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!
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.
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!
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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.
I ran nine miles! Middle three miles were done at a local 5K. Getting ready for a 10-mile race in Chicago next weekend!
Kayaking and a quick ride
Riding my bike 150km while I continue to explore my new home town in Sydney, Australia with new mates ??
Went for a 10 mile run on a fantastic Saturday morning.
I did a really fun Zumba workout and rode my trainer today.
Getting new bike built, spectator Lugano Stra, enjoying some amazing Seattle running weather…10k done! All in one weekend too…
Hello!
It’s a long weekend here in Canada so that means lots of time for training. I’ll be doing 2 runs and 2 bikes over the 3 days in order to prepare for the fast-approaching triathlon season. First race is mid June!
Another backpack training session, full load, prior to a hike through Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon. Far fewer blisters and only a little bourbon, okay, more than a little bourbon!
Saturday my friends and I went spelunking (so so cool and can’t wait to go again), and today we went white water rafting down some class 4 rapids. Awesome birthday (friend, not mine) weekend!
Ride ride ride.. 3 days cycling in the Italian wind.. Not bad
Building the mileage back up with a 9 mile negative split run and happy to see I still have some of that Spring marathon speed in my legs
Long bike Saturday with some climbing in the mountains of Colorado. Riding up to a small town called Ward – for their cinnamon roles.
Followed by a lackadaisical run on Sunday trying to get back into long run shape.
But mostly enjoying the changing season to warmer weather here in the States
This weekend is helping outreach kids at the ymca train for a triathlon, openwater swimming with friends, and a 70mile bike one mile run brick to finsh the weekend.
P.s. ended up teaching a kid to ride a bike!
First time back on the bike and a parkrun after some time off with injury!
Easy weekend, plan on a slow 4 mile run this evening
Intervals on Saturday morning, easy run Saturday afternoon and a long slow ride Sunday!
Its a rest weekend after a hard half marathon last week.
Last triathlon for the season here in New South Wales. It was a hard one in Port Stephens, surf beat me in the Standard distance so I dropped down to a shorter distance and got the job done!
Trekking through Ireland on foot!!
6 hours on trainer and then a 4-mile run. Swimming Sunday!
An easy 5 miler as I get ready to kick into full training for the Twin Cities Marsthon in October.
Just ran 12 miles, a week away from a marathon, taper time!
Weekends are for long runs!
Getting back to training after Boston
I road my mountain bike on Saturday and my road bike on Sunday.
Brooklyn Half Marathon!
Hiking on my honeymoon in Kauai!!!
Training for my re-entry to marathons and working toward trying to BQ.
Starting the road of recovery and doing a 2 mi run.
Long intervals of 2km x 5 with 4 minutes rest between each intervals on the tracks!
On vacation in Sorrento Italy. Walking around town and Capri, the sea is a bit chilly for a swim
Recovery from my first half marathon.
Training for an upcoming gravel fondo!
Just a 5k light run, as allergie season is on its full in Portugal
70 miles on the bike in Sat and 5 mile run on Sunday.
Trail running!
Rugby for children. Sounds easy but running for 4 sets of 8 minutes during game, while guiding youngsters (under 7) on field is exhausting.
Consists of 8 minute segments with sprints (normal and backwards), walking, weights (carrying injured children) all while dodging players, refereeing and coaching.
Add one hour walk later in day to deal with lactic acid.
Lots of family obligations so a couple short runs.
A short 5km speed test at the summer cottage and a longer, easy run on Sunday. (taking it easy for the next week race)
Training for a half after a long time, reached 40km this week :)
I’m moving this weekend. Maybe not the most fun form of athleticism, but athletic nonetheless!
Long and hilly bike ride, followed by a short run.
Running 5k under the pouring rain :) but it didn’t matter
Quite possibly dying from cyclocross. But oh such fun!!
I’ll run 20k in the Faroe Islands ;-)
Hmm Saturday involves getting my mountain bike back in action. A thorough servicing! Sunday a run and maybe a swim if I’m a sucker
6 hour bike ride, attempted a 2:40 run, then 3600 yards in the pool. Getting my last bit of gear ready for Lake Placid.
I will cycle with my roadbike or the cyclocrosser. Depends on the wether and the temperatures ;-)
training for my first half marathon!
Trail running competition 13.8km. First comp over 10K!
Enjoying a little quiet after a busy weekend of riding and yard work. ☺️
Ran 10 miles in Carderrock.
Stretching and walking. And maybe, just maybe a gentle spin if the bursitis in the hip is friendly enough.
20 mile bike ride and a 2 mile run
Scored a PR at Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga
Getting in the last couple of training runs before the Edinburgh half marathon next weekend.
Peggy’s Cove
Swim training – long course season is here. Yee haw.
Just a few rainy days on the indoor track
I rode the first edition of the Gran Fondo Frank Schleck in Luxembourg this WE!
This weekend I’m going climbing in Saxon Switzerland.
Final weekend taper before our Walt Disney Trip. I like to follow a training plan for our Disney vacations to make certain I’m in top shape for the long hot days. :)
Completed a Sprint Tri
I rode my fat bike 52.5 miles today, on the Glacial Drumlin trail.
Still recovering from injury, so no racing for me, but proud dad moment watching my son win a local 2.5mile race.
Just single speeding around the gently rolling terrain of western Montgomery County, MD.
Just a long run!
20km run to prepare a 20km race in France on Thursday “Les foulees de la Madine”
First ride on my new bike!
Today I’ve got a rekkie planned to scout out a new trail run!
I am going to be doing a 50 min negative split run.
Couple of easy runs, trying to ramp it back up after recovering from my first 50 miler.
Just a couple easy runs. 6k on Friday, 9k on Sunday. Taking advantage of lovely spring g weather.
Do a long bike ride on Saturday and a fast run on Sunday.
Trying to squeeze a long ride saturday and a long run Sunday around shift work.
A brick in prep for 70.3. Thanks Ray!
Did a half Ironman triathlon today! It was a really hilly course, but it was a lot of fun!
Saturday was a hike in Georgia’s Tallulah Gorge, and Sunday was spent whitewater rafting section 4 of the Chatooga River. Enjoying being outdoors before the South turns into an oven for the summer!
Easy 10k run along the water
10 mile run and a hilly 30 mile cycle
Unfortunately, I’m recovering from a hamstring injury. I am keeping up with my physical therapy and have already done them twice this weekend. I am getting impatient that my recovery is so slow.
I completed a double century on the Skyline Drive; Rockfish Gap to Front Royal and back. 211 miles, 19k feet of climbing, 14 hours.
Completed all Strava May running challenges.
Bricks training on Saturday and went to the start of the RAS (equivalent to the cycling tour of Ireland) on Sunday
My first running race in ages. For a cyclist 12km is far!!!!
I got myself a case of runners knee at the moment which is less than ideal. Hour on the bike to keep the cardio fitness up and some rest.
Did a 2 hour zone 2 bike ride yesterday and a 2 hour Zone 2/3 run today. I would totally use the $500 towards a power meter for my bike.
Just some Parkrun volunteering and a short 15k as I’m tapering for my first ultra, will I escape from Meriden? Probably not ??
Volunteered this morning at a triathlon. Running this afternoon.
Beginning to taper for a marathon in two weeks time. Already miserable.
Overnight hike. About 18 miles
It would be like an early birthday present as my birthday is in June and need need get my 61 mile ride in on the 18th.
Running 4 miles with my buddies
Mostly trainer in garage for me… this is the only workout that fits in my schedule with the new baby ;) !
Sweet MTB from home through Bottlelake Forest Sun, and run in Hagley Park on Sat.
Completed all May running challenges on Strava + ran 32 km.
” Barefoot running in Park Tangamanga baby ! ( yes bare, no vibrams =P ) “
New PB at ParkRun yesterday. Had to rest today ready for the Yate 10k tomorrow night. Hopefully a new PB for that too ??
My wife and I ran the Cleveland Marathon together and her goal was a 4:15…Finish time of 4:14:12!
Sadly I’m tutoring math and physics from morning to late evening all weekend, but I plan on putting my butt on bike saddle Monday morning so that I can kill the bad vibes of this forced lassitude with turning cranks.
I will do my last long run before my marathon debut the weekend after. Quite nervous but yet excited. Good feeling