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

Guide to Running Heart Rate Zones + How to Calculate

Here's how to determine your running heart rate zones, along with their benefits, and how to use them to help you produce the best possible training effects.

Heart Rate While Running: What’s Average? How to Use It?

As a runner have you wondered about average heart rate while running? Learn why you should track, the benefits, and training methods you can use.

Nude Running: A New Trend in Fitness and Body Positivity

Clothing optional races or nude running is a growing trend! Interested to find out why and where you can test it out, read on!

Best Dynamic Stretches for Runners (How and Why To Do Them)

Dynamic stretches help warm up your muscles before a run or workout. If you've always wanted to know what they are and how to do them, read this complete guide!

Best Altra Running Shoes + What Makes Them Unique

Curious about Altra Shoes? Find out what the 5 Best Altra running shoes are and the three things that set every Altra shoes apart from every other brand.

Fastest Mile Ever Ran: A History and Top Times Breakdown

The record for the fastest mile ever ran continues to change. See how far the world record has come since Roger Bannister broke four-minutes in 1954.

How to Start Running: Easy 15 Step Guide From a Running Coach

Day one things feel simple enough, you throw on a pair of shoes (any pair will do right?) and walk out in to the crisp air, head held high and…

How Many Steps in a Mile Walking or Running? (Men + Women)

How many steps in a mile walking or running? This depends on 5 factors and varies depending on gender. Here's how to figure out your personal steps in a mile.

Nordic Walking: What It Is and 5 Health Benefits

Have you ever been on a trail or walking/running around your town and seen people walking with poles? Maybe you thought they needed them for balance or are just wishing…

9 Ways to Manage Pre-Race Nerves for More Fun and Faster Times

What if instead of fighting your nervous, you found a way to use them and thus felt more confident an calm? Keys to manage pre-race nerves.

17 Funniest Running Memes – Which One’s Do You Relate To?

Running memes are so relatable regardless of whether you're a seasoned runner or a beginner. Which ones do you relate to? Check out the 17 funniest memes here.

Bose Tempo Sunglasses Review

Looking for a great headphone sunglasses combo for running, biking or hiking? Let's dive in to this Bose Sunglasses review and see if they're for you.

How Long Do Running Shoes Last? Plus When to Replace Them

How long do running shoes last? Is it based on mileage or time? And what factors determine when they need to be replaced. Everything you need to know.

Heel Toe Drop: What It Is And Why It Matters

Finding the right running shoes plays a critical role in our running experience. The materials they’re made of, the type of support they offer, the amount of cushion, and the…

Half Marathon Race Strategy | Pacing, Fueling and More

Half marathon race day tips that are going to help you succeed. Learn how to pace your fastest half marathon finish yet!

5 Best Treadmill Walking Workouts for Every Level

Treadmill walking provides a great way to work out without having to go outside or spend a lot of time and effort. Find out how to lose weight with treadmill…

5 Easy Ways to Avoid Chafing + Best Chafing Creams

Inner thigh chafing is super common for runners, but it happens in others areas too. Let's prevent it with these tips and best chafing creams.

How to Use Kinesiology Tape to Reduce Swelling

Kinesiology tape can be used with various injuries because it is going to help improve and increase circulation. You may hear KT tape referenced a lot but remember that it…

VO2 Max Chart: What’s a Good VO2 Max and Why it’s Important

VO2 max remains the gold standard for measuring cardiovascular fitness. Here’s what it is, how to use a VO2 Max chart, and also learn what a good VO2 max is.

Treatment for Runner’s Knee vs. Jumper’s Knee

Jumper’s knee, or patellar tendonitis, is different than runner's knee or patellofemoral pain. Jumper’s vs runner’s knee treatment ideas here!

VKTRY Insoles Review | Carbon Fiber Insoles for Athletes

Are you curious about carbon fiber, but love your current shoe? This VKTRY insoles review, will help breakdown how they feel and work.

Complete Guide to Best Cheap Running Gear (Top 10 Websites)

Cheap running gear doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality. This complete guide shares the best sites for top-quality affordable running gear

NordicTrack vs Peloton: Which Treadmill is Better for You?

When it comes to large screens and online live classes on high-end treadmills, you know it's all about NordicTrack vs Peloton. Find out which is right for you.

Tracksmith Eliot Runner Review

Read our review to learn about Tracksmith Eliot Runner fit and feel for a daily running shoe, compared to other brands.

4 Options for How to Dry Running Shoes (What you MUST Avoid)

Drying running shoes isn’t rocket science, but there are certainly a few things to avoid to help ensure the life of your running shoes.

Asics Gel Kayano 29 Review

The ASICS GEL Kayano was first released in 1993 and due to its popularity is now on the 29th edition! I got my first pair with the special edition NYC…

9 Best Stretches for Runners (According to a Running Coach)

Some studies say you don’t need to bother and others fight against that by showing how stretches for running improve your stride and prevent injuries. So what should you do?…

How to Start Running When Overweight

Being a heavier runner doesn't mean you can't achieve big things. Running when overweight tips to work with your body for success.

Real or Hype? Collagen Benefits: Joint Pain, Stiffness and Mobility

If you want to know whether collagen for runners is worth the hype, this article lays it all down including researches to help you decide if it's right for you.

Marathon Training Tips For Beginners – 11 Keys From a Running Coach

Attempting that first 26.2 is a big undertaking and these marathon training for beginner tips will ensure you make it through the months

What To Do About Your Non-Runner (aka unhealthy) Spouse

how do you get your partner to exercise? It’s a valid question! Especially if you’ve found that you love it or just need that extra support to stick to it.…

Healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili Recipe (Minimal Prep!)

This healthy crockpot Turkey Chili is easy to make and full of flavor. Prep the ingredients and toss them into the crockpot for the perfect meal.

6 Best Winter Running Socks

Running in cold weather means finding the best winter running socks to improve your experience and keep you running day after day. Start here!

Brooks Ghost 15 Review

Read our review to learn about Brooks Ghost 15 fit and feel for a daily running shoe, compared to other models.

Garmin vs Fitbit | Which One is Better for Running

Garmin vs Fitbit - that's something every runner looking to buy a fitness tracker is trying to figure out. This guide will help you decide which one is best.

Ultimate Guide to the Best Body Fat Measurement Tools

Body fat measurement tools are incredibly useful, but you need to know how each one works and which is right for you. Learn it all in this guide.

How to Make a Green Smoothie (Ultimate Beginner’s Guide)

If you’ve always been fascinated by the idea of green smoothies, but just didn’t know where to start or what makes a good smoothie, this guide on how to make…

Honest Sleep Number i8 360 Review

Wondering exactly how it feels to use a sleep number? Here's my honest feedback after a year in this Sleep Number i8 360 Review.

Running 3 Miles a Day: Benefits and How to Get Started

Running has many health benefits from weight loss, to lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol. Learn how to run 3 miles a day here.

13 Important Benefits of Running a Marathon

Do you need to run a marathon to be a runner? No! But there are some really incredible benefits of running a marathon to consider.

Marathon Runners Accused of Spreading Fake News

In a stunning revolt this weekend, friends and family members of marathon runners everywhere put down their cheering signs and picked up picket signs.It turns out they’re tired of the…

How Long Should You Wait After Eating to Exercise?

Maybe you grew up hearing not to swim for 2 hours after eating and now you’re wondering when can I exercise after eating?? Is there a set time frame? Was…

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!