Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 36
February 18, 2025
1:45 Half Marathon Training Plan | Learning To Handle Speed
As runners, we’re always chasing the next big goal. It might start with simply crossing the finish line of your first half marathon, then it’s breaking the two-hour mark, and before you know it, you’re eyeing 1:45 half marathon training plan and beyond. The good news is we’ve got a free one to help guide you!
@lauranorrisrunningWhether you’re chasing a 1:45 half marathon for the first time or giving it another shot, the key to getting there is practicing your goal pace. To hit that 1:45 finish,...
February 17, 2025
Diadora Nucleo 2 Review | Light Stability With a Pop
To be honest, I was unsure on what to expect from the Diadora Nucleo 2 and intrigued to give it a go as it is labeled as both a neutral and a stability shoe. The team has seen a few of those lately, so looks like not only is cushion a trend, but “light stability”.
Taking it out of the box and seeing the bright green and yellow colorway got me excited to lace up for a run!
Diadora, the well-known sports brand, has been working its way into a top run contender spot over recent years with bright, f...
On Cloud vs Hoka Shoes
Comparing On Cloud vs Hoka running shoes is one of the more challenging comparisons I’ve done because the shoes feel, fit and function so differently. Yet, the one thing they have in common is how unique and recognizable both are! Here we will look at specific comparable models and what sets the brands apart.
I’ve run in many models from both brands and hope this breakdown will help you decide which one to slip on to your foot!
We’ve got details on construction, fit, feel, fabric and more. But u...
10 Things Runners Can Stop Doing in the New Year
Running for beginners is often filled with a massive to do list and it gets overwhelming quickly. I get that because I like adding little things to your warm up each week or ways to check your running form.
And of course the longer you’ve been running, the more things you know and suddenly it all just feels like TOO MUCH.
Today we’re going to look at things we can all stop doing. Some of them are going to save you time and some are going to save you some mental anguish.
10 Things Runners Can Sto...February 16, 2025
5 Beautiful Tracks We Want To Run On
If you’re going to run around in circles, then why not do it in some of the most breath taking spots on Earth. Just to get your wanderlust going a little, we wanted to share some of the most beautiful tracks in the world.
Traveling for a race is common…but what about just traveling to get in an epic workout!
Which one would make your speed workout even more fun?
#1. Ladakh, India
Ladakh is part of the Tibetan plateau, which is also known as the roof of the world – and at over 11,000 feet, their...
Best ASICS Running Shoes | From Casual to Speed
Wondering which ASICS running shoes are worth trying out? We’ve logged the miles so that to could find the best options for every type of runner. Find out why these made our list!
Founded in 1949, by Kihachiro Onitsuka in Japan, ASICS is an acronym for the Latin expression “Anima Sana in Corpore Sano” (“healthy mind in a healthy body”).
The company released a basketball shoe in 1950, followed by running shoes in 1953. Among those running shoe products included the Onitsuka Tiger, still a popu...
February 15, 2025
Mizuno Neo Zen Review | Lightweight Comfort
For those newer to running you may not remember when Mizuno was the go to shoe in the early 2000’s. They’re making a comeback with big changes to the lineup. Today we’re going to look at a big cushy option with the Mizuno Neo Zen Review.
As someone whose first running shoe was the Mizuno Wave Rider, I was stoked to try the brand’s all-new daily trainer, the Mizuno Neo Zen.
Taking the shoes out of the box, I loved the look of them with the muted seafoam green and purple colorway and knit upper....
February 14, 2025
Brooks Caldera 8 Review | Comfort on the Trails
Have your sights set on an ultra and wondering which shoe will go the distance? The search might end here. Ok that’s a really big statement, so let’s talk more about the new Brooks Caldera 8 for our trail running friends.
Listening to runner feedback, Brooks has made some updates to the favorite Caldera refining the fit, upgrading the upper mesh, and improving overall comfort. If blisters were an issue in previous models, the good news is that’s likely a thing of the past!
While I didn’t run i...
7 Best Budget Treadmills for Under $1,000
Cardio equipment can be quite an investment, particularly from a financial perspective. Does that mean if you don’t have or want to spend a few thousand dollars you have to write off having a treadmill at home? Not at all!
If you’re looking to add a treadmill to your home, there are plenty of options on the market now to fit a wide range of budgets and you don’t necessarily have to compromise on quality and features. Here we’ll review some of the best budget treadmills under $1000 for at home us...
February 13, 2025
UA x Speedland Infinite Mega Review
pUnder Armour (UA) and Speedland have teamed up for the first time, and let’s be honest—our first reaction to the UA x Speedland Infinite Mega was, “yikes.” But as every runner knows, looks can be deceiving. Sometimes, the wildest designs bring the smoothest ride.
I’ve been running in UA shoes on and off for six years, and am always curious to see what they’ll come up with next. I’m not a trail runner, so Speedland wasn’t on my radar. But after hearing friends rave about the brand, I was excite...
