RunToTheFinish

Online Running Coach | Running Shoe and Gear Reviews

About the Author

Stacey Gross

Running Coach, Author, and Shoe Tester

Stacey has been a part of the Run To The Finish coaching team since 2021. She is a marathon runner and duathlete, having crossed many finish lines finding her sweet spot to be in the shorter distances. She loves testing gear and providing feedback for the middle and back of the pack runners! She embraces a good treadmill run, alongside her road running with her four-legged training partner Luna, and since recently moving to Colorado, is a newbie trail runner learning the ropes providing great feedback in each area. When she's not running, coaching or writing, you'll find her sipping on a cup of iced coffee....no matter what the weather is outside. Follow Stacey on Instagram

Stacey Gross

Trail Shoe Lugs Explained: Everything Runners Need to Know

Not all trail shoe lugs are created equal! From mud-gripping monsters to rock-hugging nubs, learn which lugs will keep you upright on your favorite trails and why lug depth actually…

Is Hydrow Worth It? Origin vs Wave Rowing Machine Reviews

Great rowing machine with over 5,000 on-demand workouts, but does it earn its place in your home gym if you're already paying for other equipment and memberships?

Brooks Ghost Trail Review | Award Winning Road-to-Trail Shoe

The beloved Brooks Ghost goes off-road. Our new favorite road-to-trail shoe combines the Ghost's legendary cushioning with added traction for gravel trails.

Why 80/20 Running Doesn’t Work for Everyone

80/20 training isn't for everyone. Discover why beginners, busy athletes, and certain fitness goals require different approaches than this popular method.

Mount to Coast M1 Preview | Ready for Serious Technical Trails

First look at the Mount to Coast M1 trail shoe. Built for technical terrain with advanced grip, stability, and protection for rugged mountain runners.

Brooks Ghost AMP Preview | Traditional With A Speed Boost

The Brooks Amp brings new energy to the Ghost family. Our team's preview gives a look into what you can expect from this lightweight, snappy shoe.

Unexpected Must-Haves: December Gear Roundup

Our December gear picks: just a handful of things we've been using and liking lately. Low-key finds that might be worth checking out.

Hyperice Venom Go: The Compact Recovery Tool Can Go Everywhere

Perfect for gym bags, suitcases, or your desk drawer. Find out why the Venom Go won us over for soothing tight muscles.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 Preview | Upgraded Plate Made for Speed

Our team previews the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5's style updates and new bouncier carbon plate. Discover how the latest design changes and enhanced plate technology elevate this race-day shoe's performance…

Best Non-Plated Race Day Shoes | Proof You Don’t Need Carbon to Run Fast

Looking for race day speed without carbon plates? We've tested the best non-plated running shoes that prove you don't need fancy tech to run fast.

What Running Economy Really Means for Your Performance From an Exercise Scientist

Discover what running economy really means with Dr. Shalaya Kipp. Learn how supershoes, running gear, and carbs impact your running efficiency and performance.

Quality Meets Convenience: Best At-Home Fitness Equipment Fully Tested

Skip expensive gym memberships. Our guide to the best at-home fitness equipment brands helps you invest in quality gear to reach your goals.

Hyperice Product Comparison: Which Recovery Tools Deliver? We Tested them All

Real talk about Hyperice recovery tools! We tested Hyperboots, Normatec, Venom and more. What actually works and is worth the price tag.

Cozy Season Favorites: November Gear Roundup

Our November round up features warm layers and cozy essentials to keep you comfortable during the in-between season.

Brooks Ghost Max 3 | Review Updated After 100 Miles of Testing

Did the updates to the Brooks Ghost Max 3 makes this a more comfortable running shoe? Absolutely, we finally see the hype about this shoe.

Runners’ Fall Style Guide: Athleisure Picks That Work Out and Stand Out

Looking for some cute athleisure for Fall, we've got runner picks from hanging with friends to working up a sweat.

Amazfit vs Garmin: Can You Get a Good GPS Watch for Less?

Can AmazFit compete with Garmin's premium smartwatches? Compare specs, performance, and value to see if budget-friendly AmazFit delivers the features runners need.

Best Running Shoes For Forefoot Strikers (Appropriate Padding from Our Testing)

Tend to run more up on your toes with a forefoot strike? We've tested the best forefoot running shoes to prevent injury and run more naturally.

Peloton Bike Review | Is it Worth the Price Tag? (Our Comparison)

Is the Peloton Bike worth the price tag or is a more affordable bike just as good? Check out our team's honest review.

What is Considered a Long Run? Why One Size Definitely Doesn’t Fit All

Discover what a long run means for you and your goals. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned runner, the long run is an important part of any training plan.

Is the Peloton Tread+ Worth It? A Runner’s Honest Take After 6 Years

This coach has had her Peloton Tread+ for 6 years. Here's her honest review on how it's held up and whether it's worth the pricetag.

Best Women’s Running Shoes According to Running Coaches (Real Miles, Real Reviews)

Thousands of miles running and coaching other female athletes, helped our coaches define the best women's running shoes right now.

While on Earth Shoe Review: Almost Perfect Stylish Daily Trainer

Is While on Earth's Move Trainer the game-changer this athlete-founded brand promises? We put it to the test to see if it delivers on performance, comfort, and street-ready style.

Does Running Burn Muscle? How to Run Without Losing Gains

Worried that running will ruin your gains or burn muscle? It can. But not when you know these things, find out how to keep muscle mass

Understanding Heel Bevel: Why This Tiny Detail Changes Everything

Explaining what a heel bevel is in a shoe and how it can help or hinder your run based upon your footstrike and the design.

Hoka Transport Review | All-Day Walking Shoe Where Lifestyle Meets Performance

From concrete to trails to everyday errands. We put the Hoka Transport through real world testing across different terrain and conditions.

Can Orthotics Actually Fix Runner’s Foot Pain? | Our Upstep Custom Orthotics Review

Our Upstep custom orthotics journey: ordering process, foot strengthening, first runs, and real results for runners dealing with foot pain.

Ultrahuman Ring AIR Review: Brilliant Tech, But Do we Really Need Another Wearable?

A must have accessory? Or is the Ultrahuman Ring Air just another gadget that will eventually sit in a drawer? Read our team's full review to find out.

Best Barefoot Shoes For Stronger Feet and Better Balance

Foot strength and stability are of critical importance in the gym. We've found the best barefoot shoes for lifting to running based on your needs.

Hoka Mach X3 Review | Finally Worth the Hype, Grab This Shoe

The Hoka Mach X3 is a versatile shoe winner for the mid-pack runner, they've listened to runner feedback and it's the best version yet.

Missed a Day or a Week of Running – Expert Tips for Getting Back on Track

We've all missed runs before! Here's our tips to handle training setbacks like a pro and keep moving toward your goals.

Best Marathon Shoes for Beginners Who Just Want to Finish Strong

Check out our list of the best marathon shoes for beginners that prioritize comfort over speed and find out when a plated option is right!

Best Waterproof Running Shoes: Which Ones Pass the Puddle Test

Looking for a pair of shoes to keep your feet dry but not sure where to start? Our best waterproof running shoes tested by our team.

COROS Nomad Review: Adventure Watch Overkill for Road Runners?

Is the COROS Nomad worth the hype? Our honest review reveals if this adventure watch actually delivers for runners and outdoor adventurers.

Decoding Your Running Gel: What Those Labels Really Mean

Wondering what your gel label means? Sports dietitian Kylee Van Horn reveals which common gel label claims are more confusing than helpful.

Avelo Running Shoes: Like Having a Gait Analysis Lab in Your Footwear

Avelo Running shoes replace a one time expensive gait analysis, by providing feedback on every run about pronation, footstrike and more.

Horizon 7.4AT Treadmill Review | Great Value When on Sale, Zero Streaming Fluff

When you want running apps without the cost, welcome to the Horizon 7.4AT treadmill that quickly adjusts speed and doesn't sacrifice quality.

Core Strength for Runners: The Foundation Every Fast Runner Builds On

Fast runners all focus on core work. Which doesn't mean crunches, it means strength work that improves endurance, efficiency and form.

How Your Enneagram Type Determines Your Athletic Motivation (And Training Style)

Have you heard the word Enneagrams but not sure what it is? We chatted with Denver coach, Jillian Keaveny , to learn how they can be helpful as an athlete.

Ice Vests, Cooling Hats, and More: What Really Works for Hot Weather Runners

Looking of ways to keep cool training through the summer? We took a look at what options really work and what ones you can pass on.

Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion Shoe Review: PF Running Shoe Winner

If you're looking for a shoe to help that nagging plantar fasciitis pain, look no more. Check out our review of the Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion to learn why.

Running With an Apple Watch: Perfect for Some Runners, Terrible for Others

Running with an Apple Watch is absolutely fine if you know the limitations and how to optimize the features. Let's dig in!