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 cause.

We also recap the Blackberry Festival 5K and all the summer vibes that came with it.

Lace up, suit up (cape optional), and hit play — this one’s got it all.

UPCOMING LOCAL RACES/PAID EVENTS

• Greenway Grand Prix 8k, still building (July 18) Good luck Melanie and Daughter!

• PGB Corporate 5K Gold Star "ALOHA Run Edition,” 3 or so grateful miles (July 26)

• Greenway Grand Prix 10k, a big finale (Aug. 1)

• Running of the Bulls 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, less fun 3 miles, super fun 1 mile (Aug. 23)

• Race for Justice, 5k, 10k, 5 and 10ks and competitive sleeping in (Sept. 1)

• Rails to Recovery 5k (Sept. 13), 3 or so miles with a purpose

• Helping Hands Half Marathon and 5k, 13.1, 3 miles and change (Oct. 25)

• Huntsville Half Marathon, 13.1 (Nov. 8)

• Dam-Bridge Run 10k, dang ol’ 6 miles over a dam (Nov. 15)

About:

PGB Gold Star 5k

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 Kyle Walker of Back of the Pack Podcast — thank you for the support! Plus, I recommend two other running podcasts you should add to your queue and share some upcoming race dates you won’t want to miss.

Since this was an extra long episode, I cut the good reviews and bad jokes segment. HOWEVER - I don’t want to lose it. This week’s goes out to Katy Baxter who left a comment on one of my very early episodes: Did you hear about the horrible accident where the physicist accidentally chilled himself to absolute zero? He's 0K now.

Here's the upcoming races:

• Freedom 5k and the Independence Mile, 5k and aforementioned mile (July 4)

• Firecracker 5k, 3 patriotic miles (July 4)

• Greenway Grand Prix 8k, still building (July 18) Good luck Melanie and Daughter!

• PGB Corporate 5K Gold Star "ALOHA Run Edition,” 3 or so grateful miles (July 26)

• Greenway Grand Prix 10k, a big finale (Aug. 1)

• Running of the Bulls 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, less fun 3 miles, super fun 1 mile (Aug. 23)

• Race for Justice, 5k, 10k, 5 and 10ks and competitive sleeping in (Sept. 1)

• Rails to Recovery 5k (Sept. 13), 3 or so miles with a purpose

• Helping Hands Half Marathon and 5k, 13.1, 3 miles and change (Oct. 25)

• Huntsville Half Marathon, 13.1 (Nov. 8)

• Dam-Bridge Run 10k, dang ol’ 6 miles over a dam (Nov. 15)

About:

Makenzie Rink

The Realistic Runner

Instagram | TikTok

J&H Running Co

Back of the Pack Podcast 

The Happy Pace Podcast

Today in Running History

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 anyway (shoutout to Michelle for sweeping with me!), and why this one gets a hard pass from me.

It’s not all bad though — we’re keeping it real, staying hopeful, and remembering why we keep showing up.

PCOMING LOCAL RACES/PAID EVENTS

• Greenway Grand Prix 4 Mile, (June 27)

• Helen Keller 5 Mile & 1 Mile (June 28)

• Pesky Piranha Youth Triathlon (June 28)

• Freedom 5k and the Independence Mile, (July 4)

• Firecracker 5k (July 4)

• Greenway Grand Prix 8k, (July 18)

• PGB Corporate 5K Gold Star "ALOHA Run Edition (July 26)

  
  

About the Race/Event: 

Park Run 

Rocket City Runners

Pub Run

Sign up for HuntsvilleRuns.com to get all your local run updates - delivered every Sunday by the always amazing Will Nevin. 

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 community.We talk about what makes the Run With Kenyans race so special, the impact of running culture in Kenya, and how he’s built something meaningful right here in the U.S. His kindness, humility, and insight will absolutely stay with you. Don’t miss this beautiful conversation with a truly accomplished runner and leader.

UPCOMING RACES

• Greenway Grand Prix 5k, June 20

• Cookie Fix Cookie Crusher HSV5k June 21

• Run with Kenyans June 22

• Greenway Grand Prix 4 Mile June 27

• Helen Keller 5 Mile & 1 Mile June 28

• Pesky Piranha Youth Triathlon (June 28)

• Freedom 5k and the Independence Mile July 4

• Firecracker 5k July 4

• Greenway Grand Prix 8k July 18

About the Race: 

Run with Kenyans RunSignUp Registration 

Maverick Striders 

John Hunt Cross Country Park 

Sign up for HuntsvilleRuns.com to get all your local run updates - delivered every Sunday by the always amazing Will Nevin. 

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 fun and festive races in North Alabama.

If you like small-town charm, wild stories, and running for the swag, this one’s for you.

🎧 Put it on for your next run, drive, or chore session — you’ll be smiling the whole way.

In this episode, I sit down with David Whitehead, founder of Rocket City Runners, to talk about how he’s built more than just a run club — he’s created a space that fosters connection, encouragement, and character. From welcoming new runners to celebrating every finish line, David shares how Rocket City Runners has grown into a community that supports every pace and every person.

We talk about the importance of showing up, giving back, and leading with kindness — whether you're training for your first 5K or your tenth marathon.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a truly inclusive and uplifting run group thrive, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to find (or start!) your own community.

Follow Rocket City Runners on all social media:

Facebook: @RocketCityRunners

Insta: @RocketCityRunners

TikTok: @RocketCityRunners

Upcoming Races & Events:

1. May 31: Park Run Preview - Not advertising - just inviting Hays Farm

2. June 1: Trail Running Film Festival - Brooks Global Tour

3. June 3: HTC Summer Cross Country Runs start - John Hunt Park - Every tuesday night  june through 1st week of august. (6:15, one mile, 6:30- 3 miles, 7:10- 2 miles) Free to HTC members

4. June 4: the Big Run 5k, Huntsville, AL 

5. June 7: Rainsville Freedom Run 

6. June 7: Heel and Crank Duathlon, Huntsville, AL

7. June 7: Big Run 5K Madison

8. June 7: Eurocross 5k and 8k: HTC

9. June 21: Cookie Fix Cookie Crusher HSV5K 5k, Kids 200 yard dash, Alabama Race Series 

10. June 21: Alabama A&M Trail Race: Free to HTC members - $10 for now, Land Trust of NA, Chapman Mt Nature Preserve

11. June 28: Pesky Piranha Youth Triathlon

• In this episode of Behind the Bib, we're getting salty — literally! I sit down with Dylan Glass and Josh Cornett from Return to Sport Physical Therapy to talk all about salt loss, hydration, and how to stay strong during those hot summer runs.

  They walk us through the sweat/salt test, explain why one-size-fits-all hydration doesn’t work, and share real tips runners can use to avoid cramping and fatigue. If you've ever finished a long run crusted in salt or hit the wall on a humid day, this one's for you.

  Tune in for a fun and informative conversation that could totally change how you hydrate.

About Return to Sport: 

https://www.return2sportpt.com/

256-513-9525 (Got the number right!) 

Insta: return2sport.pt

Facebook: Return to Sport

• May 26: Cotton Row Run 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk⁠

• ⁠June 4: the Big Run 5k⁠, Huntsville, AL 

• ⁠June 7: Heel and Crank Duathlon⁠, Huntsville, AL

• ⁠June 7: Big Run 5K⁠ - Huntsville 

• ⁠June 7: Big Run 5K ⁠Madison

• ⁠June 7: Eurocross 5k and 8k⁠: HTC

• ⁠June 21: Cookie Fix Cookie Crusher HSV5K 5k, Kids 200 yard dash⁠, Alabama Race Series 

• ⁠June 21: Alabama A&M Trail Race⁠: Free to HTC members - $10 for now

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Fletcher to talk all about the Heel and Crank Duathlon, happening on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Research Park, Huntsville, Alabama.

This duathlon features a 3-mile run, 11.1-mile bike, and 2.6-mile run, making it a perfect challenge for multi-sport beginners and seasoned athletes alike. Matt shares the history of the event, what goes into race day planning, and why Heel and Crank continues to be a favorite on the local race calendar.

🎟 Special Offer: Use code "BehindTheBib" at registration to save!
🔗 Learn more: teamrockettri.org/heelandcrank

If you're thinking about trying a duathlon or just love hearing about what goes into putting on a great race, this one's for you.

Packet Pickup: June 6th
Fleet Feet MADISON at 10AM-6:00PM 

(Please note location: 181 Hughes Road)

Race Day: Saturday, June 7th.

THERE WILL BE NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION
6 am – 7:30 am Packet Pickup at Adtran South Tower

7:45 am Transition Area Closes

8:00 am  Race Starts

9:30 am – 11 am Music, Hot Food, and Cold Drinks

10:00 am:  Awards

• May 15: Harry Williams All Comers Track Meet - HTC Sponsored

• May 17: Caribbean Qarnival 5k - Huntsville, AL 

• May 17: Rotary Club of Madison .5K Couch Potato - Madison, AL 

• May 26: Cotton Row Run 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
• June 4: the Big Run 5k, Huntsville, AL 

• June 7: Heel and Crank Duathlon, Huntsville, AL

In this episode of Behind the Bib, I chat with Landon Bruski — a familiar face in the North Alabama running scene. We dive into his journey as a runner, how he got involved in the community, and what drives his passion for the sport. From early miles to race-day lessons, Landon shares the highs, the challenges, and the stories that have shaped his path to completing the Lake Martin 100-miler.

How to Find Landon: 

Lake Martin Ultra Mini-Documentary 

Landon’s LinkTree

Upcoming Races:

• Redstone 25k⁠⁠⁠⁠ Registration⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Girls on the Run North Alabama 5k⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Registration⁠⁠⁠⁠

• 4th Annual Whiskey Run⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Registration⁠⁠⁠

• Caribbean Qarnival 5k⁠ ⁠⁠Registration⁠⁠⁠

• Rotary Club of Madison .5K Couch Potato⁠ ⁠⁠Registration⁠⁠⁠

• Cotton Row Run⁠ ⁠⁠Registration⁠⁠