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Unless you are buying a new one, check the blades for sharpness.
Nothing makes for a tiring day of drilling than a dull, pitted and chipped blade.
I have a 8" Eskimo hand auger that I replaced the blades on (after more than a few years and more than a few thousand holes) and it "cuts like a hot knife thru butter".
I would also suggest doing some upper body exercising to strengthen those muscles you will be needing to cut multiple holes. I will average between 10-18 holes depending on the fishing conditions.
Keep in mind with the new blades I was able to cut through 12-18" of ice in 10-15 seconds. I have a power auger too for when the ice gets really thick and I need to move often during the day.
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