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

Best Women’s Running Shorts of 2026 (Multitester Feedback)

Finding the best women's running shorts takes a lot of miles and lot of uncomfortable moments. 6 running coaches went to work to find them!

10 Best Running Instagram Accounts to Follow ASAP

These Top Instagram Runners help us build running the community through support, fun, tips and friendship. Checkout why I follow them!

Teva Hurricane Trailsetter: Great Grip, Daily Trainer Cushion, Just Size Up Before You Order

Size up in the Teva Hurricane Trailsetter and you get a versatile road to trail shoe with grippy outsole, comfortable road feel, and enough cushion to use as a daily…

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.

Running Through Grief: How to Keep Moving (And When to Stop)

Running through grief can be a tool to help process emotions and studies show it can help with mood, aches and more. Our guide

Best Marathon Medal: The Coolest Finisher Medals

It’s all about the bling for many runners, which led me to wonder who really has the best marathon medals? Best half marathon medals and all the distances in between!…

10 Best Shoes for Heavier Runners (Put Through Real World Testing)

The best shoes for heavier runners need to be durable with the right kind of foam and still have a great fit and feel! Our team found them!

Hoka Skyward X2 Review | A Great Update to One of the Best Shoes for Back of the Pack Runners

Big cushion, carbon plate, genuine fun on race day. The Hoka Skyward X2 delivers where it counts for heavier and back of the pack runners.

Couch to 10K Training Plan (Start Running Even If You Feel Out of Shape)

This step-by-step Couch to 10K training plan will help you run your first 10K using a proven run/walk method to build endurance with control.

Worried About How You Look While Running? Here’s How to Get Past It

Stop worrying about how you look when you run. Your form, pace, and body are perfect just as they are. Here's why letting go of how you look when you…

Best ASICS Running Shoes for 2026 (And Which Ones to Skip)

A team of run coaches looks at the best ASICS running shoes. From carbon plated to stability there's a pair for every runner.

How Far Should You Run Before a Marathon or Half Marathon?

Everything you need to know about your longest long run before the marathon and half marathon. How far, when and total time on feet.

Nike Pegasus 42 Review | Who is Going to Love this Shoe?

The Nike Pegasus 42 made some major updates to the midsole, foam and fit. Find out who is going to love it and who is going to pass.

Nike Vs Adidas Running Shoes: What’s the Difference

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

My Honest AgelessRX Review As a Runner in my 40’s

If you’ve started to think about longevity or perimenopause and that’s taken you down a rabbit hole of supplements, I feel you. AgelessRX came on my radar in 2024 after…

8 Best Treadmills for Home | Rigorously Tested Budget to Premium

We tested dozens of treadmills across every price point to find the best for home use. Honest reviews from running coaches who log serious miles.

Adidas Hyperboost Edge Review | Big Stack, Bold Look, Better Suited for Easy Days Than Fast Ones

Adidas Hyperboost Edge is a high stack super trainer with a premium price. Our honest review covers ride, who it works best for, and whether it earns a spot in…

What Causes Muscle Cramps for Runners + How to Prevent Them

Muscle cramps are common for runners, but not necessary. Learn what causes muscle cramps while running, and the 7 things you can do to prevent them.”

Best Running Belts That Won’t Slip or Bounce and Carry it All

Looking for the best running belt? This guide features the top 8 ones on the market according to a running coach, and also what to look for when buying one.

Best Running Sunglasses: Find Out How They Impact the Quality of Your Run

We've put both high end and budget options to the test with our team over many miles and surfaces. Find out the best running sunglasses.

9 Best Cross Training Workouts: Complete Guide for Runners

Cross-training is an important part of staying healthy and keeping your running strong. But it wasn’t always talked about that way. For a long time, cross-training only popped up occasionally…

On CloudMonster 3 Review | The Upgrade That Does Not Mess With a Good Thing

5mm more cushion could vastly change a shoe, but the On Cloudmonster 3 manages to still be a single shoe for long runs to race day

Hoka Clifton 11 Preview | What Updates Are Coming to this Daily Trainer

A quick Hoka Clifton 11 preview to help you decide if you should save while the 10 is on sale or wait for this update!

Salomon Phantasm 3 Review | Using Aerodynamics to Make a Better Race Shoe

Salomon is doing something fun and unique with the Phantasm 3, we're excited to see where this thinking leas us for future shoes.

Brooks Ghost 18 Preview | What We Know Before it Drops

Understanding the Brooks running shoe line up and a look at what to expect from the updated Brooks Ghost 18.

Best Running Jackets for Women (All Weather Options)

Need a good running jacket? Here’s our pick of the best women’s and men’s running jackets right now, along with what to look for in a running jacket.

Running After Pregnancy: Tips for New Mother Runners

I am not a mother runner, which means no matter how many books I read on running (all of them) or how many friends I have go through the experience,…

12 Best Budget Running Shoes

Here's a guide to the 10 best cheap running shoes for people on a budget that are tried and tested by a run coach. Also, learn how to find the…

Half Marathon Training Plan for Beginners

Thinking about signing up for a half-marathon, but not sure how much time you actually need to train? Is it 16 weeks? 24 weeks? A full year? Let’s take a…

Best Running Shoes for Ankle Support, Chosen by Runners and Physical Therapists

Even if you don’t overpronate, running puts pressure on the ankles, which can cause you pain. Fortunately, we’ve reviewed the 7 best running shoes for ankle support

10 Best Running Shoes For Beginners

The right running shoe can improve performance and reduce injury risk. A run coach recommends the best running shoes for beginners based on fit, support, and comfort.

Asics Superblast 3 Review | So Bouncy You’ll Forget It’s Supposed to Be a Daily Trainer

Daily trainer and super trainer are a blurred line these days and Asics has done it again with new foam in the Asics Superblast 3.

Altra Vs Brooks Running Shoes | How Running Shoes Compare

Breaking down the major differences and what model shoe you may like best from Altra vs Brooks running shoes.

What’s New in the Hoka Speedgoat 7 and Why You’ll Love It

The GOAT of trail running shoes has our attention. The Hoka Speedgoat 7 gets top marks nearly across the board for us.

Cupless Racing 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Race

What is a cupless road race? We're breaking down how to make sure you don't lose any time and why it's so valuable.

10 Best Running Shoes for Narrow Feet

Here are some great running shoes for narrow feet, no more slipping, sliding or dealing with blisters. We've got the best fit.

We’ve Tested Hundreds of Shoes – Here are 10 Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain

Running shoes for knee pain are going to provide a good balance of cushion and support. Find out what a run coach recommends.

9 Best Treadmill Running Shoes

As a running coach and long time treadmill runner, I've tested out a lot of soles. These treadmill running shoes are my top picks.

Half Marathon Fueling Strategy: Why and How You Need to Fuel

Do I need to fuel during a half marathon? Can you get by without gels? Half marathon nutrition to feel energized and avoid stomach issues.

22 No BS Marathon Training Truths

Most of us runners all start out swearing we’d never run a marathon. A mile was a struggle, what crazy person would submit themselves to 26.2?! The truth about running…

Hanson Marathon Method Overview and Real Experiences

As running coaches, we’re 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 brings…

Polar Vs Garmin | Comparing Top Models

Deciding on Polar Vs Garmin for your next GPS running watch? We break down the low, mid and high end models, comparing features.