Julie Millen on running for others, logging 100 miles during Detroit Free Press Marathon & Half Marathon weekend this October

This October, during Detroit Free Press Marathon weekend Oct. 14-15, ultra runner and mom of five Julie Millen will take on her second 100-mile run—the Joules Athletics Warrior 100 Mile Run and Relay—to help raise funds for Brayden Trombley, an 8-year-old Mt. Pleasant, Mich. boy who has leukemia.

This is not the first time Julie is running for someone else—and it definitely won’t be the last, I’m guessing. Spend any amount of time with Julie, a native Michigander now living in Houston, Texas, and you’ll quickly realize how kind and giving—and humble—she truly is, not only as a runner, but as a human being. Her love of helping others is infectious and inspiring.

I had the opportunity to talk with Julie in person for the latest Michigan Runner Girl Show—she and her family were vacationing in nearby Northport, Mich. in July and she stopped by the recording studio to talk about the upcoming October run. {Listen to this episode by clicking on the player at the top of this post}

The Joules Athletics Warrior 100 Mile Run and Relay is totally self-supported and will coincide with the Detroit Free Press Marathon and Half Marathon. This is how it’ll work (and anyone interested can join): A “base camp” will be at Brew Detroit, and runners will complete approximately 80 miles by running a 3/4 mile loop. Runners will leave Brew Detroit at 5 a.m. on Oct. 15 to run to the start of the Detroit Free Press Marathon and Half Marathon to complete the rest of the race. All solo runners and one relay runner must register for either the Detroit Free Press full or half marathon to complete the 100 mile run.

Julie, who grew up in Redford, Mich., shares with me how she got started running—her first marathon was the Detroit Free Press Marathon 10 years ago), why Detroit will always be home to her, why going long (really long!) speaks to her heart, and why she feels it’s important to run for others. She also talks about the individuals who have impacted her running journey, as well as so much more. In addition to running and raising a family, Julie also is the founder of a women’s athletic clothing company, Joules Athletics. I really think you guys are going to love this conversation. Julie is one amazing runner.

 If you enjoy what you’re hearing on the Michigan Runner Girl show, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a few moments to write a review on iTunes. This will help more runners and Michigan lovers like yourself find the podcasts. Thank you!! Also, the quickest way to get the podcasts is to subscribe to the show via iTunes or via Stitcher or your favorite podcast app.