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!
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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.
Vacation? Not for my training! Brains need vacation, muscles and bodies don’t… So I keep running 20+ km’s as I do in non-vacation period…
Marvellous!
I always go on the same location in the northern Alps for holidays, for several reasons. So I know some good mountain trails but I have one special I run and re-run all the time. Single loop of about 10 miles and 3000 ft+ at dawn. And after that, ready for the daily wanderings w/family. This explains why I’m sooooo interested by a fenix3. My old Foretrex401 is for ultras only.
Happy holidays Ray
As a weekend warrior, it depends on what I’m training for and how far away the event is, but most of the time I’m doing outdoorsy stuff on vacation so I don’t go out of my way to do more.
Usually keep up the run training. If I am lucky there is a pool and I can’t get some swimming in. With two kids, no room to bring the bike!
Just packing up for a trip down south for ANZAC holiday (aussie here!!)
But wont hurt to pack extra “just in case” i decided to run!
Cheers!
I adjust my training to the environment I am in. Will be in the mountains in a few weeks and expect to do a lot of hiking and mtb
Usually cut back, but now that I’m running more, I will plan a couple of runs for future vacations.
I like to do a little every day, nothing to strenuous!
I am new to running, and right now slowing down during a vacation may not be such a smart choice so I will definitely pack my gear when going on a trip!
Just try and keep it simple.
Utilize tools that are available to do an intense workout. Time is limited so intensity is key.
Training on vacation? Maybe a run…
Three items: running, running and running!
Despite my best intentions, I always seem to taper off a bit during vacations. I still get my swims and runs in, but they tend to be slower paced. I think it’s the novelty of doing something familiar in a new place and enjoying the new sights.
ehile on vacation I typically train more than normal b/c I have more time. I will usually go for an early run, play with the kids, go for an afternoon run, and then go for an evening walk. Doing this also allows me to eat more sweets, which is never bad!
Typically vacation week is a scheduled active rest week for me but whatever I do I look for a departure from the norm like get off the roads and into nature. Ultimately I do this because a steady intake of breakfast cocktails
i cut back, relax with family, take walks, sfamily swims.
I always try and holiday near hills/mountains as i don’t have any at home
Vacation is a time to shred dirt on the mountain bike, powder on the skis, or whitewater in the kayak.
It depends whether I’m traveling or on a stay-cation. Just had a week off at the beginning of April and did a bunch of training, because I was home and there was nothing else to do! When traveling, I usually try to do short workouts in the hotel and walk as much as possible!
I love training while own vacation. I’ve seen parts of the world while on training runs I would never (and most others) see. Cycling while traveling, now that’s not so much fun…
I try to get out and explore while doing physical activity. Trail run, explore the city, rent a bike. See it from outside of a steel and glass box.
Depends on where I travel to, but usually training doesn’t stop. If the hotel/resort has a pool or gym I’m there before breakfast to get my workout in (and before the fiancee wakes up). If no pool or gym, then its a quick jog and calisthenics.
I’m training much harder an much stronger then I do regularly…….probably add one more training per day…..morning Long runs and hiit training….
Love to be on vacation……
Usually competing i biathlon, and vacations are more like training camps!
running touristically, on the discovery trail…
and where possible, find a race/trail to taste the couleur locale =)
I m currently on vacation but aiming at half marathon race this sunday so i m not pushing the last week of course :).
Otherwise what i love in vacation is the be able for a morning run and a rest rather than just shower and jump into car for work ><
I’m currently training for a half and I’m on vacation. I’ve been doing all the runs I planned but have been slower (most like due to the junk food and alcohol that I don’t normally consume)
What better time to run than on vacation…. new horizons and all that!
I try to stick to the plan as best as possible, but usually have to adjust. The bike workouts may have to be on a spinning bike, and the swim can only happen if there is a place to swim. Running is the easiest to stick to.
long run on the trails
I try to find time to maintain fitness, but most holidays these days involve a race.
I am going to Pefkos in Rhodes in September. Currently I am following a beginner runners program whereby I run for a few minutes then walk for a minute and repeat this in sets till I have ran for 30 minutes.
I hope by September to reach week 8 of this program whereby I will be able to run without walking for a full 30 minutes, and then push on so I can reach 10km.
On holiday I have an ambition to run from Pefkos to Lindos which is about 5km. It will be very hot but I plan to take water with me and see how I go. If I can manage this just once in the 2 weeks i’ll be really happy.
i always enjoy some longer slow runs to take in the sights, sounds, and good old people watching
Vacation is an opportunity to train in a different environment with different scenery and enjoy a few extra reward calories – Enjoy the process!!!
Holiday is running on new, undiscovered terain! Happy holidays!
My vacations are usually beach vacations, so I usually reduce the training load and use it as a bit of a maintenance and health break. Usually do a short cardio/strength circuit and then a bit of spinning or running. Basically this just justifies the copious beer, wine and rum drinking that follows. If I can get out of a 7 day vacation only up 3 or 4 pounds…. that’s a win!
Always throw a set of running shoes in the pack – and you can get in a workout anywhere!
Usually just run wherever we are- without stressing about distance/intensity – if there is something particularly cool about the locale we are visiting, then I’ll do something specific to the area.
Hmmm training in vacation, fascinating concept!! Depends on the location and season. But I will run or just do some body weight exercises. Or most likely do nothing and pour another glass of wine!!
Mostly hiking, rarely running usually no swimming
I definitely cut back and focus on doing low intensity runs/rides. Mostly, enjoy the place I am vacationing at!
Vacation is time to relax… A couple of trail runs, but not to fast
Usually no running. Instead I substitute really long walks in the mountains. 5 days of walking marathons over 8000′ carrying 30lbs of crap to keep you alive? That’s a nice vacation ;)
I’m usually do some run and bike un mountain ans home work…
I try to power through as much as possible, but am as guilty as the next person in skipping a workout if circumstances require :)
I train as if I’m not on vacation. Part of it is being able to train in a new and fun place!
I train just as usual + include other extra-curricular activities :)
Usually we are going to the beach for vacation, so I do cut back on the bike, bud do more run and swim.
Warm water is rare where I live :)
mostly hiking and mountain biking
Typically my training schedule loses steam during vacations. I try to make it up by being more active (hiking, walking around town, etc) during the days. The exception is when I vacation solo and schedule bonus work outs.
If I can, I make them boot camp style – loose weight, gain muscle and keep active. But a 10mi walk = 10mi run in my book.
If the vacation includes the grandparents I get to work out with my wife. So I always try to find a pool so I can see her in her swimsuit.
Vacation runs = exploration runs – I see more when on foot than when on wheels.
I’ll usually find a route to run at least once to do a bit of exploring but for the most part I take time to vacation and cut back on the training.
Vacation for me usually means cutting back on running, but not cutting it out completely. Running is a great way to get out and really see the area I’ve traveled too!
Mostly running :)
Well most of my vacations these days, are cyclingholidays (all of them actually) so yeah we go to the mountains and do 100k+ rides with a few Cols in them each day.
I cant think of better ways to explore new cities and places without my running shoes, maybe a slower pace but often longer distance. Thank you for a wunderful site /Markus from Sweden
Relax mostly, maybe some runs or swimming if I have access to a pools. No biking as it is to much to travel with. Definitely more chocolate than during normal training.
A nice easy run or a swim will usually do… unless it’s a destination race :)
Running, and sometimes biking or swimming. Always aerobic.
A god chance to sightseeing and running
If I’m on a “typical” vacation, I try to keep up with my running (I’m a runner) and strength workouts, but I don’t beat myself up if I can’t do them all.
However, these days, most of my vacations are centered around running, so my training is actually increased on these trips. :)
In my holliday I go to France and climb a mountain on my bike!
Previously I’ve taken it as an opportunity to relax but this year I’m hoping to incorporate sight seeing and running
Usually we try to keep active during our vacations, but the normal training is put to the side so we can focus more on having fun.
Cycling and running for me; sometimes a little swimming, but mostly floating!
The only point of vacation is to either go mountain biking or hiking. Training and fun combined.
Running because of the simplicity. Depending on the vacation I may reduce or step up the training
On vacation I usually ride on my usual time (6am) and come back home to finish my “night” sleeping a little more. Usually I add some tennis sessions on the afternoon, since I don’t have to work.
I Run because I try to keep balance in the Force. And by the Force.. I mean my weight.
one mile running = one beer
My wife and run several days wherever we are on vacation. At the beach, there is also a lot of bike riding, although at a leisurely pace.
I always try to run on holiday, usually miss my steed so much I have to keep busy with a jog. Either that or rent a bike!!
The only vacation’s we usually take is to the beach a few times a year. I look forward to the challenging beach runs every morning. I always seem to find a few leg muscles that haven’t been tested in quite a while.
When I am not on a trecking-vacation I go for a run early in the morning.
Flirt with running. At dawn. At sunset. I fill my lungs with fresh air and my energy body . When I do not run , just enjoy the excellent company of my wife and sometimes encourage him to run. Occasionally we climbed a hill together.
Vacation is when I train the most!
I try to stay on schedule, but that doesn’t always work! (It depends on whether business or pleasure and how far away – when I had to travel to the Middle East for work it was challenge to fit in the time while acclimating to the new time zone and weather.)
I run run run. If we’re gone long enough I stop in at a local CrossFit box and WOd it up!
My wife and I usually plan our vacations around races I want to do, so typically we’ll get there a day or so before the race, and once it’s done, vacation truly starts and I don’t do any more training
My vacations are the reason I train: climbing and backpacking trips. Too tired by the end of the day to do additional training!
Usually a a couple of runs with my daughter.
All in on relaxing :-)
Next holidays we plan to cycle in Holland. I’ve already got me Fenix3 but if I win one it’ll go to my wife Jane who always keeps asking news how fast we’re going as we cycle.
Run a little, eat a lot.
Just a little running and cycling with my girl ;)
Often we go for a hike
A long mountain trail run!
Running on vacation is just another way to explore….training doesn’t stop.
I at least try to find a pool so I can burn off carbs. at the beach I’d definitly go for jogs in the morning
Rented a road bike last vacation, out every day exploring – sweet!
Vacation is meant to be relaxing. For me it means no training whatsoever. I pay for it afterwards, but I sincerely the time away from work and training.
vacation ? what’s that ?
I’m totally neurotic about not missing training days, so the schedule doesn’t change. Intensity comes down a bit. Then after a few days I give in an enjoy the vacation.
When on vacation, it is the only time I can run and sleep late since the wife is not on her way to work . I usually have to get up, run and be back before the family gets up. I like running but I do like sleeping late.
More of the same…swim, bike, run- just in a different place!
Ideally on a vacation I would be camping. So the exercise I would do is hiking and trail running with maybe some swimming if I could find some water that was warm enough.
If I’m Traveling, I often have a schedule too packed for workouts. But I’m trying to change that and stay places with a workout pool or go on runs before the planned activities.
Early morning runs to have the rest of the day for vacationing.
A little run and biking a lot is the best. This summer will do the Ventoux again in every direction.