation. So I have to settle for hotel gyms and hope they have a stationary bike or other passable gym equipment – ugh…. Post-vacation I have a lot of catching up to do.
typically a lot 12 ounce curls
Rent a bike and visit unknown hills on it at early mornings, while the family still sleeps
Triathlons and swimruns in Sweden.
I try to fit in a run or two, but tend to give myself more leeway than I would at home. It is a vacation after all
Hopefully I am somewhere warm and alternate between swimming laps and soaking in some sun!!!
Getting in as much running & open water swimming (depending on location) as I can!
I love getting to go for a run in new places. Plus being on holidays means I can pretty much get a free hour at least every day to go for a session.
I keep training! I may eat a little more here and there, but that’s why we train right? :) It is nice when the days are longer to get longer rides in.
I try to schedule such that vacation is a logical rest week. I usually plan to do a couple of easy runs, but in reality I always end up just stuffing my face and doing nothing.
I often make sure that I can combine something relaxed like some chill swimming or sightseeing in the morning combine with something local, area or country favourite type of excercise/sport in the evening. The ladt one to expand and diversify my knowledge and use of different training forms. All in all, I do keep some sort of training program, keep on, as long as the feeling of some relaxation, fun and still feel of productive training persists :)
No training per see on vacation, but usually lot of ultimate frisbee tournaments.
Running just as hard, but typically cutting down on biking and swimming. I do find myself increasing my gym time, though (more weights).
Vacation IS my chance to train. I work in an intensive care unit, which means lots of long days, lots of overnights, and plenty of weekends. Most of my exercise is grabbed where I can – bike commuting to work, lots of up and down stairs. Vacation is a chance to get out everyday, whether it’s a “staycation” and I finally have a chance for some longer rides or it’s a trip to somewhere with more varied options for cycling. Have to take those opportunities whenever I can.
Holidays usually means cycling. If we don’t go by bike then they come with us.
Generally every second or third day a 5 to 10k run.
Since The Netherlands doesn’t have any mountains to offer (hence the name) I usually plan my vacations around trail routes and/or races. (The Misses just recently realized that this wasn’t just a coincidence :-) So wherever the mountains are -like in the French Pyrenees- you will find me. So: take a .gpx file or just go without…Nevertheless: a GPS watch comes in handy.
Depends where I go. If it is not “bikeable” landscape, I will stick with a 2-3 spinning sessions early in the morning for that week. However, if the hotel is in vicinity of a nice climb or some nice routes, I may go out every other day for a couple hour tour. Either way, it will always be something on the lighter side.
Usually I do biking or hiking.
Running to explore a new city by foot. Best way to do it!
We plan a lot of our vacations around cycle tours. Otherwise, we tend to shift our focus a bit more towards eating and less towards training!
Long runs or just junk miles :)
I try and stick with my training plan but adjust for local conditions. So on a beach vacation I might skip a run to swim instead, or on a ski trip I might assume that 5 hours on the slopes is sufficient to make up for a missed interval session. Otherwise I enjoy running on vacation, as I’m almost always heading somewhere closer to sea level than where I am in Colorado, and I go faster.
I always look forward to time away because I can spend time with my kids, but also because I can run many more kilometres and hours since I have the time.
Normally just running and a bit of open water swimming. The bike stays at home :-(
Wake up, eat, relax, cycle, eat, relax, sleep, repeat.
i tend to not follow a normal training schedule on vacation unless a race is about to come up, but I do try to always do low key runs and swims that take advantage of wherever I am, to see countryside, historical areas or just swim in an ocean. thanks ray.
I always TRY to get a few runs in..
I try to maintain normal training routines as much as possible. I love finding new routes in new places, and asking locals the best places to run. Ideally I get my run in before my wife and kids wake up, and then we all head outside for lots of hiking and other non-lazy activities.
swimming, running, beer, sleep
same or more training actually but more time to rest and relax
du whatever is avaliable. Mostly running, but bike, swim, cardio etc.
Just regular runs, but lots more fun running near the beach.
Try to take my bike with me on any vacation and use Strava to find some nice segments and have some fun. And running of course. Fenix 3 ftw
Depends on the vacations location. In the mountain area I try to do some extra bike training. Otherwise I prefer just running and if there is a lake or ocean some more swimming.
And of course also ice cream ;-)
Running outside in unfamiliar lands while on vacation is the best feeling! Food for my soul!
I try to just relax and recuperate. I keep up my activity with waking.
What better legacy to leave on your holiday than a cycling and running KOM???
I continue my training getting up early in the morning to address before anyone else wakes up. I always bring my swim/run gear. I have packed up the bike when close to a race. I have coordinated races around my vacations to allow pool or ocean-side recovery after a race with a “recovery” cocktail.