Sunday, August 12, 2012

Long Bricks

Here is my extended rational for recommending long bricks.
  • They are time efficient by combining your long ride with your long run.
  • They allow you to take a rest day during the weekend, where you can really sleep in and recover without the stress of work.
  • They force you to run slower during your long run.  Too many athletes spend too much time in the moderately hard range that requires a lot of recovery. 
  • They force you to get your pacing on the bicycle correct so you can have a solid run.
  • They force you to get your nutrition (kcal, fluid, sodium) correct.
  • They build mental toughness.
  • They force you to run later in the day, which is when you'll be running during a race.
  • Triathlon is not just about training for a S, B, & R.  It is learning how to do all three together.
  • They allow you shorten your longest run to 16 miles.  Thus reducing the time needed for recovery.
  • They minimize the over-indulgence/reward eating to once a week, which is one of the worst things you can do nutritionally.
  • They're fun.  
As one gets closer to their Ironman, I like to alternating brick runs of 8, 12, & 16 miles.

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