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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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.
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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.
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!
3
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.
Press on and enjoy some icecream
Months ahead of time it starts with no change to the plan, then maybe cut down a little the closer it gets. On the actual vacation it winds up being a recovery week logging 0 miles.
Vacation is usually one of the few chances I get to ride as regularly as I’d like (daily)!
I generally enjoy my training, so I try to adjust it to what ever situation I’m in if possible. If not … it’s vacation, so don’t sweat it. Running is my go to if all else fails, but I do like swimming in other places and it’s definitely a treat to bike outside my normal stomping grounds.
I always take my cross bike and ride all the local rail trails.
I like to travel light, so when I’m on vacation I usually run because all I need is my running shoes.
Training while on vacation ? No way, that is time for resting !!!
Generally cut back when on vacation…its vacation for a reason! but i still do get a few workouts in just depends on what is available. Gym or outdoor runs in general! Thanks!
depending on the location, the bike and the swim often leave place to more running and physical exercises :)
I typically try to get runs in. If I get one in, I consider it a success!
I’ve done both cutback and continued training. And they both worked great! One a longer vacation of about a week I cutback and just did a couple easy runs and some VERY short easy rides. Weighed in when I came back and I was lighter and fired up to go hard again. On a Disney vacation I couldn’t pass up the flat terrain and put together a couple days of fast 5ks and netted a few PRs. Fun, but I think I liked the cutback style better!
Depends on the vacation! I have one coming up to Hilton Head where I’ve already stalked all the local tri/bike shops so that I can get my training :)
When on vacation I train interval. And after training i quickly shift to eating ice cream. ;-)
Usually running or biking on the beach, but having my family with me means runs (with the car) to the ice cream parlor.
Beer to beach intervals!!!
During vacation I typically either plan it to be my taper week or everything becomes an “easy” workout.
I train the same amount: liftning weights and running. But I do the training early in the mornings so I have the rest of the dag free
I usually cut back and just enjoy relaxing and eating. But my husband always seem to think that vacation is a perfect opportunity to go running every day. That’s why it would be great to surprise him with this watch before the “summer” kicks in, in cold Norway:)
Vacations are hopefully scheduled during recovery weeks. If not, it’s not so bad to get in some runs… when you’re at the beach.
On vacation Im training like I always do. If I feel like running I go running and if I dont I dont. Typically I get 2-3 workouts per week.
Keep up the interesting blogging and the great giveaways!
Just running, to counteract the food and drink.
Running and Swimming!
Nothing! It’s vacation
I keep up with running and try to find a pool to get a swim or two in. Usually leave the bike home.
I run (preferably on the beach if available) on vacations
Whatever I can that isn’t a hotel facility
Not too much training, it is a holiday and time for some R and R.
Love running on vacation, best way to truly see the sights and a GPS watch that can get me back to the start is always a comforting addition. Added with the ability to wear that sapphire model out anywhere would allow a one watch travel package.
Vacation training:
Drinking wine/beer and hanging out at the pool/beach bar to the point i feel guilty about my inactivity and then i always end up running a few Km’s
I spend my time split between feeling guilty at not exercising more and going out on runs with the family, usually taking in some of the sites on the way…
More weights and non-cardio to save my energy for vacation activities
When on holiday I am certainly active depending on the season. Could be downhill skiing, swimming, running, hiking, etc. However, on holiday there is always time for more relaxation, and sneaking some good food in.
Running! Every day because it’s vacation!
Nothing at all! That’s the point of vacation, right?
a short run and swim if near a beach but nothing too stressful it’s a holiday after all :)
Running. Love the running so that never stops, no matter if it’s Florida or France!
I usually have grand plans to try to train while on vacation, but generally that falls through and I have to train harder when I come back to burn off all the goodies :)
I typically run every day. Running has become a part of my vacationing – I love going to a new city and seeing it “from the ground” as I run around areas that I might just have driven through before.
When I’m on vacation, I sit back, grab some popcorn, and watch my dad race in the local crit races. He’s my inspiration to go out and run, even though I’ve never competed in a single race. I’m more of a freelance runner, backpacker, and the occasional logistics manager for a race management and timing company.
i try to at least do 2-3 runs per week even on vacation
Mostly cycling, sometimes canoeing.
It is about whatever else than running, If i am with friends.
I like to save my vacation days for races… A couple days before the race to “get my head in the game,” and a couple days after to unwind (and enjoy post race beer!)
Vacations are from work, not play. If anything, I train a bit more on vacation given the extra time and the change of location.
I stick with the plan as much as possible. Swimming is usually the most difficult to fit in unless we’re at the beach.
If I’m on a true vacation I just relax. Eat as much as I want of whatever I want. Quite heavenly.
If I’m just traveling for work I still try to get some workouts in, typically just running with my colleagues.
It basically depend on how much room I have to bring my stuff with me. My baby needs a lot of room. For sure my running shoes go with me but if I am lucky I take my bike too :-) To sum up, we should ask her what sports I can do during my vacation. Second option is ice creams and fried fish, yummy yummy!!
Running after the Ice Cream Truck…
Vacation = I eat more ice cream = I run more miles than usual to compensate = I feel happy!
Usually not much is done on vacation but will depend on location. I do try and get out for at least a few runs, especially if somewhere like Hawai’i. :)
run. ideally, a little more than usual
Running!
I move away from the training program and try to plan my runs so that I get to see as much as possible of the surroundings.
Try to do more training than usual, and vacation is from work,which gives me more time to train… More training means a better vacation!
Eating BBQ…and lots of it.
I try to keep to my schedule, but replace some interval sessions with hill training (we don’t have those in NL :-))
longer slower runs as a form of sightseeing
running, swimming and biking!
I’ll do as much as i can work in, and try to incorporate running into my sight seeing. If i can get in 3 runs in a week, with maybe a pickup in one of them, i’m happy.
Cut it waaaay back. Unless it’s a runcation!
try to get a couple of runs in but the whole point of a vacation is to chill out and relax so will take it easier than normal
Run, run & sleep! I want that watch so bad!!
Try and keep roughly the same schedule but switch up sports and lower the intensity.
I typically do short & fast workouts
Cut back week when on vacation. Take it easy. That’s the point of vacations anyway.
Vacation means a warm, long stretch of white sandy beach running, no running shoes, and a time for kids and partner…the whole family, to run together.
You can run everywhere but you can’t always taste the local beers anywhere
when I’m on vacation I use more my watch. I do cycling and running. I never use it in the pool. I take this opportunity to improve the study of my statistics.
Since vacation is time away from work, I actually enjoy getting up earlier than the family and getting in a run every morning, and being the first to hit the shower… Wake up the family, and enjoy that 1st cup of coffee and the day ahead!
If I’m in the middle of a training block, then I’ll stick to the plan. One vacation last year, I stuck with it and ended up doing my bike intervals on a stationary from the 80s.
When I’m not in a training block, I’ll train as hard as I eat.
Usually just try to find a treadmill in the hotel and get a couple sessions in. This fenix 3 would help out greatly with that!!!
Mostly bike – the 2 places we primarily go (Florida and Northern Michigan) we drive – Florida is too hot for running by the time I get out the door, and North Michigan has nice secluded roads for riding.
i usually cut back to 50%. Try to get in some running in a new location.
I run in moderate pace for a medium distance. All of this before breakfast.
So while I run our son buy fresh bread and the wife prepares coffe and eggs.
Splendid setup.
I try to keep up my running while travelling. My next vacation starts with a road marathon…the following two weeks are set aside for a slow recovery.
holiday means either taper or ‘Recovery’ while giving my wife a rest and being run ragged by our 3 little girls.
I usually run first thing in the morning while on vacation. Get it done before the rest of the family is ready to do something!
I typically try to go on a run or two and always bring TRX with me to do as well.
It all really depends on where I go! But even on my three-month trek across the U.S. I ran every morning!
I always train super hard right before I leave so I can do what moves me and is available on the resort at a tropical location. Always swim and do weights minimally. Will run if there is a reasonable place for me to do so, and walk a million miles on the beach. So, yes, it is usually a break from the bike and distance run.
I normally vacation at the beach, I tend to do more running as a means to explore more of the remote areas.
Holiday time means harder training, however during the Holiday itself, I’ve never run (yet).
While on holiday it’s the only time I get to train with my family running, biking, climbing or kayaking. I’m gladand proud to have an active family.
Penalty runs first thing in the morning to make up for all the prior day vacation splurges!
Run around the city I’m in
I add a few more G&Ts to my nutrition schedule, and avoid gear heavy sports, so run more.
Running because it’s the best way to explore the surroundings.
hiking and beer curls
When on vacation, I usually keep running, but riding and strength go in the back burner. If it is a beach vacation, I swim in the ocean every day.
always my vacation is on the mountains so hiking, climbing running and mainly enjoying silence and views :-)
On vacation I run. Unless it’s late July and I am vacationing in Lake Placid. Then I do one long workout, followed by lots of eating.
Running, running faster, runner smarter…hope I win! :)
I go running. Great way to sight see.
Vacations are for relaxing and drinking beer, no workouts.
I always take my running shoes with me on vacation and will do a tempo run, or at least an easy one. Almost never have time for a long run!
I’m pretty even in my approach. I do what I can but, it is a vacation…
Just run so I get done before the kids wake up.
Running, and sex, more of the latter and less of the former.
I try to press on, but inevitably ice cream and beer take on a larger than expected role. Oh well! Mental and physical rest is good!
I usually cut back a lot. Schedule is all disturbed.
Training at a recent weekday break to Centerparcs consisted of towing two 5 year olds around in a trailer behind my rented bike. That and gentle weights comprising several large glasses of red wine on any available occasion!