Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 30

Running With a High Heart Rate: When To Worry

Running with a high heart rate is often a clue to overtraining or needing to take a step back in the base building process. But it could also be a gear issue or a deeper health signal. Let’s talk about when to worry and how to know what’s right for you.

Over the last 13 years of run coaching, I’ve spent a lot of time talking about the benefits of low heart rate training. Which has lead a lot of you to wonder if your heart rate is too high when running.

You’ll message me that on easy days you fin...

15 Best Free Running Apps to Master Your Runs

When it comes to free running apps, I wonder if new runners realize just how lucky they are and what’s available to make your running life easier.

A great running app can not only track your distance, show elevation and route, but provides some additional tools that make running easier to stick to or more fun.

In 2002, I grabbed my trusty digital Timex to time the length of my new running habit, strapped a big yellow radio to my arm and headed out without a specific route. Once home, I listened...

Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 Review | Versatile Road to Trail Performance

After putting the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 through runs on roads, light trails, and for everyday wear, this shoe delivers with versatile performance.

If you’re looking for a reliable shoe that transitions between different terrains without bulkiness, the Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 may be worth a shot.

Craft is a Swedish brand making hiking, biking, running and skiing gear with a commitment to sustainability and recently they’ve been pushing hard in to the running space.

We’re excited to see all the...

How to Run a Sub 2 Hour Half Marathon: 14 Tried and Tested Tips to Get Faster

The quest for a sub 2 hour half marathon started for me, after my very first race in 2002. As I crossed that finish line, staring down to stop my watch, rather than up at the cameras I remember thinking “holy hell that was hard…I can do better.”

I’m not sure I would encourage most people to select a half marathon for their very first race, but it worked for me. I was able to push myself, without hitting the vomit threshold which I find more common in the 5K and the “oh it’s over” of the 10K.

As...

10 Best Running Shoes For Beginners

You’ve decided to start running and the list of questions are mounting, but first among them what are the best running shoes for beginners. This is a broad question with some nuance needed to understand what will best fit your stride, your goals and your fitness. We’ll cover it all here to give you recommendations and guidance.

The significance of choosing appropriate footwear extends beyond mere comfort – it directly influences performance and guards against the risk of injuries.

As an experien...

What to Eat Before a Race: Best Carbs for Performance and Digestion

One of the biggest questions runners have when increasing is what to eat before a race. Whether it’s before, during, or after a run there are a lot of factors to consider and IT’S IMPORTANT!

And we just can’t deny the fact that the most important meal you’ll have when it comes to performing well in a race, is your pre-race meal. The right fuel can prevent the dreaded heavy legs or moments of getting too friendly with the neighbor’s bushes!

Today in combination with Laura –  a Coach with a focus...

May “We Tried It” Gear Testing | Light and Bright

April testing brings May gear reviews. Or something like that.

We’re back with another gear round-up, and there are all kinds of fun things on this month’s list! We’re excited for you to see what our team of testers thought, and you may even find yourself hitting add to cart.

Let’s take a look at some fun spring and summer-inspired picks.

Feetures T-shirt

You read that right! Your favorite running socks have started making apperal and their first swing out of the gates was a hit in our testing (...

Brooks Ghost 17 Review | Reliable Over Flashy

If you’ve worn Brooks running shoes, chances are you’ve laced up a pair or two of the Ghost. It’s been one of the most popular daily trainers for years. The Brooks Ghost 17 kept things pretty familiar with just a few small tweaks.

There was a time when I ran almost exclusively in the Ghost. So when I slipped on the 17s for a few test runs, I was equal parts curious and a little cautious to see how they held up.

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know we don’t shy away from keeping it r...

15 Running Workouts to Improve Speed and Stamina

Few of you are coming to me with a focus on your one mile pace, so we’re looking at running workouts that are going to test your speed and improve your endurance.

There are tons of ways to incorporate speed training and I hope these ideas will help to bring a little fun to your training, along with improvements.

If you’re wondering why you should incorporate different types of running workouts, or which ones are the most common out there, don’t worry I’ve got you covered!

I’ll be discussing tha...

Best Running Movies: 10 To Help Find that Mojo

Running motivation is always going to have peaks and valleys. Our job is to find tools that will help us through the rough patches. Luckily, these running movies might be just the ticket to get you moving again!! These are particularly great for pre-race hype.

Some of you will begrudgingly find yourselves on the treadmill this winter due to travel, ice or just bad luck. Others of us will be loving wearing our shorts and watching tv while running!

Luckily, there’s nothing like a good show about r...