Episode Title

Episode 4 | Chapter 3: Then Do It Now | Reading The Long Run Home

Episode Description

What if one simple thought follow by action changed the direction of your entire life?

In this episode, Ashley reads Chapter 3 of The Long Run Home, where an ordinary three-mile run on a treadmill in Barcelona became the beginning of an extraordinary journey.

At the time, she had never run a marathon, never raised money for charity, and had no idea how someone could run across America.

She simply had an idea—and chose not to ignore it.

This chapter is a reminder that our biggest dreams rarely begin with certainty or a clear path forward. They begin with curiosity, courage, and the willingness to take the next right step.

(And yes...there's also some wholehearted off-key singing along the way.)

If you've ever wondered whether you're ready to pursue something that feels bigger than you, this episode is for you.

In This Episode

- The moment the idea to run across America was born

- The idea that what gets you started doesn't have to be what keeps you going.

- How ordinary moments become life-changing ones

- The courage to act before feeling ready

- A reminder that authenticity beats perfection

About the Series

This podcast is a live reading of Ashley M. Schneider's memoir, The Long Run Home. New chapters are released twice a week.

Whether your dream is to start a business, write a book, change careers, improve your health, or simply take the next step toward something meaningful, these stories are here to remind you that confidence is built through action.

Get full access to Meaning In The Mess at ashmschneider.substack.com/subscribe