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.

E55: Love at First StrideThis episode of Behind the Bib is all about love and long runs. I’m sitting down in person with two of Huntsville’s favorite running couples to talk about what happens when your relationship includes race mornings, different paces, and a whole lot of sweat. It’s honest, funny, and very real — because running together builds more than miles.UPCOMING LOCAL RACESFleet Feet Race Calendar - use code BEHINDTHEBIB for 20% off your race entry!!! FEB 07: Mardi Gras 5kFEB 08: Winter Winds 2/4 mi (Huntsville Track Club)FEB 14: Fleet Feet Love to Run 5k & 1 mile (Madison) (Mention)FEB 14: Carnival FrolicFEB 28: Paper Chase 5kMAR 01: Dueling BanjosMAR 01: UAH Spring Road RaceDiscount Codes: Noxgear - BehindtheBibBibBoards Discount Code: BehindtheBibMyRaceTatts Lisa152FleetFeet Races: behindthebib

Running is better when you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Donovan to talk about Fleet Feet's Run Club and why it’s such a powerful (and free!) resource for runners in our community.We cover what makes the club special — inclusive group runs, training programs, strength sessions, and a welcoming, no-pressure vibe that truly supports runners of all paces and experience levels. Ryan breaks down what a first run looks like, how to stay connected, and how Fleet Feet’s Run Club builds accountability that feels encouraging, not stressful.If you’ve ever wanted community, consistency, or just people who make showing up easier, this episode is for you. Because running doesn’t have to be solo — and at Fleet Feet’s Run Club, everyone belongs.Run Club by Fleet Feet | FacebookTraining Programs - Fleet Feet Sports HuntsvilleUPCOMING LOCAL RACESFleet Feet Race Calendar - use code BEHINDTHEBIB for 20% off your race entry!!! FEB 07: 2nd Annual Sparkman Indoor Percussion 5kFEB 07: Mardi Gras 5kFEB 08: Winter Winds 2/4 mi (Huntsville Track Club)FEB 14: Fleet Feet Love to Run 5k & 1 mile (Madison) (Mention)FEB 14: Carnival FrolicFEB 28: Paper Chase 5kMAR 01: Dueling BanjosMAR 01: UAH Spring Road Race

On this episode of Behind the Bib, I’m hanging out with David Whitehead from Rocket City Runners, one of Huntsville’s most welcoming, no-ego, all-are-welcome run clubs. We talk about how Rocket City Runners grew into the community it is today, what makes their crew feel more like a family than a fitness group, and why showing up matters just as much as how fast you go.We also dig into their upcoming We Run, We Finish 5K — a race built on the idea that every runner deserves a finish-line moment, whether you’re sprinting, jogging, walking, or doing a little of all three. It’s a celebration of consistency, courage, and community… which, honestly, feels very on-brand for this run club.If you’ve ever wanted a run club that meets you where you are and cheers like you just won Rocket City Marathon, this one’s for you.UPCOMING LOCAL RACESFleet Feet Race Calendar Use code BEHINDTHEBIB for 20% off your race entry!!! JAN 24: 2nd Annual Sparkman Indoor Percussion 5kJAN 24: Mountain Mist 50kFEB 07: Mardi Gras 5kFEB 08: Winter Winds 2/4 mi (Huntsville Track Club)FEB 14: Fleet Feet Love to Run 5k & 1 mile (Madison) (Mention)FEB 14: Carnival FrolicFEB 28: Paper Chase 5kMAR 01: Dueling BanjosMAR 01: UAH Spring Road RaceRocket City Runners Links: linktr.ee/rocketcityrunnersWe Run We Finish 5kOther Discount Codes: Noxgear - BehindtheBibBibBoards Discount Code: BehindtheBibMyRaceTatts Lisa152FleetFeet Races: behindthebib

On this episode of Behind the Bib, I kick things off by pulling the curtain back on my big 2026 announcements—including my Over 30 / Under 30 goals and an exciting collaboration with Fleet Feet Huntsville coming next year.Then I sit down with Doc Porter of Functional Chiropractic for a grounded, runner-focused conversation about recovery, mobility, and how to keep showing up when your body starts asking questions.I wrap it up by previewing a Valentine’s episode with three Huntsville running couples—three stories, one shared love of the run.Big goals, real conversations, and miles that matter.FC: FacebookFC: InstagramFC Web

On this episode of Behind the Bib, I sit down with Jerry Clifton to talk about one of Alabama’s most wonderfully unhinged traditions: the Crazies Trifecta — three half marathons in three days across three DeKalb County towns. No frills, no fuss, just grit, community, and questionable decision-making.We also weave in the Rainsville Freedom Run, a small-town race that shows how big heart, strong traditions, and local pride make running feel like family.Along the way you’ll hear how it was Pam’s idea, why Laura’s snack wagon deserves its own medal, and why these races are about way more than miles.If you love grassroots running, shared suffering, and stories that feel like home — this one’s for you.Registration Opens January 1: Register for The Crazies TrifectaUPCOMING LOCAL RACESDEC 20: ⁠Rudolph Run 5k⁠DEC 31: ⁠Run into 2026 ⁠JAN 01: 1/2/4 mile New Yrs Day Runs JAN 24: 2nd Annual Sparkman Indoor Percussion 5k FEB 08: Winter Winds 2/4 mi (Huntsville Track Club)FEB 14: Fleet Feet Love to Run 5k & 1 mile (Madison) FEB 14: Carnival FrolicAlso, if you’re listening and you have an upcoming race you’d like mentioned on the podcast, shoot me a dm or email me at Lisa@behindthebibpodcast.com!

2025 Year-End Recap: What This Year Taught Me About Running (and Us)This week on Behind the Bib, I’m closing out 2025 with a reflection — not a highlight reel or a stats dump, but an honest look at the stories that mattered most this year.We talk about why hometown races, real conversations, and showing up imperfectly resonated more than performance ever could. From the episodes you returned to, to the quiet moments that built trust, this year reinforced one thing: Behind the Bib isn't about running better - it's about feeling better about running. If 2025 stretched you, humbled you, or reminded you to meet yourself where you are, this episode is for you.

E48: Running Up that Hillary at Every Woman’s MarathonOn this marathon-length episode of Behind the Bib — yes, we’re going a full 1 hour and 21 minutes — I’m joined by Hillary Burgess, the runner behind Running Up That Hillary, to talk about the strategy that finally moved the needle for her: intentional run/walk intervals. Then we get into the real talk from the Every Woman’s Marathon in Scottsdale — the energy, the surprises, the moments that hit, and the ones that took the wind out of us. It wasn’t a simple day, but it was a meaningful one, and we get into all of it.So, buckle up, settle in and do something mindless while you listen to the T - all hour and 20 minutes of it!Running Up that Hillary Today in Running HistoryUPCOMING LOCAL RACESDEC 12: ⁠Run Run Rudolph⁠DEC 13: ⁠Rocket City Marathon weekend⁠!!! DEC 13: ⁠Elkmont Holiday Hustle⁠DEC 13: Oh, What Fun It Is To RunDEC 20: ⁠Rudolph Run 5k⁠DEC 31: ⁠ Run into 2026 ⁠Also, if you’re listening and you have an upcoming race you’d like mentioned on the podcast, shoot me a dm or email me at Lisa@behindthebibpodcast.com!

Episode 47: The F-Word We Don’t Talk About EnoughThis week on Behind the Bib, we’re getting real about the one thing every runner, creator, and human on this spinning rock deals with: failure. And not the glamorous, “I learned so much” kind we tie up with a bow on Instagram — I’m talking the messy, spiraling, four-fails-in-four-days variety that leaves you questioning everything from your packing skills to whether you deserve to host a running podcast.Instead of hiding under a metaphorical weighted blanket, I decided to turn the mic toward the truth: what failure actually teaches us, why we’re kinder to literally everyone but ourselves, and how to reset our brains when they start building cozy little homes out of imposter syndrome.If you’ve ever spiraled over a mistake, felt “less than” on social media, or wondered if you’re cut out for the thing you love — this one’s for you. Because the only true failure is failing to try. And you, my friend, were MADE to do hard things.UPCOMING LOCAL RACESNOV 30: ⁠Ditto Landing 10k⁠ DEC 01: ⁠Galaxy of Lights 5k/3k⁠DEC 06: ⁠Running for Africa 5k⁠ (Decatur) DEC 06: ⁠Krampus ⁠DEC 07: ⁠Huntsville Football Club 5k/10k⁠DEC 12: ⁠Run Run Rudolph⁠DEC 13: ⁠Rocket City Marathon weekend⁠DEC 13: ⁠Elkmont Holiday Hustle⁠DEC 20: ⁠Rudolph Run 5k⁠DEC 31: ⁠Run into 2026 ⁠Do you have an upcoming race you’d like mentioned on the podcast? Shoot me a dm or email me at Lisa@behindthebibpodcast.com!

In this episode, I’m talking about the Turkey Trots that bring our communities together — the laughter, the families, the walkers, the people trying something new for the very first time.I also open up about the Every Woman’s Marathon, a race that stretched me, humbled me, and reminded me why I love this sport: the courage to keep moving, even when it’s hard.And at the end, I share a quiet little preview of what’s coming next year for Behind the Bib — more stories, more compassion, more space for every runner who’s ever felt overlooked. It’s going to be a beautiful year.NOV 22: Running for Rescues 5k / 10k (Boaz)NOV 22: Dam-Bridge Run 10kNOV 24: Crisis Services of North Alabama Turkey TrotNOV 24: Turkey Trot of Morgan CountyNOV 24: Theatre Turkey TrotNOV 24: Trax for Max Turkey TrotNOV 25: Run it Off Fun Run NOV 27: Trax4MAX Turkey Trot 5kNOV 30: Ditto Landing 10k DEC 01: Galaxy of Lights 5k/3kDEC 06: Running for Africa 5k (Decatur) DEC 06: Krampus DEC 07: Huntsville Football Club 5k/10kDEC 12: Run Run RudolphDEC 13: Rocket City Marathon weekendDEC 13: Elkmont Holiday HustleDEC 20: Rudolph Run 5kDEC 31: Run into 2026 Erica Sara Jewelry

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.It’s a laid-back, laugh-filled tour through Midwest miles. Listen now to Episode 44 — because sometimes you’ve got to let a veteran take the reins and remind us why we love this sport.

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 that finish line — all from the perspective of a runner who’s been first, last, and everywhere in between.You’ll also hear about upcoming Fleet Feet Huntsville races, my collaborations with Back of the Pack Podcast and Run Your Story, and a look ahead at Behind the Bib’s one-year anniversary this January.Stay tuned — whether you’re planning your next race-cation or just looking for motivation to keep moving, this one’s for every runner, no matter the pace.

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 so fascinating, how runners like Harvey Lewis and Phil Gore have pushed the limits of human endurance, and why this race has become one of the most captivating events in the ultrarunning world.Whether you’re an ultra veteran or just ultra curious, this one’s all about grit, community, and the beauty of refusing to quit.Because at Big’s, the clock doesn’t stop — until you do.

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 so fascinating, how runners like Harvey Lewis and Phil Gore have pushed the limits of human endurance, and why this race has become one of the most captivating events in the ultrarunning world.Whether you’re an ultra veteran or just ultra curious, this one’s all about grit, community, and the beauty of refusing to quit.Because at Big’s, the clock doesn’t stop — until you do.

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 courses, the glow-in-the-dark medals (yes, plural), and the post-race BBQ, cider, and mac and cheese that made the finish line feel like a fall festival.If you love small-town races with big personality like I do, this one’s for you! Cypress InnThe Trestle Bakery and CafeThe Crafty RoosterCoastal Race ProductionsUPCOMING LOCAL RACES:OCT 18: Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5kOCT 25: Helping Hands Half Marathon and 5kNOV 01: KoC Tootsie Roll 5k and Fun RunNOV 08: Huntsville Half MarathonNOV 22: Dam-Bridge Run 10kNOV 30: Ditto Landing 10k DEC 13: Rocket City Marathon weekend

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-friendly blinking clip-ons. I’ll share the strategies that help you stay visible to drivers, keep your footing on uneven routes, and protect your four-legged running buddies too.We’ll also talk through practical safety tips — like running against traffic, leaving one earbud out, and letting someone know your route — so you can get your miles in without worry.Whether you’re training for fall races or just trying to keep your streak alive through the shorter days, this is your complete toolkit for night running.NOXGEAR COUPON CODE: BEHINDTHEBIBUPCOMING LOCAL RACESOCT 18: Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5kOCT 25: Helping Hands Half Marathon and 5kNOV 01: KoC Tootsie Roll 5k and Fun RunNOV 08: Huntsville Half MarathonNOV 22: Dam-Bridge Run 10kNOV 30: Ditto Landing 10k DEC 13: Rocket City Marathon weekend Sign up for⁠ ⁠HuntsvilleRuns.com⁠⁠ to get all your local run updates - delivered every Sunday by the always amazing Will Nevin. Night Running Safety Gear Links:Tracer2 Light Vest (360° LED visibility)👉 noxgear.com/tracer2Wrist Light 500 Lumen (USB-C rechargeable, hands-free)👉 amazon.com/Noxgear-Wrist-LightTracer Lamp (clip-on front lamp, works with vest or solo)👉 Ann Arbor Running Co. – Noxgear Tracer LampLighthound Vest for Pets👉 noxgear.com/lighthound270° Night Runner Headlamp (wide beam, rechargeable)👉 Amazon – 270° LED HeadlampPetzl Tikkina Headlamp (simple, affordable)👉 REI – Petzl TikkinaRabbit Low Light Collection (shorts, tights, tops with reflectivity)👉 runinrabbit.com/collections/low-lightJanji Reflective Capsule (seasonal reflective gear)👉 janji.com/collections/reflective-capsuleReflective Strips / Decals (stick on shoes, bikes, jackets)👉 Etsy – Reflectoes Reflective DecalsClip-On Blinking Lights (budget-friendly multipacks)👉 Amazon – LED Safety Running Lights

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 walk (or jog) away knowing exactly what those terms mean and how to use them in your own training.Tune in, take notes if you want, and share this one with a running buddy who’s ever said, “Wait, what’s a tempo run supposed to be?”

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 shifts and practical steps that can help us get back to running strong when life doesn’t play fair.

Episode 34: From Greenways to GatesWe’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 infamous gates in running.Download Episode 34 now and get the full story — because this is one you don’t want to miss.UPCOMING LOCAL RACESSafety Day 5k, Marshall Space Flight Center - need Arsenal Access (Sept. 13)Rails to Recovery 5k (Sept. 13)MSFC Safety Day 5k (Sept. 13, Arsenal Recreation Pass req)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)Greenway Master PlanTrailhead GreenwayFlint River Greenway Little Cove Greenway