More on that later…

This week I took hold of one of the most amazing opportunities in my life as the invited guest on the Martin Lastrapes podcast. I was introduced to Martin through the amazing writer and former teacher S. Kay Murphy. Kay is a fellow Upland High School English teacher retiree like my mom, and a close to friend to Martin, so after reading a bit of my book, she thought that I would be an interesting interview for his podcast. Thank you, Kay!!

Moments before I hopped on the phone with Martin.

Martin lives in Las Vegas, so we recorded the interview over the phone for about an hour or so on Saturday afternoon. Martin is a writer, and wonderful human being, who even though I had never met or spoken to before in my life, felt like a familiar friend that was easy to open up to. I strongly suggest listening to any of his podcast episodes, but #125 is my favorite.:) Following are a few ways you can discover the podcast:

Official Website: http://www.martinlastrapesshow.com/episodes/125

Stitcher Radio: http://www.stitcher.com/s?eid=45204004

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/martin-lastrapes-show-podcast/id8043498

http://traffic.libsyn.com/martinlastrapes/EP_125_Taryn_Spates.mp3

Meanwhile, on this week in training….

My bike with Race Wheels on, ready to hit it on Sunday.

What could be more fun than one flat tire in one week? TWO flat tires in one week!! Yay!! I have to admit that even though I was annoyed that my back tire on my TT bike felt heavy, and wobbly as I made a turn near the end of my route on Monday morning, I didn’t mind too much, because the meaty main course of the sessions were gobbled up earlier, and these last 30 minutes of easy spin time was merely gravy. Sadly, more opportunities to fix flat tires have presented themselves recently than I would like, but practice makes perfect. I wrestled with my flat for a long 40 minutes when I arrived home, and when the tube and tire were finally fixed on the bike, and I sauntered off to work patting myself on the back that I was transforming into a real cyclist.

Unfortunately, the leftover grease underneath my fingernails were not an optimal look while sitting across from our Vice President in a meeting an hour later, ‘tis the realities of a full time working age-group triathlete.

On Tuesday morning, I headed out on my TT bike again for a ride and run, but not even a quarter mile away from my house, the back tire flatted again. When I arrived home after sulking for two blocks in a whiny rage, I decided a long run was my only chance to salvage the day. Thankfully, the run was delicious and nutritious. I ran a steady 14 miles, and enjoyed every minute of it. Once again I learned that adaptation is the key to maintaining sanity, and that when your tire flats multiple times in one week, maybe it’s the tire trying to send a message, “Change me… I don’t need a new tube, I need a whole new me.”

The rest of the week was fairly drama free. The weather was mild and beautiful, which I really appreciated on Sunday when I went LONG, 2.4 miles in the pool, 6.5 hours on the bike, and 2 miles on the run. I was slightly disappointed that I only rode 107 miles in 6.5 hours, but then I remembered that I can ride through stop signs on race day, which made me feel better. I try to obey all traffic laws and not act like the jerky cyclists who give us all a bad name, so I slow down when I feel it is necessary, or the law does.

Okay, I’ve waited long enough, the suspense is killing me!!!! Guess what that teaser photo I posted at the top of the page means? Yep, that is a captured moment of my nephew Blake CRUSHING it at the Claremont Fireworks 5000 1K race on the 4th of July!

Marion and I rose early on Monday and were out the door at 6A in order to make it to Claremont just before the gun went off at 7:30A. Luckily, we had the 210 freeway all to ourselves, and arrived with enough time to give big hugs to my nieces Jenna and Kate, my nephew, Blake, and their remarkable mom/highly ranked sister-in-law, Shannon. I had not seen them all since July 2015, that’s right, a year ago!! They live in Basel, Switzerland, hence the long gap in visits. In any case, every one of them was prepped with bibs pinned on, eyes focused, ready to run!

Only minutes after the gun went off I ran down to the corner of Harvard and 8th street to cheer them on to a solid finish when who do I see leading the race in a quick blue blaze, BLAKE! I ran next to him cheering him on as he rounded the last corner and sprinted to a victorious first place finish!

Next, Jenna came storming up the last hill with authority, while cute mini-me Kate was not far behind.

Shannon and Kate cruising toward the finish line.

As I watched them dominate the competition and run across the finish line with prideful smiles strewn across their faces, I was thrilled and relieved knowing the Kelly running dynasty has a bright and bold future ahead.