Behind the Bib

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.Download Episode 35 now and get inspired for both your next race and your next run.Eventeny Link for Rails to RecoveryFacebook Event for Rails to RecoveryUpcoming Races: Safety Day 5k, Marshall Space Flight Center - need Arsenal Access (Sept. 13)Rails to Recovery 5k (Sept. 13)Laz Lake - event at Monte Sano - running out of room, by the time this airs, may be completely out of room. Quatina M. Wolaver Poker Run (Sept. 28)Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5k (Oct. 18)Helping Hands Half Marathon and 5k 13.1 (Oct. 25)Huntsville Half Marathon 13.1 (Nov. 8)KoC Tootsie Roll 5k and Fun Run (Nov 8)Dam-Bridge Run 10k (Nov. 22)Sign up for ⁠HuntsvilleRuns.com⁠ to get all your local run updates - delivered every Sunday by the always amazing Will Nevin.

I trained for months for my first 50K. I had a pacing plan, a nutrition plan, and a pretty good idea of how race day was supposed to go.Let's just say… It didn't. This week, I'm joined by running buddy and ultramarathoner, Christie, and my daughter, Bella, as we relive the highs and lows from the Madison 50K in Ennis, Montana. Fleet Feet Race Calendar - use code BEHINDTHEBIB for 20% off your race entry!!! 

Thinking about running a marathon but not sure where to start?This week on Behind the Bib, I'm joined by Rocket City Marathon Race Coordinator Rhonda and Back of the Pack Podcast host Kyle Walker for a conversation all about marathon training. We discuss when to start training, how to choose the right training plan, the different types of runs that should be part of your training, and the biggest mistakes first-time marathoners make.Whether your goal is to cross your very first finish line or improve your next marathon, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you train smarter and enjoy the journey.And if you make it to the end... let's just say a completely unplanned conversation may have sparked an idea for Behind the Bib: After Dark. 😉Sign up for RCM50BACK OF THE PACK PODCASTHal Higdon's Marathon TrainingJeff Galloway Marathon TrainingBoston Athletic Marathon Training David Roche Marathon Training

On this week's episode, I sat down with Kent Criswell, a NASA engineer helping return astronauts to the Moon, who also manages to stay in top shape. You won't believe how he got his start and how the Racin' the Station Duathlon was born. Stay tuned for Huntsville's very own Ted Lasso. Sign up for Racin the Station: https://www.trisignup.com/Race/AL/Huntsville/RacintheStationAdditional race information can be found at  https://www.teamrockettri.org/racin-the-station-duathlon/. (All participants must have a Real ID to access the Redstone Arsenal. If participants do not already have Arsenal access it is encouraged to swing by the Visitor Control Center outside Gate 9 to request a Recreation Pass. )Fleet Feet Race Calendar - use code BEHINDTHEBIB for 20% off your race entry!!! 

This week on Behind the Bib, I'm taking you to Rainsville, Alabama, for the Freedom Run 10K and 5K.Not only did I get to experience a fantastic local race and an incredible running community, but I also walked away with a prize check. That's right—for one glorious day, I became a paid professional runner.Okay, maybe "professional" is a stretch, but when someone hands you $150 for running, it's hard not to start calculating sponsorship opportunities and retirement plans.In this episode, I'll recap the race, talk about the course, share some of the memorable moments from the morning, and reflect on why local races like this continue to be some of my favorites. From community spirit to friendly competition, the Freedom Run delivered a reminder that running is about so much more than pace and finish times.So join me as I relive a race where I somehow got paid to do my hobby—and trust me, we're all as surprised as I am.Whether you're first, last, or somewhere in between, I'll see you next time we're Behind the Bib.