RunToTheFinish

Online Running Coach | Running Shoe and Gear Reviews

About the Author

Amanda Brooks

I am a running coach with over a decade of experience helping thousands of runners to achieve their goals from running injury free to crossing that marathon finish line with a PR. I've run over 28,000 miles in my own running journey since 2002. Run To The Finish is my place to share that love and my deep dive in to researching all things running. I hold multiple run coaching certifications, as well as a personal training certification. But it's my ongoing desire to learn and progress as a coach that has allowed me to help runners from their 20's through their 70's! More ways to connect with me:

Amanda Brooks

One Sheet Garlic and Lemon Brussels Sprouts and Green Beans

This super easy lemon garlic Brussel sprouts recipe will convert any brussels sprout hater in seconds! It’s packed with flavor and tastes incredibly thanks to the bright lemon flavor and…

Should You Run With a Cold? Easy Ways to Decide

Running with a cold is less about "Can I still run" and more about "should I run". Learn the golden rule to follow to decide whether or not to run…

Running Twice a Day: A Running Coach Talks Doubles

Running twice a day can boost mileage and enhance training benefits. Learn how, why, and when to run doubles in this complete guide.

7 Indoor Workouts To Try When You’re Stuck At Home

Find ideas for indoor workouts to do when the weather is bad or you have a baby in the house. Ideas for beginners to advanced

15 Creative Ways to Display Race Medals and Bibs

Creative ways to display race medals without overwhelming your mantel. Metal hangers are just one of the ways to put your bling on display!

Knee Taping for Stability: Meniscus Tear, ACL Strain and Cartilage

Learn how to use kinesiology tape to help with knee stability. I utilized this with my meniscus tear, but also works for ACL and more.

Phoenix Mesa Marathon and Half Marathon Review and Tips

Looking for a PR race course? Don't care about the views? How to plan for the Phoenix Mesa Marathon to have a spectacular day

Adidas Supernova Rise Review | Redesigned Comfort + Stability

Looking for a little more stability in your running shoe without sacrificing a neutral feeling or cushion? The completely redesigned Adidas Supernova Rise is the first in their line up…

3-Ingredient Protein Pancakes (Vegan and Gluten-Free)

This simple 3-ingredient protein pancake recipe is a total game-changer! It's quick and easy, packed with flavor, and vegan and gluten-free too!

Homemade Electrolyte Drink (Easy + Customizable DIY Recipe)

Making your own homemade electrolyte drink is a complete game-changer! It’s incredibly easy, tastes great, and is customizable too!

7 Key Hip Flexor Strength Exercises for Runners

Including hip flexor exercises in your warm up or strength routine can make a difference in your running endurance and speed. Try these!

7 Key Hip Flexor Stretches for Tight Hips

Tight hip flexors aren't just a nuisance; they can also limit your athletic performance. See 7 hip flexor stretches to help loosen up.

How to Enjoy Running (Tricks of Long Time Runners)

It's not for you. It's hard. You hate it. Guess what we all felt that once! Here's how to enjoy running; it might be easier than you think

Compression Pants for Running: What Every Runner Should Know

Compression pants and socks find out how they work and the best options for every need from cramps to recovery to IT Band issues.

Homemade Energy Bars (Easy and Customizable Recipe)

These homemade energy bars are so easy to throw together, and they make such a healthy snack.  The recipe is simple but delicious – no refined sugar or gluten here!…

Asics Novablast 4 Review | Max Cushion Daily Trainer

Checking out a detailed review from testing the Asics Novablast 4 maximum cushion running shoe. Find out what's different and if it's for you.

Finding Time To Workout With A Busy Schedule [12 Proven Tips]

If you’re busy and find yourself behind on your fitness goals, use these tips to squeeze in more workouts.

13 Things I Wish Knew Before My First runDisney Race

Over the last decade plus of coaching, myself and my team, I have helped a lot of runners prepare for runDisney races from a 5K to the Dopey Challenge. It’s…

How to Start Running When You’re Out of Shape

Simple tips to make it possible to start running when you're out of shape. It can feel daunting, but it's absolutely doable.

What’s the Difference Between Training Vs Working Out

In the fitness industry, these two words are often used interchangeably — but they don’t mean the same thing. Find out what the difference is here.

Skip These Workout Hair Mistakes to Prevent Breakage

How to reduce washing sweaty workout hair and prevent hair breakage from workouts. Key tips to keep your locks healthy and strong.

Gluten Free Distance Runners: Easy Gluten-Free Meal Plan

Are you curious about going gluten free? Have you heard from running friends it made them faster and more energetic with quicker recovery times? Being a gluten free distance runner,…

Easy Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes (Beginner-Friendly Recipe)

These vegan vanilla cupcakes are perfect for anyone who loves dessert but wants something a little healthier and guilt-free. They’re perfect for birthdays, parties, or just satisfying a sweet tooth…

Miami Marathon Course Review and Tips

Running the Miami Marathon? Everything you need to know for a great race day and how to prepare for the course and weather.

Zone 2 Heart Rate Training Explained | How and Why It Matters

Zone 2 training is an aerobic workout that's part of any training plan to build endurance and reduce the risk of overuse. Learn more to do it right.

Sports Dietitian For Endurance Athletes – Who to Work With and Why

Sports nutrition for endurance athletes goes far beyond the old calories in and calories out. Find out what matters and who we trust!

Running Maintenance Plan Guidance

It’s dark, you can see your breath, you know it’s going to take a few miles to feel your fingers and none of that is doing much for getting out…

Honolulu Marathon Review and Course Tips

An honest review of the my experience running the Honolulu Marathon. All the unique race details, how to prepare ahead of time, and what it was like to explore Hawaii…

Houston Marathon Course Tips and Training

Looking for information about the Houston marathon course? Here's what you need to have your best race day.

Base Building Running Plan: A Strong Foundation For Your Goals

If you plan to take up a new running program, a base building running plan is necessary. It focuses on developing a strong foundation.

10 Fun Workouts: Bring The Joy Back to Your Workouts

Are you unmotivated? Dragging yourself to the gym? Time to rethink what you believe is required to workout...fun workouts at home and outside

Running In Snow and Ice: 9 Tips to Stay Upright

Winter running brings with it a slew of challenges, but running on snow doesn't have to be one of them with these tips.

Zone 4 Heart Rate Explained | When and How to Use It

What is Zone 4 Heart Rate, when should I use it and what can I use it for? The answers to these questions and more are covered on this page.

How to Pack a Carry-on for 10 days in Europe (with workout gear!)

Long trip and you need to take only a carry on? Here's some great packing tips and outfit ideas to make it work for you.

27 Best Healthy Travel Snacks (Perfect for Plane or Road Trip)

Here's a complete guide to the best healthy travel snacks I recommend you have as a certified personal trainer and running coach! They're tasty and portable!

How to Run A Mile Without Stopping In 4 Weeks

Ready to go from run walk to a running a mile without breaks? Here's 10 key tips and a basic plan framework to make it happen.

9 Christmas Running Leggings | Celebrating in Style

Maybe it’s because it’s been a crazy year, maybe it’s because Brooks Running makes awesome holiday shoes now; I feel the need for Christmas running leggings. I was Forrest Gump…

Understanding the Maffetone Method | 13 Years Experience

Using heart rate for training doesn’t have to be complex and can indeed help you learn how to truly run EASY on your easy days to improve endurance. Low Heart…

8 Common Causes of Heel Pain After Running And How to Fix It!

Not sure what causes heel pain after you run? Learn about the most likely causes of running related heel pain, the most effective treatments.

Threshold Running and Workouts: What You Need to Know

Many runners know threshold running and workouts, but for those who don't, here is what you need to know during threshold training.

How to Combine Running and Weightlifting: Hybrid Athletes

How do you mix running and weightlifting? It’s a question that’s grown in popularity over the last 5 years as more runners realize the benefits of strength training and more…

5 Impacts of Drinking Beer After a Workout

Ever wondered if that beer your dream about during a long run is going to hinder your recovery? Dishing on the effects of alcohol after working out.

7 Secrets to Break Through

Feeling stuck? Discover which of the 7 most common runner issues is holding you back in this free program. Videos, interviews, workouts and more!