Amanda Brooks's Blog, page 8

Hoka Rocket X3 Review | The Super Shoe That Prioritizes Stability

Here is our Hoka Rocket X3 review after testing on the roads and around the track to see just what it can do for speed.The Hoka Rocket X released to A LOT of fanfare. It was a top pick for many many runners, except Coach Amanda who found the underfoot great but the heel ripped her foot apart. Everyone agreed the X2 improved on that aspect, but some didn’t love the update quite as much as the original.

We’ve seen this pattern with other super shoes like the Nike Vaporfly.

Which had us all very cu...

Are Curved Treadmills Better? Plus Which Ones Are Best

You’ve probably seen curved treadmills in more gyms lately, especially with Hyrox gaining in popularity, but what makes them different from a flat, motorized one? Are curved treadmills better or just another trend? Before you go down a Google rabbit hole, let’s take a look at what sets them apart and a few of the best curved treadmills out there.

As a coach and someone who loves having their a treadmill at home, I think a standard flat treadmill will reap more long-term benefits. However, if yo...

Ice Vests, Cooling Hats, and More: What Really Works for Hot Weather Runners

Running in the heat isn’t my favorite, but with summer temps creeping higher every year, I’m all for anything that makes it more bearable. From breathable shirts to cooling hats, vests, and even ice packs, our team is testing it all to see what cooling options really work and are worth the money.

Picture this… It’s summer, there’s a long run on the schedule, and the moment you open the door, you’re hit with a wall of heat and maybe humidity, too, depending where you live. Cue the grumbling and ...

10 Must Do Core Workout Exercises for Runners

Core workouts for runners are more than just a once in a while workout program; it’s movements that can improve running performance and also reduce the risk of injuries. Core workouts help stabilize your body while you run and so much more.

Unfortunately, most runners often overlook core exercises because they just aren’t sure where to begin or think that they get intimidated seeing these overcomplicated routines on social media.

As a running coach, it’s my goal to not only get you to do a dyna...

Skechers Aero Tempo Review | Aptly Named for Speed

If you’re a runner looking for an uptempo race day shoe or speedy performance shoe, the new Skechers Aero Tempo lives up to the name. Part of Skecher’s latest Aero running shoe series, it’s a solid snappy option to get you through challenging speed workouts and daily wear.

The Aero Tempo is a cushioned performance shoe designed for tempo miles and daily training that bridges a speed trainer with a race day shoe. The shoe is light, energetic, responsive, and a lot of fun – not to mention it’s als...

Boston Marathon Changed Qualifying Standards | Downhill Courses That Still Count

The Boston Marathon Qualifying times bring a lot of chatter every year as we wonder if the standards will change again. A 2025 announcement, took an unexpected turn to find out that the actual times had not changed, but the rules about which races qualify did.

Qualifying races much be a full distance marathon (26.2 miles/42.195 kilometers) run by at least three participants.  The course must be certified by USATF, World Athletics, AIMS, or a foreign equivalent governing body.

The changes, starti...

Fashionable Athletic Shoes Proving Running Brands Know Style

For a lot of us our running shoe are our everything shoes. But deep down in our hearts we know that a fashionable athletic shoe is going to look so much nicer with our outfit and potentially make our partner happier to be seen in public with us.The dilemma of course is we still want to be comfortable AND we still want to feel like us.

We are athletic.

We can be both fashionable and athletic thanks to some of the top running shoe brands. On a mission to prove this we’ve been putting a variety of ...

Nike vs Saucony Running Shoes: Comparing Top Models

For this episode of which running shoe is right for you we are pitting two of the biggest names in the shoe world against each other: Nike vs Saucony Running Shoes. While many of you are just looking for the Alphafly vs Endorphin elite comparison, we’re going to break it all down.

Both brands have things people love and things people dislike.

One of the things they share is that both tend to run a bit more narrow than other brands.

Right now, Nike is having a moment with their super shoes, but ...

Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion Shoe Review: PF Running Shoe Winner

We’ve already fallen hard for the Kuru brand thanks to their special focus on plantar fasciitis support, so naturally, we had to try out a pair of their running shoes. The Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion is a running shoe with a funky look, but some big benefits. Specialty shoes can be a total gamble. You cross your fingers when the box shows up, hoping they look as good in real life as they did online. Unfortunately, sometimes they lean more towards orthopedic than a flashy pair of running shoes.

Luckily, ...

Average Walking Speed by Age (and Gender): Are You Faster or Slower Than Normal?

We’ve all heard about the health benefits of walking, but how fast should you be walking? What’s the average walking speed by age and what factors affect average walking speed anyway? We’re going to break it all down and help you pick up the pace if that’s your goal too.

Knowing the average walking speed for different age groups and sexes might help you calculate how fast you should be walking during your walking workouts or how your walking speed compares to the average human being.

What Is The...