Brick length in relation to race distance

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2008-04-12 10:26 AM

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: Brick length in relation to race distance
I am following the Matt Fitzgerald 20 week HIM and have a question about brick length, in regards to the distance in the race.

The training is based on minutes not distance which I get, however the bricks are kinda weird, yesterday was 1hr 15 mins bike and 20 mins run.

I am just wondering if I should look at adjusting these lengths to get a similar percentage of my race distance in each part of the birick, ie same percentage of the HIM ride and run in the brick.

For instance I did 25 miles on the bike, or about 45% of the bike leg of the HIM, and the run was 3 miles or about 23% of the HIM run.

Should these percentages be closer for my bricks, or is the key just getting used to running after riding, and the other runs and rides each week doing that for me?



2008-04-12 3:06 PM
in reply to: #1332782

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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: Brick length in relation to race distance

If you are following a plan, then I would probably just suggest to follow what the plan says.  The creator of the plan more than likely has a sound reasoning behind it??

As far as what you "need" to do, that is an individual thing.  Some are comfortable doing shorter but race paced runs off of a training ride while others look more towards longer slower stuff off of the same kind of ride.  There are solid reasons for both.

I personally prefer shorter/faster runs off of the bike because it lets me know if my legs are going to be there or not for the pace I want to go.  But I'm also more of a runner by nature right now so my run fitness isn't really the issue.

2008-04-12 6:49 PM
in reply to: #1332782

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Subject: RE: Brick length in relation to race distance
All I know about bricks is that I don't know much, but found it funny that it didn't match percentage wise, but I know it has a reason.

I enjoy the bricks, kinda weird at first, but I enjoy pushing my mock transition and getting into the run as quickly as possible to get the legs under me.

So Daremo are your runs race pace?

Thanks
2008-04-12 6:53 PM
in reply to: #1332782

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Brick length in relation to race distance

My bricks at first are at my aerobic pace. After maybe 6 weeks,  my bricks runs are at my aerobic HR plus 10 bpm. Many folks just run 10-15' after their long bikes.

Trust your plan. 

2008-04-12 8:53 PM
in reply to: #1333038

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Bob
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Subject: RE: Brick length in relation to race distance
Daremo - 2008-04-12 4:06 PM

If you are following a plan, then I would probably just suggest to follow what the plan says. The creator of the plan more than likely has a sound reasoning behind it??

As far as what you "need" to do, that is an individual thing. Some are comfortable doing shorter but race paced runs off of a training ride while others look more towards longer slower stuff off of the same kind of ride. There are solid reasons for both.

I personally prefer shorter/faster runs off of the bike because it lets me know if my legs are going to be there or not for the pace I want to go. But I'm also more of a runner by nature right now so my run fitness isn't really the issue.

X 2 - As usual Rick is right on the money. Last year was my first year at anything longer than a sprint and it was also my first year being coached. Leading up to my HIM I was really questioning how much my coach had me running. My longest run off the bike was 30 minutes. He kept telling me that my training was going well and not to worry but it just didn't make sense to me. I trusted him and ended up PRing my stand alone 1/2 mary time by 2 minutes!!

There is really no benefit to doing any longer bricks off the bike and more chance of injury. Remember, you will be rested for your HIM as well and you will know how your legs will respond by doing the 20 or 30 minute bricks as written.

Good luck!! 

2008-04-12 11:26 PM
in reply to: #1332782

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Subject: RE: Brick length in relation to race distance
Good points, reigns and spurs firmly set, horse conceding he is pushing too hard.

Thanks.

Be ready with the whip though, this horse likes to push it more than he should.

2008-04-13 8:01 AM
in reply to: #1332782

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Brick length in relation to race distance
Like Rick stated if you are following a plan then follow the plan. That being said this is a perfect example of a "one size fits all" plan that may not. If you are someone that has trouble running off the bike or if you have a history of nutritional issues during the run, then longer bricks may be a needed training tool for you. Unfortunately you can't ask the plan what you should do.....
2008-04-13 10:30 AM
in reply to: #1332782

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Master
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Subject: RE: Brick length in relation to race distance
Good question. I've been wondering too if I should at least do the full run distance off the bike at least once in training. I'll be sticking to shorter bricks more often...starting today - first outdoors ride of the season!
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