Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 24

7 Most Difficult Marathons In The World And Where To Find Them

Running 26.2 miles is never easy. But long time runners often find that they want a totally different challenge from say aiming for a PR or even running an Ultramarathon. Instead, they’re seeking out the hardest marathons in the world.

We wouldn’t want you to spend valuable training time searching all over, so instead our crew has gone out to cultivate that list for you! And of course a number of the athletes we train through custom 1-1 run coaching have completed many of these races!

For each w...

Speedland GL:SVT Review | Packed with Tech, but Worth the Price?

Oofta. $300 for a pair of trail shoes? At that price, I half expected them to run for me! That said, the Speedland GL:SVT is loaded with cutting-edge features: dual Boa dials, a removable Carbitex GearFlex plate, a Michelin Fiber Lite outsole with aggressive 6.5mm lugs, and a built-in gaiter. On paper, it sounds like the ultimate trail machine.

But are they worth the steep price tag? Like most things… it depends.

I really wanted to love these shoes. I have friends who swear by them, and influen...

Title Nine Gear Review | Women’s Running Apparel By Women

One of the best and worst parts of running is new gear. It’s exciting, but terrifying. Will it fit? Will it last? Will it chafe? Title Nine understands women and focuses entirely on workout gear that’s going to work without breaking the bank and across a lot of different body types.

I admit to getting excited any time there’s a chance to recognize another female owned brand in this space. There aren’t a lot of us and it takes some serious work to be seen, heard and recognized.

But of course that...

50 Best Running Books of all Time – Motivation, Training, Nutrition

Over the span of my running career I’ve gone from devouring every publication of Runner’s World to reading all the best running books. More are released each year, which means my fun never ends and I’ve updated this list again for 2025.

We know that the overall concept of a good training cycle is simple, but that doesn’t mean easy and it doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of little pieces we need to know too!

And let’s be honest we love the details! Finding the right running book not only improves...

13 Best Running Gels: From Taste to Ingredients

Running gels are an easy way to hit your carbohydrate goals while training and race. But it’s key to understand how much to take and which ones are a good fit for you (especially around taste and texture!).
If you’re running anything upwards of 90 minutes, it’s important to have something for a mid-run energy boost. That’s where energy gels excel!

They pack calories, carbs, and even electrolytes into a small package to fuel you up quickly and efficiently. They can be easy to carry in your runnin...

Craft Nordlite Tempo Review | Plateless Speed

For runners looking for a road shoe that blends cushion and responsiveness, without feeling heavy, the Craft Nordlite Tempo is a great contender.

I was surprised when I first put the shoes on, noticing how light, spacious, and breathable the upper felt. I felt supported without feeling constrained through the heel and midfoot, with enough room in the toe box for a natural spreading of the toes and forefoot.

Once I started running, I immediately noticed how smooth and responsive they were. There...

Thirteen Vegetables for Runners to Recover Faster And Stay Healthy

Running is an amazing way to improve your overall health, from increased muscle to bone density to a healthier heart. But of course, if you’re going to do it regularly, it’s extra important to feed your body the right vitamins and macronutrients that allow it to recover.

That’s why we’ve put together thirteen vegetables that should be on every runner’s grocery list. Sports dietitians have said these will all help you to have enough energy and feel strong to get back out there for your next run.

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Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx Review | Performance and Comfort

The Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx is a huge addition to Merrell’s trail footwear family. Combining advanced materials like Kevlar, FloatPro™ Foam cushioning, and a Vibram® Megagrip® outsole, this shoe provides a balance of durability, comfort, and traction. Whether you’re running trails or mixed terrain, it’s designed to handle it all—let’s dive into what makes it so impressive.

Who Is It Good For:

Who is the Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx good for? Let’s break it down with some common categories.

Wide F...

Skechers Go Walk 7 Slip ins Review | Cooling Comfort

If you’re anything like me, there’s no such thing as too many shoes. The Skechers Go Walk 7 Slip-ins might just be the easy, comfy, everyday shoes your closet’s been missing.

I never thought I’d find myself in a pair of Skechers, but Amanda always has such great things to say about their shoes, so why not give them a try?

A sneaker with no laces that is meant to easily slip on is an immediate yes for me. If you’re running errands or even walking around the house, you just want something super e...

Half Marathon Checklist: Everything You Need to Pack and Prep

Ever wonder what you really need to cover 13.1 miles? Half marathon gear isn’t crazy, but having the right things can make a difference.

The new gizmos, running gadgets, shoes, shirts and such that pop up online make it easy to overinvest. Though my list is now longer than when I first started running, only some of it is truly necessary.

In the week leading up to the race, taper brain can take over giving you too much time to think and yet not really getting any specific planning completed!

Cli...