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In this episode we talk running watches, fitness trackers, and other tech with gadget guru Ray Maker from the D.C. Rainmaker website.

Since Angie and I tend to be not-so-geeky when it comes to running tech (I have used a Garmin 305 wrist laptop up until last year) we were excited to bring a bona fide gadget guru on the podcast.

Ray’s product review blog gets over a million visitors a month. He really knows his stuff!

Interview Questions for Ray Maker

Ray Maker was named by Runner’s World as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Running, he’s a tech blogger behind the website D.C. Rainmaker where you can find in-depth reviews of running watches and other gadgets for endurance sports.

You will hear us ask Ray the following questions:

1. When did you start running and what led you to do your first marathon?
2. I’ve read that you lost 60 pounds and dropped your marathon time under 3 hours, what did that process look like?
3. Many people have probably been over to your blog- DC Rainmaker to check out the extensive product reviews that you do.  How did you get into testing and blogging about athletic tech gear?
4. Love his blog and reviews. I wonder how much time on average he spends with a piece of tech. 10 runs? 1 month, etc.  -Derek
5. What is a good GPS watch for first timers? I’m currently glued to Map My Run, which is a nice free option if you have a phone. But I want to unglue myself from my phone!  -Katie
6. Best fitness tracker that can be used for running?
7. There are a lot of questions about the accuracy of Garmin Connect vs. Strava. Do you recommend picking one specifically or trying to use both? Talk about the new partnership between Strava segments and Garmin.
8. What are the differences between GPS altimeters?
9. Why is there such a discrepancy between runs tracked with tech like MapMyRun and those tracked w/a Garmin or similar?  -Britt
10. Is there a difference in accuracy between wrist based HR monitors and chest straps?
11. I would love to know what his recommendation is for the best watch for someone who runs, bikes and spins and wants to track daily steps, HR, and sleep all with one device (not asking for too much, right?) I have been eyeing the soon to be released Fenix 3 HR.  -Foti
12. For the uninitiated, a Garmin Forerunner 15 runs about $120, a Garmin Fenix 3 HR runs $600 and up. If we were to compare them to cars . . . a Forerunner would be a ___?
13. Any tips on prolonging the life of your running watch?
14. Considerations for choosing between Apple Sport Watch or Garmin?
15. I had the pleasure of sampling his wife’s cup cakes while in Paris. Big fan of both of them. Ray is my default on all things tech. I wonder what his future plans are in terms of the site/content/podcasts now that he has more time to dedicate to his love and passion. -Anam

Also Mentioned in This Episode

The Online Running Summit – Angie contributed a guest interview for this event. Other speakers included Bart Yasso, Jeff Galloway, Amby Burfoot, Jenny Hatfield, Ian Sharman, Matt Fitzgerald,

The Jabra Sport Pulse -earbuds with in-ear heart rate monitor

Carbon38 -the best online shopping destination for fashionable, high performance women’s activewear.

D.C. Rainmaker website, in-depth reviews of running watches, fitness trackers and more.

From the community . . .

I just did my first run after marathon #2! I was in such bad shape after my first marathon and had to take almost a month off to recover! I followed Angie’s advice and training plans and it made all the difference! I’m so grateful for you both! You guys are amazing! I couldn’t have done this without you!!! –Addie from UT (training for her first Boston Marathon)

The post Running Gadget Questions with Ray Maker (From D.C. Rainmaker Blog) appeared first on Marathon Training Academy.