Run to Write

Hey all!If you missed part one of this series, and want to catch up, listen or read hereNow to part two: trail running on a throbbing ankle. To buy your copy of MILES of MEANING: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher, click here. Please send me your questions on running, writing, or my latest book, MILES of MEANING, to share on an upcoming podcast. Thank you,Julie This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

This is Part 1 of a 3-4 series on The Morgan Hill Forest Marathon. Enjoy. You can head to Run to Write on Substack to join our community and conversation. This race was dedicated to my latest book: MILES of MEANING: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher. Thank you for being here with me,Julie This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Today’s episode is special. My book MILES of MEANING just launched, and the response from early readers has blown me away. Instead of me talking about the book, I’m going to step back and share what early readers are saying—in their own words. I think their words will resonate with you.If you’ve ever doubted yourself, wondered if you could do something hard, or needed proof that transformation is possible, these stories are for you.So grab a coffee, a tea, and settle in.If these stories inspired you, grab your copy on my website or Amazon and let me know what resonates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Last month, I stood before a group of high school cross-country runners, sneakers laced, with my children by my side. My former coach—the same man who coached me decades ago—asked me to share something inspiring. I thought for a long time about what I wanted to say. I wanted to share something that might matter. I wanted to tell the truth about the voice that sneaks in when the pain and doubt come.Here’s what I said: listen now. My challenge to you: grab an index card and write down a mantra to use this week. If you’re feeling brave, share it in the comments. (head over to Run to Write on Substack to join the conversation) Let’s support each other with better ways to talk to ourselves. Maybe the one you share is just what someone else needs today.Thank you for being here with me,JulieMILES of MEANING: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher will be in the world in five days! I can’t wait to share this book with you. Thanks to my early readers and reviewers for your generous time and thoughts. Thank you for spreading the word. It means a lot! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

For the first session of Move. Write. Connect., we started with Natalie Goldberg’s prompt, “Tell me about a place you need to return to.Here’s what I made—Stillness Settles: poem outloud Local? Join us in person for Move. Write. Connect. We meet in Liverpool, NY. MILES of MEANING: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher: To Preorder EbookPaperback will be published on 10/7/2025! I can’t thank you enough for all your support and interest.Thankful for you!Take good care,Julie This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

In today's episode, sing with Julie and her children to the lyrics they've created for: Move. Write. Connect. (to the tune of Eye of the Tiger) Thank you for being here with me.Let’s giggle, move, and write. JulieWays to Connect:Join us on Mondays at 11 a.m. (EST) via Zoom to write together.Join us on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at Freedom of Espresso in Liverpool, NY. Head to Run to Write: Where Movement & Writing Meet on Substack to connect with our community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Poem of the day: Dirt Trail Each Monday on Run to Write, I share an excerpt from my upcoming memoir: MILES of MEANING: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher. Publication date is 10/14/25Thank you for being here with me,JulieP.S. What did you see this week? Please join the conversation on Run to Write. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Today's poem out loud: (Warning: contains singing) Worship on the Trail Writing Topic: Write about something that helps you push through difficult moments - a song, a phrase, a memory, a ritual. Describe a specific time when you needed it most.Subscribe to Run to Write: Where Movement & Writing Meet to join the conversation. Summer Updates:Move. Write Connect. meets July 23 at 9 a.m. For details and to sign up, click here.Monday Zoom write-togethers will continue throughout July: I won't be able to lead the group on 8/4 and 8/11. I'll try to find someone to host these sessions. If not, I’ll see you back on August 18.Summer break: I will be unplugging to spend time with family starting July 29. I’ll be back in your inbox on August 18.Project Updates: My next book, Miles of Meaning: from Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher, is currently in the editing phase! I'm excited to share updates and reveal the cover in the coming month.Thank you for being here with me,Julie This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Right Now I See : Today's poem out loud. What's one tiny detail from your day today that you almost missed?Head to Run to Write to join the conversation. Move. Write Connect. meets July 16 & July 23. For details and to sign up, click here.Monday Zoom write-togethers will continue throughout July: I won't be able to lead the group on 8/4 and 8/11. I'll try to find someone to host these sessions. If not, I’ll see you back on August 18.Summer break: I will be unplugging to spend time with family starting July 29. I’ll be back in your inbox on August 18.Project Updates: My next book, Miles of Meaning: From Doubter to JFK 50 Mile Finisher, is currently in the editing phase! I'm excited to share updates and reveal the cover in the coming month.Thank you for being here with me,JulieThanks for reading Run to Write. Please share with a friend. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Thank you, Jeff for your gentle rebellion. The Husband Who Didn’t Listen It wasn’t a lack of hearing aids— they were in. He had other plans. “I don’t know if you should come,” I said over the phone. He came anyway with our children, brought my mom. Their voices carried me up the stone steps. I figured that was goodbye to my cheer squad. Yet my husband had other plans. As I approached the finish, there they were— shouting my name, an unexpected gift. I love that he didn’t listen as I hugged him at the finish line.Writing prompt: Write about an 'unexpected gift' - something that surprised you, not because it was unplanned, but because it was unwanted until the moment you received it.You’re invited!Join our online community writing session next Monday (7/7) at 11 am EST. We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up. No experience is necessary.You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, please use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.Be part of our creative community! Use the link below (on Mondays) to join our Zoom room. Feel free to share with a friend.Join our Move.Write.Connect group this Wednesday at 9 a.m. (jumping is optional but encouraged!) We have fun. Brigitte is holding her 28-pound dog, Cupcake! Go Brigitte!Click the button below for details and to sign up. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Thanks for following my Caygua Trails 50 series these past weeks. Monday brings Part 6: The Finish!Now to the poem of the day: Chunk by Chunk What are your mantras of endurance? I would love to know. Head over to Run to Write on Substack and join the conversation. Dear Local Run to Write Friends,Join Move.Write.Connect starting July 2nd at Freedom of Espresso in Liverpool, NY. Weekly movement + writing sessions in a supportive community. No experience needed, just bring curiosity! 10 spots only. Who's in? Learn more: runtowrite.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Listen in for the poem of the day: What Stays, What Goes— A poem inspired by todays story on Run to Write on Substack.Head over to Run to Write and subscribe for writing prompts, online writing group, and to join the conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Listen in for the poem of the day: From Roads to Trails.Join us in person this summer for Move. Write. Connect. all the deatils are HERE. Join the conversation and read part 2 of the Cayuga Trail 50 at Run to Write This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

The Cayuga Trails 50 mile race was on Saturday. I carried the same beads in my running vest that I carried at the JFK 50 Mile—each bead representing someone touched by cancer and the inspiration for today's poem.The Sound of Remembrance. Thank you for listening in and being here. Please join the conversation at Run to Write. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Today's episode— The Highland Forest 1-2-3 trail run, Manufacturing sunshine™, and let's move and write together! Connect with me on my website and join the conversation over at The Run to Write Community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Moving Meditation ...poem out loud. Thank you for being here, I'll see you back here next Thursday. Here’s a writing prompt to give a go:Tell me what did you know that you didn’t want to know?We will resume our Monday write-togethers on June 2 at 11 am EST. I look forward to seeing you then in our Zoom room.Take good care,Julie This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Welcome! Today's poem out loud: Don't Let Me ForgetAnd ways to move. write. connect. Thank you for being here,Julie This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Using the prompt, from Natalie Goldberg, Tell me about your Mother's Hands...I share what came up for me on today's Run to Write Podcast. —Thank you, for being here. Happy Mother’s Day.Join the conversation over on Substack— Run to Write, my free publication. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

This poem was created during a two-hour run on Saturday after the 10k race. It was hard. Aunt Phoebe (my inner judge) was whining about the rain and my stomach discomfort. I was happy to have a mantra to silence her. YAY!I’m curious what mantra, do you have on repeat? Feel free to share with us in the comments below.Thank you for being here,JulieWaves (listen to today's poem out loud) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com

Saturday's training run at Green Lakes State Park delivered more than just miles. As Felicia and I weaved through the trails during my 20-mile preparation for my upcoming 50-miler, nature offered us an unforgettable gift.I can't wait to tell you about it in this episode. To learn more about Run to Write and the in-person Move. Write. Connect. click HERE. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit juliebhughes.substack.com