18 December 2024
Hi hi, this is Bobbie (The Girl), otherwise known as Ray’s other half. 2024 was an awesome year of training and racing, and I’m now about 2 years back from my triathlon hiatus. Having been out of the triathlon scene for almost 12 years, I have had to make some major upgrades, and I’ve been ticking away at things since early 2023. So, if you see that some items are still kinda old school, well… they just might be. But everything I’m using now, I’m really happy with and have procured with purpose!
In case you’re new to DCRAINMAKER.com, I’ll give you the SparkNotes quickie on who I am. I am a mom of 3 girls, juggling this crazy world while also trying to be competitive in my age group in both triathlon and running. You might notice a lot of the same players on this list as years prior, and that is both because I like what I like (so if it ain’t broke don’t fix it) annnnnd I’m guilty of wearing sports clothes until there are holes in them, or I’ve pressed re-order on the most recent model of the same brand.
In case you just got distracted by the idea of babies, be sure to check out the “Gear I Use: Kids Post”. I updated that post shortly after Peanut 3 arrived and have tried to keep that one narrowed down to the more critical pieces! We try to keep plastic-noise-making junk to a minimum and let the outdoors be our kid’s best entertainment.
Anyways, on to this list. I have it separated into Running, Cycling, Swimming, and ‘Everything else’. So you can scroll past sections as they may or may not pertain to you. I’ll do my best to keep an eye on the comment section as well in case anyone has questions or of course better suggestions!
Running:
These are my most used and loved running products. I hope you also find these products useful! If you’re looking for fuel or recovery-esq products, be sure to scroll to the bottom list of “Everything Else”
| Product | Amazon | Note | |
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Asics NOVABLAST 5 | Amazon | I’m a massive ASICS loyalist. But I have to say I skipped the NovaBlast 4’s. ASICS revamped these and they are way improved, much more similar to the NovaBlast 3’s, but even a better ride! These are my everyday trainer, loads of miles on these girls! |
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ASICS Women’s Road 3.5 inch Running Short | Amazon | These are my go-to every day training shorts. Whenever I can find them on sale I’ll grab them in any color! |
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ASICS Women’s Road 3.5IN Short | Amazon | Love these shorts! |
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Chafe Balm by ASS MAGIC – for Runners, Triathletes | Amazon | The Ass Magic brand has a whole line up of stuff, I found them when looking for Chamois creams for cycling. Love this stuff, it has completely replaced any “Glide” products from the past. |
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Feetures High Performance Ultra Light No Show Tab | Amazon | The thinner socks helps keep the blisters in check while still giving the foot great support. Feetures socks also LAST an insane amount of time and abuse. Worth every penny. |
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Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar | Amazon | Prior to this watch I had the Fenix 5S, and hands down this is my favorite series line up from Garmin. I wear it all day every day, I personally like the big watch face, and I do have a few extra straps for fancier looks. |
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Goodr Running Sunnies | Amazon | I’ve really gotten into the Goodr Polarized Running sunglasses. I love that they have so many wild colors. As well, they do NOT slip off my face nor do they bounce even with intense track workouts. They do tend to scratch by the end of the season. So for around $25, these sunnies will last you about one run season, which isn’t bad considering you might want a new color next year. |
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GORE RUNNING WEAR Mythos Windstopper Soft Shell Vest | Amazon | I like layers on top, and this vest does the trick to keep the cold wind out. Gore products LAST for years and years! Well worth the investment! |
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Hoka Mach 6 (Women’s) | Amazon | |
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INCYLENCE – Long Running Compression Socks | Amazon | These compression socks are also a favorite for some long-distance racing socks. These seem to be only available in Europe at the moment. |
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Lace Silicone Watch Bands for Garmin Fenix 7S / Fenix 6S / Fenix 5S / Instinct 2S | Amazon | I like the big watch face of the Fenix Series watches, and I have a few extra straps for fancier looks. This one is my latest! |
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New Balance Women’s FuelCell SuperComp Elite V4 | Amazon | I did it. I’ve entered the world of “Super Shoes”. I’ve been hesitant to add carbon shoes to the mix, but I did in-depth research on which shoe is best for me. LOVE these, fun ride, zero hot spots, I’m hopping to set some PRs in 2025! |
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Peloton Tread | Amazon | Also known as the “Dread-mill”, but if I have to take a scenic run with Matt Wilpers for the afternoon, so be it. |
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SUGOi MidZero Thermal Tight Ladies | Amazon | Although we have moved to a warm sunny island, there are always winter adventures to be had! These have lasted throughout the years. Warm and breathable. Great winter gear investment! |
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Under Armour Women’s Tech Short Sleeve V-neck | Amazon | I happened upon this top, and really like it. It’s really light, fits well, and fits the budget. |
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Yaktrax Run Traction Cleats for Running on Snow and Ice | Amazon | I have used these puppies during the Snow-Zilla winter running season in Virginia in 2010, in the Zermatt, Switzerland ski village, the North Pole , and even while on a trip chasing the northern lights. This one pair has hundreds of miles on them, maybe even a few more miles in the winter mountains of Mallorca. They’ve gone the distance! |
Cycling:
The cycling category definitely got the most upgrades over the past 2 years. I had been rocking my 12+ year old TT bike, but now I have an entire fleet of bicycle power! In general, I like to keep my cycling tech as straightforward as possible, and sometimes what I’m using is simply because that’s what Ray gave me.
| Product | Amazon | Other | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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ASS MAGIC Chamois Cream | Amazon | Surely you don’t need all the details, but this was a game changer product for me, especially going into full Ironman distance cycling. Long lasting, even on race days having swam before the bike. 100% one of my favorite product finds of 2023! | |
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Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 AXS | Canyon | ||
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Canyon Precede:On Comfort 7 (Commuter eBike) | Canyon | ||
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Canyon Ultimate CFR AXS | Canyon | ||
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DC Rainmaker Bib Shorts (Women’s) | Ciovita | ||
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DC Rainmaker Race Fit Jersey (Women’s) | Ciovita | ||
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EVOC Bike Travel Bag Pro | Amazon | We picked these bike bags for several reasons, mainly due to the “hybrid” nature of it being a softshell case (easier to pack into smaller European rental cars), and because it still has a hard frame on the inside to secure the bike to. So far so good. | |
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Garmin Edge 840 | Amazon | I grabbed the Edge 840 non-solar version because we live in the Netherlands and sunshine is but a fairytale. I am sure there are many features that I am underutilizing, but I love the size of it, the lack of glare on the glass, and it just does all the things I want it to. | |
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Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar | Amazon | Prior to this watch I had the Fenix 5S, and hands down this is my favorite series line up from Garmin. I wear it all day every day, I personally like the big watch face, and I do have a few extra straps for fancier looks. | |
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Garmin Rally RK200 (LOOK KEO) | Amazon | I used to say I didn’t care about the pedals, and I’ll just use “whatever Ray has kickin’ around”, but after 6 frustrating months of riding a different brand of pedals, I can whole heartily tell you, Ray’s not getting these Garmin pedals back. | |
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HJC Helmets FURION 2.0 Jet Helmet | Amazon | I love this helmet specifically for the SELFFIT auto adjusting size system they have built into the back. This helmet is the first cycling helmet that I’ve ever worn that doesn’t give me pressure headaches, even for 100+ mile rides. | |
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Honeywell HT-900 Fan | Amazon | I’ve got three of these $12 fans floating around the DCR Cave, and I frequently use them on rides. They work just fine. Sure, they’re not as powerful as a Wahoo Headwind, but I could literally buy 20 of them for the same price. | |
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ISM PN 4.1 Narrow Road Bike Saddle | Amazon | Total game changer for me. This saddle is so supportive, yet narrow enough that I don’t get saddle sores in all the wrong places. My search for the perfect saddle has landed here. | |
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Oakley Sutro S Sunglasses | Amazon | These fit fantastic for a smaller face. They don’t pinch behind the ears, and feels like you have a full windshield for cycling! | |
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Quintana Roo Tri Bike X-PR | Quintanarootri | With the 700c wheels (an upgrade from my 650s), and the 48cm bike frame, she fits like it was custom made for me. I couldn’t be happier with the set up! | |
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SHIMANO Lightweight Women’s Road Cycling Shoe | Amazon | ||
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SHIMANO Women’s Triathlon Shoe | Amazon | Super quality shoes, I always stick with Shimano! I did find a weird sizing issue. I’m a size 7US/ 38EU, and these shoes say 7US/ 39EU. So pay attention if you’re buying in Europe, I had to bump up a European shoe size? | |
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Urban Arrow Family Performance (Cargo Bike) | Urbanarrow | As a busy mom of 3 + a doggie, this cargo bike gives me the independence to get around the city with the girls everyday of the week! Couldn’t be happier that we skipped the carseat-minivan phase! As we’ve moved to Mallorca, we still use this for trips to the beach and more! | |
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Wahoo KICKR MOVE | Let’s be honest, I’m going to ride on whatever Ray sets up for me. BUT, I had first dibs on riding the KICKR MOVE and I really like that the trainer moves with me. I find it helps relieve saddle pressure on the longer indoor training rides. | ||
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XLAB Torpedo Versa 500 | Amazon | Fantastic solution for long course triathlon hydration and cycling computer mount system. |
Swimming:
Alas, I’ve been dragged back to the pool this year in the name of triathlon. I have an interesting love-hate relationship with swimming. If all the waters I swam in were as warm and clear as Kona, HI, we’d be having a different conversation. Until then, here’s what I’m bumbling around in in the pool.
| Product | Amazon | Note | |
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Finis Adjustable Swim Snorkel for Lap Swimming | Amazon | When I decide to behave and do swim drills, this is my go-to snorkel! |
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Finis Ankle Bad | Amazon | Nothing like trying not to sink in the pool. |
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Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar | Amazon | Prior to this watch I had the Fenix 5S, and hands down this is my favorite series line up from Garmin. I wear it all day every day, I personally like the big watch face, and I do have a few extra straps for fancier looks. |
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Sailfish Tornado Swim Goggle | Amazon | I use these for open water swim and race-day googles. These are pretty big on the face, but I love them for open water. Huge field of vision, no leaks over a 2.4 mile ocean swim! |
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Speedo Woman’s Vanquisher Mirrored goggles | Amazon | These are my everyday pool goggles. Zero complaints about them, I’ll just pick a new color and press re-order once these ones get too scratched up. |
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The Girl’s Classic Swim Cap | Amazon | This cap has lasted me years and years, and has swam with me all over the world. |
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TYR Women’s Diamondback Swimsuit | Amazon | This is my go-to suit year after year. They last, the elastics are really durable, they fit, no fuss, price is perfect. Winner Winner |
Everything Else Keeping Me Going:
Here’s the list of stuff I use day-in and day-out that contributes to my training output, I just didn’t know where else to list them, so here you go. And yes, the coffee machine counts as a triathlon training device!
| Product | Amazon | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes | Amazon | I have really started getting into Magnesium baths; for me, recovery time on the legs really improves with regular magnesium salt baths! |
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BlenderBottle Classic Shaker Bottle | Amazon | I love that the Blender Bottles don’t hang onto the smell of the old shakes or dishwasher. I use these so often that I need to be able to toss them in the dishwasher without an afterthought. |
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LEEKEY Resistance Exercise Bands | Amazon | Love these. I can make a full body workout anywhere I go with just bringing these with me. |
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Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine | Amazon | This 100% counts as sport gear that keeps me going. |
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Optimum Nutrition: Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder | Amazon | I drink this after every workout no matter how long or intense. I’m chronically crunched for time and therefore under-fed; having a protein shake post workout helps get those muscles recovering much faster! This stuff is the best out there! |
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Precision Fuel PF 30g Energy Chews | Amazon | |
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Precision Fuel PF 60 Carb & Electrolyte Drink Mix | Amazon | |
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Precision Hydration Electrolyte Drink Mix -1500 | Amazon | Precision Fuel & Hydration products are my go-to. I use their gels, chews, electrolyte mixes, and the salt tabs. |
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Precision Hydration Gels | Amazon | Really a big fan of all the PF&H products. I use both the 30g and 90g variants, really depends on what the training or racing plan is on a given day! |
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Precision Hydration SweatSalts | Amazon | These are a must have for any long distance event, especially in warmer weather! |
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Therabody Theragun Elite | Amazon | I’ve tried other “off brand” percussion massagers and they don’t really pack the same punch as the Theragun. I use this regularly on the main muscle groups in my legs after big workouts. |
Note: Amazon links are part of the Amazon affiliate program, for which I may earn a commission at no cost to you – and of course, that helps support the site a bunch.
Amazon isn’t your thing? That’s fine too. Did you know that Ray and I sit down every once in a while and record a behind-the-scenes video of the latest happenings in the DC Rainmaker world? It’s called the Shed Talkin’ and it’s a lot of fun. You can click here to sign up and become a DCR Supporter- just look for the big red button at the bottom of the page! And yes, a new episode direct from Spain is coming soon!!!
Your support is always appreciated around these parts, good luck in your training endeavors!