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

Easy Vegetarian Chili Recipe (Packed with Flavor + Protein)

This Easy Vegetarian Chili recipe is the perfect comfort food when the weather starts getting chilly outside! But that’s not all that’s great about it; it packs a punch with…

Lock Laces Review: Why You Should Consider Trying Them

Lock Laces are the original no-tie lacing system that can convert your traditional lace-up shoes into convenient pull-ons that have a locking device for the most customized, and adjustable fit.…

How to Choose the Right Running Shoes (Online or In-store)

If you’re looking to understand how to choose the running shoes that are right for you and your feet, then this complete guide is perfect for you! As a running…

21 Best Fitness Books That You Won’t Regret Reading

Looking for the best fitness books to help you achieve your fitness goals? This article includes 21 that are actually worth reading!

Garmin Fenix 7s Review | Comparing to 6s, Enduro and Others

The Garmin Fenix 7s stands out from others with solar charging, tons of activities and lifestyle tracking data. See all the details here.

AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill vs Lever Movement At Home

Why is the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill popular for rehab after injuries? What it feels like, why doctors love it and at home options for rehab

9 Best Carbs for Runners for All Runners (Complete Guide)

Looking for the best carbs for runners? This complete guide includes the 9 best ones, including how much you need to take, and why it's important for runners.

How to Make Your Own Running Training Plan: 5k to Marathon

Not everyone is interested in a running coach. Sometimes you just want to figure out what basic half marathon training plan (or other distance!) will actually work for you. There…

Brooks Vs Mizuno Running Shoes | Comparing Models

Feature comparison of Mizuno vs Brooks running shoes. Differences in key features, fit and comparable models.

How to Break in Running Shoes (Especially Before a Race)

Learn how to break in running shoes to avoid issues like blisters or foot pain. Breaking in running shoes before you race is important.

Nike Vs Brooks Running Shoes | Comparing Models

Feature comparison of Nike vs Brooks running shoes. Differences in key features, fit and comparable models.

Exakt Health App Review | Injury Rehab & Prevention for Runners

The Exakt Health App gives you detailed plans and workouts to follow or rehabbing from common running injuries, at ZERO cost. Let's dive in!

Ibuprofen Before Running: Why You Should or Shouldn’t Use It

If you’re a runner, at some point you’ve probably considered taking ibuprofen before running. Endurance athletes like marathon runners put themselves through rigorous weeks of training to be ready for…

Resistance Band Workout For Hips And Glute Activation

You might think that I work only two parts of my body: my legs during running and my hips during PT because well that’s what I talk about a LOT,…

Top 10 Foot Strengthening Exercises For Runners

No matter how fit you are, weak feet can leave you injured. Foot strengthening exercises can improve arch, ankle, tendon and muscle strength. Let’s take a look at some exercises…

Training for a 10K: A Guide to Training for Your Best 6.2

Are you planning to run a 10K? Then this guide to training for a 10K will lay down everything you need to know to have the best 10K ever for…

MOBO Board Review | Strength Training for your Feet

The MOBO Board is not just a circular piece of wood but a versatile tool that can be used to help prevent foot and ankle related injuries. As runners we…

Beet Juice for Runners: Does it Improve Endurance?

There's some evidence that consuming beet juice might improve running performance. Learn more about this claim, including why it might work.

Polar Pacer Pro Review – Entry Level Running Watch

This Polar Pacer Pro review will walk through the features of this entry level GPS watch and compare it to other Polar GPS models.

Tips for 10K Race Day: Pacing, Strategy and Fuel

Today we’re going to talk about the 10k race day strategy that will help you nail your goals, first we’re going to talk about some of the mental things you…

Polar vs FitBit Watches for Workouts

If you’ve been wondering about which watch is going to serve you best in running, the Polar Vs FitBit breakdown might be exactly what you need. FitBit is often the…

How Many Miles Is a 5K, 10K, 25K, Half Marathon, Marathon or Ultramarathon?

Whether you’ve just started running or you’re looking for a new challenge, you might be wondering just how far certain races really are and what’s a good time. Let’s put…

9 Key Glute Stretches + Strength Moves To Prevent Pain

Your glutes are one of the largest and most active muscles used in running. So it’s frustrating when they’re sore or tight, especially because that tightness if often due to…

Best Meniscus Tear Exercises to Improve Knee Range of Motion

Knee exercises aren’t just necessary after injury, but to keep you from injury! Intense exercises, such as running, can tear the meniscus which is a layer of cartilage in our…

Why Are Potatoes Good For Runners (and how to incorporate more)

For some of you, I’m about to blow your mind with all the ways that potatoes are good for runners…and I don’t just mean during dinner. I mean right smack…

How to Quit Sugar in 11 Steps (Without Feeling Miserable)

Are you struggling with being able to quit sugar? Trust me, you’re not alone. Many people find it challenging to reduce or eliminate their sugar intake, but it’s an important…

Guide to Running Stairs: Why and How Runners Should Try It

Want to build strength and speed? Time to include running stairs! Find out why running stairs is worth the effort and how to do them.

27 Tips for Good Running Photos

Remember the handsome face that took over social media with the buzz “ridiculously photogenic guy” in 2014, after he managed to take one of the best race photos ever? It…

How to Find Your Running Motivation

Here's a complete guide to running motivation to help you get started or for long time runners how to get your mojo back.

9 Ice Bath Benefits and When NOT to Take One

Ever wondered if ice bath benefits are worth the discomfort? We're going to answer that today and share when not to ice bath as an athlete.

Hal Higdon Marathon Plan Training Plan Review

Have you wondered if the Hal Higdon Marathon Plan would work for you? A break down of principles and tips/results from those who've done it.

How to Bounce Back from a Bad Race Day

As David and I stood joking, rubbing our hands together and bouncing foot to foot, my thoughts were on the miles ahead. Not once in those thoughts was a worry…

17 of The Best Inspirational Running Quotes

Running is a spiritual experience right? There’s a lot of praying happening by mile 25😂. Really this is another way of saying we have to work on our mental game…

Pose Running Method vs. ChiRunning Guide: Breaking Down Both

In this discussion of ChiRunning vs Pose Method, we'll breakdown what each style is and help you decide while will improve your running form.

13 Top Hip Strengthening Exercises Every Runner Should Be Doing

One of the most common causes of knee pain, ankle pain or IT Band pain is hip weakness from lack of strength or tightness shutting down muscles. That’s right hip…

How Long is a 50K in Miles? Complete Guide to 50K Training

How long is a 50K in miles exactly? And what's the best way to train for it. Learn it all in this complete guide to 50K for all kinds of…

Running 2 Miles A Day: The Benefits And How To Start

Running 2 miles a day can improve health and weight loss, but it's not easy to begin. Learn how to start running 2 miles a day here.

Is Running with Weights Safe? (Benefits, Cautions, and Tips)

Does running with weights build muscle? Can it improve your speed or are you simply looking at a new way to injure yourself? Find out.

Legs Feel Heavy While Running? Top 9 Causes + How to Fix It

If you’re wondering why your legs feel heavy when running, then you’re in the right place. There can be many different causes for that heavy legs sensation, and they might…

7 Tips for How to Run Faster and Longer: Speed and Endurance

Here's a complete guide by a running coach teaching you 5 strategies to run faster and longer without injuries yourself.

Marathon Training Fatigue: When Your Runs Suddenly Feel Too Hard

Learn how to overcome running fatigue with these key tips to first identify the root cause and then make changes to get back on track.

CBD for Runners: Pain Relief, Mood, Athletic Performance

CBD for runners is an effective tool for improving recovery which means better training and bigger results. A few years ago, I started hearing whispers of ultra marathon runners crushing…

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!