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Discussion: Brick Success!
Subject: Brick Success! By: Teresa S. Written on: 2006-06-04 12:16:54 Message: Hi all! I did it! My hubby and I did our first full triathlon brick yesterday and it went great. The key was we planned it out very well, took our time and enjoyed the experience. So we drove the bikes over to our club and locked them up at a tree before going in for the swim. We swam 30 mins, approximately a half mile and ran out to the car for transition. We had everything laid out in the hatchback and was able to make a relative smooth and quick transition into bike shoes, helmet and sunscreen. Unlocked the bikes and headed out for our ride. The bike route we took was one that we train on often, so we know it. Its challenging. A couple of rolling hills, but the main thing is that its a out and back loop that you get tail wind in one direction and a challenging head wind on the way back. I really concentrated on spinning during the headwind and trying not to be discouraged by the wind, not to worry about the run after. My hubby is faster on the bike and I simply tucked in behind him and gutted it out. I was really proud of my performance and the bike was over before I knew it. We adveraged 16 for a 17 mile bike route. But most of that was with a tail wind where I enjoyed 25mi/hr for about 2 miles. Anyway, back to the car, locked up the bikes, transitioned into run shoes and off we went on the run. There is a great paved trail that loops around a nice tree lined pond. The first half mile was horrible and that is where I usually panick and fear that I will not finish. I am breathing so hard and feeling really slow and laborous. My hubby kept saying "this will pass, keep working". And he was right. At the mile mark, I started to feel better and by the second mile I was up to my fastest speed, breathing more controlled and enjoying the day. I can't believe it. I was actually feeling as i do when I just do the run without the swim and bike! I never feel great, but I get into a groove and a rhythum and I was in my groove. The finish came up faster than I thought and I was able to sprint the the last couple hundred feet! We did it. Now my sprint in June 25th and I am not so nervous. I am so glad we did it this way. I got to work out the nerves and a plan. We also worked on nutrition as I decided what to put in my bike bottle ( half gatorade and half water), I had a chocolate gu before the bike and and orange one before the run. I loved them. Thanks for that tip. I didn't have any gastro problems and I did finish stronger than I have in the past. swim .5miles, bike 17miles, run 3.4miles. Thanks to everyone for your help and tips and encouraging me to keep going when I thought I was going to quit. I ran my own race and felt like a hero after. Sprint in June and July. Half marathon in September...then next year olympic distances. On track for 2 years 1/2 ironman and then who knows. Teresa
Subject: RE: Brick Success! By: Denise W. Written on: 2006-06-04 12:53:20 Message: Congradulations!! Job well done!! Denise
Subject: RE: Brick Success! By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-04 13:15:45 Message: Teresa, Sounds like a great experience you did everything right and now you know for sure that the little awkwardness at the beginning of the run goes away pretty fast. I am happy for you and glad you have a supportive husband. We are fortunate to have supportive spouses. race with confidence, Ron
Subject: RE: Brick Success! By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-04 13:15:45 Message: Teresa, Sounds like a great experience you did everything right and now you know for sure that the little awkwardness at the beginning of the run goes away pretty fast. I am happy for you and glad you have a supportive husband. We are fortunate to have supportive spouses. race with confidence, Ron
Subject: RE: Brick Success! By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-05 09:59:50 Message: Teresa, Brick Success is right! You kicked butt! Way to go! I can't wait to hear your story after your first race in June! Let us know how you do...you are heading for a great race! Jael
Subject: RE: Brick Success! By: Marty D. Written on: 2006-06-05 10:27:25 Message: Nice job, Teresa. I know what you are saying about the awkwardness at the beginning of the run. When I did my first brick, I was saying the same thing you were saying, and your husband is right. After finding the groove, I felt much, much better. Good luck on your Sprint on June 25th. marty D
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