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

23 Fitness Gadgets That Actually Work Gifts

Shop a curated list of the best fitness gadgets for runners, including watches, home gyms, and other new trends in fitness tech

Trail Running Gifts: Ultrarunner to Hiking Gift Ideas

Trail running gifts are indeed slightly different from other runners and we've got you covered with high end and budget options!

13 Benefits of Running Hills

Running uphill is one of the first workouts we give new runners and here you're going to find out why you WANT more hills in your running.

27 Small Gifts for Runners Under $20 to Stuff a Stocking

Looking for some small gifts for runners to stuff a stocking, a group run or just because they deserve it, we've got you covered.

How to Run Uphill | Maximize Your Run Efficiency

Running hills is a great way increase fitness and massively improve race times, but it does require changing your form. Learn to do it better.

11 Ways to Maintain Muscle Mass while Marathon Training

Running helps build muscles in your lower body, but is it enough? Everything to know about building muscle when running long distance.

Winter Gear: What to Wear Running at Every Temperature

Cold weather does not have to get in the way of running. There are many different clothing and gear choices for winter running.

Salomon DRX Defy Grvl Review | Like a Gravel Bike

Do you need a running shoe dedicated to gravel runs? Our review of the Salomon DRX Defy Grvl is here to help answer that question.

Allbirds Review | Sustainable Comfort For All Day Wear

Are Allbirds good running shoes?How do the different styles fit and what should you look for in a eco-friendly shoe brand?

Pelvic Floor and Running: What You Need to Know From a Specialist

With so many misconceptions, we want to understand is running bad for the pelvic floor? Signs you can return to running and more with a Doctor.

Presents for Runners Under $50: Perfect Gift Exchange Ideas

Looking for presents under $50 for runners, then we have what you need! A good round up of creative ideas for friends or run group.

Senita Athletics Review | Inclusive, Functional and Fits

Ready to find running gear made for women by women? Checkout our in depth Senita Athletics review for fit, function and feel.

45 Gifts For Runners that a Running Coach Says Are Incredible

What are the best gifts for runners? Find out a running coach's gift ideas for runners. Shop an array of running gifts for Christmas, birthdays, beyond.

New Balance 1080v14 Review | Long Run Love

Read our review to learn about New Balance 1080v14 fit and feel compared to past models and why marathon runners will love it.

NYC Marathon Course Tips + Common NYC FAQs

Anyone getting ready to run the NYC Marathon needs to read this post! It’s everything I wish I’d known in advance to have the best day possible. Even as a…

7 Best Lightweight Running Shoes | Amp Up Your Speed

Choosing a pair of fast shoes for running can be tricky. Lightweight running shoes come in a variety of styles, learn about our top picks from testing.

Best Running Sports Bras: Support, Chafe Free, Stylish Running

Finding the perfect running sports bra that's the right fit can be tricky, but this guide explains it all and shares the 5 best sports bras.

45 Celebrity Marathon Times and the Beat Oprah Effect: Why We Care

How often have you heard someone say "I just want to beat Oprah's time". Celebrity marathon times for comparison to your goals.

Speediance Review | At Home Gym with AI

A full cable machine at home, that doesn't need to be wall mounted. Checkout our Speediance review to see if it's a fit for your goals.

Saucony Kinvara 15 Review | Maintaining Its Roots

Looking for less stack height, lighter, faster, feel good? Our Saucony Kinvara 15 review will show you why we continue to love this shoe.

On Cloudboom Strike Review | Good for Many Paces

Ready for the newest carbon plated super shoe? Let's dive in to the fit, feel and ride of the On Cloudboom Strike. A shoe for many paces.

Best Hoka Running Shoes Review | Complete Comparisons

Get your best Hoka running shoes review from those who have actually tested them! From speed workouts to the best for heavier runners, we've covered it

Is Running Speed Genetic?

What role to genetics play in running? What does the science say about elites vs regular runners and is it really genetic?

Best Reflective Running Clothes (Gear from Head to Toe)

Reflective running gear is something you should never compromise for workouts around dusk or dawn. Find out all the available gear options.

10 Best Running Rain Jackets

We've put the best rain running jackets to the test in wet weather from rain to snow, here's what we found worked best.

On Cloudsurfer Next Review | A Little Fast A Little Firm

Let's dive in to the On Cloudsurfer Next, why it's a vast change from the original, how it mixes comfort and speed, who will love it?

How to Identify and Correct Tight Flexors After Running

Tight hip flexors after running occur for a variety of reasons. They are a common problem for runners, and effective exercises can help prevent them. Read more here.

10 Best Running Leggings with Pockets for Phone: Tried and Tested!

Trying to find the best running leggings with pockets for phone? Here's what stays up, looks cute and works based on miles of testing.

Puma MagMax Nitro Review | The Cushion We’ve Been Waiting For

Ready for some cushion on those easy days? Checkout our detailed review of the new Puma MagMax Nitro trainer.

9 Best Running Headlamps For Roads, Trails and Ultras

Diving in to the best running headlamps from testing in lots of early morning and late evening runs. See what features matter most.

Best Running Lights: Increase Visibility While Running

Early morning, night or dusk, you need running lights to increase your visibility. Find out about the different kind of running lights here.

What Running a Marathon Does to Your Body

Is running a marathon good for you? The training absolutely is, but here's what actually happens to your body after a marathon.

7 Best Long Distance Running Shoes

List of the top long distance running shoes and best running shoes for half marathon and beyond, from 20 years of running and injury prevention.

Chicago Marathon Course Tips and Training

Chicago marathon course guide and tips for training to help you have a great race. From a running coach and finisher.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review | An Enduring Trail Shoe

Trail runners will continue to love the Hoka Speedgoat 6. This update keeps the great grip and feel of a trusted trail running shoe.

20 Best Running Hats: For All Runners and Seasons

Looking for the best running hats in 2024? This guide shares different running hats for all types of runners and seasons to help you find the perfect one!

Running and Menopause with an Exercise Physiologist

What changes with running during and after menopause? Best tips for running over 50 to feel strong and keep the weight off

Hoka Tecton X3 Review| A New Breed of Trail Running

Our review of the newest HOKA trail shoe, the Hoka Tecton X3. Find out why this carbon plated option is good for a variety of speeds.

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Review | Narrowly Well Rounded

A complete Puma Deviate Nitro 3 review from the good of the speed, to the not so great of the fit. Find out if it's a winner for you.

90 Funny & Motivational Race Signs | Marathon Posters & Banners

Snag over 80+ Funny & Motivational Race Sign ideas to help you create marathon signs and be a supporter they can't help but see and LOVE!

Hoka Mach X2 Review | Leaps Forward

Find out how the Hoka Mach X2 has been overhauled to create an impressive new super trainer that will work for so many runners in this review.

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 | Straddling Daily Trainer and Speed

Read our review to learn about Brooks Hyperion Max 2 fit and feel compared to other Brooks Running models and what to expect.