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RunToTheFinish

Online Running Coach | Running Shoe and Gear Reviews

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If you’re a trail runner looking for some valuable information, running coach Amanda Brooks has the best guides for you! From how to start trail running to the best trail running shoes, you’ll find everything you need to become the best trail runner you can be!

Trail Running

How to Carry Energy Gels While Running: The Best Options for Every Race Distance

Pockets, belts, and vests. There's no one-size-fits-all way to carry gels on race day. Find the setup that works for you, your race, and your fueling plan.

Salomon and Courtney Dauwalter Drop the Dawn to Dusk Collection

Salomon is once again teaming up with Ultra running legend Courtney Dauwalter for another curated distance running kit.  The kit will include a full lineup, featuring a t-shirt, vest, shoes,…

12 Dog-Friendly Races from 5K to Ultra Where You Can Cross the Finish Line Together

From 5Ks to trail runs, these 12 dog friendly races let you and your pup cross the finish line together. Find your next race here.

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.

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…

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.

Outopia Trail Gear Review: Weightless Wool, Maximum Storage, Built to Last

We’ve often heard the saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear” and Outopia is all over that with running gear that will take you through the…

Notace Yama T1 Review | Minimal Trail Shoe with Maximum Ground Feel and Traction

Ground feel is not something that every runner wants, but for those seeking it we love the toebox and traction of the Notace Yama T1

25+ Best Trail Running Gifts: Tested on the Trails

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

Why Runners Love the On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 for Roads and Groomed Trails

If you love cushion and love to go from road to gravel to dirt and back, then the On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 is going to be a top choice.

What Is The Grand Slam Of Ultrarunning?

Tired of hearing about marathons, we've got an even more exciting challenge to get you moving. Checkout the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning

Hoka Challenger 8 Review | Road Comfort with Trail-Ready Improvements

Hoka Challenge 8 has made some big changes to improve it's trail capabilities, but also to the amount of cushion. We're still fans.

8 Best Road to Trail Running Shoes for Runners Who Go Everywhere

Get the inside scoop on the best road to trail running shoes as tested by our team. From roads to easy trails, these shoes will have you covered on your…

Brooks Cascadia 19 Review | Why the Loyal Fanbase Will Love These Updates

Dropping some weight takes this shoe to the next level. The Brooks Cascadia 19 is a well rounded option for many trail runners and hikers.

Altra Olympus 275 Review | Great Shoe, Terrible Fit

They didn't change a lot, but we ran into some issues with a shoe we very much wanted to love. The Altra Olympus 275 put through the wringer

Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Review | Hard Charging Technical Shoe

When grip and speed are your top priority, the Salomon SLab Pulsar 4 is ready to do the job! We had a few hiccups but overall a winning shoe.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro Review | Our Stand Out Trail Shoe of The Year

We love it when a shoe surprises us. La Sportiva Prodigio Pro did just that as one of the best trail shoes we've tested with some serious miles.

Merrell Pro Morph Hybrid Review | A Road-to-Trail Shape Shifter

Finding a great trail shoe is a must for many of us hitting both surfaces frequently. The Merell Pro Morph gets our vote for a top pick.

Best Running Hydration Packs Right Now

Here's how to buy a running hydration pack for marathon to trails. Tested and recommended by a running coach with 20 years experience.

Topo Vista Review | Great Cushion and Grip, But There’s a Catch

Can you both love and dislike a shoe? We're going to keep using it frequently but the Topo Vista also has some drawbacks.

Why These 9 Cushioned Trail Running Shoes Are Worth Every Penny

Looking for max comfort while on the trails? Our team put together our picks for the best cushioned trail running shoes.

SCARPA Spin Ultra 2 Review: Confident, Cushioned, and Trail-Tested for the Long Haul

Have we found a shoe to unseat the Speedgoat? Our team thinks the Scarpa Spin Ultra 2 has what it takes to be grippy, fast and comfy.

Ultramarathon Crewing Gear Checklist | Exactly What You Need to Survive

Be the best Ultramarathon crew ever with this checklist! We've been there done that to help you not forget anything important.

What to Wear for a 100-Mile Race | Gear That Goes the Distance

Our team put this gear through paces training for a 100 mile race! This is exactly what you need to make sure you've packed.

Hiking Gear No One Asked Us About, But Really Should Have

Getting ready to start trail running? Here's some of the gear our team recently tested and give a thumbs up!

How Do You Carry Water While Running? Our Top Recommendations As Coaches

Whether you’re just starting out as a runner or you’ve got a few marathons under your belt, staying hydrated during your run is important for optimizing performance. The question becomes…

On Cloudultra 2 Review | Feeling The Trail

Do you love that ground contact feel? Need a shoe for ultrarunning? Let's talk about the On Cloudultra 2 trail shoe.

Merrell Nova 4 Review | Continues To Gain Traction

Looking for a men's only trail shoe that can handle distance, technical terrain and remain comfy? The Merrell Nova 4 is checking all our boxes.

10 Best Trail Running Shoes

Whether you're a newbie, a long time trail runner, looking for more cushion or protection from rocks, we tested the best trail running shoes.

Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide Review | Max Trail Cushion At A Max Price

Cushion for days, but does that translate on the trails? Our team says it's a resounding yes for the Salmon S/Lab Ultra Glide. Pricey, but fun.

Saucony Peregrine 15 Review | Massive Traction

A trail shoe that feels light, isn't overbuilt and yet gives you all the traction you want, that's what we think of the Saucony Peregrine 15.

Can Anyone Run an Ultramarathon? A Seasoned Coach Answers

3 long time coaches talk through the logistics and reasons why you can run an ultramarathon, despite your fears or current mileage.

Speedland GL:PDX Review | Futuristic Trail Fun

What makes a trail running shoe worth $250? Our ultrarunning tester wanted to find out, so she took on the Speedland GL:PDX review testing!

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Review | Hiker’s Choice

We love that trail running shoes are often the best hiking shoes and that's the case with the super rugged Merrell Moab Speed 2.

Altra Timp 5 Review | Grip That Won’t Let You Down

Hikers and runners a like are going to be excited by this Altra Timp 5 review. Talk about some serious grip and comfort on the trails.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 20 Best Trail Running Routes in Southern California

The 20 Best Trail Running Routes in Southern California

Hoka Trail Running Shoes Review and Comparison

Looking at the key features and differences of the best HOKA trail running shoes. From the Speedgoat to the Challenger, find your fit.

7 Awesome Benefits of Long Distance Running

Doing more than a short run or walk has tremendous impacts on physical and mental health. Benefits of running long are backed by studies

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About Amanda Brooks

Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

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Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks, a certified running coach and personal trainer. Any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon her personal life experience and the experiences of those she has coached. View our full privacy and review policy. No AI.

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