Behind the Bib

This week, Behind the Bib hits the Midwest! Guest host Kyle Walker takes over the mic and dives into the top must-run adventures in and around the Midwest. Kyle’s been running for 15 years, closing in on 100 half marathons, over 360 races, and he’s already knocked out four World Majors (with Tokyo on deck and maybe Sydney after that). He’s the definition of consistency — and he tells it like it is...

In this episode of Behind the Bib , I’m taking you on a cross-country tour through the best marathons in all 50 states — as ranked by RaceRaves. From mountain views in Jackson Hole to the space-age finish line of Rocket City, we’re celebrating the races that define America’s running landscape. I’ll share what makes each marathon special, when they’re held, and how much time you’ve got to cross tha...

In this episode of Behind the Bib , I sit down with the team behind the iconic Rocket City Marathon — Huntsville’s signature race that’s been blasting through the streets since 1977. We talk about what makes this race so special, from its deep roots in the running community to the updates that keep it fresh for today’s runners. Whether you’re chasing a Boston Qualifier or just hoping for a finishe...

Every hour. On the hour. Until there’s only one runner left standing. Welcome to Big’s Backyard Ultra — the race that tests not just your legs, but your will to keep showing up. In this episode, we head to Bell Buckle, Tennessee, to talk about the mental game, the strategy, and the sheer stubbornness it takes to run 4.167 miles every single hour… for days. We’ll break down what makes this format s...

Every hour. On the hour. Until there’s only one runner left standing. Welcome to Big’s Backyard Ultra — the race that tests not just your legs, but your will to keep showing up. In this episode, we head to Bell Buckle, Tennessee, to talk about the mental game, the strategy, and the sheer stubbornness it takes to run 4.167 miles every single hour… for days. We’ll break down what makes this format s...

Your legs carry you through the first half of a marathon — your mind gets you through the second. In this episode, I break down the science of mantras and how the words we repeat can change how hard the miles feel. I’ll share how to build mantras that keep you focused, calm, and strong when everything in you wants to quit.

Y’all, I ran the Halloween Hustle in Conway, South Carolina, and it was everything I hoped it’d be — spooky, fun, and full of personality. We showed up early, took way too many photos of all the Halloween decorations in the dark, and then realized we were late… did we make the start??? You'll have to listen to find out! In this episode, I’m sharing all the details — the 1 Mile, 5K, and 10K cou...

The days are getting shorter, and for many of us, that means running in the dark. But night running doesn’t have to be scary — with the right gear, it can be safe, empowering, and even a little magical. In this episode of Behind the Bib, I break down the essentials for running after dark: from the Noxgear light vest and wrist light, to headlamps, reflective clothing, pet lights, and budget-friendl...

Episode 37 – The ABC’s of Running (Without the Jargon Headache) Ever open a training plan and feel like you need a decoder ring? Cadence, tempo, strides, threshold - it’s like a secret language no one gave you the dictionary for. In this episode of Behind the Bib , I break down the ABC’s of running in plain good ol' southern English. From easy runs to intervals, tapering to time trials, you’ll wal...

Sometimes life just… lifes. Work deadlines, family stuff, injuries, or just plain exhaustion can throw our carefully planned training schedules completely off track. In this episode, I talk honestly about what it feels like when the wheels come off and how to reset without beating yourself up. From giving yourself grace, to getting back into it without getting hurt - I’ll walk through the mindset...

We’re covering both race day excitement and everyday trails this week. First, I chat with the race director of the Rails to Recovery 5K happening this weekend in Hartselle, AL, to hear what makes this event special and why you should check it out. Then, I sit down with a Huntsville runner who shares why Aldridge Creek has her heart — and her miles — as one of the best-loved greenways in town. Down...

Episode 34: From Greenways to Gates We’re covering a lot of ground this week — literally. First up, I’m taking you out east to explore Huntsville’s greenways and what makes them a runner’s hidden gem. Then it’s time for a recap of the Race for Justice, where the miles were meaningful and the memories ran even deeper. And finally… a special announcement about a conversation tied to some of the most...

This week’s episode heads north — and so did I! First, I recap my trip to Atlanta for the Every Woman’s Marathon popup 5K with Tatiana O'Hara and her incredible community, Best For Last Run Club. Then, we’re back in Huntsville exploring the Wade Mountain Greenway. It is short at just one mile, a little narrower than Indian Creek or Bradford, and the parking lot comes with a shocking surprise u...

We’re kicking off the Huntsville Greenways Tour in West Huntsville, starting with Indian Creek Greenway -- shady, flat, and perfect for everything from long runs to tempo workouts. Then we head to Bradford Creek Greenway, a quieter, shorter trail that’s great for easy runs or a quick shakeout. I break down the trails, what makes them worth running, and how to get the most out of your west side mil...

In this episode, I take you on a tour of some of the South’s best and most iconic races - from the Yuengling Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach all the way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon. We’ll talk about crowd favorites like the Peachtree 10K in Atlanta, the heartfelt mission of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, the scenic Mother Earth Brewing Ironclad Half in North Carolina, a...

Episode 30 – Race for Justice 5K with Gerri Plain & Nicole Schroer In this episode, I sit down with Gerri Plain and Nicole Schroer to talk all things Race for Justice 5K . We cover what makes this Labor Day race so special, from its mission to its welcoming, pace-, age-, and ability-friendly atmosphere. We also chat about the unique “sleeping in” option (because sometimes your best race day is...

In this episode, I recap my experience at the Project Give Back Gold Star Aloha 5K -- spoiler alert: it was a fantastic race I highly recommend. I share what made it special, including the incredible course support, detailed turn-by-turn guidance from the Veterans Serving Veterans Motorcycle Club, and the moving race start led by members of the Wounded Warrior Project. It was a morning full of mea...

In Episode 28 of Behind the Bib , I sit down with Alasdair Marshall, the organizer behind the brand-new Hays Farm parkrun. We talk about how this free, weekly 5K came to life, what makes the parkrun community so special, and why showing up on a Saturday morning can change the way you look at running. Alasdair shares what it takes to organize a volunteer-led event like this, how you can get involve...

Training for a marathon is life‑changing—but it’s also messy, humbling, and sometimes downright gross. In this episode of Behind the Bib, I’m sharing nine things I wish someone had told me before I ever set foot on a starting line. From the first time I lost a toenail (yep, it happens) to the reality of constant laundry, endless hunger, and juggling shoes for every kind of run, I’m pulling back th...

Heroes, Villains, and a Great Cause: The PGB Gold Star Aloha Run with José. In this episode of Behind the Bib , I sit down with José to talk about the upcoming PGB Gold Star Aloha Run — a race with heart, humor, and a whole lot of hero energy. From the Heroes vs. Villains costume contest to honoring Gold Star families, this event is more than just miles — it’s mission-driven fun for a powerful cau...

In this episode of Behind the Bib , I sit down with Makenzie Rink — known as The Realistic Runner on TikTok and Instagram. Makenzie is the new manager of J&H Running Company in Lexington, KY, and she brings a fresh and honest perspective to the running world. We talk about her journey, how she’s building community, and how she balances it all with a healthy dose of realness. I also shout out K...

The Hometown Half – A Race I Can’t Recommend This week, I’m breaking down my experience at the Hometown Half Marathon in Atlanta… and let’s just say, it was rough. From poor communication to safety concerns and a whole lot of confusion, this race was one of the most disorganized events I’ve ever run — and that’s saying something. I’ll walk you through what happened, how we made the best of it anyw...

We’re more than halfway through the year, and Episode 23 is packed with the kind of running joy that keeps us going! I recap the inaugural Hays Farm Park Run, the Girl Power Run with Rocket City Runners, and a magical Pub Run that featured a caricature artist AND a triple rainbow (seriously, it happened). I also share what’s coming up on the podcast, shout out some upcoming races, and reflect on h...

Running With Heart: Dr. Erick Kigen and the Run With Kenyans 5k In this inspiring episode of Behind the Bib , I sit down with Dr. Erick Kigen — physician, athlete, and race director for the Run With Kenyans event happening Sunday, June 22. Dr. Kigen shares his powerful story of growing up in Kenya, his journey into medicine, and how he’s using running to bring people together and give back to his...

In this episode, I sit down with Jerry Clifton — the hilarious and high-energy race director of the Rainsville Freedom Run. Jerry’s a true character with a big heart and an even bigger stash of door prizes. We talk about what makes this race so special, why people will do just about anything to get their hands on the coveted RYAN SHRUM HATS!!! and how the Rainsville crew pulls off one of the most...