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

8 Ways to Slow Down: Relaxation Guilt

Relaxation guilt is a real thing that keeps many of us from actually reaching our potential, especially as runners! Are you in this group??

9 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.

Stress Fractures in Runners (Vs Stress Reactions)

A deep dive discussion on stress fractures in runners with a specialist. Understand what the terms mean, who is at risk and more.

Hoka Clifton 10 Preview | Will it Last?

Big changes are coming to the Hoka Clifton 10 and we've got the full download. Find out if you need to start looking for a new running shoe!

Saucony Endorphin Trainer Preview | Dropping a New Shoe

Pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest shoe surprises of the year! Saucony adds a new! Here is our Saucony Endorphin Trainer preview

ASICS Kayano vs Nimbus: Which is Right For You?

What sets the two most popular ASICS shoes apart? A comparison to help you choose between ASICS Nimbus Vs Kayano.

Brooks Ghost 17 Preview | A Big Drop (Or Small)

A sneak peek at the changes coming to the Brooks Ghost in 2025. Let's talk cushion, fit and overall comfort.

7 Best Running Socks | Overlooked and Undervalued Gear!

The right pair of running socks can make all the difference in comfort and blister prevention. Here are the 7 best running socks + what to consider when buying.

10 Surprising Benefits of Cold Weather Running (Plus Tips to Stay Safe)

Running in cold weather is actually really good for you! Whether you have a race on the calendar or not, let's talk benefits to get you motivated.

ASICS Novablast 5 Honest Review: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Shoe

Digging in to an Asics Novablast 5 review with the all new midsole foam, fit, feel and who is going to love this shoe.

Altra Vs HOKA Running Shoes | Zero Drop vs Maximal

How different do Altra vs Hoka running shoes feel? Which offers more cushion and which offers more stability? We tested!

Black Friday Running Shoes And Gear Deals

Time to snag the best running gear at the best prices with these Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for runners! Shoes, watches, apparel

Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerin (And Adrenaline)

Comparing two popular Brooks running shoes, the Brooks Ghost vs Brooks Glycerin to help you choose. Plus the Max and Adrenaline as well

Best Running Watches: A Complete Buyers Guide

Looking for the best running watch? This guide features running watches by categories and what you need to pick the right GPS watch for you.

On Cloud vs Altra Running Shoes: Which Is Best For You?

How different do On Cloud vs Altra running shoes feel? Which offers more cushion and which offers more stability? We tested!

7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes

If you love a cushioned running shoe, you’re in luck because right now brands are focusing on this more than ever! Stack heights are increasing as each one tries to…

25 Best Wellness Gifts for a Healthy Splurge

This complete wellness gift guide features gifts for self-care, mental and physical health, improved sleep, and much more to find the perfect gift!

31 Best Fitness Gifts for Men (For All Types of Fitness Lovers)

Learn the best fitness gifts for men, including those who run, do yoga, mountain bike, hike, and more. These workout gift ideas for him won't disappoint.

37 Workout Gifts for Her (Which Are Actually Useful!)

Learn the best workout gifts for women, including curated finds for yoga lovers, fitness fiends, swimmers, gym rats, runners — all athletic women.

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…

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 That Checks all the Boxes

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.

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.

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!