RUN HAPPY BLOG
Welcome to the Brooks Running Blog!
Stories for runners by runners:
Run Happy with tips on running gear, training, health & wellness and inspiring stories from our running community in Australia and New Zealand.
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Health & wellness
Let’s talk nutrition preparation for your first marathon!
Training for your first marathon can feel like a daunting process. Sticking and following a training plan, staying motivated, getting enough sleep and most importantly, knowing how to fuel your body can feel like there is a lot on your plate.. (pun intended). It's...
The Great Aussie Hike
The last two years have been filled with nothing but activewear uniforms, unmuting ourselves on zoom, mental health walks, and of course that all too familiar banana bread-making phase. However, there have also been plenty of positives to come out of this period, not...
The mental health benefits of running
While the physical benefits of running are well-established, there is plenty of evidence to suggest running can improve your mental health, too. Running has been a large part of managing my own well-being over the years, and I expect many other runners would say the...
Reap the head-to-toe benefits of the run
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The content in this post is intended for informational or general educational purposes only and it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the...
3 of the Best Nutrition Tips for New Runners
Tip One Just like your new running muscles are now getting used to running, your gut is also adjusting to this new exercise routine as well. Most of the time runners experience gut upset/distress because their gut simply isn’t used to digesting fuel in and around the...
Running on empty?
Not so fast. Let’s demystify hunger on the run. Is “runger” a thing? That’s a term we just made up for running while hungry. And the answer, according to Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach — a professor in the Health and Human Performance program at Eastern Oregon...
Marathon week nutrition do’s and don’ts
Before you go on to read race week do’s and don’ts, the most important lesson here is that the gut is highly trainable. Therefore, in the weeks and months leading up to race day when we are training our body and muscles to handle to 42.195km distance, we also want to...
What to eat post-workout
Starting Point Good Nutrition; before focusing on pre and post workout meals it is important to assure that you are having well balanced meals and offering to your body the fuel it needs.Pre-Workout Your pre-workout meal can be done in a window of 3 hours to 30...
Run stronger in 2021: Improve your mental strength
Training your body is just a start if you want to run at a high level. Understanding and building mental strength can boost your performance, too. A missing piece in the performance puzzle Many runners spend lots of time and energy on the physical aspect of the...
Run merry Christmas recipes
Yes, it’s a lot of fun opening all the presents on Christmas day. But let’s be real here, one of the best parts of Christmas is the FOOD! Nutritional Therapist Luana Marchi has put together some healthy and delicious Christmas recipes that are sure to become family...
Inspiring stories
Pack a bag we’re going to Boston!
It seemed like international travel was something we could only dream of just over a year ago. But, this year, we’re back hopping on and off flights, creating itineraries and chasing dreams. The Boston Marathon is a renowned and iconic event held in April every year....
A bra for a bra, join us in empowering women across Australia.
When we reflect on the role models who most influence our lives, it's hard to overlook the person who held that motherly figure for each one of us. Every mum is unique, and they all teach us different qualities and lessons, but most importantly, they are there to have...
Support the girls, donation update!
This year Brooks identified the need to do more than just acknowledge IWD and make a meaningful contribution towards #breakingthebias. With the help of our loyal community, Brooks Australia & NZ was able to donate $3,500 to STGA.We recognised that more needs to be...
Happy International Women’s Day
March 8 is International Women's Day. This day celebrates women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality (IWD, 2022). When we speak to equality, we talk about the rights for women...
Responsible sourcing at Brooks
A deep dive into our commitment to a sustainable supply chain and fair labor. What does responsible sourcing mean to us? At Brooks, we like to say that we do one thing: build great running gear. When you focus on what you do best, you do it better....
Get rewarded for recycling your old running shoes
Brooks is proud to partner with UPPAREL, Australia’s first digital textile recycling solution, to make it easier for our running community to give their gear a second life and keep our environmental footprint to a minimum. Better yet, we’re rewarding you for doing so....
Suit up with Mike Tozer
Meet Mike Tozer, a Team Brooks athlete who broke the world record (1: 18: 10) for running a half marathon in a business suit while raising awareness and funds for autism. When and why did you start running? I started running competitively in my 30s, so I was quite...
We’re proud to sign The Climate Pledge
We live, work, and run as part of a global community. The planet is our home. And because more than 150 million people worldwide run outside, it’s critical we take care of it. Why we signed The Climate Pledge Brooks believes that climate change demands...
5 reasons why I run
Running has a plethora of benefits, from improving your fitness to allowing your mind a time-out from the stresses of day-to-day life. Over the last 10 years, I’ve come to realise that the benefits of running are far greater than what meets the eye. Running is...
Length of New Zealand
How do you feel completing the Length of NZ? It was bittersweet. Although I didn’t complete it in the 14 day timeframe I had set out for, it wouldn’t be 2020 without a covid interruption. This does not take away from the fact that I am the first person to ever...
Gear & technology
There’s no right way to run. You run you!
What’s behind the advanced footwear at Brooks? If you peel back the laces, it all starts with the run. Our biomechanics scientists in the run research lab meticulously study and analyse the mechanics of human movement to better understand how to help prevent injury,...
What Brooks shoes are best for supination?
Biomechanics are as unique and varied as fingerprints. We all have our own quirks and patterns, and no two runners are exactly alike. It’s important to find a shoe that will accommodate your individual needs. And while no two runners are the same, many runners will...
Best Brooks shoes for pronation
Best Brooks running shoes for Pronation Biomechanics are as unique and varied as fingerprints. We all have our own quirks and patterns, and no two runners are exactly alike. It’s important to find a shoe that will accommodate your individual needs. And while no two...
Brooks bra experts debunk 5 common fit myths
Wondering how to sort through all advice on running bras out there? We’re here to help. Our bra designers and developers teamed up with biomechanical researchers to find out the truth behind five common myths. Myth 1: There’s only one correct support level for...
Cushion, responsiveness, and sustainability — the Ghost 14 has it all
This fan-favourite carbon neutral running shoe is helping Brooks down a science backed path to net zero carbon emissions by 2040. Our work towards a cleaner planet We love that sweet, sweet oxygen we breathe on the run, so we owe it to the planet to...
Find the best running shoe for you
No two runners run alike. Your preferences, natural stride, body type, skills, and experience are all unique to you — and while that's awesome, it can also pose a challenge as you look for the right shoe. Fortunately, we know a thing or two about matchmaking. To find...
Behind the seams: From sports bra to run bra
Running with boobs is a tricky business. That’s why we strive to create bras that let you go all out and feel held in. We pride ourselves on years of supporting your best run with high-quality bras made for mileage. The unique, high-impact demands of running require...
Nitrogen infusion technology is ready for landing
The Aurora-BL offers out-of-this-world cushion and gravity-defying softness on the run. These aren’t your parents’ moon shoes The Aurora-BL is one small stride in innovation from Brooks, and one giant leap for runner kind. This new, limited-edition shoe...
Take a run on the softer side: the science behind Brooks DNA LOFT
Ever wish the sidewalk was just a little softer? That running felt more like floating? Brooks DNA LOFT cushioning brings you one step closer to making that wish come true. Our softest cushioning ever offers a plush feel without sacrificing weight or durability.So what...
True grime: how to clean running shoes
Scuffs, caked mud, and grass stains on your running shoes are marks of pride. A little dirt here and there shows they’re getting good use, but don’t let it get out of control. Here’s how to clean running shoes and extend their life. Rub-a-dub-dub, keep them out...
Advice & tips
A walk a day..
An old saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away", but what if this were true for walking. Walking has many benefits for your physical and mental health, helping you live longer and happier lives. In shorter terms, it means good things for those who walk....
How to run longer without getting tired
When you're first starting out as a runner, you may notice you feel increasingly tired as you add more volume and distance to your runs. While fatigue is normal to a certain extent, it can initially be tricky to determine what's part of the training process and what's...
Jogging vs. running: Are they different?
Ever thought about the difference between jogging vs. running? Many newer runners prefer the former as it has a slower, more casual connotation. But you don't need to be blazing fast to earn the title of "runner." And there's no graduation ceremony from being a jogger...
Why it’s important to understand running pace
As a new runner, once you enter the recreational running scene and consider training for a short race, you'll quickly become acquainted with the term "running pace." Using pace to measure your speed is much easier than measuring miles per hour, and understanding your...
A new runner’s guide to summer running
Now that we're emerging from pandemic lockdowns, summertime 5Ks and other running events are also making a comeback just in time for the warmer weather. And summer running is when strength is cultivated and personal records (PBs) are made — or so they...
Start with your best foot forward: running tips for beginners
You don’t need much to become a competent runner. Consistency and persistence are key — and if we’re being honest, great gear helps, too. To give you a leg up, we’ve put together some pearls of wisdom to help you on your runs. 10 tips to run happy You’ll learn...
Running in the Rain
Do you sing “rain, rain, go away” at the first sign of a drizzle? Follow these wet-weather tips to help you embrace the downpour. Why run in the rain? Running is hard enough, but doing it soaking wet can be unfun. No one likes getting weighed down by...
Running with dogs? Yes, please.
Follow our tips for running with your doggo and you’ll be ready for trail wags and pavement pitter patter in no time. What are the benefits of running with your dog? Running can be kind of a paradox. Many embrace the sport because it offers solitude. But...
Expert tips for running in the cold
Do you struggle with your run when temperatures drop? Here is some advice on how to run in the cold. It’s important to stick to your routine, weather be damned The air is stupid cold. The condensation from your breath is as thick as fog. You can’t feel your hands or...
Runner’s high vs. Runfulness
Learn how Runfulness is different from a runner’s high and how it can help you find more power in your run. What is a runner’s high? You’re 30 minutes into your daily run. The initial stiffness in your legs has worn off, you’re breathing easy, and your stride...
Training & workouts
Engage your core
Pro running coach and yoga instructor Tywon Thompson shares six core exercises for runners. Why is core work important for runners? When we talk about our core, we are referring to the group of muscles in the middle section of the body — your abdominals,...
Why you need to run long
The Long Run is a staple in most runners weekly training schedule and is often seen as the base for building aerobic endurance. Ideally, the purpose and goal of your long run is to teach your body to sustain running for an extended period of time, without failure and...
Competing in your first Ironman
Ironman Triathlon An Ironman Triathlon consists of a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and the marathon (42.2km run). Training for this all-day-multisport endurance event can take up to 3-6 months of preparation depending on your athletic history. An Ironman Triathlon...
Home exercises for runners
Sometimes it’s just not feasible or desirable to train outdoors. Brooks Beasts coach Danny Mackey shares a sweat-inducing routine you can do inside. Work(out) from home Bad weather? Traveling in an area that lacks familiar or safe running paths? Alien invasion?...
Training with heart rate
Why Train with Heart Rate? Because by monitoring your heart rate, you know exactly how hard your body is working. Getting the most out of training doesn’t always require working faster or harder: it requires working smarter. Heart rate training equips you with the...
Training tips for your first ultra marathon
Last May I ran my first ultra marathon at the Great Ocean Road. It was one of the most incredible experiences in my life and the hardest so far. I like to say that the most difficult part wasn’t the 60k from the ultra marathon but all the preparation involved to it....