My Tinman Report

Last weekend I participated in one of the most popular races on the islands of Hawaii, the Tinman Triathlon, which celebrated its 28th anniversary. And I won!

The early race start of Oahu’s races is something that makes the whole race experience even more exciting, spooky and intense. Setting up the bike transition in the dazzling floodlights, makes you feel like you are going on a stage to perform your best show, ever. The race started in the dark, which did not really bother me, because usually all I see on the swim is bubbles and feet anyways. And often times it is good not see whose feet are in your face. The swim was rather uneventful; I was second out of the water. By the time the first group hopped on the bikes and went over Diamond Head, the sun came up and that’s when my race started. I got to use Dr. McMahon’s aero wheels and the humming sound put me in a state were there was just me, the road, and my bike. And the police man on the pacing motorcycle to the left of me. He did not bother me, however once in a while he turned the volume up on his radio on. He did that maybe 3 times, even once started to sing along some Hawaiian song. That was somewhat distracting. I had the fastest women bike split of the day, which I expected. The run was painful. Not only because of the usual race pain, but also because I really had to use the toilet. Having to use the toilet while going hard, THAT is painful. I guess most people reading this blog know about that. All in all a good and fun race!

Planet Sun Tinman Race Report

Marion Summerer's mantra of "Go Hard and Bring it Home" was realized as she topped the women's field at Tim Man's "Sprint-Plus" venue (750 meter swim/ 40K bike/10K run).   Even more profound, Marion finished an incredible 15th place amongst the 530 competitors.  Still shaking off the dust from her European race tour, Marion once again proved her versatility in the sport, morphing from off-road to stealth road races with ease and grace.  A relentless schedule of racing and training, coupled with inspiring dedication has Marion in warrior-princess condition for the remainder of the season.  The fun has only just started!

Team's Alexander Eiler placed second overall, a mere one year anniversary of his first triathlon at the very same venue.  After coming out of water in mid-pack, the good doctor let loose, and rendered the fastest bike and run legs of all contenders.  In peak condition following a string of road race wins, the mountain-born cyclist hammered his cranks, made ground, and ended up 1 minute/40 seconds ahead of the rest at T2. All said and done, with a big- toothed grin, Alex crossed the finish line in an unthreatened second place, only 38 seconds after the former three-time Tin Man champion.

Marion, Alex, and Paul Sibley switch back to knobbies and full-suspension rigs for a battery of XTERRA competition.  Alex and Paul are ready for the XTERRA Mountain Man on 9 AUG (Oahu). Marion heads to Utah and goes big- facing some of the World's best, at the XTERRA Mountain Championships, 16 AUG.

Very special thanks to TeamPlanetSun sponsor UVEX.  Team members are featured at the UVEX web-site, www.uvexsports.com, check them out.  Of course Mahalos and many thanks to our great team sponsors we proudly serve:  CLIF Bar, Island Triathlon and Bike Hawaii, Moeben Sleeves, Sugoi, Ultimate Direction.