Bussell in his element at Fitness Expo

COSTA MESA — For a guy like Andy Bussell the OC Marathon Fitness Expo seemed like a perfect place to spend his Friday afternoon.

The building at the OC Fair had it all, just about everything a runner or active person could want. There were vendors pitching their products, running shoes, sunglasses, fitness wear, massage therapy and health foods among many others.

That’s certainly ideal for a 28-year-old who lives in his truck.

“My house is in the shop, getting brakes done,” said Bussell, who will compete in the marathon Sunday.

Bussell gained notoriety by living in his truck. But that was a little more than three years ago when he was featured in the Daily Titan at Cal State Fullerton, where he earned a degree in film.

He still lives in his truck, a Toyota with a mattress in back.

Where he does he shower and maintain good hygiene?

He cleans up every day at the gym where he works out.

He has a job. He works for a rope access company, performing industrial climbing. Living in his car is a way to save money, he said.

He said he eats healthy. He’s an avid climber and he remains active, competing in races and exercising daily.

Bussell, who’s been parked in Costa Mesa these days, said he’s been training “non-stop” to prepare for the 26.2-mile race that starts at Fashion Island in Newport Beach and ends at the OC Fair. Friday didn’t seem to be much of a training session, though he had a bit of a quick workout at the MBody Strength vendor area. At that spot, he was one of many people to take a challenge test. Before taking it on, he had to sign a waiver. And then he lifted an 88-pound kettlebell above his head.

Then it was on to the pull-up bar. He wore a special vest that carried weight on the back and at his sides. The people at MBody Strength specialize in training with kettlebells, old-school-looking weights that give you an extreme workout.

“It brings out that primal instinct,” said a smiling Marcus Martinez, who works for the company. “I have a couple of clients who are marathon runners. This produces endurance and it helps them.”

Throughout the day, the challenge test had a good crowd at the area, where people cheered on those who dared to try to lift the weights.

“It’s a good atmosphere,” Martinez said.

It was all quiet when Bussell met the challenge. That’s fine with him. He doesn’t really need encouragement. For Bussell, running marathons is a way of life. Two weeks ago, he completed a 50-mile marathon near Castaic Lake.

Sunday’s race is like a training course, he said. His girlfriend lives across the street from the OC Fair, so he said he’ll run to Fashion Island Sunday morning to add six more miles to his race.

He’s excited for the marathon and so are about 10,000 others who are expected to compete in this weekend’s races. Today, runners will compete in a 5K, and children will takes their strides in one-mile races for 8-13-year-olds in various divisions. There’s also registration still available for the marathon.

Sunday is the big day, race day. Organizers for the OC Marathon are just as anxious as the runners. They are excited for a new course. It goes through Newport Beach and along the Back Bay, toward John Wayne Airport, through a part of Irvine and then within the heart of Costa Mesa ending at the fair.

The Newport Beach-Costa Mesa area is known for its surfing, and also has a strong golf following. But this weekend, the area will be all about its running community.

Again, that’s ideal for Bussell, who doesn’t plan to be living under a roof any time soon.

“Maybe when it’s convenient,” he said. “I’m having a good time.”

He plans to have a good time Sunday.

STEVE VIRGEN may be reached at (714) 966-4616 or by e-mail at steve.virgen@latimes.com.