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

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.

54 Running Hacks for Summer, Running Faster, Saving Money and More

Looking running hacks for summer, to run faster or just some of the incredible tricks that long time runners know? Look no further!

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…

11 Best Running and Muscle Recovery Tools

Running recovery involves a lot of factors from rest to nutrition, but the right muscle recovery tools can help to speed up the process. Here's a full guide.

Peeing While Running | 5 Common Causes and Solutions

POTTY BREAKS!!! Had a great question about peeing while running which I think could help a lot of runners! “WHY do I need to pee during my runs almost right…

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…

Does Running Age You Or Make You Look Older? (Causes And Prevention)

Maybe you've heard the term runner's face and now you wonder if running is aging you? Let's talk about it and what you can do for your skin.

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…

What is a Shakeout Run? Should You Run Before a Race?

Long distance runners often undertake shakeout runs before major competitions. Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of shakeout runs here.

Suunto vs Garmin: Which GPS Watch Is Better for You

When you're ready to shell out for a GPS running watch it's confusing to know what's best. Here we compare Suunto vs Garmin watches.

10 Amazon Running Products You Don’t Know About, But Should

We all know that I’m an uber saver. Not like the car, but like I’m seriously in to finding ways to maximize my dollars because that means more money for…

Coffee As A Pre-Workout Supplement: What Are The Reviews?

Coffee can be used to enhance exercise performance and endurance. Learn how to use coffee as a pre workout supplement here.

Does Walking Help Running? 9 Absolute Benefits!

As a running coach, I’m about to surprise a lot of you by saying you need to walk more! Believe that walking and being a runner aren’t compatible? Real runners…

How to Plan a Running Route + What Factors to Consider

Whether you’re new to running, or looking to change things up, knowing how to plan a running route is an incredibly important skill for every runner. It involves knowing what…

What is a Good 5K Time? Averages + Fastest 5K Times

In the 1970’s America suddenly had a new found urge to move, which lead to a revolution in jogging. Until that point most runners were extremely fast and focused on…

Half Marathon Training Plan for Beginners

Have you ever wondered when to start training for a half marathon? Do you need 16 weeks, 24 weeks, a year? Let’s look at the details of a half marathon…

How to Get Back Into Running Easily After a Long Break

Getting back in to running after a break can feel daunting, but there is a process that will help you get started and stick to it. Read on!

Post Marathon Training: Running and Strength Training Plan

Will I lose fitness by taking weeks off after my marathon? When can you start running after a marathon? It’s a concern for nearly every runner I’ve encountered during post…

9 Signs of Overtraining + Recovery Beyond a Rest Day

A runner who feels tired, fatigued, or unmotivated is probably overtrained. Learn the signs of overtraining for runners and tips for recovery.

Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Review: Comparing Trail Running Shoes

In the last few months I’ve tested out a number of Nike Trail Running shoes and provided my thoughts on fit and feel. So today we’re switching it up a…

Fasted Running: Should You Run or Do Cardio While Fasting?

Why are more people trying fasted cardio for weight loss? What are the drawbacks to fasted running? What about glycogen depleted runs?

9 Causes and Solutions for Ankle Pain From Running

Have you ever experienced pain and tightness in your ankle after running? 7 Causes of this common issue, and great ways to prevent and treat it.

How to Balance CrossFit + Running (Plus 7 WODs for Runners!)

: Runners know they need to cross-train, but can CrossFit and running work well together? Learn 4 ways to balance it, plus 7 WODs for runners you can try today!

How to Breathe While Running: 5 Steps to Breathing Properly

Learn how to breathe properly while running using the right techniques with this 5 step guide tried and tested by a running coach.

Run Less, Run Faster Marathon Training Review

Run Less, Run Faster sounds great, but how does the training plan work? Can you run a marathon only running 3 days a week?

6 Best Hip Mobility Exercises and Why They Matter

Looking for the best hip mobility exercises? Here's how to do 6 top hip mobility drills to improve performance and protect against injuries.

How to Walk a Half Marathon + Training Plan

If you're thinking of walking a marathon, here's everything you need to know. Training tips, gear ideas, what to eat, and how long it'll take.

Nutrition For Runners | Maximize Your Training

Nutrition for runners is about eating right to fuel our runs. Here's a complete guide to everything you need to maximize your training.

9 Reasons Not to Run a Marathon…from a Running Coach

Should I run a marathon? It’s a good question to ask before jumping in to training. In some cases, the answer is no. You really shouldn’t make that goal RIGHT…

Running Blisters: 7 Ways to Prevent + Causes and Treatment

Running blisters are the most common injury runners experience. 7 easy prevention tips! Also, learn how to treat the ones you currently have.

7 Running After Stress Fracture Guidelines

Running after stress fracture is both a mental and physical recovery process. We've got those keys along with prevention of recurrence.

Hanson Marathon Method Overview and Real Experiences

As a running coach, I’m often asked about the best marathon training plan and of course there’s a LOT that goes in to that answer. One of the plans that…