Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 14

R.A.D One V2 | The Grip That Made Us Throw Out Our Other Gym Shoes

Look around any CrossFit gym and you’re sure to see a whole lot of the same shoes – I’m looking at you, Nike Metcons, Reebok Nanos and No Bull Outworks. While those tried-and-true OG functional training shoes may be great options for some, they’re not for everyone – which is why I’m always excited to try a training shoe I’ve never heard of before: RAD One V2.

R.A.D. stands for “Rally Against Destruction” (of the mind, body and planet), and their mission is to provide those who train with the bes...

13 Ways to Avoid Running Burnout – Marathon Training and Beyond

Before you hit the point of runners burn out, let’s talk about how to keep your training going strong. And give you a good answer when your non-running friends ask…

Don’t you ever get tired of running?

On those feel good running days, you laugh and want to tell the world how much you love it. But towards the end of marathon training, you pause just a second too long before offering a half-hearted, “Nah, I love it.”

After all, we can’t admit to non-runners any potential misgivings about our deci...

What Are the World Marathon Majors Qualifying Times: Are You Fast Enough?

While a lottery is the most common way to find yourself with a coveted spot at one of the World Marathon Majors, with the exception of Boston, the fastest among us can also try to snag a qualifying time.  So what are the qualifying times for the Majors?

We’ve done a previous deep dive to explain why the World Marathon Majors were created, how many runners are allowed in etc. Today we want to talk just about those front of the pack times and how many are available.

Let’s take a look at what time...

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Just Got Even Better – Here’s What Changed

Every time a new version of a shoe I love drops, I get a little nervous. Will it mess with the magic? Should I start hoarding the current model just in case? That’s exactly how I felt when the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 showed up. Could it really live up to the smooth ride and snappy finish I’ve gotten used to?

I’ve been a fan of the Endorphin line for a while now, and yes, I might have more pairs than I care to admit… partly because they’re super comfortable and partly because Saucony keeps rel...

Is a 10 Minute Mile Good? (According to a Running Coach)

Whether you’ve just started running or have been running for a while, there comes a time when we start playing the comparison game. That’s when questions like ‘is a 10 minute mile good?’ come up the most.We can’t help but look at pace because it’s right there on our watch! It’s in the results of every race we do and of course it’s a really easy way to measure progress.

But it’s not the only way and there are a lot of nuances. Like remembering that your easy run pace should look nothing like your...

Berlin Marathon Course Tips and Training

If you have questions about the Berlin Marathon, you’re in the right place. This is going to have everything you’ll need to have the best day running 26.2 miles possible!

image from @coderunnerguy

Running one of the World Marathon Majors is an experience of a lifetime. But it can also be very stressful, especially if you’re traveling to somewhere you’ve never been before.

Take a deep breath, because we’re going to break down what you need to know about training, travel, and race day to make it f...

ASICS GT-2000 13: The Stability Shoe That Doesn’t Compromise on Support

The Asics GT-2000 13 is marketed by Asics as a shoe for runners with a neutral footstrike pattern as well as those who overpronate. Could this be a unicorn of a shoe that meets the needs of both? Spoiler, we don’t thinks so.

As a neutral runner, I’d never considered a stability shoe- in fact, I may have held a slightly unfavorable opinion about them. But more brands have been leaning in to these “neutral stability shoes”. Which is to say that they very slightly correct your gait and honestly tha...

Skechers Aero Spark Review | Get Past the Brand For A Great All Arounder

Skechers took a step back after some big years working with Kara and Meb, but now they are ready to comeback full force. The Skechers Aero Spark is just one of the three new styles in their new line – a reliable, versatile daily trainer that offers the perfect balance of comfort and responsiveness.

The Aero Spark offers middle ground between daily trainers and plated speed shoes – giving them versatility, a firm-but-responsive feel. A smooth ride that helps you hit your goals on speed workouts w...

Can You Workout After Getting a Tattoo?

Tattoos are such a fun way to tell your story, whether it’s to celebrate a big race, a mantra, or just something that makes you smile every time you look at it. But if you’re someone who loves to move (hello runners), you’ve probably wondered: How soon can I work out after getting a tattoo?

Running tattoos are some of my favorite things to see because they immediately identify someone to me as a kindred spirit. But no matter what your ink looks like, the goal is the same: let it heal properly s...

Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (Tested By Someone Who Actually Has It)

Whether you’re heading out for a walk or logging daily steps for work, your feet deserve shoes that feel good. And no, supportive shoes don’t have to look like something out of your grandma’s closet. From a lot of testing and data, we’ve compiled the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis that check all the boxes: comfort, support, and even style.

We’ve all had that phase where style wins out over comfort, even if it means aching feet by the end of the day. But when plantar fasciitis flares u...