Twa's three days before Ironman and all through the island most athletes were making their last minute preparations for the BIG day on the BIG isand at the BIG dance!

TriStar is here wishing the best of luck to all athletes competing this weekend but especially we would like to highlight three of our superstars.

Brandon Del Campo - Dont know him?  You will.  He has been smoking the 30-34AG all season long and recently turned Pro.  Brandon has trained here many times and knows the course and the fierce conditions it can bring.  Fast out of the water and fast on the bike; the reality is this guys does not have a weakness since he is most known for his blazing run speed. After having spent his summer in Boulder and getting ready with other studly Boulderites, Brandon is ready.

Catching up with him at the Gatorade swim start this morning Brandon (now a blond!) talked to me about his strategy for raceday.

"Its hot here, im just going to keep cool and do my thing.  I have trained smart this year and aside from some running injuries I had earier this season I feel strong and prepared." 

When asked about how he would celebrate his first Kona race he replied, "booze cruise anyone?!"  

Good luck Brandon, see you out there on the course. 

Brian Mailo - An elite age grouper who is a seasoned Ironman qualified this year at IM Arizona.  Working with his coach Dianna Ineman, Brian built a strong cycling foundation to complement is fantastic running skills.  This year Brian also bounced back from a hard crash that sidelined him for over a month when he broke his collarbone on a training ride.  Amazingly, he had a full recovery and enough time to get in some serious training before Hawaii.  This is Brians first trip to Kona and we asked him his race thoughts.

"Im really excited to be here and glad to have my friends and family with me."

Asked about his training preparations for the race Brian had this to say.

"Besides getting here a little early for the race about ten days, I did some of my last longer training sessions all bundled up with warm clothing.  I did a longer run in central park with a winter hat and jacket on an 80 degree day.  I looked like a sweating Eskimo teleported from Alaska!" 

Nice prep Brian and Tristar good luck to you!


Mark Levitt - Mark is a lucky guy with a big heart.  He was a lottery winner for this years Ironman and has been eating sleeping and breathing the tri lifestyle for the past year.  Working with Coach Haluk he has transformed himself into an Iron being.  Mark completed many milestones during training this season including shedding 30lbs, racing strong at Musselman Half Iron, and fundraising over $15,000 for his favorite charity.  Balancing a great family, work and training was not easy; even though Mark makes it look so.  

At a famly BBQ in Kona Mark had this to say about the race.

"I was kind of nervous before I got here but after the Gatorade training swim this morning I feel more relaxed.  My whole family is here to support me and I am ready for this race.  Im going to really enjoy this day and i couldn't do it without Haluk's and TriStar's supportive coaching."

Have a great day Mark, see you at the finish!