Tuesday Brick Sessions: Where Champions Are Made (and Legs Hurt)
If you've ever wondered what a brick session feels like, imagine cycling hard for 30 minutes, then immediately trying to run on legs that feel like they belong to someone else. Now imagine doing this with a group of cheerful triathletes on a Tuesday evening. That's TTC brick sessions.
This Week's Session
The format: 40 minutes bike, 20 minutes run, done as a progressive effort.
Twelve brave souls met at the clubhouse at 6pm. The group included everyone from triathlon veterans to newcomers attempting their first brick.
The Bike
We cycled a flat 15km loop, gradually increasing pace:
- First 10 minutes: easy warm-up, chatting pace
- Next 15 minutes: moderate effort, conversation difficult
- Final 15 minutes: hard effort, no talking, just suffering
Sarah led the charge (as always), maintaining a punishing pace that had the rest of us questioning our life choices.
The Transition
Here's where it gets interesting. Legs off the bike feel weird. Really weird. Like learning to run for the first time.
We practiced quick transitions - this is where races are won and lost. Get your technique smooth in training, and race day becomes automatic.
The Run
That first kilometer is always rough. Your legs are screaming, your brain is questioning why you signed up for this, but gradually everything starts working again.
We ran a 5km out-and-back route, encouraging each other through the tough moments.
Special mention to Lisa on her first brick session - you absolutely smashed it!
Post-Session Chat
Hanging around after the session (as TTC members do), we discussed upcoming races, swapped training tips, and generally procrastinated about the stretching we all know we should be doing.
Tom shared brilliant advice about pacing strategies. Emma revealed her secret to finding motivation on dark winter mornings (spoiler: it involves a really loud alarm and a supportive partner).
Why Brick Sessions Matter
Brick sessions teach your body to run on tired legs - the exact situation you'll face on race day. They're challenging but absolutely essential for triathlon preparation.
More importantly, doing them as a group makes them fun (well, funner). Having people around you, pushing through the same suffering, creates camaraderie and accountability.
Join Us
Brick sessions run every Tuesday at 6pm through the racing season. All abilities welcome. We modify sessions to suit different fitness levels and goals.
Bring your bike, bring your running shoes, bring your determination. We'll provide the encouragement, the company, and probably some questionable jokes.
See you Tuesday!