Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 6

Core Strength for Runners: The Foundation Every Fast Runner Builds On

It’s not about cranking out 100 crunches or setting a plank world record. Having a strong core is actually going to help improve your running and the bonus is, it can make you feel stronger in plenty of other parts of your day, too. Depending on how long or far you’re running, at some point or another, you’ve probably noticed that the first thing to fall apart when fatigue hits is your form. Your posture starts to slump, your stride gets sloppy, and suddenly every step feels harder than it shoul...

Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Review | Carbon Plated Flexibility from 10K to Marathon

With the release of the Hyperion Elite 5, Brooks is looking to kick towards the front of the lead pack of supershoes. This flashy and fast update is an absolute blast to run in, and there’s no doubt you’ll see a ton of them at the starting line of races this fall. The shoe features the same DNA Gold PEBA foam and customized carbon fiber plate found in the super popular Hyperion Elite 4 PB, but features a sleek, updated upper and new midsole design. 

In fact, this release is lighter, but  has 7.5...

Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 Review | Carbon Plated Perfection from 10K to Marathon

With the release of the Hyperion Elite 5, Brooks is looking to kick towards the front of the lead pack of supershoes. This flashy and fast update is an absolute blast to run in, and there’s no doubt you’ll see a ton of them at the starting line of races this fall. The shoe features the same DNA Gold PEBA foam and customized carbon fiber plate found in the super popular Hyperion Elite 4 PB, but features a sleek, updated upper and new midsole design. 

In fact, this release is lighter, but  has 7.5...

Why Running in Bad Air Quality Is Worse Than You Think (And What to Do Instead)

Unfortunately the number of days that poor air quality is effecting us each year has gone up with more wildfires or in some cases more pollution. It’s critical to understand just how much the AQI can impact you as a runner, not just that run, but afterwards as well.

A jogger goes for a run amid heavy smog in Shanghai on Wednesday. China has for the first time agreed to limit its carbon emissions, but critics are questioning whether the move goes far enough.

Can I run in the smoky air? How are yo...

Saucony Kinvara 16 Review | Beats Every Other Lightweight Running Shoe

Time for the Saucony Kinvara 16 review from a runner who has used every model since version 1!While I love having a full team of run testers now to spread around the shoe love and ensure we get a variety of opinions, they’ll have to fight me for a chance at the Saucony Kinvara. This has been one of the staple shoes in my running shoe rotation for nearly a decade.

While there were a couple models that were a miss on the whole this lightweight running shoe has served me so well that I frequently r...

Echelon Connect EX-5 Spin Bike Review: All the Classes, None of the Screen Premium

A detailed review of the Echelon Connect EX-5 spin bike from a multiuser household. Find out if this rear flywheel set up is right for your at home workouts.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve tested a lot of cardio equipment. From treadmills with crazy automated features, to magnetic resistance cable machines that take up a tiny amount of space to tools that take 30lbs off your run! Now it was time to jump in the saddle for some spin bike thoughts.

Lucky for you, it’s not just this runner testing, bu...

Garmin Forerunner 570 vs 265 | Do Phone Calls Justify the Price Jump?

Every time Garmin releases a new model we find ourselves looking longingly at the shiny toy and simultaneously wondering is it worth the extra price? The Garmin 265 has been a stand out for us, but appears to be replaced by the 570 so here’s what you need to know.

Orange strap is the new 5702, the white is a standard size 265

While gear testing makes it easy for us to always upgrade to the latest and greatest, for the last year+ I’ve been running with the Garmin 265.

I found that while other mod...

Hoka Mafate 5 Review | Trail Plushness We Can Get Behind

When Hoka said plush they meant plush with the Mafate 5.  With the first update to Hoka’s trail franchise since 2022, the Hoka Mafate 5 came out as a solid trail shoe that can put in the miles day in and day out.

With a higher stack height, changed up foam combination, and deep lugs this is an all day, all the miles kind of trail shoe.  The Mafate 5 can put in all the miles but maybe not all the types of trails.

As training for my fall race ramps up the Mafate 5 is going to make it into the regu...

Brooks Cascadia 19 Review | Why the Loyal Fanbase Will Love These Updates

Welcome to our deep dive review of the Brooks Cascadia 19. A long time favorite hiking and trail running shoe, let’s find out what’s new.

My first thought when I put these beautifully bright shoes on was that the shoe is incredibly comfortable, and once I hit the trails, the traction and turnover were next-level. I definitely got out of my comfort zone by agreeing to try a trail shoe, as I usually just make my road shoes do the job! But the additional traction really allowed me to take advantage...

Brooks Ghost Max 3 Review | Our Minds Have Been Changed

After not being the biggest fans of the previous model, we crossed our fingers that the Brooks Ghost Max 3 would change our minds. The colors and design are slightly different, but does that mean they’ll feel different too?
When I opened the Brooks Ghost Max 3 box, I was surprised that they looked like the Glycerin Max. But I didn’t want to get too excited because we know that the Brooks Ghosts have a firmer cushion.

This shoe is obviously a fan favorite since it’s onto the third model, but we’r...