brik treyn-ing
noun
A type of intense cycling training involving multiple back-to-back rides with little rest in between.
Example usage: 'I'm going to do a brick training session this weekend.'
Most used in: The United States and Europe.
Most used by: Endurance and competitive cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Interval Training, Sweet Spot Training, Over-Under Training, Fartlek Training,
What is Brick Training?
In cycling, "brick training" refers to a specific type of training that involves combining two different disciplines, typically cycling and running, in a single workout. The term "brick" is derived from the saying "brick workout," which comes from the phrase "bricks in your legs," describing the feeling of heavy legs when transitioning from one activity to another.
The most common form of brick training in cycling involves cycling immediately followed by running. Triathletes often use brick training to simulate the experience of transitioning from the bike leg to the run leg in a triathlon. By practicing these transitions in training, triathletes can adapt to the unique sensations and challenges of running off the bike.
Brick training can vary in duration and intensity depending on the athlete's goals and the specific distances of their upcoming event. For example, a triathlete preparing for a sprint triathlon might do a shorter and less intense brick workout, while someone training for an Ironman distance event may incorporate longer and more demanding brick sessions.
The benefits of brick training include:
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Adaptation: Brick workouts help the body adapt to the rapid transition from one discipline to another, improving the athlete's ability to perform well in multisport events like triathlons.
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Mental Preparedness: Brick training prepares athletes mentally for the unique sensations of transitioning from one activity to another, reducing the psychological challenges of changing disciplines during a race.
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Improved Fitness: By incorporating two disciplines in a single workout, athletes can build overall fitness and endurance more efficiently.
Brick training is a valuable tool for triathletes and anyone participating in multisport events involving cycling and running. It helps athletes develop the physical and mental conditioning needed to excel in races that require quick transitions between different activities.
The Origin of “Brick Training” in Cycling
The term "brick training" in the context of multisport training, particularly in triathlons, is said to have originated from a comment made by a US Navy SEAL during the early days of the sport of triathlon.
According to the story, Dave Scott, a prominent triathlete and six-time Ironman World Champion, was training with a group of Navy SEALs. After a particularly grueling bike ride, Dave went for a run, and one of the SEALs remarked that Dave's legs felt like "bricks" during the run. This comparison led to the phrase "bricks in your legs," which describes the heavy and awkward feeling of transitioning from cycling to running.
As triathlon gained popularity, the term "brick training" caught on and became widely used to describe workouts that involve combining two different disciplines in quick succession, such as cycling followed by running. It is now a standard term used in multisport training and has become an essential part of triathlon preparation.
While the precise origin of the term can be traced back to Dave Scott's experience with the Navy SEALs, it's worth noting that the concept of brick training itself is not unique to triathlon. Similar training techniques combining different disciplines have been used in other sports and athletic endeavors to improve performance and adaptability during transitions. However, the popularity of triathlons and the specific challenges of transitioning from cycling to running have made the term "brick training" most commonly associated with triathlon training.