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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.
4
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.
I take my fare share of relaxing, but I also love to get out and work up a sweat.
On vacation… running – it needs only running shoes and some shirt, although to last vacation I brought my TRX also. So running and core/cross training.
wake up early to run
I typically do a running race during vacation. More destination races. This year doing a 70.3 on one vacation, and a 10 mile running race while vacationing in Richmond for the cycling world championships.
I guess I like to challenge myself and eat a lot. That way when I am back in have to train harder.
I have not travelled in awhile but when I do I follow the training schedule
Running as it is the easiest to pack for. Biking too if the area allows for it. Then just lots of zone 1 walking around :)
Usually train hard before vacation and ease up during.
Typically pull back to run and core, unless I can find a pool then I’ll swim as well.
I always keep up with my running, since I love running in new places and my diet usually gets a bit lax.
Shorter runs, so I do not miss out on family time and generally hire a sitter for to kidlets once or twice a vacation for a long ride with the wife.
I usually try and take it easy. Usually light running and pushups.
I still train but I usually leave the watch behind and just do some unstructured fun running
Mostly running with some ice cream.
My wife usually forces me to get a swim and run in while we are on vaca…she’s an animal!!! But I LIKE IT
You know what they say…”A couple that plays together…stays together…”
Vacation means more running. It’s a great way to explore.
I do a morning walk and then do some swimming, and up course just rest.
I train more on vacation. Lots of biking.
I usually pull back a bit on vacation. I enjoy the pool and all the activities with the family. Usually that includes chasing them around and a little wrestling.
Wife – “Why can’t we just go to a beach and relax for a vacation?”
Me – “Remember how great Jackson Hole, Crested Butte, Bozeman, Missoula, Teton,Glacier, Yellowstone, etc. —
Wife — “oh yeah… Being hailed on, sunburnt, snowed in, scraped shins, blistered feet, etc. —
Me “See, I knew we could agree” :-)
Activities: hike, bike, climb, run, backpack
PERFECT FOR A FENIX COMPANION
Usually just short runs or hitting the treadmill if required.
I like to just do runs for enjoyment. Usually pick a new trail and run what feels good.
Depends on whether there are any races coming up. I can either be still hitting the roads or pool. ….or the more fun version would be too just let it all hang lose with copious amounts of vino and food. live it up!
Running. Mostly at a leisurely pace. Nothing beats seeing the area by foot
I try to sneak out early for runs before the wife and kids wake up.
Usually back it off a bit overall (ie no bike k’s), but love getting in a couple of extra runs. Great way to enjoy the vacation scenery and burn off the “Holiday Carbs”
Training for my first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon in DC. Could really use a new Fenix to assist.
Usually hiking or at least lots of walking through museums. Lots of good eating, outdoor yoga, sometimes running.
I usually run more while on vacation. Although it’s a lot more unstructured and just for fun
Run everything day during vacation. Rain or shine !
when on vacation, I train hard so I can eat more!
Training: Run, bike, hike, crossfit
On vacation, i will ride m’y bike.
Always take running shoes and a bike if possible. Love to explore new territory!
swim, bike, and run on vacation!
On holidays, I usually run along the beach barefoot and I swim in the ocean.
12oz curls!
I reduce my mileage volume but still continue to train for upcoming races. :)
Holidays usually involve a destination trail race. An awesome chance to see a new place, meet amazing people and run some new terrain.
Once i editted the .tcx from wahoo fitness so once the activity was imported into Strava, the time agreed with the instagram (which was timestamped only once i got back to reception)
Long bike rides.
I typically scale back to runs only. Or goof around in the water.
Running to keep the fitness.
Time off from training while on holidays. Too much eating.
Early morning runs, or sometimes just way too much walking all day every day.
Running after my daughter is the main form of vacation exercise.
Depending on the location either cycling in the mountains, or slow easy lengths of a pool.
Either way, they will both finish with a beer :)
The kind of training that involves compensating for jet lag by seeing a city while running in the dark
Running preferably trails.
Love to do some running and crossfit.
Light running, 30min every other day.
On vacation, my wife and I slow it down from jogging and cross training to morning walks on the beach and swimming/snorkeling in the afternoons. The end of the afternoon is spent lounging at the hotel pool.
usually more running than anything, depends on where I at in my season as well.
Run to explore the city or along the beach….recovery with chocolate chip cookies and ice cream as needed!
i completely scale down on vacations since the rest of the year I go all out between trail running , sky running, triathlon and soon mountain sky
Cut back but try to keep up with the running; eating ice cream takes a higher priority
Thanks for the chance!
We just came back from camping and this time we took our 4 bikes — and we cruised around on them non-stop. We’re definitely going to do that again. Nothing sweaty, just enjoying the kids and the fresh air.
Running and swimming if I can find a pool. I don’t usually bring my bike on vacation. Also, eating ice cream is good.
I always try to run when I am away but it never actually happens. :(
Swim, Snorkel and Calisthenics definately. Have to get rid of those calories from the buffets =)
It depends on the vacation… when it is just my immediate family, the time generally revolves around the kids. If the extended family is part of the vacation, I tend to increase my training.
Every time my wife and I take a holiday we visit a small beachside town a couple of hours outside Sydney. I take the bike away with me and get in a few rides and runs. It’s a fantastic change of pace to riding in the city!
Swim run and lots of active recovery i.e.walking
Most of my vacations are now runcations!!! I love running through a community to figure out where to eat, where to shop, where to relax! Found a favorite resteraunt in Aruba through running!!!
Typically it’s a couple mile run in the mornings just to get the blood moving and also to get up before the hectic day ahead. But also it depends on where it is…if it’s in a National Park it will be a bike ride (Acadia), but more likely if it’s anywhere else where I haven’t brought the bike it’s a leisurely run to see what’s around the hotel.
But all of this is to really offset the gorging on food that will take place later in the day, because, hey, it’s a vacation.
No doubt, I’d go for long runs in trails whenever possible
Running and hiking if possible!
Since I typically run every day and rarely take any type of vacation I use the opportunity to give my body a rest. Of course I usually think about running so much I will cut short any vacation so I can get back home and go for a nice run. Nothing relaxes me like a nice long run.
I try to run, but usually miss a couple of sessions.
RAGBRAI, a funfilled week in iowa on a bike. My favorite vacation. Biking, dancing, drinking beer, heat and humidity!
The only way to get it done on vacation is to make sure I get to bed at a decent hour and then get up early.
My wife and I actually run more on vacation. We go to St.Simons every year and it’s so flat we can’t help but to take a break from Atlanta hills! And we don’t feel as guilty when we go out to eat :)
I try to get a run in only every other day. But I go out longer.
Beach walks, hiking and rest.
I typically train for longer sessions during vacations, out trying out new things depending on the season!
My holidays tend to be on the active side so some kind of moving always – could be any of walking, hiking, running, backpacking, skiing (downhill, nordic, ski touring, telemark), snowshoeing, cycling…
Back to back long runs!!!
I really try to train in somewhat of a normal routine. You know around the chocolate and ice cream binges!!!
I usually try to rest as much as i can on vacation. No routine. This means mental rest, so if i go for a run, swim or ride a bike its usually leisurely. I love going on long treks in the mountain!!
Running and swimming (unless I take my bike with me than it’s running and biking)
Running but of course
Quick answer – it depends – but usually always running and a swim. Then do what the location presents – hiking, climbing, surf, or biking. Been eyeing this watch – it seem to check all my needs. Thanks
I like to explore the vacation spot through running outside, if possible. Hotel gym/pool if not. Push-ups and core work in the hotel room as a last resort.
I like to use my vacation to fit in even more activities. I usually start the day with a run and then do something active on the water or fit in a yoga class later in the day.
early morning runs exploring new places
Bike tours or charity rides
Eat / Drink / Sleep / Wake up early and get the run in before the kids wake up / Repeat.
Go for a 30 minute run or hit up the hotel gym
Easy runs, stretch and recovery!
Holiday = more personal time = more time for training :)
Maybe a bit of running. Mostly good intentions that fail miserably.
I take it easy on vacation. I love to go for a run when I visit a new city. Running the city gives me a chance to see the city a different way than being a tourist.
We’re supposed to be training on vacation?
just keeping fit running half-marathon long runs and 1.5km swims
No training on vacation with the family.
Usually turn it down a couple notches unless the vacation is to a race.
keep on schedule especially if I have new places to run!
Lots of good food and hydration, more relaxation than usual, about the same amount of training; usually morning runs to train and explore, and afternoon hikes or bikes with the kids.
I have been taking ‘racecations’ so it all works out nicely. Next one looks like DC in September!!
Early morning run, but then Kahlua and coffee!