COACH ANN GILBERT
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A Fine Balance Multisport Coach Ann Gilbert is a Certified Ironman Coach and Level 1 USA Triathlon coach. Stacy Sims courses - Menopause for Athletes and Women are Not Small Men - have ignited the fire to learn what generations missed and to use this information to promote athletics to women through all phases of life.
Ann's coaching philosophy matches her triathlon career. She believes that triathlon should fit into life and not consume it. AFB triathlon training is a combination of fitness, mental fortitude, nutrition, and recovery. She believes that triathlon training, regardless of distance, is a fine balance between family, work, and play and she loves helping athletes achieve this balance.
Ann's race history includes some notable race finishes and some great racing lessons. Race history includes:
TRIATHLON RACE HISTORY
Las Vegas Marathon, 1997 40th birthday, Qualified for Boston, ended up in Hawaii
Sunapee, NH 70.3ish, 1997 Qualified for Kona
Ironman Hawaii 1997 - 10th AG (hooked)
Ironman Utah 2002 (changed to 70.3 midway on swim - life changer) Ironman Canada/Penticton 2002 2nd AG Qualified for Kona
Ironman Hawaii 2002
Pucon, Chile 2005 70.3 AG 1st, 1st US Woman 2005
Ironman Couer D’Alene 2007
Ironman France 3rd AG 2009
Boise 70.3 2010 AG 2nd
Ironman France 2012
Bozeman Triathlon 2022, 2023
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Ann continues to race though not as frequently. She believes strongly in supporting local and regional races and has raced many through her racing years 1985-present.
COACHING HISTORY
A Fine Balance Triathlon Coaching and Multisport Racing, LLC 2015-2022
Ironman University Certified Coach
USAT Level 1 Coaching Certification 2010-present
Helena Masters Swim - started the program, 1986-2009
Helena High Swim Coach 1982-1986
Helena Lion’s Swim Team Head Coach, 1979-1982
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
Race Director Montana Women’s Triathlon 2015-2022
USA Triathlon PNW Regional, 2007-2017, Chair 2009-2017
Personal coaching is available to any level of athlete wanting to improve fitness and quality of life. Workouts delivered through Today's Plan weekly. Swim consults start in November. A Fine Balance Multisport Coaching and Racing is a small company with a big mission to promote triathlon in Montana and the Pacific Northwest.
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Please contact agilbert601@gmail.com for more info on 1:1 and group coaching.
GROUP TRAINING EVENTS 2024
AFB offers year round group training events. Stay tuned for a the spring/summer outdoor training sessions.
• Plans for 2023-2024 include a Pelvic Health Workshop
• Morning swim sessions at CCHC for anyone wanting to learn to swim or improve their swim. Group swim with all levels invited. Contact Coach Ann.
•. Spring training rides will commence when the snow melts and the roads are clear.
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There will be more. If you want to be at the race we'll do almost anything to get you there.
GEAR YOU NEED
• swim suit
• goggles
• bike
• helmet
• walking/running shoes
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GEAR THAT'S
FUN TO HAVE
• swim toys - snorkel, fins,
pull buoy*, kick board*
• music and headphones for biking indoors and running
• sports watch for heart rate and general time of day
*can be found at most health clubs
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GEAR WE
DREAM ABOUT
• tri bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes
• indoor trainers for
home use
• swimming pool in the greenhouse attached
to our home
• power meters so we know what they're talking about on Slowtwitch.com
THE TRAINING PLAN
Fit your training plan into your life. Don't make it your life. Triathlon is a fine balance of family, work, and training (aka play time). AFB uses the Today's Plan to deliver workouts to your box. TP allows you to move those workouts to fit your schedule. There are a few basics on how to space workouts but we'll help you figure out the best plan. Life doesn't always go as planned. Relax. It happens. Try to plan early in the week how to train around kids' after school programs, summer weddings, and work commitments. We'll write the plan for the week and you try your best to stick to it. Accountability to a coach or peers is a key ticket to success. Developing a routine for training is essential. Consistency over the long haul is more important than stressing yourself out on a missed workout.
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PERIODIZATION TRAINING
AFB uses periodization to plan the training year.Periodization refers to progressive blocks of training throughout the year generally geared to one big event with smaller events along the way. Fall is the time of year to work on strength and learn technique. Core exercises are the most important area to focus on for life and training. There are many ways to practice strength training but essential to all is a good foundation in mobility and flexibilty. Learn and use proper technique when lifting heavy. Maybe it's just a quick routine at home that works. Just get it done. How long can you hold that plank during the football game or the opening credits to the latest hot Netflix series?
TSN = Try Something New
SWIM DRILLS
Drills are essential to technique. Technique is the key to smooth efficient swimming. Body position in the water is the most important skill to master. Tools help. Snorkel, fins, and pull buoy help develop good habits. If you're using toys to keep up with the the swimmer beside you will only perfect bad habits. Focus on technique with the toys. Slow down and feel the water. Know the reason you are using your tools. Every practice should have a purpose. Remember that purpose and practice it.