Ironman Frank: Week 8

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, last week I traveled to Atlanta in search of a wetsuit at a store named All 3 Sports. When I got there it was totally packed with athletes picking up their race packages for an Atlanta Tri. Well, talk about being intimidated I was a fish out of water, really I was. When a sales associate asked me if she could help me I told her my request was a wetsuit she said,"Are you an experienced swimmer or beginner?"  I said, "newbie!" She called for the reinforcements.

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I’m starting to work on my swimming and with the swimming section of the Ironman being 1.2 miles I know I have a long way to go. I’ve found some helpful tips and swim plan at Beginnertriathlete.com. It gives a plan for endurance and pacing focused work outs. I have to be realistic and know that I can not do swim everyday so I am setting a goal of three times a week. I plan to start this week off right and getting into the pool to start working on form and technique and then hopefully work my way up to speed and endurance, beucase I've heard that this is the best way for a beginner to train. Do you have any other suggestions or quick tips that could help me on my swimming?

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.