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).  A Fine Balance Coaching  uses Training Peaks 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. 

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RACE DIRECTOR and 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 with training questions.

 

GROUP TRAINING EVENTS 2025

  

AFB offers year round group training events. Stay tuned for a the spring/summer outdoor training sessions. 

 •  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.