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

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…

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.

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: Why Your Runs Suddenly Feel Impossible

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…

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…

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.