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.

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 finisher’s medal and a good time, this episode dives into what to expect on race weekend — the course, the crowd, and the energy that makes Rocket City one of the South’s most beloved marathons.

Tune in for insider tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and a little hometown pride as we celebrate this legendary Huntsville tradition.

Upcoming Races

• • NOV 01: Lobsterfest 5k
• NOV 01: KoC Tootsie Roll 5k and Fun Run
• NOV 08: Huntsville Half Marathon
• NOV 08: Quack Attack 5K
• NOV 22: Dam-Bridge Run 10k
• NOV 27: Trax4MAX Turkey Trot 5k
• NOV 30: Ditto Landing 10k
• DEC 12: Run Run Rudolph
• DEC 13: Rocket City Marathon weekend

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.

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 Inn

The Trestle Bakery and Cafe

The Crafty Rooster

Coastal Race Productions

UPCOMING LOCAL RACES:

• OCT 18: Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5k

• OCT 25: Helping Hands Half Marathon and 5k

• NOV 01: KoC Tootsie Roll 5k and Fun Run

• NOV 08: Huntsville Half Marathon

• NOV 22: Dam-Bridge Run 10k

• • NOV 30: Ditto Landing 10k
  • DEC 13: Rocket City Marathon weekend

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.