Behind the Bib

Behind the Bib: The October Files

Four races, a murder, and a haunted bedroom. Welcome to October on Behind the Bib.

We're kicking off our October series with a look at four North Alabama races: the Underground 5K, Spooktacular 5K & Monster Mile, Liz Hurley Ribbon Run, and Pink Pumpkin Run.

From creepy courses and outrageous costumes to meaningful miles supporting great causes, we're covering what makes each event worth adding to your calendar.

And this is just the beginning. Later this month, we're trading finish lines for darker stories, including a murder and a haunted bedroom... just enough to keep you up at night.

October on Behind the Bib is going to be anything but ordinary.

In Episode 76, I sit down with Huntsville triathletes Lesley and Billy Carroll, who have lost an incredible amount of weight together and completely transformed their lives.

Now they’re taking on their biggest challenges yet: their first full IRONMAN in 2027.

We talk about GLP-1's, surgical weight loss, training together, big scary goals, and discovering just how much you’re capable of when you just don't stop.

And fair warning, folks... this is another episode that's not meant for little ears.

And if you would like to help Lesley and Billy get to their 2027 IronMan fundraising goal here's the link to show them some love!

https://ironmanfoundation.donordrive.com/participants/StackingOurDeck_queenofhearts

Episode 2 of Shooting the Sh!t with Shelby Britt! We’re talking intense runner burnout, the Runninglane Underground 5K, AND Rocket City Marathon.

And somehow, both Rocket City Marathon AND Kyle Walker from Back of the Pack Podcast get pulled into the conversation.

Yeah... they’re gonna want to hear this one.

I met Shelby Britt about a year ago and quickly learned that sitting around talking with her is almost as entertaining as running with her, (if I could keep up.)

So we turned on the microphones.

We started recording as we were talking about the medals hanging on Shelby’s wall and go from there. Running, races, and a whole lot of laughing.

This is Shooting the Sh!t with Shelby Britt: Part 1.

There may be four parts. There may be twelve. We didn't plan that far ahead.

Wanna rent a goat? 🐐

https://ecograzingsolutionsllc.com/

What if running can change more than your fitness? This week, I'm digging into a fascinating study that followed runners in addiction recovery and found that running offered something much bigger than exercise: structure, goals, community, connection and a different way of handling hard days. We're talking about why running can become a “microcosm of life,” the lessons that extend far beyond the finish line, and the important difference between running supporting recovery and treating addiction.

Read the full study on PubMed Central

You trained for months, crossed the finish line... and then what? In this episode, I share my experience after completing my first ultra, the Madison 50K, and talk about the post-race blues... a feeling many runners experience but fewdiscuss. We'll explore why it happens, how to navigate it, and why the finish line is just the beginning of your next chapter.

Fleet Feet RaceCalendar - use code BEHINDTHEBIB for 20% off your race entry!!!

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 RCM50

BACK OF THE PACK PODCAST

Hal Higdon's Marathon Training

Jeff Galloway Marathon Training

Boston 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/RacintheStation

Additional 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!!! 

Sometimes the biggest thing holding us back isn't a lack of time... it's the pursuit of perfection.

This week, I'm getting honest about how trying to make every episode "perfect" nearly kept me from showing up at all. Along the way, I realized I'd been doing the same thing in my marathon training—chasing perfect workouts instead of consistent progress.

We'll also spotlight the Firecracker 5K with Fleet Feet Huntsville, talk about why consistency beats perfection every time, and hopefully give you permission to stop waiting until everything is "just right."

Because whether you're training for your first 5K, your next marathon, or simply trying to show up in life, progress will always beat perfection.