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:
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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!
5
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.
Depends on the facilities around me, always can go for a run but I’ll scale back weightlifting and biking.
I usualy discover the place i visit while i m running :)
Ice cream for sure. Easy runs for pleasure.
Running on the bike or hiking through trails.
Vacation IS family time. Lounging with the kids and the wife is all the training I get on vacation.
Running whenever I can, typically along a route that provides a representative impression of the location.
doing relaxed training program already in the morning. The remainder of the days is then free.
I try to keep training. But usually road only
I run more on holiday than when i am at home working.. Get bored way to easy!
I usually get more workouts in when I’m on vacation just because of none of that pesky work stuff.
Running for sure. If there is a pool I’ll swim. If I can rent a bike I like to do that too!
With my bike everywhere
Running on the beach before eating a grilled fish with sauvignon.
Vacation is, well, VACATION…kick back.
I try to explore on runs while on vacation.
Playing with the kids. Walking all over wherever we are, and getting in some runs to explore the area.
I stick as close as possible to the schedule workouts although swimming is usually tough to accomplish. The harder part for me is keeping with the planned nutrition.
Vacation workout = twelve-ounce curls!!!
I like to do my training runs on vacation. New sites, new routes, all make the runs that much more fun.
Since bringing a bike on vacation is a hassle, my wife and I usually take vacation time to get extra running in. Getting some extra easy miles while exploring the area is a lot of fun.
Vacation? What vacation?
Well, if I took any vacation I’d love to take a running vacation…
Running more while on vacation, it’s a great way to get the feel of a new place!
I always plan to stick to training while on vacation but things rarely go as planned. Though beng on vacation I don’t ever feel bad for not complying….
I have yet to go to a beach vacation since getting into tri. I look forward to completing a few open water swims on the next break.
I pick destination runs/races. Paris looks fun and some pastries afterwards.
What beach vacation is complete without sunrise runs on the beach?
Hi, on vacations im doing a lot of nordic skiing in the winter seasons and in summer season i go for a run mostly alone ore MTB whit my girl!
Keep training. Just get to sleep in more as well.
Go on cycling holidays! I also try to book places with pools except on my last cycling holiday, the first place had an empty swimming pool, the second pool was only 5m long and by the third I was so exhausted by constant hilly cycles that just getting back on my bike was enough for me :)
Nothing regimented only whatever I choose to do run eat Bon bons
Usually i don’t have my MTB with me so nothing beats a run on a beach with a swim followed by breakfast in the sun.
I try to take advantage of whatever the local offers – preferably warm water swimming, and “meditation” with a cold beverage at the beach.
i usually just run since it doesn’t require much gear or time. I can sneak in a run while my girlfriend sleeps and she doesn’t notice I’m gonr
Both the training/racing schedule AND the ice cream and pizza! It’s a win-win.
Swimming, light weights, spinning bikes if available, and a desert after every meal:)
If flying, I run. If driving I bring my Flyby and run.
Vacation: Exploring Terra Incognita / Running :-)
Does laying by the pool count?
I give up the bike and the swim and do a little running. The hotel usually has some sort of gym and I’ll do some weights if available.
I always take my runners with me as a minimum.
I race Stand Up Paddle Boards, and when I’m on holidays I try to get out on the water as much as possible, swimming, surfing, paddling. Leave the structured workouts at home and have a bit of fun.
Swim, bike, run — whatever I can get away with.
I like to run and explore the local attractions. Then eat ice cream!
I rent a bike and explore the area! Come to me fenix!
I usually totally stop training. We typically end up getting in a lot of walking but otherwise it’s a recovery week for both work and workouts.
I drink wine as a foram of training
Always pack my full running gear and look for any suitable body of water for a nice swim. Bonus when I find a nice place for an OWS.
I’ll ride during a staycation.
Vacation is when I regularly train. I do nights and this interferes with my schedule. So during vacations I get to stick to a plan. Weekly Mileage usually increases by around 20 percent
Currently I only take vacation days to train, so I guess I press on!
On holidays I go swimming with the kids and try to beat them at whatever they throw at me. To be able to beat them, i go running in the early morning. I really need the fenix 3 for this!
Running only.
Lately all my vacations have been for Triathlons – Lavaman most recently :)
O yes, on vacation I keep on keeping on! Always training for the next marathon. Remember, when you run in a different place you make it yours.
Vacation? What the heck is a vacation? As a 57 year old helicopter EMS maintenance manager, I don’t see many vacations. When I do travel, I pick a motel that has good fitness equipment over comfort. I don’t run much, but I do walk between 5 to 12 miles every day.
My wife and I enjoying going for runs while on vacation (during training regiment or not). We usually prefer a good trail run, but any running path will do as well.
I usually run daily but lower volume.
I keep running and the change of scenery always keeps training interesting. Thanks to Clever Training!
I cut back to just running on vacation. It’s a great way to take in the sights, smells, and atmosphere.
I usually bring my running shoes but I am too lazy to do more than a single short run, independent of how long the vacation is…
Running mixed with a little bit of tequila
More or less keep on schedule with training runs, though they might be a bit shorter.. or get axed if I’m too hungover.
Do absolutely nothing!
On vacation I usually go for runs, but if I’m close to the ocean I will go for a swim and pray that I don’t drown. Then I celebrate making it back to shore with some brewskies. Cheers!
I do not follow a set schedule when on vacation but I still like to get out for a few runs depending on where I am.
I try and run, bike, or do something else outdoors with family/friends I visit on vacation. The training plan inevitably goes out the window :-)
Lots of walking on vacation – anywhere, anytime … as long as it ends with a great meal preferably overlooking the ocean.
For work travel, I usually hit the hotel gym. For vacation, I slack off, but I usually do quite a bit of walking.
Vacation is time to give back to the family for supporting me; less structured and based around the daily activities, such as running back from the theme park or getting dropped off for a swim while they shop.
Vacation is all about relaxing, having fun and getting away from the everyday routine for awhile and so training turns into exploration. If it’s a place with trails nearby runs become informal exploratory fartleks and is all about experiencing the nature surrounding and having a bunch of fun along the way. If the location is much more of a city then runs become very informal exploring the area and stopping by anything that piques my interest. Part of the excitement comes from breaking the normal routine and not knowing what to expect to find. It’s really cool to run along a new stretch of rolling single track in nature or come across something like a gelato shop in the city.
I’d like to say lots of running, cycling and swimming… But it ends up being eating, sleeping and lounging by the pool
As much running as I can sneak past the non runners I’m visiting.
I usually take it easy and maybe hit up the free weights if the hotel gym is any good.
I like to do a short run early, especially if it’s on the beach. I like seeing my runs shown in the water on the coast.
I try to rent a bike or run.
I normally try and get a few runs in and a bike tour or two and plenty of walking, but vacations are for relaxing or exploring!
I’ll typically run and if near the ocean weave in some open water swims. Definitely dial it back and I do eat extra ice cream!
Stop by the local run shop and ask for the best places to run in the area, then try to hit them all while I’m there.
Normally just do shorter runs and skip my long run for the week. I will try to swim if a pool or safe place to ows is available. I may or may not bike. That depends on location.
Try to get some training in during the first few days of vacation and then relax a little more and see if something works out later.
Lots of long runs
Nothing but walks with my husband and relaxing with my family!
Does going down ridiculous waterslides count as training?
Running – anywhere I can get lost – as it’s not an adventure until you are!!!
I usually try to stay true to my training plan but depends on how I much I drink if I stay to my schedule.
Running on the beach or skiing (depending on the destination).
My training always ramps up. I end up running massive distances due to the change in scenery.
Just keep on running!
If the vacation is not a cycling holiday, then I will in any case take some running gear along, and try to do at least one run (every second day). Sometimes this works out quite well, sometimes it fails miserably. But the intention is always there ;)
Keep running and lifting
We try to stay active… running, cycling, swimming, hiking. We purchased an Airstream so our race HQ can travel with us!
Always run on vacation. Also always eat whatever I want. I reel it all back in upon my return to normal existence.
I like to go on hikes while on vacation but it really depends on what is available. I like vacations that are really fun workouts like mountain biking in Moab or Fruita or climbing a 14er. You can usually get a run in wherever you go.
i will take the opportunity to run near the vicinity of the hotel where i stay. Nothing serious, just easy morning run to enjoy the sceneries and the local culture.
Long walks and, where available, bike tours. Excellent choice to get to know cities from a different perspective.
Hiking.
No running just riding.
I go just as hard on vacation, I just sleep in a little later. To six or seven.
I usually go running, exploring whats around me. Sometimes by mountainbike, taking it even further
I generally go on some short runs to explore the area I’m in.
Haaaaa. Easy. Visiting usa florida. Printed tha maps near my hotel and according to my coach i should run at least twice a week. I use my smartphone (android) so a gps watch will help. I am preparing for my first marathon so i try to stay in shape
Best vacation workouts are long run along the beach.
I usually just use the hotel gym if there is one.
Running as sightseeing.