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| It doesn't interest me what you do
for a living I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing. It doesn't interest me how old you are I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love for your dreams for the adventure of being alive. It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon... I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shrivelled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain mine or your own without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it. I want to know if you can be with joy mine or your own if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful be realistic to remember the limitations of being human. It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the
accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy. even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence. I want to know if you can live with failure yours and mine and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes." It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after a night of grief and despair weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children. It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back. It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.
I want to know if
you can be alone
© 1995 by Oriah
House, From "Dreams Of Desire"with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments. Published by Mountain Dreaming, 300 Coxwell Avenue, Box 22546, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4L 2A0 Got this from a friend and thought it would be great to share. Sums up why I run and how it has caused me to grow and mature into a better person. | |||||
Saturday, October 13, 2012
What moves you....
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
I ran a good run!
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| Start Line |
1. Time on the train reading.
2. Time spent quietly with my own thoughts.
3. Time enjoying the city of Chicago.
4. Cruising through the Chicago Marathon Expo and eating all the goodies that they give away at the expo!
5. Perfect weather for running.
6. Staying in the Family Hostel and meeting other runners.
7. Eating dinner with World Vision runners and getting to hear their stories.
8. Meeting with World Vision runners the morning of the race and praying together.
9. No mishaps: dressed right, ate right, got to start on time!
10. Enjoying the run and finishing (on my feet running)
Five Things I Wished I Could Have Changed (Because I don't have 10! Positives outweight the negatives)
1. Less nervous.
2. Ability to adjust pace accordingly. I always have a tendency to go out to fast.
3. Nike + app on phone would work correctly. It had me finishing the run 1.5 miles before I actually got to finish.
4. That I had a better finish time.
5. That I would think less about the time it took to finish and more about what an awesome experience running a marathon can be.
So, I really did have a great experience running the Chicago Marathon. The weather was chilly starting out but it was a gorgeous sunny 50 degree day by the end. I finished 5 minutes faster than last year.
The last 3 miles were my toughest but that is where you really have to dig deep down inside to talk yourself in to getting to the finish line. When you see the last turn into the home stretch you know that it will soon be over!
I can't imagine running a marathon any where else but Chicago. So this makes my second Marathon, both run in Chicago. I think that I might take some time off from the marathon scene and stick to the half marathon. I am comfortable with the 1/2 and can spend less time on long runs. I think I have the marathon bug all out of my system for now.
This is my last race for the season so now I have to switch modes from training to running for fitness. I always feel a little out of sorts when I don't have a race goal to focus on.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Racing Season
This is the season that we have all been training for....fall racing season. By profession I am a librarian and love to read when I can find the time. I am enamored with my Kindle Fire which I often read while I eat lunch or hang out in the coffee shop. The latest book I am reading is "Accidental Athlete: A Funny Thing Happened..." by John "Penguin" Bingham. Some times I can really relate to what he is saying.
But let's back up. Speed has just never been my thing. I was a swimmer in High school and love the long distance events. I took up running in college because I was giving lessons to a lady who was a runner and wanted to be a triathlete and in exchanged she gave me running advice and got me started. Did a few community 5k's and 10k's for fun and a challenge but was never the fastest runner. But I enjoyed the challenge.
Got married, had kids, and let life get in the way so I just never ran again. But when my kids got older and my weight pushed higher, I began to slowly take up running again. Over the course of 6 years I have worked my way up to the Marathon. Why do I feel compelled to join races? GOALS: I am a goal setter and if I set the goal I will achieve it.
This weekend I participated in my favorite 1/2 marathon, Fort 4 Fitness. This was 1/2 marathon #5 for me and I was really hoping to improve my time. I have been getting all my runs in and have been improving my cardio/hills/speed. I started the race out with a friend so that I wouldn't go out too fast (cause I have a tendency to do that and then pay for it in the end). We were running great, feeling great, and keeping our projected pace. As my friend began to slow at around mile 8 we made the decision to split up. She had had a more difficult training season .
I really though this was going to be the race where I would PR. Everything felt so good. My final time: 2:11
So close to the same time as all the other races (except my first at 2:20) Four other 1/2 marathons all between 2:09 and 2:16. So should I be running for time? Should I be setting other intrinsic goals? Will I ever get closer to 2 hours? Now I am not beating myself up about my time and I don't feel bad. The whole morning went really well: great shoes, good nutrition, no porta potty stops, and I am even learning to get through the water stations without walking!
"challenges, the achievements, and the satisfaction you get from running can be obtained from any pace" -John Bingham "Accidental Athlete"
"It isn’t pace that separates those who are willing to test themselves from those who are content to be what they are. It isn’t speed that makes a person a better runner or a better racer. It’s that moment when you aren’t sure what you’ll find when you reach deep into your guts and discover there’s something left."
Bingham, John "The Penguin" (2011-09-14). An Accidental Athlete: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Middle Age (pp. 138-140). Ingram Distribution. Kindle Edition.
"I am literally running for my life. I am running because, for me, the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits of running far outweigh the struggles, setbacks, and challenges. I am running because, for me, not running is unthinkable. I am running because I am a runner. It’s that simple."
Bingham, John "The Penguin" (2011-09-14). An Accidental Athlete: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Middle Age (p. 164). Ingram Distribution. Kindle Edition.
"Running has become an act of faith. Running allows me to believe that there is something better out there for me. Running allows me to believe that I can be not just a better runner but also a better person. Running allows me to believe that if I am willing to work hard enough, I can achieve the impossible. Running has taught me that the limits I place on myself are illusions. Through running I am learning not just how to run today but how to run tomorrow. My running is a mirror of my life, and my life is a mirror of my running."
Bingham, John "The Penguin" (2011-09-14). An Accidental Athlete: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Middle Age (pp. 164-166). Ingram Distribution. Kindle Edition.
So now I am 5 days away from running the Chicago Marathon. Now it is important to remember why I am running this race. I am running this race to challenge myself and be a better person. Not a faster runner but a better person who runs.
Does running carry over into other areas of your life? Do you see your race as a goal time or do you see it as a way to be a better person?
So close to my goal with World Vision. Support the cause at
But let's back up. Speed has just never been my thing. I was a swimmer in High school and love the long distance events. I took up running in college because I was giving lessons to a lady who was a runner and wanted to be a triathlete and in exchanged she gave me running advice and got me started. Did a few community 5k's and 10k's for fun and a challenge but was never the fastest runner. But I enjoyed the challenge.
This weekend I participated in my favorite 1/2 marathon, Fort 4 Fitness. This was 1/2 marathon #5 for me and I was really hoping to improve my time. I have been getting all my runs in and have been improving my cardio/hills/speed. I started the race out with a friend so that I wouldn't go out too fast (cause I have a tendency to do that and then pay for it in the end). We were running great, feeling great, and keeping our projected pace. As my friend began to slow at around mile 8 we made the decision to split up. She had had a more difficult training season .
I really though this was going to be the race where I would PR. Everything felt so good. My final time: 2:11
So close to the same time as all the other races (except my first at 2:20) Four other 1/2 marathons all between 2:09 and 2:16. So should I be running for time? Should I be setting other intrinsic goals? Will I ever get closer to 2 hours? Now I am not beating myself up about my time and I don't feel bad. The whole morning went really well: great shoes, good nutrition, no porta potty stops, and I am even learning to get through the water stations without walking!
"challenges, the achievements, and the satisfaction you get from running can be obtained from any pace" -John Bingham "Accidental Athlete"
"It isn’t pace that separates those who are willing to test themselves from those who are content to be what they are. It isn’t speed that makes a person a better runner or a better racer. It’s that moment when you aren’t sure what you’ll find when you reach deep into your guts and discover there’s something left."
Bingham, John "The Penguin" (2011-09-14). An Accidental Athlete: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Middle Age (pp. 138-140). Ingram Distribution. Kindle Edition.
"I am literally running for my life. I am running because, for me, the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits of running far outweigh the struggles, setbacks, and challenges. I am running because, for me, not running is unthinkable. I am running because I am a runner. It’s that simple."
Bingham, John "The Penguin" (2011-09-14). An Accidental Athlete: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Middle Age (p. 164). Ingram Distribution. Kindle Edition.
"Running has become an act of faith. Running allows me to believe that there is something better out there for me. Running allows me to believe that I can be not just a better runner but also a better person. Running allows me to believe that if I am willing to work hard enough, I can achieve the impossible. Running has taught me that the limits I place on myself are illusions. Through running I am learning not just how to run today but how to run tomorrow. My running is a mirror of my life, and my life is a mirror of my running."
Bingham, John "The Penguin" (2011-09-14). An Accidental Athlete: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Middle Age (pp. 164-166). Ingram Distribution. Kindle Edition.
So now I am 5 days away from running the Chicago Marathon. Now it is important to remember why I am running this race. I am running this race to challenge myself and be a better person. Not a faster runner but a better person who runs.
So close to my goal with World Vision. Support the cause at
Support.worldvision.org/goto/RobyneSpillers
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
10 Running Related Questions
I have found a blog and podcast that I really love. Another Mother Runner by Sarah and Dimity. http://anothermotherrunner.com/ Their blogs and podcast are so real and reminds me that I am so normal/in the norm. These ladies and their running are just like me. Now that is refreshing. I have also learned so much from them about hydration, recovery, better shoes etc...
So this week they posed the question of "10 Running Related Questions" about yourself. I thought that it would be fun to try. Come along and play the game with us.
1. Best Run Ever: Running my 1st half marathon. I was aiming for 2:30 and when I came across the 9 mile mark where there was a time clock (cause I didn't wear a watch then) and saw that I was 10 minutes ahead of goal I was so pumped. Ended up finishing in 2:20. YAH
2. Three words that describe running: challenging, exhilarating, enlightening.
3. My go to running outfit: Compression shorts and my Green bay half marathon shirt. The compression shorts because after having 2 kids, gaining weight and loosing weight your thighs just never look the same and friction is a problem. I just like the feel of my old half marathon shirt even though it is looking a little ragged. It's hard to part with an old friend.
4. Quirky Habit: Strange hand movements especially when a great rhythmic song is on Iphone.
5. Morning, Midday or Evening Runner: I do not do mornings! No time in the midday. So evening it is.
6. I won't run outside if: It is snowy and Icy. I am just to old to risk falling on my butt.
7. Worst Injury: dog bite to my right calf about 6 weeks before this years Chicago Marathon. 8 stitches, a lot of bruising and swelling. But I am back to running and ready for Chicago.
8. I feel most bada## when: I cross the finish line running! I was glad to finish Chicago last year standing up. Especially when the last .25 mile was going over a bridge. Who's great design was that!
9. Next big race is: Chicago Marathon October 7th 2012. I did this race last year for the first time. At first I thought that I would never do it again. Then after my recovery I found that all I could think about was running it again.
10. Potential Goal: This really might not be a goal, but more of an item on my bucket list. 2013 Inaugural Nike Womens 1/2 Marathon in Washington D.C. I have always wanted to visit DC and this will make my husband take me! What could be better then running through our capital. But I have to hope and pray that I get into the lottery and when I do my name is chosen! (Plus, it is on my BIRTHDAY!)
On a side note, 11 days until Chicago Marathon. I am so excited!
My fundraising with World Vision is going better then I could ever imagine.
Have a great week running!
So this week they posed the question of "10 Running Related Questions" about yourself. I thought that it would be fun to try. Come along and play the game with us.
1. Best Run Ever: Running my 1st half marathon. I was aiming for 2:30 and when I came across the 9 mile mark where there was a time clock (cause I didn't wear a watch then) and saw that I was 10 minutes ahead of goal I was so pumped. Ended up finishing in 2:20. YAH
2. Three words that describe running: challenging, exhilarating, enlightening.
3. My go to running outfit: Compression shorts and my Green bay half marathon shirt. The compression shorts because after having 2 kids, gaining weight and loosing weight your thighs just never look the same and friction is a problem. I just like the feel of my old half marathon shirt even though it is looking a little ragged. It's hard to part with an old friend.
4. Quirky Habit: Strange hand movements especially when a great rhythmic song is on Iphone.
5. Morning, Midday or Evening Runner: I do not do mornings! No time in the midday. So evening it is.
6. I won't run outside if: It is snowy and Icy. I am just to old to risk falling on my butt.
7. Worst Injury: dog bite to my right calf about 6 weeks before this years Chicago Marathon. 8 stitches, a lot of bruising and swelling. But I am back to running and ready for Chicago.
8. I feel most bada## when: I cross the finish line running! I was glad to finish Chicago last year standing up. Especially when the last .25 mile was going over a bridge. Who's great design was that!
9. Next big race is: Chicago Marathon October 7th 2012. I did this race last year for the first time. At first I thought that I would never do it again. Then after my recovery I found that all I could think about was running it again.
10. Potential Goal: This really might not be a goal, but more of an item on my bucket list. 2013 Inaugural Nike Womens 1/2 Marathon in Washington D.C. I have always wanted to visit DC and this will make my husband take me! What could be better then running through our capital. But I have to hope and pray that I get into the lottery and when I do my name is chosen! (Plus, it is on my BIRTHDAY!)
On a side note, 11 days until Chicago Marathon. I am so excited!
My fundraising with World Vision is going better then I could ever imagine.
Have a great week running!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Count Down
18 days and counting until the Chicago Marathon. I am both nervous and excited.
My first 1/2 Marathon (since weight loss and getting back to running) was in 2010 in a town near and dear to me-Fort Wayne Indiana. There I saw for the first time people who were running for World Vision and it inspired me. I have sponsored two children through World Vision for about 10 years now. I started out with one child sponsor because I was between church homes and need to tithe. So I thought this would be a good use of my tithe. Then we started to attend our home church on a regular basis and I just couldn't give up the sponsorship, so I gave money to World Vision and money to church.
Well, it so happens that a few years later I got a new job and better money so I sponsored a second child.
When I saw the runners with World Vision I was inspired. The next year at Fort Wayne 1/2 I saw this group again and more world vision runners two weeks later at the Chicago Marathon.
This winter our church did a program where everyone was encouraged to read the book "Hole in the Gospel" by Rick Sterns the president of World Vision. Through this program each week we were encouraged to think about how others in the world live differently then we Americans do. A lot of the differences have to do with food and water.
Coincidences that all these things keep poping up in my life. No- God is calling.
Now I have tried to talk myself out of raising funds and running with World Vision but it just won't let me go.
I am not very good at asking people for funds or support. You know the things that run through your head:
people will think that I am crazy, people will tell me all the negatives of World Vision, people will think I am jumping on the band wagon.....the list goes on and on.
So I have started to get out and let people know that I am running with World Vision to raise money for water and wells in Africa. I let my friends know that:
support.worldvision.org/goto/RobyneSpillers
My first 1/2 Marathon (since weight loss and getting back to running) was in 2010 in a town near and dear to me-Fort Wayne Indiana. There I saw for the first time people who were running for World Vision and it inspired me. I have sponsored two children through World Vision for about 10 years now. I started out with one child sponsor because I was between church homes and need to tithe. So I thought this would be a good use of my tithe. Then we started to attend our home church on a regular basis and I just couldn't give up the sponsorship, so I gave money to World Vision and money to church.
Well, it so happens that a few years later I got a new job and better money so I sponsored a second child.
When I saw the runners with World Vision I was inspired. The next year at Fort Wayne 1/2 I saw this group again and more world vision runners two weeks later at the Chicago Marathon.
This winter our church did a program where everyone was encouraged to read the book "Hole in the Gospel" by Rick Sterns the president of World Vision. Through this program each week we were encouraged to think about how others in the world live differently then we Americans do. A lot of the differences have to do with food and water.
Coincidences that all these things keep poping up in my life. No- God is calling.
Now I have tried to talk myself out of raising funds and running with World Vision but it just won't let me go.
I am not very good at asking people for funds or support. You know the things that run through your head:
people will think that I am crazy, people will tell me all the negatives of World Vision, people will think I am jumping on the band wagon.....the list goes on and on.
So I have started to get out and let people know that I am running with World Vision to raise money for water and wells in Africa. I let my friends know that:
"I love running and I love long distance running. I am not a very fast runner but I am determined. I have run 3 1/2 Marathons and the Chicago Marathon once. Those I ran for myself. This time I want to go beyond myself and run for a need. I have sponsored two children through World Vision for 8 years and have come to know how well this organization cares for others.
I am running the Chicago Marathon with Team World Vision to help change lives in Africa. The needs are great, but I believe there is something we can do!"
I am running the Chicago Marathon with Team World Vision to help change lives in Africa. The needs are great, but I believe there is something we can do!"
Suddenly I am finding that friends are donating money to my cause and everytime I see a donation amount I am over whelmed. I can't believe what people are willing to invest. But I am so glad and so thankful. So THANK YOU to all those who are supporting my calling.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility
value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but
each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Hope and pray that all goes well for you this week.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Off and Running
Well, I did it. I got back out and ran again after my stitches came out. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. Questions run through your head: Should I be doing this? Is it too soon? Will it hurt and I will have to turn around?
So I talked the teenage daughter in to tagging along on her bike (I bribed her with shopping in the big city).
Off we went to the big city where they have fabulous bike trails (and serious dog lease laws) that go on for miles and miles. I started off with a good warm up and then headed into my running wearing my calf compression.
All went so well that I ran 9.5 miles, I was striving for 10 but ran out of trail and daughter ran out of patients.
I felt just as good as I did two weeks ago when I first go injured. SO SO EXCITED ( I just had to shout)
Daughter was great water carrier and support team. Showered at Anytime (cause my membership is good in lots of places!) Took daughter for icecream and shopping. Couldn't have asked for a better day.
Well what about the next morning you ask! I felt fine. A little muscle soreness but nothing out of the ordinary. Sunday: went for a 4 mile easy run. Did notice that my form is a little off, but I will focus on that this week.
Then today, I got my electronic copy of Runner World and I read the editorial. All about pitbulls biting runners. Wow! That's what happend to me! I got only half way through the story before my heart was racing and I stressed out. Have to read the rest of the story later. A little at a time.
What a coincidence. I did a shout out to the editor of RW. Hope he gets the message.
Have a great week. Chicago here we come! 25 days and counting.
So I talked the teenage daughter in to tagging along on her bike (I bribed her with shopping in the big city).
Off we went to the big city where they have fabulous bike trails (and serious dog lease laws) that go on for miles and miles. I started off with a good warm up and then headed into my running wearing my calf compression.
All went so well that I ran 9.5 miles, I was striving for 10 but ran out of trail and daughter ran out of patients.
I felt just as good as I did two weeks ago when I first go injured. SO SO EXCITED ( I just had to shout)
Daughter was great water carrier and support team. Showered at Anytime (cause my membership is good in lots of places!) Took daughter for icecream and shopping. Couldn't have asked for a better day.
Well what about the next morning you ask! I felt fine. A little muscle soreness but nothing out of the ordinary. Sunday: went for a 4 mile easy run. Did notice that my form is a little off, but I will focus on that this week.
 |
| End of the trail |
Then today, I got my electronic copy of Runner World and I read the editorial. All about pitbulls biting runners. Wow! That's what happend to me! I got only half way through the story before my heart was racing and I stressed out. Have to read the rest of the story later. A little at a time.
What a coincidence. I did a shout out to the editor of RW. Hope he gets the message.
Have a great week. Chicago here we come! 25 days and counting.
Friday, September 7, 2012
On the Road Again
Well my leg is healing up nicely and the stitches are out. HOORAY! I was so excited to be getting these stitches out. If you have ever had stitches, you know how they get toward the end of the healing process. They pull and itch. Plus, I love to wear capri pants and my calf had a Frankenstein effect going on. Ugh! After the stitches came out, the wound looks good but I am definitely going to have a scar. I am going to go to the Chicago Marathon next month telling everyone that I have a battle scar! You know your a tough runner if you can make it though a marathon while healing from a dog bite.
Been getting on the elliptical and bike this week and am hoping to go for a trial run on Saturday. Crossing my fingers that all goes well.
I did invest in a compression calf sleeve and I like the feel of it. I just hope that it helps the bruising on my leg. It has felt good while I was on the elliptical and bike. A lot of information out there about the pros and cons of compression gear. http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=13830
Well, it feels good and hasn't caused any harm so why not! How do you feel about compression gear?
I rode the bike for 10 miles on Thursday evening. I couldn't have asked for better weather. But the whole time I am riding, I was thinking that the bike was more of a work out then my runs. Maybe I need to get out and cross train a little more.
On a side note, I spent the Labor day weekend sitting around our campsite with my leg elevated and keeping it iced to reduce the swelling (which I can proudly say is 95% gone). I was frustrated with the swelling, was fighting some infection, and feeling sorry for myself that I couldn't get out and kayak. So I read a book, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Wind" by Wm Kamkwaba.
A story about a young man in Malawai Africa who uses his ingenuity and determination to make life better.
You stop feeling sorry for yourself after you read a book like this.
Also a reminder that I am running with Team World Vision at the Chicago Marathon to raise money for better water in countries around the world. To give go to: support.worldvision.org/goto/RobyneSpillers
Thanks and have a great weekend. Hope that your run is as good as mine is going to be. (I optimistically know that it is going to be great)
Been getting on the elliptical and bike this week and am hoping to go for a trial run on Saturday. Crossing my fingers that all goes well.
 |
| Wished I looked this good |
Well, it feels good and hasn't caused any harm so why not! How do you feel about compression gear?
I rode the bike for 10 miles on Thursday evening. I couldn't have asked for better weather. But the whole time I am riding, I was thinking that the bike was more of a work out then my runs. Maybe I need to get out and cross train a little more.
On a side note, I spent the Labor day weekend sitting around our campsite with my leg elevated and keeping it iced to reduce the swelling (which I can proudly say is 95% gone). I was frustrated with the swelling, was fighting some infection, and feeling sorry for myself that I couldn't get out and kayak. So I read a book, "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Wind" by Wm Kamkwaba.
A story about a young man in Malawai Africa who uses his ingenuity and determination to make life better.
You stop feeling sorry for yourself after you read a book like this.
Also a reminder that I am running with Team World Vision at the Chicago Marathon to raise money for better water in countries around the world. To give go to: support.worldvision.org/goto/RobyneSpillers
Thanks and have a great weekend. Hope that your run is as good as mine is going to be. (I optimistically know that it is going to be great)
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