Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 32

Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit Review | Unique Support For A Sturdy, Comfortable Ride

I love a versatile shoe, so when asked to review the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit, I was intrigued. What I found was a comfy, breathable, stable shoe that could handle any walk with ease.

To be completely transparent, I’ve never really been a big fan of the Skechers brand. They debuted in 1992, and for whatever reason the fit was always off when I would try on a pair. Plus, they always seemed to be more about style than substance, so I’ve essentially ignored them for decades.

But after I we...

What to Wear for a Half Marathon (Guide For All Temps)

Running a half marathon is an exhilarating and rewarding experience that pushes both your physical and mental boundaries. As you train to conquer those 13.1 miles, it’s crucial to spend some time testing and selecting the right gear.

Proper attire plays a pivotal role in determining your performance, comfort, and overall enjoyment during the race.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential factors to consider when choosing what to wear for a half marathon. From the base layer that...

What to Eat Before a Half Marathon | Week of and Morning Of Plans

Fueling your body adequately by knowing what to eat before a half marathon can make all the difference between hitting the wall halfway through and finishing strong. We’re not just talking about race morning, but your race week plan.

By strategically planning your meals and snacks, you can enhance your endurance, improve stamina, and prevent the dreaded fatigue that can hinder your performance.

You do indeed need to look at carbohydrate loading, pay attention to your hydration, know when to sto...

7 Best Heart Rate Monitors for Running

Trying to figure out what the best heart rate monitor for running is can feel overwhelming. I’d say it depends on your goals, but right now the data shows that some versions are superior in accuracy. Let’s look at the best choices from watches to chest straps and more.

Heart-rate monitors are useful in a variety of situations. Tracking your heart rate is a good way for the average person who works out for health or fun to stay in touch with their cardiovascular system. For example, you can watc...

8 Best Phone Holders for Running (6 Different Styles)

If you’re looking for the best phone holders for running, then you’re in the right place.

Trying to figure out how to carry a phone while running shouldn’t be so difficult. But if you’ve ever heard me talk about good running form, you know I don’t love runners holding it in their hand.

When you’re holding it without any kind of strap, you have a tendency to begin swinging your arm across your body which leads to tweaking your hips and creating all kinds of pain in your knees and ankles.

Thus it...

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...