Heads up! The big Garmin spring sale has started, with $200 off the Fenix 8, $100 off the Edge 1050, Forerunner 965, Forerunner 265, and countless other Garmin products. Full list & thoughts here.
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
Here’s how to save!
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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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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.
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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.
Less bike, more weight training.
Power Hour w/ Local Tri Club and lot of basement treadmill.
In the winter I need to get out of the house earlier then in the summer because there are fewer hours of light. Running in the dark is always an option but enjoying the views is what I love about running.
In general I prefer training in the winter. Although the darkness comes earlier and there can be an occasional rain its still much better then the super hot summer days (and nights) that prevent training at all.
I focus on long steady efforts on the home trainer and run outside only when it’s sunny. The swimming part doesn’t change because I usually swim indoors, but I introduce a lot more weight training and stretching/mobility exercises.
I am one of the lucky guys doing strength training and using the indoor rower to be perfectly prepared for the spring and races on the water. Oh, running and biking can easily be adjusted be gear and clothes :)
As I live in Dubai winter means I can train more volume outside and not have to suffer through the heat of summer.
Just running indoors on the treadmill, with snowshoeing or hiking on the weekends instead of a long run if there’s snow or ice. I prefer to stay outside as much as possible, but I’m limited by the short days.
Exchanging the bicycle for crosscountryskiing!
lucky to leave in barcelona so just a few layers more of gore and we keep on training with same intensity
warmer jackets :)
I wear more clothes. :) It doesn’t usually get too cold here in the Pacific NW. Although, my friends and I have been known to invoke the 37 degree rule (we are wimps) and head straight to Starbucks.
Movin’ indoors. Treadmill and trainer.
This would be awesome!!!
I change focuses on workouts, but I’m in Texas, so we can train outside year round. Long rides outside, and weekday rides on the trainer or bike commuting is normal year round.
Focus more on running
I’m a member of my local club, Tri Preston. Committing to the club sessions means that you can’t wimp out if the weather is nasty and we can all motivate each other through the long dark winter evenings. The coaches adapt the sessions to keep everyone on their toes. Plus the odd cafe stop gets included in the long rides.
Generally head indoors
Winter training: move to more trail running and morning runs (I avoid the dreadmill). Also switch to the trainer indoors and mountain bike outdoors. Swimming is always indoors. And I start playing ice hockey to replace a scheduled ride per week. Not too much snow, still cold and ice. And if I can swing it I go up in the mountains to snowboard.
I still continue to run during winter but have to try and do it during my lunch breaks as it is too dark before and after work down in Tasmania. The colder weather just means it takes a bit longer to warm up!!
I try to plan afternoon runs to get away from the cooler mornings or unfortunately jump on the treadmill which is a last resort.
I love winter running. I go out in the cold and run farther and faster than I do in the summer. I typically run my best marathons in the spring after training hard all winter.
Turbo in the garage
layers is the key along with some bar mitts for hand comfort.
Running doesn’t change, but just got a bike trainer so I can still ride throughout the winter.
TrainerRoad and some extra layers while running.
More running and fatbiking in the snow :-)
I see the seasons as a change of training. In the summer I try to adapt to the heat and during the winter I try to prepare and train for the harsh conditions!
I live in Northern Italy, I use some warmer clothes , put on a hat and for the rest it’s pretty much business as usual: as soon as you run, you won’t feel the cold!
Go for a run and take the Tacx out of his box again.
I live in Texas, so winter is a go for running outside, on most days. We’re terrible with ice and snow, however.
Treadmill for running, Computrainer for riding — though, it’s November and I’m still getting weekend rides outside.
Bundle up and keep on plugging away outdoors!
I walk indoors or ride bike indoors in winter!
Seeing as I live in Kentucky, winter can be any number of things depending on the day. The way I adapt to training is with clothes. I hate running inside on treadmills so I run outside, rather it’s freezing or not. And when the slew comes I just get my play on. Work hard play hard!
I do not specificaly adapt to Winter. I simply change activity from time to time, in order to not get bored.
Thanks
Unfortunately, I live in a snowy state. Cycling moves indoors to a trainer or spinning classes. Swimming becomes more of a challenge only because I hate getting out of the pool to a frigid locker room. . I do love a good snowy long run though! Thanks for the chance to win!!
I do more hiking and less cycling in the winter. Just started running so we’ll see how that goes in the winter. Still trying to figure out what’s best to wear for what temps.
I don’t really change much of anything up for winter. As a trail runner, I just gut it out in the snow and ice. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear (or soft people). So gear will change, and I layer more, but it’s no reason not to get out and do what you love. Not to mention that it’s the only way to get in shape for a spring ultra.
There is a check list that I use :
– Check the weather > is it raining? Jacket. Snowing? Jacket. Clear? No jacket.
– Put your shoes up and go.
It is as simple than that. Coming from north I have a much preference for running when it’s cold! So nothing is stopping me in fact. Just some equipment …
I also set up my home trainer for the bike, even if the weather is not stopping me, I don’t want to get injured :)
And of course still some swimming pool training :)))
#ilikewinter and #fenix3
My training adapts itself as I ran more night races!!!
Treadmills here I come
In my country used to rain a lot and we loose all the light from sun at 6pm so I used to run outside everyday the weather conditions are well. When the rain hits the street I used to swim at the pool or make some indoor cycling with my bkool.
Some weeks I run 4 or 5 times, others I run 1 day and go swimming 5 days, some weeks only make indoor cycling if there’s a lot of wind … it depends. I should adapt my train to the weather conditions :D
Training basically stays the same but with lighter training overall and a heavier focus on running. In Texas we are lucky to be able to swim/bike/run year round.
Quite a bit more trainer rides rather than outdoor rides, especially since its dark early in the evening. Continue my outdoor running throughout the cold weather.
Layers when running!!!
Just few more indoor cycling instead of road and thats all.
More couching, less swimming/cycling/running :)
I try to run earlier for daylight and focus more on quality then quantity.
stick with running outside and cycling in the cellar.
But unlike others I’m doing short but intense trainings in winter and expand them on endurance from March on.
Winter is easy. I change over to cross country skiing, snowshoeing & fat biking. It’s the in between that’s hard (late fall & early spring).
In Chi-town I load up on trainer rides and the treadmill.
Cyclocross and Vortex Smart connected to Zwift :) For the first time I’m actually looking forward to it!
No big changes.
Double figure temps means shorts and t-shirt, single figures simply mean long sleeves and tights!
I try to run outside even when the weather is not the best. I used to live in Pittsburgh, and now I’m in Richmond – so it’s already much more mild than it used to be. But even when it does get cold (or rarely snow), I just try to wear warmer clothes and GoreTex shoes to stay dry.
Worst case scenario, I’ll take my workouts inside.
Thankfully it doesn’t get too cold here so I can still run and bike outside, just a few extra layers.
I just add a few layers of warmth and keep on running!
Still try and get outside as much as possible when the roads are dry. Also, don’t forget what you can do *on* the snow. Throw some skins on your ski’s and find some new terrain. Slap on the snowshoes and find a backwoods pond for some ice fishing. Also plan on hitting the gym a bit more this winter to build my legs up more for skiing. Seems as I get older, my legs get tired faster.
In Virginia I can Hike, Run and Bike all winter long (well most of it anyway)
More fat bilkng, more long trainer rides
Living in Toronto winter is a nightmare, layers layers and more layers is the key. I generally avoid the treadmill so unless it’s “feel like” -30 I’m out there running. The hardest part of winter running is water & gels freezing
What is winter? Houston has hot and not as hot. Maybe a light jacket
I don’t change a thing except break out some different base layers and arm warmers. That’s the beauty of living in the south US.
This winter I’ll focusing on my weaknesses with an emphasis on getting my diet in-line.
Run for fun and have time to experiment with different training programs and diet plans
The treadmill becomes my frienemy.
When winter hit, I head to the gym and the ice rink.
im in sunny Southern California. it gets cold, but no real need for adjustment in training. just bundle up a bit more!
I switch from outdoor running to aerobics in the garage.
Winter is my favourite (CDN spelling) time of year to run, so I layer up and head out with a smile! Looking forward to seeing the white stuff soon!.
I’m in Nebraska. The only change in winter is to wear more layers. On very rare occasions I’ll run on a treadmill but typically only due to pure ice cover. To be honest I kind of like the looks I get when running on the worst days.
For winter training I add quality baselayers, Armwarmers and a superlight windstopper. My legs are never ever cold! :)
I put a Buff and sometimes gloves and that’s it
During the winter I change:
road biking for cross-country skiing,
mountain biking – instead in the mud I ride on snow – much more fun :)
running I change for hiking and uphill running
and climbing I trade for indoor climbing – to build up more strength for the upcoming season
More trail running, swimming and the trainer (even though I don’t look forward to it)
I adapt to the winter by gearing up for the cold with the right gear. I do look at the weather for the week more in detail then I do in other seasons to plan my training, by doing that I have to be even more discipline to my training schedule. #Run365
Swimming goes 100% into the pool. But running continues as normal with a few extra layers.
I spend more time at the gym and do a bit more mountainbiking and trailrunning.
Keep up the good work!
Colder weather makes you just work harder. I do more running in the winter and take my cycling more inside(Kickr and Wattbike) and enjoy it even more when going outside on a beautiful day! And besides that I use my legs skiing, although i have to the alps for that. (in Holland we don’t have mountains)
I live in Scotland, in the winter I put my hood up, get my head down & get on with it. Feels 75% more hardcore in the cold & wet. (of course the extra layers help)
Since I live in The Netherlands it won’t be so cold here so I can keep running but can’t switch to iceskating unfortunately. I just take a windstopperjacket with me and I am ready to go. :)
Gym strength training + the indoor trainer for me!
Just wait summer! :D
indoor pool vs open water
bike trainer vs roads
treadmill vs sidewalks
Run. Run. Run! Roterdam & Berlin Marathon is waiting!
Living in the PNW means more rain and cold in the winter but still the ability to get out and run, and even ride. Gym for swimming. And getting into the mountains for cross-training in the snow!!
DC winters are hit or miss in terms of snow, but I keep it consistent and still train outdoors with additional layers. If it gets too cold, I’ll bring it in to the treadmill. Winter is usually my base building phase so I incorporate more cross training and yoga.
I run outside at least once a week, even in the snow. Everything else is a mix of elliptical, trainer, and treadmill.
I’m in Israel, not too many rainy days.
A mix of different sports (running, football, spinning, gym) and winter riding here in Central Europe. Maybe I’ll buy a cyclocross too.
Living in Holland our winters are often cold en wet. I like to train a lot more indoors on my Tacx (for biking) and treadmill (for running) during the winter. As soon as the weather is more appropriate to go outside, I will do so.
I try to spend more time in the gym, but other than that I just dress warmer on my runs.
Winter training’s all lined up.
3 days of structured spinning class, 2 additional days of base mileage training on Zwift.
3-4 days of weight, core and flexibility training.
That should round it out.
Good luck to every one. But I really want one of these fancy Fenix3.
I will keep running through the Swedish winter, just with a few more layers on. A spring marathon in Rome keeps the motivation up.
Training moves indoors for swim & bike here in New England, but running stays outside through any weather.
I go total offroad This Winter. Mountainbiking, trailrunning and hiking?
As a passionated kiteboarder from Denmark, I do a lot of strength, cardio and balance training in the gym along with some outside running 2 times a week, as well as short sessions on the water in the weekends whenever the weather and daylight allows it in these cold and dark months.. A fancy new Fenix3 would help me a lot getting more motivated for this time of year :-)
Just carry something to wipe the rain / snow of my glasses
Nyc triathlon 2016 – it’s happening :-)
Got in a nice 6.7 miler after a DNF at IMAZ.