A Journey Through “Wandering Spark”

Interview with Kyle V. Rovinson, from “Maybe Running Will Help Podcast” with Nicky Tamberrino

In a compelling conversation with Kyle V. Robinson, we explore the transformative journey that led to his book Wandering Spark. The title of the book reflects Kyle’s life—always feeling a spark within, pushing him to either great accomplishments or potential destruction. This spark, which could either fuel his ambition or ignite chaos, has been a recurring theme as he’s navigated through life, career, and running.

Kyle candidly shares how running became his escape and form of self-discovery, as well as how it paralleled his inner struggles.

Early Struggles: Searching for Belief in a Difficult Home Life

Kyle’s early life was riddled with challenges, especially in his relationship with his stepfather, “Triple B” (Big Bad Ben). Growing up with constant negative reinforcement, Kyle gravitated toward a group of friends who, like him, were struggling. They drank and smoked, and Kyle found himself caught up in those behaviors, trying to numb the emotional turmoil of his home life.

“I was hanging out with the wrong crowd,” Kyle recalls, explaining how he failed out of school and was expelled. Unlike his friends, he struggled to manage both school and personal challenges because of the weight of his traumatic home life. It wasn’t until his sixth year of high school, when he was placed in in-school suspension, that a pivotal figure emerged: Mr. Brady, his suspension teacher.

Kyle vividly remembers the moment that changed him: “Mr. Brady told me, ‘You can stop hanging out with those kids. You can do something with your life.'” This small gesture of belief was the spark Kyle needed to start seeing his own worth.

Turning Points: Self-Realization and Redemption

Kyle’s path to redemption wasn’t immediate. After multiple attempts to escape his circumstances, including voluntarily turning himself into rehab as a teenager, Kyle continued to battle the sense that something was inherently wrong with him. It wasn’t until later in life, when he began writing Wandering Spark, that he realized the weight of his childhood trauma. Reflecting on his journey, Kyle said, “Writing the book allowed me to see why I acted out. It wasn’t because I was inherently bad; I was reacting to the trauma I experienced at home.”

His story of defending himself in court, without legal representation at the age of 19, was another turning point. Despite overwhelming odds, Kyle successfully defended his case, and it marked the first time he truly believed in his abilities. “That’s when I realized what happens when I believe in myself—good things happen.”

This belief led him to pursue college, where he almost achieved a 4.0 GPA in his first semester, further proving to himself that he was capable of much more than his past had led him to believe.

The Role of Running: Healing and Community

Running became more than just an activity for Kyle; it became a metaphor for his life. His first marathon—the New York City Marathon—was run with his sister, and while it was an incredible physical feat, it also awakened a desire for more. After that race, Kyle transitioned into ultra-marathons, which provided both physical and mental challenges.

Through ultra-running, Kyle found a sense of community and support that helped him continue his path of self-discovery. He explains, “The ultra-running community is about pushing yourself, but it’s also about being surrounded by people who lift you up.” This sense of belonging became crucial to Kyle’s healing.

A Message of Hope and Mentorship

Kyle is adamant about the importance of mentorship. From Mr. Brady, who planted the initial seed of belief, to his mentor in New York who helped him stay on the right path, Kyle attributes much of his success to those who saw potential in him. “We all need people who believe in us when we can’t see it ourselves,” Kyle says. His story highlights the value of surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better.

Writing for Healing: A Journey Through Trauma

Writing Wandering Spark was a healing process for Kyle. He recounts how, during the writing process, he uncovered memories he had long suppressed, realizing the full extent of his childhood trauma. “It wasn’t until I started writing that I realized how bad my life had been growing up,” Kyle says. The act of putting his story on paper allowed him to gain perspective and, ultimately, self-compassion.

The writing process also opened up conversations with his siblings, who validated his experiences. “It was like putting down concrete proof of everything that had happened. My brother and sister were very supportive,” Kyle explains. This validation allowed Kyle to move forward, not just as a writer, but as a person striving to heal from his past.

Running as Redemption

For Kyle, running isn’t just a sport—it’s a means of redemption. He acknowledges that while some people view ultra-running as trading one addiction for another, for him, it’s about the community and the shared struggle. “The community aspect is what keeps me going,” Kyle says. “We’re all out there pushing ourselves, and it’s easier when you’re not doing it alone.”

Whether it’s the discipline of training for ultras or the challenges of pushing through tough races, Kyle sees running as a mirror for life’s struggles and triumphs. Even in races where he’s suffered injuries or navigated setbacks, the lessons learned have been invaluable. “Every time I’ve pushed myself through a difficult race, it’s a reminder of what I’m capable of in life.”

Final Thoughts: The Power of Self-Belief

Kyle’s journey is a testament to the power of believing in yourself, even when life tells you otherwise. His book Wandering Spark is more than just a memoir; it’s an invitation to explore your own inner spark and to push through adversity with the help of community and self-compassion.

When asked to complete the sentence, “Maybe running will help…,” Kyle responds with conviction: “Maybe running will help you change your life.”

Kyle’s story reminds us that while life may not be linear, we can always find our way back to the spark within us, and with the right support, we can nurture it into something extraordinary.

This blog post is inspired by the latest episode of the “Maybe Running Will Help” podcast, hosted by Nicky Tamberrino, also known as @1classy_motherunner on Instagram. For more inspiration and updates, be sure to follow @mayberunningwillhelp on Instagram. We’re proud to sponsor this show and support its mission to inspire and connect runners across our community.