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

How to Stretch After Running: 7 Best Post-Run Stretches

Incorporating running stretches into your routine post-run is great for recovery! Here's a complete guide to the best post-run stretches.

Running Drills for Speed | How to Run Faster

Want to run faster, but not sure how? Running drills and tips approach by a certified running coach that will work for you.

The Best Glute Activation Exercises to Maximize Your Runs

Are you suffering from tight hip flexors or lower back pain while running or right after a lower body workout? Do you struggle to feel your glutes ‘turn on’ while…

Running While Pregnant: Myths (w/ Research), Tips, & the Facts

All pregnant women need exercise, but it's tough to know the best exercises for you. Learn the myths, risks, tips for running while pregnant

Why Do My Ears Hurt After Running? 9 Causes + Solutions

Have you ever had ear pain after going for a run? Here are some common causes of why your ears hurt after running and how to prevent them.

Can Yoga Replace Strength Training? Which Makes You Run Better?

Can yoga replace strength training? Yoga or weights? Weights or yoga? Which will make you a better runner? Are you better doing one than the other? Will one result in…

Running With Your Dog: 7 Must Do’s and a Few Don’ts

The longer I run, the more I realize there’s just more to learn about running. One of the areas, I have long been curious about is running with your dog.…

Marathon Taper Pains: Real or Phantom? Runner’s Flu?

The  number of freaked out, hair pulling, the world is ending “it’s race week and I have pain in my x” or “I’m suddenly sick with the runner’s flu” emails…

8 Exercises and Tips for Running With Flat Feet

One of the things that leads to injury for many runners is overpronation, which is when the arch falls in causing the ankle to roll in as well and sending…

How to Get Rid of Shin Splints: Treat and Fully Recover

Looking for the ultimate guide on how to get rid of shin splints? Don’t worry, I’ve got everything you need in this article. In part one, we covered the best…

Hill Sprints | Best Speed Workout for Strength and Injury Prevention

After you’ve been running for awhile, it’s natural to have a desire to get faster. The problem is most runners dive right in to speed workouts and often end up…

Dating a Runner 10 Undeniable Reasons It’s Amazing

We all know I love running, so what kind of Valentine’s Day post would that be! No, no, I want to talk about why life is so much better for…

Optimize Race Performance with Treadmill Running

Would you like to PR at your next race? Would you be surprised to find out the treadmill might be the tool you’re overlooking to achieve that goal? The benefits…

What to Eat the Night Before a Long Run: 13 Meal Ideas

You need energy, but don't want to be weighed down or have runners trots. 13 ideas for what to eat the night before a long run or marathon.

10 Most Effective Long Run Tips (A Coach’s Checklist)

Preparing for a long run is a key part of training. It's more than just showing up in the morning, it's having your nutrition and gear ready.

Post Marathon Recovery Plan: A Guide to Physical and Mental Recovery

Many runners worry about how long it takes to recover from a marathon. We’ve created a 30-day guide to help you recover faster.

5 IT Band Stretches for Runners Based on Yoga

If there’s one injury that plagues running friends more than any other it’s the IT Band. I’ve talked here about the specific things I do to keep mine happy since…

Can You Use AirPods for Running? What runners Need to Know

Every runner is on the hunt for the perfect set of headphones. From wireless earbuds to bone conduction headphones, weather-resistant to comfort, there’s plenty to consider before investing in a…

Recovery Runs | Benefits and a Simple Guide to Going Easy Enough

Recovery runs are the best way to lower your risk of injury and burnout. Here's how to do it safely and effectively.

Runner’s Diarrhea (Trots): 15 Tips to Treat and Prevent It

Runner's diarrhea can be a real nuisance if you're a runner, but there are ways you can not only treat it but also prevent it from happening.

Garmin Enduro Review | Comparing to Fenix, Coros and Others

The Garmin Enduro stands out from others with solar charging, but the bigger question is how does it compare to the Fenix and other watches.

7 Best Electrolyte Tablets (Easy To Use Hydration)

There are an almost endless number of electrolyte tablets and hydration options. Here’s why these seven, recommended by a coach, are best.

Running with Asthma: 15 Must-Follow Rules for Staying Safe

Running is excellent exercise. For people with asthma, it's even more beneficial. But there are 7 rules you need to run asthma attack-free.

How to Train for a Marathon With A Busy Life

How to train for a marathon when your life is already filled with other things that must be done…it’s a super common question when we start out. Because we all…

12 Clever Healthy Hotel Room Hacks

I. Travel. A lot. In fact, we were living in a hotel room for 4 weeks when I first wrote this, which could explain the bizarre periods I used in…

Honest Daily Harvest Review: Is It Worth It for Runners?

An inside review of Daily Harvest menu, taste, price, sustainability and more. Decide healthy prepared meals are worth it for your nutrition.

How to Lose Body Fat: What I Wish I’d Known Before Attempting to Lose Weight

Want to lose body fat in a healthy, sustainable way? This article has everything you need to know, including 15 tips to help you get there

Marshall Fire – Boulder County

The Marshall Fire in Boulder County was one of the most devastating in state history. Here's our experience and ways you can help

Peroneal Tendonitis: Runners’ Treatment and Prevention Guide

Have pain on the outside of your ankle? It could be Peroneal Tendonitis! A complete guide to understanding, treating, and preventing it.

2021 Another Year of Building

I started this blog in 2005 technically, but I’ve been posting at least 3 times a week since 2007! While now 95% of what I share is educational, once a…

Garmin Forerunner 55 Review vs 45 vs 245

When I’m asked about the best GPS watch for beginners, I almost always point to the most basic Garmin Forerunner. Currently that’s the Garmin 55 (or it’s predecessor the 45).…

8 Half Marathon Race Day Tips to Improve Your Day

Ask any experienced runner for their best race day tips and it almost always includes “don’t start too fast” and “don’t try anything new on race day”. While those two…

Yaktrax Review: Are Yaktrax good for running in snow and ice?

Running in the Kansas City winters and now since 2015 in the Colorado winters, I’ve had my fair share of slips on the ice. Which lead me to testing out…

Best Trail Running Watch – Comparing Top Models and Features

There are a lot of GPS trail running watches on the market, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In addition to typical features like tracking pace, distance, and…

Trail vs Road Running: Can You Love Them Both? And the Treadmill too!

It seems blasphemous to tell my trail running friends that I love my time on the road and probably worse to tell my road running friends that I cherish my…

Your Beachbody vs Peloton Overview: Which is Right for You?

If you’ve found that working out from home has lead you to fall in love with video led workouts then you might be debating Beachbody vs Peloton as two of…

Buy the Perfect Treadmill with These Six Steps

After testing 75 treadmills in one day and being listed as a treadmill expert on Treadmill Reviews…I feel qualified to provide you a treadmill buying guide. It’s all about knowing…

How to Run On a Treadmill And Treadmill Workouts for Beginners

Treadmills are a phenomenal training tool! Whether you’re new to running, a long time runner, avoiding some ice or just need an easy safe place to go this treadmill training…

30 Day Core Challenge | Abs, Glutes and Hips

30 Day Core Challenge | Abs, Glutes and Hips THE SECRET TO RUNNING INJURY FREE… is just 10 minutes a day. 4.8  (937 runners) Grab the course now before prices…

Daily Harvest vs Splendid Spoon – Differences, Menus and Cost Comparison

Which of these plant based meal delivery services will best fit your needs. Looking at the big differences of Daily Harvest vs Splendid Spoon

How to Clean Your Running Shoes

I’ve been on a gear testing streak lately, which lead to 4 new pairs of running shoes that are white or probably some fancy color like ecru or eggshell. They…

Unique Gifts for Runners and Triathletes

Whether you have a runner like me who spent part of last year overcoming an injury and doing our best not to whine about the lack of endorphins, or simply…

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!