Heads up – Massive Sports Tech Holiday Deals List is Live!!! The Garmin Fenix 8 is $250 off (even the Fenix 8 Pro is $100 off!), the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is on sale, the Garmin inReach Mini 2 is $249, the GoPro Hero 13 Black, DJI NEO, and a ton of other brands/deals, including Wahoo, Oura, Whoop, Polar, Samsung, Google, and more than 100 sports tech deals 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.
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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.
Sightseeing exploration runs… maybe with a few Strava segments!
Love finding new roads to ride/run
Vacation?? That’s where you sit on a beach and drink, right? Can’t remember… Well if that’s what a vacation is, I guess I would run or swim between beers.
Always running. Streets, trail, etc.
Try to atleast get some miles in without taking away from family time.
If I’m on vacations normally I try to do nothing at all but being in the beach is imposible to don’t some long swims on the sea and maybe a short run too.
Running! – city trails or unknown trails, a great way to experience a new city or get some peace away from it all :)
Swimming in a pool with the kids sounds like a decent plan
Nothing like a good run in a new place on vacation
Vacation is the time to sport everyday and enjoy crossfit training: running, swimming and biking. It’s summer!
And of course a beer (or more) a day to keep the doctor away :)
Happy Holidays!
All my vacations are usually after my A races, so no training schedules or pressure. I love doing easy and long swims and nice and easy “exploration” runs.
I swim in the hotel’s pool ! this or trying to beat local strava segments
Depending on the city/hotel, it may be the only time I actually train on a treadmill.
Short morning runs for me
I try to keep running when on vacation. It is not always easy with a family.
The schedule always wins!
Running on the beach at sunrise!
I always try to take my kit with me if luggage space is available. And like to explore the local area with a few early morning runs to get the lay of the land and my bearings. Always early morning though as otherwise gets far too hot.
Vacation or no vacation – training is the same :)
I try do get back on track with my training schedule. My allday life is so full of events (working, studying, working, working..more working) it is really hard to focus on my tria train. As being a student of chemical engineering i am nearly out of money for this year, caused by the new race machine i bought several days ago. But i am fine with it. I like it!
Have a good time folks, and keep on swimming, biking, running , recovering, *restart*
On vacation I typically get in the same training I would at home. I’m primarily a runner, so its easy enough to throw in some shorts and shoes and a tech t into my suitcase. I’m currently on a business trip, and I’ve actually gotten in more training than normal since I just have work, no family duties. Nailed my final hard week of my marathon plan, now to start the taper.
Running, if I get the chance.
Just morning jogs, no more.
I try to keep to my training plan where possible – if nothing else I make sure I have my running gear.
To get this impressive device here un Chile is not posible, toó expensive, and I really wanted for muy training con MTB and trailrunning….this is whatI really need….fénix hits the road!!
i enjoy having more time to train while on vacation. I also Like to explore new areas that we are visiting.
Running before my family wake up. Reserch the course before you go anywehere.
Usually focus on running due to logistics.
I stick to my training plan and just plan ahead for whatever types of event I’ve got coming up!
usually push on with regular schedule unless I can find some interesting alternative to replace easy cardio days
I usually run along my plan, at a slightly lower pace.
Triathlon or 13.1 :) fun stuff
I am not beach/sea vacation type, but since my wife insists I go for a run in the morning, swimm in the afternoon and bike in the evening, while she reads on the beach:-)
running – cycling – rowing :)
Try to run a couple of times, maybe get out on the bike if I’ve been bothered to strap it to the roof of the car and the occasional sea swim (I’m in the UK, so I stress occasional!).
Chocolate training in vacation for me :)
I pack my running shoes and usually get out for a run in (hopefully) a beautiful part of the world. If it’s a beach vacation, then open water swimming is in the picture too. Other than that, I don’t sweat the little stuff, and as long as I’m active, I’m happy.
Vacation is for cycling.
Holiday’s not only for the mind, but also for the body. So I generally reduce my amount of training and increase my sugar intake via lots of ice cream :).
No training, eat some pastys and try to snipe a few strava segments in the Michigan Copper Country. MTB and road. Great area for all kinds of riding.
Often end up in Colorado, so just try to take advantage of the altitude and topography as much as possible, whether it is running, hiking, biking or any form of skiing.
Most recently: Skiing in the Alps. Upcoming: Mountainbiking in the Alps :)
Sometimes I’ll bring my running shoes and fit in a short run, but I scale back how many times I go out. When I’m on vacation, I like to be active so I think of the 6 hours walking through a museum or the hike I’m doing as cross-training on the lighter side. Enjoy your trip!
I leave for vacation in 9 hours.. I will be running on a treadmill and swimming in the pool on our 8 day cruise. Starting early in the morning so to leave time with family for fun adventures during the day.
I just run. If possible alone with nature.
Vacation I just do maintenance runs trying to balance all the extra food intake with a little calorie burning.
People go on vacations that aren’t focused around a race or trails?
I usually scale back my workouts to something that is manageable because most of the time you need a vacation from training hard too.
I train when I commute. In vacation, no commute, so no training! But I do a few long rides to burn those ice creams…
more training on vacation
I stay active, but my workouts get more relaxed. I enjoy training anyway, so cutting back means less fun.
Putting some miles in my road bike
If I have a race coming up I “try” to stick to my training as much as possible, but also trying to enjoy my time off. I would normally skip the hard intensity and very structured workouts and just put some miles on the legs while enjoy the scenery.
Always try to find a pool when on vacation…i like to swim in random pools to mix it up. And always like to go for a run and get lost on purpose!
Thanks for the giveaways Ray
Matt Aguirre
Depending on the type of holiday, I either cut myself some slack, or I partake in hotel workouts. Either in the gym, or improvised workouts using my room as a gym (ie. triceps dips on a chair, lunges etc.)
Definitely cut back a bit, usually because those I’m vacationing with aren’t as interested in long workouts as I am.
I try to make early morning runs before anyone else is up. Running is a great way to know new places and with a fenix3 I won’t get lost :)
On vacation I try to step back from running and get on my bike.
Normally I am on vacation in hot places, so I tend to go on slow LSD runs very early in the morning to avoid overheating. Have tried Intervals, but not a success :-)
Thanks for all the interesting stuff on your website.
Hi !! Usually in restful holiday, mainly in the mountains or countryside and take advantage of go jogging mountain trails, I Trail Running and in these cases it is necessary to know where one walks without getting lost. I love the mountains, cross country running, lost in nature, being in direct contact with it. I enjoy it to the fullest. Live Sport !! Live trail running !!
And a Fenix3 would be excellent for my training and racing !!
Greetings !!!
I run as usual! The best way to see new places is to run, you see so much more, learn about new short cuts. Running on vacation is the absolute best way to explore! A lot of my vacations end up being race specific, but if not, I will always truck on with my training as planned. Sometimes I”ll switch it up depending on the location – in Colorado? trail running! In chattanooga? White water rafting! Any way to get out and explore the city and the outdoors is my favorite way to spend a vacation. Obviously closing the day with some killer local food and beers.
Run! About the same distance but easy effort to explore where I’m at!
Some sight seeing runs are enough for a vacation
Usually during vacation we spend most of our time entertaning the kids and some easy runs here and there. No strict schedule or things like that!
It all depends on where we go and what the kids are up to, but generally early morning runs followed by hiking and exploring!
I love exploring when on vacation. Sometimes that means going on a run or hiking new trails. Sometimes long long walks through unfamiliar cities, soaking up the sites, sounds, smells.
Every vacation lately is a race-cation. Next one is Augusta, GA for a half ironman.
I work as a Captain on big cargo ships so most of my running is on a treadmill. But whenever I get a chance to go ashore and run and take it. Because of my job, a vacation for me simply means going home to my wife and 4 daughters instead of leaving home to travel to somewhere warm and sunny. While at home on ‘vacation’, I practice karate 3 days a week and run on the other 4 days. Currently I’m training for my first 1/2 marathon and just raced my first 5k in 22:46. I’m training using the Maffetone Method using a Mio Link (thanks to your review), and an Endomondo app on my phone. I don’t have a running watch but I would love to incorporate one into my training however with 4 daughters a watch is not in the budget right now. If you find someone else here who needs it more than me please give it them, but if not it would be a great benefit to this amateur runners training towards my goals. Thanks for all the great reviews. Cheers.
Unfortunatley, the only ‘vacations’ I take are going to races. I don’t have the funds to do both. I have several races on the agenda, including Beach to Battleship Full iron-distance and then the following weekend Marine Corp Marathon.
Vacation usually take place in my home country. I run every other day an easy 8km with my wife and a couple of childhood friends. We also enjoy walking in the mountain from early mornings till evening.
Keep the good work!
I convince my wife and kids to join me in visiting some out of way places, when we land up there, they realize its a marathon related tourism visit
I do what I can, 4km in a 10m pool, extra runs, usually have to skip the cycling but most importantly I try not to let my training get in the way of time with my family.
Dependes where I am, if I can, I will keep training as normal (unless the vacation is race oriented, of course) but I try being flexible and if I have to skip a few sessions to get somewhere on time (or if I’m really tired) I do give myself a rest…
Take off and relax!! No ice cream though, never dairy!
I like to try to bring my bike wherever I go.
Always running.
What’s a vacation? If I had one I’d be chasing two active kids around.
Training is my time to relax by the pool and play lots of golf
I just chill and indulge!
I don’t train while on vacation, but a lot of walking to see the sights should make up for some.
I love to race-cation!!!
pretty much the same routine….if I’m at a beach I’ll do ocean swimming instead of the pool. still spend most of my time in the gym and use bike machines and treadmills. never go anywhere without my foam roller!
Try new beer and walk a lot! Hopefully get a bike ride in here and there. Portable GPS like the Fenix watch would be great to have on vacation (as my Garmin Edge is mounted to bike & smartphone rather keep safe from water, etc.)
For vacation, I fit in run’s when I can and for the rest of the time make sure I get some sort of solid activity. That activity may be hiking or a hotel gym workout.
My “vacations” (as I call them when explaining to my family why we have to travel to some remote location) usually happen to coincide with a big trail race of some description.
Rather than training it seems only appropriate to race on such occasions rather than training.
You know, seeing as we’re going to be there anyways.
Climb my favourite hill over and over trying to beat my own record :)
Always kick up the training sessions and recovery sessions (naps) while on vacation!
I always take the road bike and get a few good miles in between walking my dog and my wife rolling out of bed late morning :)
Running and swimming – biking is harder as it’s usually a pain to take the bike with me if I’m flying but sometimes that does happen anyway. Regardless, I usually get more training done on holiday than I do when I’m at home – pesky thing called work interferes at home!
Vaccation is when taking time of from work to go race =) next trip is to austria to test the form in st Pölten 70.3 then go home and tweek it up few weeks for IM Austria =) Thats Vaccation
I cut training back, but try to get out for some easy running around whatever area I’m visiting.
always taking my running shoes with me and try to stick to my running schedule. Swimming if possible (of course not if hiking in the alps) but no bike at all. Too much of logistics involved.
I always plan on keeping the training going completely but usually slip a couple of times or do lower distances. My eating is all over the place when I’m away because I can’t say no to beer and burgers. Most vacations also end up being for a race so I’m typically in taper anyways.
Training during vacation is fun, I usually end up training more as I am in a new place and like exploring.
Hiking… Biking… What’s a vacation?… I need vacations from my vacations. I adjust my training around the primary activity of the vacation. Last trip to Yellowstone for just under two weeks was 160 miles of hiking with a heavy pack (GPS logged)… I ran a PR half marathon shortly after getting back from vacation.
I usually limit myself to some nice running. Given the occasion I will look to the local pool. But nothing that remotely makes up for all the vacation chocolate.
I usually splurge and rent the highest end road bike I can get. I’ll probably never of own DI2 but it sure is fine to use!
My training on vacations consists of very slow running a.k.a. walking followed by ice cream and pizza rewards. Which reminds me, I need a vacation!
On vacation usually I prefer cross training
nomz all the street food i can get.