Ironman Hawaii 2008 – faces in the crowd.

October 9, 2008

With only 2 days left until the Ironman World Championships you can surely feel the anticipation getting bigger. The racers of course are maybe a bit more nervous and those who get to watch the event appear super excited.

Charlotte Paul didn’t seem bitter about missing breaking the 9-hour mark by 56 seconds at Ironman Western Australia late last year. But when asked what her late season goal after Kona was, she said "break nine hours at Western Australia."

Heather Fuhr checks out a friend’s digital photo. Once able to run past scores of competitors after a typically tardy swim, 1997 Ironman champion Fuhr says, "I don’t think that’s possible to come from behind and win like that any more. The top women today don’t have any weaknesses."

Black leather face Hog rider on Alii Drive. Volcanic action near Hilo has been spewing vog (volcanic ash with the consistency of fog) that has clouded Kona all week. This Harley rider complements an ambiguous gender themed outfit with a hard-core facemask that should solve the vog problem.

Coach Cliff English and Manny Huerta. US Under 23 star Huerta thanks English for getting him started on his elite career. Next stop: A five-week stint at Brett Sutton's boot camp in the Philippines.

Conrad Stoltz, the South African XTERRA world champ says he is scouting out a future Kona start before defending his Maui title in two weeks.

Dean Harper was on the very first cover of Triathlete Magazine 25 years ago after winning the very first Wildflower overall. Last month, Harper won 55-59 at the USA Triathlon age group Nationals at Henry Hagg Lake near Portland Oregon. Saturday, he will be aiming at a Kona podium.

Erin Baker’s Cookies should not be mistaken to be made by the star who won two Ironman Hawaii titles.

Uli Bromme and sister budding Boulder, Colorado age group talent is excited about her first Ironman Hawaii.

Joe and Dirk Friel Training Bible coaching dynasty visited the Expo and Joe Friel says that Chrissie Wellington's greatest strength "is her mind.

Living the highlife at the Expo Man conducts business at midday at the Expo via Blackberry while relaxing on a triathlete's dream bed. But what’s with the poster of Macca over the bed?

Underground local artist works his trade on Alii Drive seawall.

Luke Bell is back in form, recovered from early season injuries, ready to improve on his best-ever 5th place finish four years ago.

US Olympian Matt Reed made an appearance for Fuji bikes and answered questions about team tactics from Bob Babbitt at the Expo.

Max Rovelli with his Kuota. This 40-44 Italian ager grouper posed for a catalog shot at sunset.

Nicolas LeBrun Former Xterra world champ is racing his first Ironman Hawaii Saturday.

Power lunch? No, they are not lunching on Power Bars.

Rachel Ross and coach Paul Regensburg is a mother of three. The 2007 30-34 champ is following in the footsteps of multiple USTS winner Jan Ripple and Heather Gollnick. She is coached by Life Sport’s Paul Regensburg.