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.
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.
Beach runs and family cycling trips.
Just maintaining some basic condition.
One of my favorite things to do when I’m on vacation is to go for an early morning run. I’m up before the family anyway, and I love exploring the new location. It’s a much better way to get to know a place than driving in a car.
Lots of hiking and swimming when I’m not in a city – otherwise running rules!
I’d say I usually cut back on running and go on an Italian gelato marathon regime! Unless I’m in some mountainous region, where my gelato marathon is combined with long and steep hikes to the highest peaks!
Depending where the vacations are if at beach focus is more on swimming but still less but more food …
Since I am in the military, when I am able to take a vacation or leave, I rest. I take my Garmin, but if all goes well it will stay in the suitcase!!
Finding a different running route each day with the best local scenery!
the running route is per definition totally picturesque.
only having to wake up early causes some problems
My parents-in-law think I’m crazy for packing my running gear every vacation :-). Vacation+ a morning run is the perfect way to clear your head.
Vacation means more long rides and open water swim. And of course ice cream))
Cycling but i never had vacations on my life…..
Relaxing and recovering for the post holidays times.
ultrarunning :)
I like to take relaxed runs and enjoy the place I’m visiting.
When I’m on vacation, I cut back a little bit. I run maybe 1/3 less mileage. Thanks for sponsoring, Clever Training!
Running early in the morning because it gets damn hot in Hungary during the summer.
Hit or miss. I’m definitely less motivated and my regular schedule is all messed up. I try to incorporate more walking, hiking, sightseeing while on vacation to stay more active.
There’s nothing like cycling in new places
I usually vacation at a lake, so plenty of good openwater swims.
I run if possible, depending on time and the surroundings. But mostly I seek to get moving with the kids like hiking, swimming, walking. In other words, I don’t put a lot of emphasis on exercise when I’m on vacation but I try to keep active.
Everything possible! If there’s a court, maybe shift to tennis – but usually it’ll be the mainstay of running. I try to get the intensity higher in these periods, usually because you have plenty of down time to rest & recover.
Cheers Ray & all.
Normaly i’m not training during vacation. But since i’m a new runner, I would like to run on my next trip!
Usually I train more on vacation, but at the moment all I’m wishing for is eating ice cream at the sea :)
I mostly do easy runs in order to see the most I can in the minimum of time!
I stick to running and swimming (if possible). If I am skiing, I just stick to skiing to keep my active! Thanks for the giveaway!
Running. New places to explore, and a loads of free time for long distances.
Long runs baby!
When I am on vacation that is most of the time because I plannend a race somewhere, like upcoming week in Denmark. On of the things I always do is eating an icecream the evening before running an ultra. :)
Im normally a cyclist. I train both road and MTB normally.
In my vacation I try to find spinning bikes in the hotels, but sometimes thats not available. Those times I usually go for a run in the morning every other day.
It will be cycling as I will be in Amsterdam.
Some long bike rides and hikes to burn off the nightly beers.
Easy run to explore the area, maybe rent a bike as well, but keep it light to enjoy the vacation.
If I can match the calories in with the calories out while I’m on holiday then I reckon I’m doing OK. I generally try to keep my training by adding a touring element to my running or cycling. It means that it is a little less focused and feels a little more like a vacation at the end of it all.
Mainly consists of running mixed with seeing the sights.
this week I’m on vacation and will be doing some running. Might try to jump in the water for a swim too.
I like training hard because in vacations i can rest more :) And the whole ice cream thing is important too :D
It really depends. I generally try to stick to the schedule, but then it depends on the mood, and I won’t cry over a lost repetitions session in a torrid heat.
Run every day, to much to do when i get back
Running and especially hills because The Netherlands is so flat as my ass ;-)
My vacation IS training – last two trips I’ve made have been to ride my bike in the Alps of France and Austria!!
Short vacations are usualy all about rest, and on longer vacation I try to keep my schedule.
Vacation means new sport destination :)
Holiday’a first days are about rest with my 3 children and wife. After this I realise that I should do something more serious, so running early morning and/or biking afternoon.
Running as usual. Lots of new things to see makes the miles fly by.
As usual, bicycling.
If I’m on a specific plan then I train while I’m on vacation. If not then typically no.
As I am on a holiday as we speak I can tell you, Trying to keep up with your schedule is hard!
So every km is a small victory.
The last 5 days u managed to get 6k.
As a Dutch training in tropical climates is a bitch :)
Depends on the vacation, but try to fit in some easy runs or at least a lot of walking/exploring.
Living in a city, i normally do running, but when on vacation, i mostly go to the mountain and change to Ski Touring in Winter and MTB, Hicking in Summer. Mostly long trainings with moderate power.
Only swim during holidays, no time for running or cycling.
I think holidays are all about being together with the family; I feel selfish if I go out and sport on my own every day, leaving kids & wife alone on the beach
All of my vacations consist of my races! Running half to 50k trail or road races. But with taking a real vacation I stick to plan all possible. Hotel requirement is to have treadmills :-)
scale back and just run.
I usually take holidays as a moment off. But I can’t resist a nice beach or a rock climbing session :-)
Definitely cut back, but still go for some runs and swims. Enjoying the fact it doesn’t have to at 5.30am:-)
I don’t get much of a chance for holidays being a wedding photographer and as I’ve only just started to running this year I have no idea what I would do but I would imagine I would want to try some new places to run.
Sleep ’till quite late, good breakfast, read, lunch, sex, run or cycle, read a bit more and sleep.
Next day… the same
depends on the location – often the trip is specifically going to great mtb trails!
otherwise most often “training” turns to more casual running to see the place
I run and bike on vacation, but unless it is a race, I don’t wear my running watch on vacation. That changes things up enough-a change is as good as a rest!
Enjoying the rest, no workouts
Everyday running, że 5-10km with sightseeing
On vacation I actually get more into training, since I’m in a new environment, new places to run, swim, etc. Sometimes I get some training sessions that I’d never be able to complete if I were home.
I try and just keep my fitness lever at a base level while on holiday so I can spend some quality time with the kids and wife.
Always take my running shoes, never use them. Maybe next time…
I enjoy running intervals beach to hotel and hotel to the beach.
Any weekend / week away must include swimming cycling and running
Nothing special during vacations. Just more time to have fun with my futur Fenix 3 ;o)
I only take “race” vacations.
A 30 minutes run everyday
the focus is on running… and on coconut shake!
Definitely cut back, but depending on location try to tick over the cardio at least with swimming, cross trainer or the odd run here and there.
I generally try to push on! It’s a great way to see the world. However, sometimes you end up in some pretty crummy pools of water! But there must be a limit in order that the family have some fun with you too! Just don’t forget your gadgets!
Depending on the timeframe of my vacation I usually try to stick to my schedule of training especially if its before my “A” race. Its often hard to get the cycling in though. Most gyms will have a bike, but they are not usually “spin” type bikes but I always try and make do.
Depends on when it is- winter vacations I usually can continue training but summer vacations to hot places I usually shift into bonbon mode!
Does doing my girlfriend (cardio and core) count as training? :)))
Press on..
Usually get away after one of my two yearly peak races in order to relax and enjoy family 100%
I take vacations specifically for distance cycling, trail running and even hiking!
I usually chill on vacations.
I use to change Night to day training and enjoy running by the sea.
Mostly just run. Great way to explore a new place!
I like easy running, hiking or swimming.
Keep pressing on with training but shorter & more intense sessions so I’m not wasteing the day. I do ease off on being strict on my food intake and eat ice cream most days :-).
Try to push on but usually end up slacking off.
Run and swim if possible … and eat as much from the local food as possible
Holiday is generally for eating and drinking!
I scout online ahead of time to see if there is a trail to run on nearby. Otherwise, I’ll make due with the dreadmill.
Running but just for fun, no structure. Also, open water swimming if location has options.
Usually some small running with some friends. !!!
I switch to 12-16oz arm curls, sometimes with the added weight roughly equivalent to a pint glass, and then try to run off all the mass I’ve gained with the lifting in the morning.
Training is mostly reduced to running. But this a great opportunity to explore a new country :)
Love to run and explore new areas whenever I’m on vacation. It’s the best way to absorb the scenery.
I like to go new places and sometimes meet new people, I have actually done a couple of friends that way!
I go for a run every morning as a way to checkout the area and hopefully find a nice local watering home for later in the evening.
Vacation for me is usually a lot of sleeping, eating and getting away from life, in general. If I get a run in or two, its great. If not, oh well.
Just try to get in runs, be it on a treadmill or outside
At least 1 long run every couple days to slightly offset sampling of local cuisine.
I climb on trees :)
I am never on vacation without my Fenix 2. Always marking my locations and finding a trail to run.
I typically plan on running, however I usually sleep in or spend the day at the pool, so nothing gets done as planned.