Hawaii Ironman Demo had 15% More Vendors this Year

SAN DIEGO, CA (BRAIN)—Triathlete Magazine's Kona Demo Days saw a 15 percent increase in the number of vendors attending this year’s event.

Brands such as Cannondale, Cervelo, Fuji, Kestrel, Orbea and Scott hit Kailua-Kona late last week so that athletes could test the latest in high-end bikes, wheels, pedals, components, helmets and running shoes.

“The event is getting some serious traction after its second year,” said Sean “Wattie” Watkins, vice president of sales and marketing for Triathlete.

According to Fletch Newland of Cervelo Cycles, the company’s staff conducted more than 100 demo rides leading up to the race, hosting 18 professional athletes—that represented more than 50 Ironman wins—at the Cervelo signing booth.

Kestrel’s brand manager Steven Harad said it’s the best expo the company has ever attended. “A solid test ride show with our local dealer [sold] six Kestrels in three days,” Harad said.

Fizik marketing manager Suzette Ayotte feels that the tri market has barely been tapped. “Triathlon is a unique population with an insatiable appetite for technology, innovation and information,” Ayotte said.

Bo Arlander: A True IronMom

Today, we caught up with Bo Arlander, a longtime triathlete with an incredible story. Bo has raced countless Ironmans, and has been a regular in Kona since 1998. She counts herself as blessed, with a healthy body, a fulfilling lifestyle, and wonderful friends. But three years ago, she decided she was tired of having no one to meet her at the finish line.

After "a bunch" of IFVs, finally, in 2006, Bo was pregnant and overjoyed. A few weeks before the Hawaii Iroman, she had a miscarriage. Bo simply describes her Ironman experience that year as “really, really hard.” Kona didn’t carry its usually magic to inspire and renew. The race didn’t bring her spirits up--she felt defeated and depressed.

But after years of hard work and disappointment, on October 16, 2007 baby Mirabel was born. Bo’s face lights up when she talks about her baby daughter—it’s clear that Mirabel has given her a new lease on life.

Last year, Beau came again to watch the race, this time with her new baby in tow. Finally, she felt the old magic of the island working on her. “I got inspired,” she said. “I raced Florida a month later and qualified for this year.” Bo looks in great shape and happy with life. She’s nicely recovered from a shoulder surgery she had 2 ½ months ago, counts many as great friends in the world of triathlon, and recently quit her job to start her own business, a private equity company that makes investments in middle market consumer and retail companies called Moxie Capital. But best of all, she says with a twinkle in her eye, “Now I have someone waiting for me at the finish line.”

Congratulations Bo, and we wish you the best of luck on Saturday!

Kona Morning Report from Dig Me Beach

Another beautiful morning in Kona.
(remember you can always click any photo to see a larger image, anytime!)

How many triathletes do you think actually read this? Reef overview sign? what sign?

Shadows soon to become brightly lit souls.

Competitor.com's Kurt Hoy photographing at dig me beach, check out his photos by clicking here.

Ok, Linsey - Nice abs.

Competitor.com online Editor Liz Hichens gets ready for a swim.

Camp photos.

The glimmer of hope.

Triathlete Supermodel Linsey Corbin is in top shape this year.

I swam with Chris Lieto today - he is here with Kurt Hoy.

With almost certainty, I can say that the person on the left has a bench press in his bedroom, and on the right...I think he's about to swat a girly-fly. Ja.

Let's face it, one of the great things about Dig Me Beach is the rocking bodies that triathletes from around the world display. That's why every year, I shoot a "butt blog" or the best of the Dig Me Beach butts. That's coming soon - so stay tuned.

Steve Godwin, video producer and editor extraordinaire at the starting line.

And check out the video interview below of an athlete that was hit by a car last week and still plans to race!

Click the Play button below JUST ONCE, then wait a moment and the video will begin.

More blog coverage atironmitch.com in Triathlon News | View More More photos and vidoes Online at triathlon.competitor.com

Ironmitch's Coverage of Ironman Hawaii 2009 - Video and Photo Gallery Part I

This morning, waking up to sound of the waves and the clear ocean air, I remembered that Kona is a very, very special place. I'll be racing again this year, and I'm here to bring you more tips and secrets all week, along with photos, videos and more, so bookmark this page or subscribe to the feed. To get started, here are some fantastic shots and moments from this morning, Friday, October 2nd - a week before Ironman Eve.

During the swim this morning, a large pod of dolphins surrounded many of the swimmers and swam along, checking us out with clicks, whistles and by jumping out of the water. I've never been that close to wild dolphins, and there were many baby dolphins in the pod. Some dolphins were even jumping over swimmers at one point. They are hanging out by the large white metal buoy just to the right of the third orange buoy, past the jet-ski platform.

Remember, to see a bigger version of any photo just click on the image. To play the videos, click the image.

Welcome to Ironmitch's Coverage of the 2009 Ironman World Championships!

Early morning at Dig Me Beach in Kailua Kona...

The Buoys. Be extra careful out there this year, the sea urchins have not all been cleared away, so keep your feet up.


Post swim Corbinites.

Competitor.com's Kurt Hoy taking a profile shot of Craig Alexander

The Cruise Ships tourists are out in force. Little do they know that people their age and far beyond, will finish this race next Saturday.

Santa Barbara Police Officer David Gonzales pictured here. He's an age group triathlete, but this year he's working the registration. If you see him, be sure to say hello.

Triathlete coach and abs model Sergio Borges, check out his video below...

Wherever you are, what ever your doing, let me know what you want to see while I'm here, if you want me to interview a friend of yours, or just get a photo of the best food at Lava Java - let me know by posting a comment here or sending me a facebook message. Let's make this some fun, interactive coverage...

Click the Play button below JUST ONCE, then wait a moment and the video will begin.

.TTV - Kona in Sports | View More .
Watch this video for a race week tip from Sergio Borges

.Kona 2 in Sports | View More .
Belinda Granger sees dolphins!


.Craig Alexander sees Manta Rey in triathlon | View More .
Craig Alexander sees a manta rey!