Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 3
August 25, 2025
Adductors vs. Abductors | The Hip Muscles You’re Probably Neglecting
You don’t need a degree to understand your adductors vs abductors, we’re going to give you a simple breakdown today. We’ll also talk more about how to train them and why they matter so much for your running.
Yes, there’s literally only a one-letter difference between the words but the muscle groups do opposite things. We’ll give you some very easy ways to remember the difference.
The abductor and adductor muscles in your hips and thighs work together to allow side-to-side leg movements. Your abd...
Mizuno Wave Sky 9 Review | Max Cushion That Actually Feels Alive
Our review of the max cushioned Mizuno Wave Sky 9, a great update from previous versions.
Upon first glance at the Mizuno Wave Sky 9, you can’t help but notice all of the cushion! It is very clearly a max cushioned shoe. This was my first time running in a max cushioned trainer and it took a moment to adjust, but within a few minutes of running I decided I was a fan.
These shoes were clearly built to make long runs ridiculously comfortable.
And that, indeed, is exactly the point of the Mizuno Wa...
August 24, 2025
Nike Vomero Plus vs Vomero 18 | The Cushion Battle That Only Has Winners
Our in depth review of the Nike Vomero Plus, along with a comparison to the new Nike Vomero. Find out how they compare and which our crew prefers.
Have you ever run in a pair of shoes where you immediately get wide-eyed and go “OH” within the first few steps? Well the Nike Vomero Plus will certainly do that for you.
For a long time, Nike and I have not gotten along very well. My feet just never fit right in their shoes, they were always way too narrow for me. But seeing all the hype and reading ...
Nike Vomero Plus vs Vomero 18 | How It Stacks Up
Our in depth review of the Nike Vomero Plus, along with a comparison to the new Nike Vomero. Find out how they compare and which our crew prefers.
Have you ever run in a pair of shoes where you immediately get wide-eyed and go “OH” within the first few steps? Well the Nike Vomero Plus will certainly do that for you.
For a long time, Nike and I have not gotten along very well. My feet just never fit right in their shoes, they were always way too narrow for me. But seeing all the hype and reading ...
August 23, 2025
Best Waterproof Running Shoes: Which Ones Pass the Puddle Test
The best waterproof running shoes to help you stay dry (as possible) whether you’re heading out in the rain, snow or a trail adventure with water crossings.
Back in the day, slipping on a pair of waterproof running shoes often meant your feet were in for a sweaty, sauna-like experience. Breathability wasn’t part of the design.
Thankfully, technology has come a long way, and today’s waterproof shoes are lighter, more comfortable, and way better at keeping moisture out without trapping heat in.
T...
August 22, 2025
7 Best Treadmills for Running at Home | From Budget Options to Pro-Level Machines
Amanda we’re looking to get a new treadmill, what’s the best home treadmill for running?
This has become a common refrain among my friends over the last 10 years as they too begin to realize all the reasons I love having a treadmill at home. And how I’ve now worked hard to test out a ton of options to find what the best treadmill for home is (because as a running coach, I think it’s a great training tool!)
The treadmill is one of the most versatile cardio machines available, despite being refe...
7 Best Treadmills for Running at Home
Amanda we’re looking to get a new treadmill, what’s the best home treadmill for running?
This has become a common refrain among my friends over the last 10 years as they too begin to realize all the reasons I love having a treadmill at home. And how I’ve now worked hard to test out a ton of options to find what the best treadmill for home is (because as a running coach, I think it’s a great training tool!)
The treadmill is one of the most versatile cardio machines available, despite being refe...
Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 Review | Stability Shoe with a Sky-High Heel Drop
Known for its reliability as a well-rounded stability shoe option in its 21st version, the Mizuno Wave Inspire clearly has a strong fan base. Here’s our review.
They say a first impression is everything–I was pleased with the comfort of both fit and feel as soon as I put them on, but other aspects like color and design felt a little dull to me.
With its mix of stability and cushion the Wave Inspire has a comfortable and responsive ride that makes it great for daily training or a long run. Off th...
August 21, 2025
Running Tattoo Ideas That Honor Your Journey, Not Just Your PRs
Running tattoos are a great way to express your dedication to running and all the joy and benefits it brings into your life!I mean, I’m ok with the pain of 26.2, but still terrified of this one. And yet, I LOVE what you’ve come up with so maybe!I’m going to admit that Herm Runs on Instagram is having a big impact on my potential need for a tattoo. It’s starting to feel like I’m letting him down by walking past all these shops and not just making it happen!
If you’ve marked off some big milestone...
How to Increase Running Endurance in 6 Weeks (Without Overtraining)
Learning how to increase endurance running is often far less complicated than we like to make it: easy runs, strength, mental training, eating enough…patience. But you want to know how to do it faster, so let’s look at what you can do immediately to see improvements.
Challenges never end with running and that’s part of what keeps us coming back.
Why can you crush 5 miles, but not 6?
Why do you fly through 10 miles, but need two weeks to recover from 13? This is the weird world of learning how yo...