by Carly
10. June 2010 19:50
Augusta Sports Council President Frank Gibbs, Jr. is training for his first Ironman 70.3 triathlon. Frank will compete in the ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta on September 26, 2010. In his weekly blog, “Ironman Frank” will share his experiences leading up to his first competition, as well as basic guidelines and training tips for other first-time triathletes.
An Ironman 70.3 encompasses 70.3 total miles of racing – a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run. For more information about the ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta, visit IronmanAugusta.com.
Hello fellow athletes! I am now going into week seven of my training. I am finding my usual routine to be a little redundant so on Sunday I decided to try something I’ve never done before; ride a 56 mile bike ride. Seeing that Randy DuTeau and I had previous rode a 10 mile bike ride I thought this wouldn’t be so tough. So, when a couple of friends of mine, both female, asked me to go on a ride I said, “Sure no problem.” I thought that this would be something easy, relaxing, and fun. Good thing Buzz Poteet of Thomas Poteet Funeral Homes is a sponsor of mine I new I was in good hands just in case my previous rides had not prepared me well.
Well, it was 95 degrees when we started at the boathouse downtown and went over to Jackson, SC then through SRS and over to Williston and back .On the way back I couldn`t keep the pace with the girls (did I fail to mention that one of the girls is the spin instructor at the Augusta Country Club, talk about being in shape).I quickly realized my limit and told them to go ahead and that I would find my way home. Wrong idea, I traveled into SRS 3 miles before I realized that I was on the wrong path, so I turned around and finally found my way out through the turn. My little 56 mile ride turned into a 62 mile adventure. This was by far was the hardest thing I have ever done! I weighed 175 before the ride and 170 after. Yes, I lost 5 pounds in just one ride. This ride did more for me than any nutrition plan has, though it is not my choice of weight loss techniques.
I believe that I will start on some shorter rides and do some running this week so I can enjoy this sport a little more until I build up more stamina. I have a little more than three months left so I hope to continue to keep up my work, though maybe I will take smaller steps towards accomplishing them.
As always I’d like to thank my sponsors, Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse, Augusta Pet Crematory, Augusta Swim Supply, Rick’s Paint & Body and Trucks & Moore.
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