A brick session is essentially a varied combination of swim, bike and run components, usually run in a continuous fashion, and aimed at helping you train specifically for the demands of going from the swim, to the bike and then onto the run. As such, transition practice becomes a key aspect of this process.
In many parts of the world (due mainly to the climate), brick sessions typically involve just multiple bike-to-run transitions over distances appropriate to your A-race profile. For many longer distance athletes, the brick session may be as simple as a long bike ride straight into a run off the bike. Here in Western Australia, we are lucky enough to be able to feature swim-bike-run brick sessions almost year-round, which is a privilege that many of your opponents from other countries will not have. As such, getting good at this essential part of your triathlon preparation can pay real dividends when it comes to race day!
Open-water sighting & drafting; the use of wetsuits and quickly transitioning out of them; hopping on the bike whilst still wet and getting used to it; leaving your shoes clipped into your pedals to speed your transition; feeling the lack of power in your legs in the first 5 or 10 minutes on the bike; getting used to that jelly-legged feeling on the run - all these aspects can be practiced effectively within a brick session and it is this practice that will ensure you are sharp at these skills come race day!
Due to the time taken to complete a brick session, we typcially hold these sessions early on a Saturday morning. The "brick" may comprise up to 3 mini-triathlon/duathlons with duration and intensity being appropriate for both the time of season and your race aspirations. As you get fitter and stronger, you'll soon find that these sessions really do become good fun and something you look forward to. As such, your confidence for a full triathlon will increase dramatically.
Times have changed since the "old days" of triathlon and as such, scooting around on your bike down at Cottesloe Beach in a pair of "Budgie Smugglers" just ain't that cool anymore! Was it ever?! Typically you want to get used to wearing what you will on race day in order to highlight any problem chaffing or discomfort that you may feel, particularly on the bike. Manufacturers such as 2XU and Orca offer some really well-thought-out garments which are ideal for both your performance and maintaining some degree of modesty!
