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
