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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.
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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.
We usually vacation in and around Mt. Shasta, Ca. Backcountry mountain biking for cardio and a TRX around a knob cone pine for strength conditioning!
It all depends…I’ve gone one Vacation where I’ve run a Half Marathon at Longbeach, and then walked stiffly around Disney Land the rest of the week, or as in our last Vacation in Feb to Kona, I bought some new running gear in Hawaii, but didn’t run at all! (lot’s of Hiking, but nothing noteable to add to Polar flow.) When we talk about where to go on Vacation with the Family, the first thing I do is try to find a race at the location, and decide if its far enough ahead to build a plan for that race. Running will always be a part of my life, so I don’t beat myself up if I don’t go for a run on holidays, but if I am training for a race, I don’t plan on going on vacation in between. Thanks Ray, for you being you.
…which holidays?!? ;)
Running as usual, occasionally some climbing!
Usually more free time is substituted with more family time. So workout time is kept constant. Still tryingo t get family to take more hikes!
I usually swim if we’re on vacation near a body of water. Otherwise it’s just running shoes and a lot of relax and recovery time!
I don’t stick to my training sched, but I do seem to do a lot of relaxing/scenic runs.
Usually do a duathlon. RUN / Beer or SWIM / Beer.
On vacations, i’m allways struck by hyperphagia and just try to build the biggest energy reserves i can. Just boosting my morale
Although my training schedule has to be shifted a bit, I still keep on running!
Normally a bike vacation. So a lot of miles at easy speed
Holiday training? I suppose 16 oz bicep curls don’t really cut the mustard?
I’ll run almost anywhere I go. I enjoy it and it’s a great way to see a place.
I’ll bike if it’s an exceptional biking destination like Maui or Tuscany. Otherwise, no.
I’ll swim if I’m on a beach or lake, but I’ll only hit the pool if I see good-looking women walking in that direction with towels and copies of 50 Shades or Cosmo.
I run everywhere I go. For motivation, I look for local strava segments to snipe.
I try to find a local race to run where I’m at, and also mix in a couple of runs. Vacation comes first, though.
I reduce the miles for family harmony. But, I really enjoy running new routes while on vacation.
I get up early and run through the beautiful British hills for a few hours, before heading back in time for breakfast with my family.
I always have great intentions of working out but rarely do I actually accomplish it all. I do however usually fit in a couple of runs or crossfit work outs. This year I intend to ride my bike while on vacation. We’ll see how that goes. =)
I train for the beer mile when on vacation (minus the running part)
I am currently training for my first half marathon. If a take a week vacation, I will not stop my running training plan at all. I will merely get my miles in wherever I am at, and stick to the plan. I must complete my goals!
When I am on vacation I am sure to get a lot of running in and I also tend to swim a lot, as long as the place we are vacationing has a good swim spot. I can always count on being able to run, so that is my main go to for workouts while on vacation.
Nothing like a good long run and then not having to do anything else the rest of the day.
Having my running/swimming gear with me always, and usually according to the training plan. Cycling is tough when traveling so it’s being replaced with running.
Also doing much training in parenting as vacations are now pure family trips. :)
Vacation time for me is all about my kids. I get up early, get some early miles in to keep myself ticking over & then have some fun with my kids. Then of course come the drink at night, however it wouldn’t be a vacation if you didn’t have fun.
I always like running to explore a new area. Also like to swim if a pool or ocean is close by.
To the max based upon what options are available.
I just do some relaxed running, taking in the scenery.
Ah yes, vacation. A time of spiritual renewal and search for grace.
The first day of any vacation is spent reflecting on the previous few months that lead to this point. Quit mediation and soothing music. This is greatly enhanced by the six Bloody Mary’s I consumed beforehand. Unfortunately this time of quiet solitude is shattered after 10 minutes by first my wife asking what in the world am I doing drinking at 7am when we need to get to the airport and then my young son tackling me as I sit on the floor.
Long flight but still tranquil. Bloody Mary’s 7 through 10.
We arrive at a destination that is exotic but well known to me. The native population have the veneer of warm welcoming but in their eyes is a sense of menace, danger. As we are exiting the airport it washes over me.. Utah.. In-laws.. No more Bloody Mary’s. Please God save me.
Days pass in a blur. I don’t remember much. I sense I went running due a memory of my wife telling me that I couldn’t actually run home. She doesn’t understand what extreme motivation can accomplish.
Seven days pass and I am home. Once again, quiet time and reflection. My wife is at peace, grateful for the time spent with loved ones in a distant land until a realization starts to gnaw at her. Growing and growing until panic is close at hand.
Next time… It’s my family.
Well I hit the training hard.. not easing up at all.. well other than for the relaxing, ice cream’s, good food, looking after kids.. hmm when do I get time to train..
Running at vacation pace works for me.
I generally sit in the hotel gym for hours on end and use the bench to do 100s of dumbbell bicep curls! ……. And by gym, I mean beach and by bench, I mean beach lounge and by Dumbbells I mean mojitos!
I like to runn and discover new places :)
I always try to run at 9min pace.
I’m currently training for my first Half-Ironman. My “vacation” training depends on the type and location. For token holidays where we travel to a relatives for a few days, training continues on uninterrupted. I mean, what better excuse can you have to get out for a while when visiting the in-laws for Easter, right?
For getaway or major celebrations, I must admit that having a good time is FAR more important to me than a training plan. I rationalize it as “recovery time” for everything except probably my liver.
It’s the latter reason why I’ve tried hard not to schedule long, relaxation vacations while in the middle of a training plan. It’s one thing to lose ground when you’re just maintaining fitness, it’s another to lose 2 full weeks of a 12 or 16-week training plan.
Usually cycling and swimming are the victims (cycling almost always, as i rarely take my bike with me). But continue running. Usually very early in the morning.
Normally it’s a few short runs and a lot of sun!
Ppfftt, I run just as hard on the way to the bus, so I don’t miss waiting for the first chair to take me to some ‘intense’ skiing!
I like to go to the mountains for some real climbing training. There’s nothing over 500 metres around here.
Dec
Our vacations are always active ones…9 times out of 10…camping. It’s the only kind the we and the dogs enjoy. We carry the mountain bikes and the kayaks, plus I love running, so its always a combination of those things. Recently I also purchased a TRX and that can be done anywhere, and I usually do. No matter what the activity, I track it with my FR 15 and HRM. Can’t wait to finally have this awesome watch and new HRM!
Depends on the vacation location, but the training doesn’t stop. Usually it’s running, or if I can find a pool swimming.
I press on according to the schedule. Running is a great way to see new places and cities.
When traveling, running is my goto training, either in the hotel gym or outside. It’s easier to pack just shorts and sneakers.
When on vacation, I cut back, but never stop. As a matter of fact, I enjoy running in new places, so being on vacation almost inspires me to run more!
Vacations are for training! Snow skiing, no breaks! Hiking whenever possible
Try to stick to the plan as best as possible.
I tend to slightly cut back. I’ll still run, but just not as much … It would be rare that I would go a whole vacation without out running at least once.
I tend to plan my vacation as part of my cycling, that is to go somewhere new and ride around there (like for ex. Italian Dolomites, Croatian seaside …), just explore and ride on roads that are new for me.
Training on holiday is pretty much whatever my program says it should be.
Depends on how influential my wife is! I always try to keep up my training, but poolside margaritas surprisingly feel better than intervals.
I spend time in the French Alps hiking, cycling and eating.
Vacation? Whats a vacation? I can pick up the shoes and run nearly anywhere and for my first vacation since I started training last year I’ll hopefully be near some open water with sand and boats so I’m sure some lazy open water swims will be nice….
My vacations has revolved around big races. I would arrive a few days early, do a few easy workouts and then Race. After the race, I will be “recovering” until I get back home.
I LOVE to hammer hard in the early mornings while on vacation…then I get to really feel a sense of accomplishment for the rest of the day…while feeling pretty guilt free for any indulgences :-)
Running – I love the chance to try some new trails, along the seafront, or pound the early morning streets of an unfamiliar city.
I work with what I have. If it’s a cruddy hotel gym spinning machine, fine. If I can rent a bike and go ride somewhere better still. But training takes a back seat to reconnecting with family. I end up feeling recovered and my partner doesn’t change the locks on our house on me.
I may not run as much, but I love trying to find places to run when visiting somewhere new is part of the fun!
Body weights circuits, hills sprints and -00m swim reps…..followed by wine glass bicep curls and bad dancing!!!
I try not to take a vacation if I have a goal race coming up so I don’t mess up my cycle. I try to plan my goal races around my vacations. So most of my vacations are between cycles. I usually just try to get out early in the morning and keep my aerobic foundation in check and call it goods so I can enjoy the rest of the day!
I try to keep on running — only if my wife lets me!
I try to at least go in walks while on vacation, if not run. However the ice cream manages to be sooo tempting :)
whatever run is on the schedule
Trying to lift drinks by the pool!!!!
exploring morning runs in Thailand.
I usually cut back, but try to emphasis getting in a morning run. It helps to get out and see the city before it ‘wakes up’.
more sleep, more food, more time, more training- two runs a day and a swim! THanks for hosting.
My wife and I will do a more relaxed bike ride when on vacation so we can take in the scenery!
Vacation work out? Normally hookers and booze.
I like going on vacation to places I can do some riding
Really depends on where I am, sometimes it’s hardcore biking and running… sometines it’s less hardcore and just diving :)
I plan on running a lot this summer when i do an externship in Argentina. I will be staying in Buenos Aires for 6 weeks and hope to really meet the new city on foot for the the most part. Generally running is the way i learn about new places especially on vacation. I don’t cut back on my schedule as usually vacations are during the building phase so i probably run more. Also i try and just eat whatever is local but that won’t mess with me too much.
Haven’t been able to vacation in such a long time, but when I do, hiking is what I want to do when I’m out of my hometown surroundings. Give me a mountain to claim and tame, and I become the happiest person around. I’ve only just started reading your blog, so this is the first giveaway I’ve entered, so I hope I am doing this correctly. Anyway, have a good day, and good luck to everyone!
Running, cycling with a WeeHoo iGo trailer for the 3 year old son, and hiking.
Running. Usually early in the morning before the family wake up. I generally like to head off the main routes hunting out hidden gems or I pick some landmark that looks interesting and within range and do my best to work out how to get there.
Finding the best runs/rides to explore wherever I am! I’ll be studying abroad in Tokyo this term, and can’t wait to explore the suburbs.
Running, but lately it has been difficult to find the time for sports, and it’s too cold for swimming
Running, Hiking… for hours… however, wherever
All my vacations are mountain biking or snow biking vacations. So I don’t go on a trip without my bike.
Depends on what I have at my disposal. Usually try to at least run and do some strength training. Usually end up with a mass gain program because of how much I eat
I try to keep the plan going, but typically vacations become an unplanned “cutback week”. The good(?) news is I don’t take too many vacations!
I always step it up on vacation because that usually means that other members of my family are there to watch our kids!
I run and cycle when I get a break from the site seeing.
I usually cut back a little. But I make sure I get something done while I’m away. Even if it’s just a mile or two on a treadmill.
I always intend to get some running and swimming in on my vacations but it usually turns into the icecream and bonbons option.
Generally holiday means a morning run twice a week, before the sun gets really hot… twice to keep some form of shape and not drop back too much.
I need something to track my new Swimrun focus this year! Please!
Fredrik
Typically, I increase training volumes by 25 to 50% during vacation. Mostly long runs or rides in the early morning or late evening when the Kids are not awake.
I live on a tropical island so when we are on vacation we hit the beach for a week. I take this opportunity to exercise on the beach; the difficulty is twofold because of the sand and hot temperatures. Early Morning would be jog on the beach, later we chill at the beach and work on a specific set of muscles (e.g. Squats and lungs for legs) and then just sit back relax and take a dip in the ocean.
It’s all terrain based. Lately I’ve been in hiking-friendly areas, so I’ll get out for a long one. If I’m by the ocean, I’ll try to swim. But as a baseline, no cycling, and 40 minute runs (good rule from the podcast.)
Press on with schedule….. It is a vacation from work, not life!
I like to run wherever I am because it is one of the best ways to see a new city. If facilities are available, I also try to get a swim in.
I push it harder on vacations…non-vacation days are for recovering :)
I usually take advantage of all the free time on vacation to do extra training, and then i spoil it having beers…
Bike and run as much as possible :)
Some running and swimming, but mainly refreshing!
Always i take with me my Garmin. 99% my vacarían has sport. A run,trek or a bike ride.
Lately in treks have problem to recharge.
Is it strange that my vacations end up being more strenuous that my regular training? That way I don’t have to worry about fitting my workouts in.
I tend to halve my training plan and depending on where I am try to run the trails a lot more since I mostly only run roads when i’m at home.
I try to keep up, or otherwise I am really doomed to a single leaf of lettuce and half a glass of water a day afterwards, since it seems that for every kilo of food I intake I gain two kilos of waistline…
Enough running/swimming as an attempt to stay weight neutral. Eating on vacation can be a workout!
Training tends to seriously suffer on vacation. There might be a few runs, but other than a lot of walking, that’s it.
Nothing at all.
Just sea sex n’ sun ;-)
Summer holidays are always good to rest and plan the coming season. I just keep my shape
Just do a lot of fork and knife action while doing some glass action
Vacation with family is tough on runnig schedule. Its mostly relegated to running behind kids.