Behind the Bib

Lisa Watkins

Lisa Watkins is a passionate runner, storyteller, and advocate for inclusivity in the running community. Based in the heart of the Southeast, Lisa brings a unique perspective to the running world, blending a love for exploring local races with a deep appreciation for the stories that make each event special. https://linktr.ee/behindthebibpodcast

  1. Jun 12

    Episode 65: RAINSVILLE FREEDOM RUN - MY BRIEF CAREER AS A PROFESSIONAL RUNNER

    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.

    29 min

  2. May 28

    E65: Southern Running Collective

    EPISODE 65: Southern Running Collective What if running spaces were built on connection instead of comparison? In Episode 65 of Behind the Bib, I sit down with Danielle Southern, founder of Southern Running Collective, to talk about building a community where middle and back-of-the-pack runners feel supported, empowered, and seen. We discuss pace inclusion, body respect, confidence, and why every runner deserves to feel like they belong. If you've ever questioned whether you belong in the running world, this conversation is for you. Check out Southern Running Collective in a city near you below: Southern Running CollectiveInstagram: @southernrunningcollectiveWebsite: southernrunningcollective.org Southern NutritionInstagram: @southernnutritionllcWebsite: southernnutrition.org UPCOMING LOCAL RACES Fleet Feet Race Calendar - use code BEHINDTHEBIB for 20% off your race entry!!!  JUN 06: Rainsville Freedom Run 10k & 5k JUN 13: We Run We Finish 5k JUN 13: Hays Farm parkrun One Year Anniversary Run JUL 04: Freedom 5k and Independence Mile JUL 04: Firecracker 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run JUL 12: MADISON 50K in Ennis Montana!!!  SEP 07: Race for Justice, SEP 26: PGB 5k ALOHA Run OCT 17: Urban Bourbon Half Marathon and 5k NOV 14: Huntsville Half Marathon DEC 12-13: Rocket City Marathon Weekend JAN 10: Mobile Half/Marathon FEB 28: EWM, New Orleans  Discount Codes:  Safely Self Defense  Noxgear - BehindtheBib BibBoards Discount Code: BehindtheBib MyRaceTatts: Lisa152 FleetFeet Races: behindthebib

    38 min

  3. May 15

    E64: CALM THE F*CK DOWN (Audio Only)

    This week on Behind the Bib, we’re diving into the mental side of running inspired by the book The Brave Athlete: Calm the F*ck Down and Rise to the Occasion. Why does our brain try to convince us to quit things we actually want? What’s the difference between a legit quit and a “shit quit?” And why does every run suddenly feel impossible halfway through? We’re talking discomfort, excuses, accountability, and how endurance sports teach us to push through the mental negotiations happening inside our heads. Because sometimes the hardest part of running isn’t your legs… it’s convincing your brain to calm the f*ck down. UPCOMING LOCAL RACES Fleet Feet Race Calendar - use code BEHINDTHEBIB for 20% off your race entry!!!  MAY 25: Cotton Row JUN 06: Rainsville Freedom Run 10k & 5k JUN 13: We Run We Finish 5k JUN 13: Hays Farm parkrun One Year Anniversary Run JUL 04: Freedom 5k and Independence Mile JUL 04: Firecracker 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run JUL 12: MADISON 50K in Ennis Montana!!!  SEP 07: Race for Justice, SEP 26: PGB 5k ALOHA Run OCT 17: Urban Bourbon Half Marathon and 5k NOV 14: Huntsville Half Marathon DEC 12-13: Rocket City Marathon Weekend JAN 10: Mobile Half/Marathon FEB 28: EWM, New Orleans  Discount Codes:  Safely Self Defense  Noxgear - BehindtheBib BibBoards Discount Code: BehindtheBib MyRaceTatts: Lisa152 FleetFeet Races: behindthebib

    34 min

  4. May 1

    E63: COTTON ROW 10K/ 5K

    Memorial Day hits different at the Cotton Row Run. This week on Behind the Bib, I’m joined by two race directors, one who led the race for five years and one helping guide it today, plus two runners on opposite ends of the journey: one who’s been running it for years and one taking it on for the very first time. We get into what it takes to put on a race like this, what keeps people coming back, and what it feels like to step onto that start line, no matter where you’re starting from. UPCOMING LOCAL RACES Fleet Feet Race Calendar - use code BEHINDTHEBIB for 20% off your race entry!!!  MAY 02: Run 4 Kidtopia 10k and 5k MAY 02: Oxford Double Decker Spring Run MAY 02: Corinth Coke 10k MAY 09: GoFAR Forest 4.2.1 Run MAY 09: Tupelo Gum Tree 10k MAY 16: Love Love Love 5k MAY 25: Cotton Row JUN 06: Rainsville Freedom Run 10k & 5k JUN 13: Hays Farm parkrun One Year Anniversary Run JUN 13: We Run We Finish 5k JUL 04: Freedom 5k and Independence Mile

    45 min

  5. Apr 21

    E62: THESE AIN'T NO PANSY ASS CITY RACE

    This week, I’m joined by Sam Korsmoe, the race director behind the Greater Yellowstone Adventure Series… and let me tell you, these ain’t no pansy ass city races. We’re talking high-altitude miles, rugged Montana terrain, and races built around adventure, not convenience. Sam shares how the series came to life, what makes these races so uniquely challenging, and why runners keep coming back for more. (And yes… I’m getting a little inside intel before I toe the line at the Madison 50K on July 12.)

    1h 7m

  6. Apr 13

    E61: MY RUNNING SIDEKICK

    In this episode of Behind the Bib, I sit down with Meagan Doyle and Ashley to talk about something every runner thinks about but doesn’t always talk about -- safety. From talking about real-life experiences to tools we can use, we dive into what it looks like to feel more prepared on your runs. Because every runner deserves to feel safe out there.

    58 min

  7. Mar 30

    E60: LESSONS FROM A HORSE

    This episode is about slowing down when you didn’t plan to. After a weekend of celebrating family and finding my new favorite place at the 74 Ranch, I came home and got hit hard with the flu. What followed was a forced pause... and an unexpected lesson from a horse about taking the pressure off. Hope you enjoy!

    35 min

  8. Mar 14

    E59: WE'RE ALL A LITTLE CRAZIE

    In this episode of Behind the Bib, I recap two race experiences that tested me in different ways: Dueling Banjos and the Crazies Trifecta. I talk about muddy trails, a few race-day mistakes (including wearing the wrong shoes), and what it felt like to finish DFL at Dueling Banjos. Then I dive into the three-day Crazies Trifecta through the mountains of northeast Alabama -- what I learned, where I struggled, and why the community around these races made the whole experience unforgettable. More than anything, these races reminded me that running isn’t about the finish time. It’s about showing up, learning from the hard moments, and proving to yourself that you can do difficult things. I also spotlight the Dueling Banjos race and share some upcoming local races and collaborations. If you enjoy the show, please download the episode and share it with a friend—that’s the #1 way to help the podcast grow.

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Lisa Watkins is a passionate runner, storyteller, and advocate for inclusivity in the running community. Based in the heart of the Southeast, Lisa brings a unique perspective to the running world, blending a love for exploring local races with a deep appreciation for the stories that make each event special. https://linktr.ee/behindthebibpodcast

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Watkins
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Lisa Watkins
  • Show Website
    Behind the Bib

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