This post is rated Sprinters, Olympians and Ironman.

There is no way around it…

At some point you are going to have to train your body to transition from “cycling legs” to “running legs.” Inevitably, the last transition in a triathlon will move you from the bike to the run. If you know its coming, then why wouldn’t you prepare?

If you’re wondering why the word “brick” has become associated with triathlon training, you probably won’t have to think too hard! If for some reason you are having trouble making the connection, then stop reading (yeah, its okay…this is more important!) and go jump on your bike. Ride for approximately 30 minutes and then immediately go for a run. YES, I REALLY WANT YOU TO DO THIS RIGHT NOW…

Okay, back to my post. Can I ask you one question before you read on? “How did your legs feel when you took the first stride?” At some point someone answered this question with the word “BRICKS!”

The term “brick training” has become very popular in the world of triathlon. The idea is that you can train your body to make this transition more naturally. You’re going to have to do it in a race, so why wouldn’t you prepare for it? You know you’re going to swim, you know you’re going to bike and you know you’re going to run. All of these you train systematically week in and week out. What might not be so obvious is the need to prepare for the bike to run transition. If you feel this is not necessary, then by all means…pay me no mind and continue to train each of your 3 disciplines in solo fashion.

I am by no means a professional triathlete, but I have been racing long enough to know there is value in brick training. The primary purpose of this post is to encourage you to incorporate 1 to 2 brick training session in your weekly plan. Just “tri” it and if I’m wrong, I would welcome your appeal!