Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 7
September 24, 2025
Saucony Vs Asics | Key Differences and Models
Comparing Saucony vs ASICS really comes down to a lot of personal preference. And of course some proprietary technologies, fit, and feel. They’re easily among the most recognizable brands and for good reason; both make exceptional running shoes for various running styles and body types.
Both brands are known for their quality and offer a variety of models to suit different needs like overpronation, cushioning, and various styles of running.
And don’t worry, just because I share a last name with...
September 23, 2025
Saucony vs Brooks: Which Running Shoes Are Better for Your Feet?
Comparing Saucony vs Brooks running shoes will bring out a lot of similarities in these two competing brands, but there are some overarching fit and technology differences. Both brands provide high quality shoes and offer a variety of models to suit different needs from track spikes to marathon training shoes and trail running.
Saucony has made a splash in the last year with it’s new Endorphin collection. Really standing out as shift in technology and flashier marketing than we’ve seen from th...
September 22, 2025
What Is The Grand Slam Of Ultrarunning?
We often hear about the Marathon Majors, but they aren’t the only big race series with elite runners, big prizes and loyal following. Find out more about the Grand Slam and why you need to pay more attention!
Iceland Volcano MarathonThe Grand Slam of Ultrarunning consists of five 100-mile races across the United States, and is considered one of the most demanding endurance challenges in the sport of running – or really any sport out there, for that matter.
Completing the Slam means finishing fo...
September 21, 2025
Craft Xplor Pro Review | A Speedier Road to Trail Option
The Craft Xplor Pro is marketed as the Gravel World Champion, a versatile shoe that can handle both road and trail. And we admit it’s one of the faster, yet still durable, options we’ve tested. Here’s our full review.
I typically shy away from “hybrid” shoes that don’t seem to excel in either lane, but these offer traction and comfort across most terrain. They’re lightweight with enough grip for moderate trails and gravel, but the lugs don’t feel like weights on the road.
This is the first hybri...
NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill Review (vs 1750)
Our detailed review of the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill for at home usage, updated after 2 years of usage.
As a runner with over 2 decades of experience and a coach that has worked with thousands of runners, I’m a big fan of including the treadmill in training. It eliminates so many excuses and treadmill running has benefits.
My previous Nordictrack 2950 had almost 18,000 miles! It was time for a replacement (due to 9 moves causing issues, not because the machine failed). Having tested and run on ...
September 19, 2025
Best Walking Shoes For Flat Feet That Actually Provide the Support You Need
Our guide to the best walking shoes for flat feet, based on testing hundreds of shoes and working with a whole lot of walkers. We provide recommendations from a variety of brands to help you find the best fit.
While having flat feet does not mean there is anything wrong with your foot structure, it can lead to pain in the ankles, knees and hips if you don’t have enough support in your walking shoes. With every step that your foot is collapsing downward, it’s creating tension up the leg. So we’v...
Craft Pacer 2 Review | The Daily Trainer That Gets Noticed for All the Right Reasons
Here is our review of the Craft Pacer 2, the second generation of a shoe designed to meet both your daily training and your speed workout needs.
The Craft Pacer 2 is a comfortable, attractive, and well-balanced shoe. My first thoughts upon putting them on were that they were lightweight, fit extremely well, and were cushioned nicely. Logging miles in them solidified these first impressions.
...
September 18, 2025
How to Train for a 10K with a Busy Life and Big Goals
The 10K receives so much less attention than it deserves, especially compared to the speedy fast 5K and the ever-popular marathon. And unjustly so running a 10K provides an excellent progression from the 5K for new runners and a great way to work on speed for distance runners.
Today I’m THRILLED to bring you 10K tips as a running coach myself and from running coach Laura of LauraNorrisRunning.com.
Training for a 10K proves a bit tricky, no matter your level of experience.
This popular road race ...
Vessi Walking Shoes Review | Wet Weather? No Problem
I’ve never owned a shoe specifically designed for walking, let alone walking in the rain, but I was truly amazed by the design, fit, and performance of both the Vessi Stormburst and Vessi Pacific.
Vessi PacificThe Vessi line is completely new to me. Dubbing its shoes as “The ideal balance of comfort and style wrapped in 100% waterproof versatility”, the Vessi shoe is a great alternative to clunky rain boots.
Before taking these shoes out for a walk, I held these shoes straight under running ...
September 17, 2025
Lever Movement Review + How It Compares to Anti-Gravity Treadmills
Have you heard about the treadmill that can make you weightless? Yup, an anti-gravity treadmill and you don’t have to go to space! Meet the AlterG treadmill and the new Lever Movement system for at home usage.
Zero gravity treadmills have been in the elite physical therapy space for many years, but are slowly becoming more available. Exciting for most of us are new at home options like Lever, because the AlterG cost is far beyond other treadmills.
They allow anyone with an injury to resume or con...


