Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 13

53 Running Hacks for Summer, Running Faster, Saving Money and More

As my face grows a deeper shade of red and I slowly stop sweating (an absolute sign I must be dying), my only thought is I wish I had a way to cool down…and a toothpick because you know MacGyver could solve any situation with a toothpick! Time for summer running hacks, plus some other fun little tricks that are going to make your running life easier!

Hacks get a bad rap as ways to try and cheat the system or get out of doing the hard work.

And sometimes they certainly are, but today we’re talki...

Ultramarathon Crewing Gear Checklist | Exactly What You Need to Survive

Everything you need to crew confidently—from base camp to the backcountry.

Crewing an ultramarathon is part problem-solving, part emotional support, and a lot of waiting around in unpredictable conditions. While your main job is to keep your runner fed, fueled, and moving, having the right gear can make the experience smoother for both of you.

Yes, you could show up with just water, nutrition, and good vibes. But if your runner is tackling a 100-miler or a multi-loop suffer-fest through wild ter...

Run Under the Stars: Nighttime Races You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should!)

It’s time to mix up your running. We know that a lot of races require you to get up in the dark of the early morning, which is not a win for our night owls, but also means while you get sunrise, you miss out on some other cool experiences. From a glow in the dark experience to seeing shooting starts, a night race could be just what you need to bring some joy back to your running.Organized night races often have a fun, party-like atmosphere that’s lacking in more serious, daytime races. Many also...

Why These 8 Dresses Are Perfect for Women with Athletic Builds

When your life basically revolves around running, it feels like a big win to get dressed in something that isn’t shorts and a sports bra, but still feels just as comfy. Enter dresses that fit our athletic builds as women, but still feel cute!Bonus points for being breathable in the summer heat.

This summer, athletic dresses are having a serious moment. Bright colors, fun patterns, sweat-wicking fabrics and yes, pockets. Brands are finally figuring out that we want to feel good and look good with...

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

When you’re toeing the line for a 100-mile race, what you wear matters. A lot. You’ll face everything from sun to rain, warm afternoons to freezing pre-dawn hours. Chafing, blisters, overheating, and cold sweats? All potential hazards. The proper clothing can’t prevent every rough patch, but it can make your race a whole lot more manageable.

After crewing my husband, John, through multiple 100-milers—including this year’s Hellbender 100—I’ve seen firsthand what works, what fails, and what gets s...

Black Toenail Prevention: 7 Easy Tips to Avoid Runner’s Toe

Let’s start with this, Runner’s Toe, aka black toenails from running, is not required to be in the club and is not a 100% certainty for all runners.

We often treat our injuries like war stories. Each runner has the toenail they’ve lost, the race they pushed through when they shouldn’t have, and all of it makes it seem like running is really taking a toll on the body.

But of course, we know that it doesn’t have to! The same goes for your toes.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need t...

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

As runners, we also spend an awful lot of time walking or on the trails we lovingly call it hiking to make it all sound much more intense. Because our team has been testing all kinds of gear this year, we wanted to highlight a few things hiking gear pieces that we loved and you need to know about!

From head-to-toe apparel to hydration and snacks to keep you going, this list has a little bit of everything for your next hike. You can thank us later.

AND let us know in the comments if there’s somet...

What Does it Cost to Run The Boston Marathon? (Or Other World Majors)

Sure you’ve considered that a trip to Berlin is going to cost a bit with airfare, but do you really know the true cost of running a World Marathon Major? Is Boston more expensive to run than London? Let’s take a deeper dive in to the cost of chasing that Six Star Medal and of course why it’s still worth it for many of you!

What Does it Cost to Run the Boston Marathon?

Let’s break this down, just as an example, as if a runner from the Midwest was heading to Boston for race weekend.

For the purpo...

Best Hoka Running Shoes Review | Complete Comparisons

We’ve tested out every model of Hoka, not just this year, but literally since the very first Clifton! That’s helped us come up with our favorites for different uses. Get your best Hoka running shoes review from folks who have actually put them to the test in a variety of ways!

With their focus on cushioning and comfort, HOKA One One has established itself as one of the top brands in the running shoe market.

While they may be newer to the game, they’re no longer the new kid on the block with bra...

How to Get Back Into Running Easily After a Long Break

At some point you felt reasonably fit…maybe even dare we say it, very fit. Then life happened, you took an extended break and now you’re scratching your head wondering how to get back into running after time off?

Is getting back into running going to hurt? Will it take forever? Is this even a good idea?

Good news: your muscles (and brain) have a memory of those past activities, and in many ways it’s often EASIER to get back in shape than it was the first time around.

Think about it. You don’t ha...