Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 10

Confessions of a Run Coach: We Wish You Knew Before Starting

So you’ve thought about getting a running coach, but always thought it wasn’t for you. That’s ok, you can absolutely become a great runner on your own. Assuming you’re willing to follow some pretty basic rules. Here’s what running coaches wish you understood!

RTTF Coach Katilyn says it’s always sports bra season

Every time I take a strengths and skills test, “teacher” comes back as a result.

Which makes complete sense, it’s part of why I love writing about running to share tips!

I get to dig in ...

Hoka Mach vs New Balance Rebel

If you’re looking for a lightweight tempo or daily trainer, your decision might now be between two neutral models: NB Rebel V5 vs Hoka Mach 6. Lucky for you, I’ve been testing out these shoes for over a decade and love to share my opinions and details about the shoes.

Each year, our team tests out new models from both brands and put in enough miles to have solid feedback on feel, fit and whether we’ll be shelling out money for another pair.

Here we hope to help breakdown the differences and hel...

Running Recovery Tools: What Works vs. What’s Just Expensive Hype

Have you ever wondered if all the recovery tools available are really necessary? Lucky for you We’ve spent a lot of time testing things out to weed out the not so great, but also doing A LOT of research to understand what really matters for recovery.

If you’re new around here, you might not yet know that I have an obsession with post run recovery from what to eat to best stretches to researching whether or not you should have that beer.

When I started running at 20 it was the last thing on my m...

11 Best Running and Muscle Recovery Tools

Have you ever wondered if all the recovery tools available are really necessary? Lucky for you I’ve spent a lot of time testing things out to weed out the not so great, but also doing A LOT of research to understand what really matters for recovery.

If you’re new around here, you might not yet know that I have an obsession with post run recovery from what to eat to best stretches to researching whether or not you should have that beer.

When I started running at 20 it was the last thing on my mi...

Peeing While Running | 5 Common Causes and Solutions

Ladies take heart, you are not alone if this issue has cropped up for you! From childbirth to other daily habits, there are things that could be causing peeing while running and potential resolutions!

Whether you have stress incontinence, which is something like you cough and whoops leak a little or urge incontinence, which is more like thinking you always need to go, there are things that can help!

Any high-intensity activity, from burpees at CrossFit to running, could lead you to suddenly fin...

7 Best Men’s Walking Shoes: Tested by Guys Who Walk 10,000+ Steps Daily

Sorry guys, but we hate to break it to you, one pair of shoes isn’t going to do it all.  It’s time to give your closet a little variety with two (maybe even three!) reliable pairs. Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up some of the best men’s walking shoes to help you find the perfect fit for your daily steps.

Yep, there are real differences between men’s and women’s shoes. Things like width, length, heel toe drop, overall shape, and thanks to the different shoe last (or mold) that’s used. A...

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

Our review of the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro. Spoiler this ultramarathon runner says it’s now one of the best shoes she’s ever tested.

La Sportiva  shoes are made for performance in mind so the snug fit is meant to maximize sensitivity and power transfer over rough terrain.  When training for or running ultras, a toe box that is roomy is a must for me and I’m very picky about what shoes I choose to train and race in.

I’ve recently tested two other trail shoes with a built in gaiter and the Prodig...

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

Our review of the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro. Spoiler this ultramarathon runner says it’s now one of the best shoes she’s ever tested.

La Sportiva  shoes are made for performance in mind so the snug fit is meant to maximize sensitivity and power transfer over rough terrain.  When training for or running ultras, a toe box that is roomy is a must for me and I’m very picky about what shoes I choose to train and race in.

I’ve recently tested two other trail shoes with a built in gaiter and the Prodig...

Running Gear Perfect for Sweaty Adventures | July’s Gear Round-up

Hot weather might have you thinking it’s time to ditch the gear, but honestly, we’ve found a few summer must-haves worth keeping around.

This month, our tester crew got their hands on some fun, useful stuff that works just as well for sweaty runs as it does for weekend getaways.

Tried something we featured? We want to hear about it! Your feedback keeps these tests going and gives us ideas for what to check out next.

Nathan Pinnacle Pro 6 Liter Hydration Race Vest 

The Nathan Pinnacle Pro Hydrati...

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

The Merrell ProMorph Hybrid marks a new direction for Merrell—a crossover shoe that doesn’t quite fit into the traditional trail or road categories. It’s not a full-on trail shoe, and it’s certainly not a classic road trainer.

Instead, it aims to bridge the gap, blending Merrell’s outdoor DNA with a sleeker, more versatile design. That makes it something of a wildcard—and exactly the kind of shoe I was curious to try.

Most of my running happens on trails, but I find myself on gravel stretches or...