Triathlon Brick Training
Contributed By Sandy | Published: May 3, 2007
Bricks are a very important part of triathlon (and duathlon) training and they are sometimes overlooked. Bricks refer to training on two disciplines during the same workout, one after the other with minimal or no interruption in between, just as you would do in a race.
Usually when people talk about bricks they refer to a bike/run workout, but bricks could also refer to a swim/bike workout or to a run/bike workout for duathlons. These last two are often overlooked but still important to fit here and there in your training plan.
Bricks are usually demanding on your body - don't make them routine. It is good practice to do about 2-3 bricks during your final weeks of training leading up to your race. Focus on going easy as the importance of the brick is to work on getting your body used to the transition.
Also, at the end of the bike leg, lower your gear and increase your pedal revolutions to loosen muscles tightened by pushing big gears.
Bike run bricks are important if you want to be able to run fast after a hard bike ride.
1. The more you cycle and run, the easier both will be for you
2. The best way to be able to run fast off the bike is to be in such great cycling shape that you don't have to kill yourself to go fast during the cycling portion - thus saving energy and keeping lactate buildup low heading into the run
3. Running after riding will be a little awkward or uncomfortable as you move through your learning curve.
Again, Bricks are used to simply get your body used to the feeling. You're not shooting for gold medals with this workout.
Play this video for a little explanation:
Tags: triathon, training, videos
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