What would you do if your future suddenly looked different than you imagined?

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with runner, traveler, and fundraiser Julie, whose love of running began with a simple promise to her mom to complete a 5K.

What started as one race quickly turned into half marathons, marathons around the world, and a passion for challenging herself.

Then everything changed.

After being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a progressive inherited retinal disease that slowly causes vision loss, Julie faced an uncertain future. But instead of letting fear define her, she chose to keep moving forward.

In this episode, Julie shares how running became more than exercise—it became resilience, freedom, therapy, and a way to raise awareness for Fighting Blindness Canada through her Run for Sight campaign.

Her story is a beautiful reminder that while we can't always choose the challenges life brings, we can choose how we respond.

How one simple 5K with her mom changed the course of Julie's life.

Why curiosity, not confidence, helped her become a marathon runner.

What it was like to receive a life-changing diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

How vision loss changed the way she trains, races, and navigates everyday life.

The emotional journey of deciding when—and how—to share her diagnosis.

How running became an outlet for processing fear, grief, and uncertainty.

The importance of community, vulnerability, and finding people who understand your story.

Why Julie is using running to raise awareness and funds for Fighting Blindness Canada.

What resilience really looks like when life doesn't go according to plan.

How choosing courage over fear can create a life filled with purpose.

When Julie shared that after receiving her diagnosis, she booked the trip she'd always dreamed of taking.

Not because she knew what the future would hold...

But because she realized tomorrow isn't guaranteed.

It was such a powerful reminder not to postpone the things that matter most.

• ​Fighting Blindness Canada
• ​Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
• ​Run for Sight Campaign
• ​Eyes Up Looking Forward by Becky Andrews
• ​Kardia Studio Running Coaching

Instagram: @julesrunsthecity

Follow Julie's journey as she trains, shares life with retinitis pigmentosa, and prepares for her incredible Run for Sight challenge across Canada.

If Julie's story inspired you, I'd love to hear what resonated most.

Take a screenshot of this episode, share it on Instagram, and tag @tatiannagrahaminc and @julesrunsthecity so we can cheer you on.

And if you know someone navigating a difficult diagnosis or facing an unexpected challenge, send them this episode.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do isn't wait until life feels certain.

It's choosing to keep moving forward anyway.