Outdoor bricks . . .

[HappyAnika]

. . . are harder than indoor bricks, not that this is a big surprise. Several weeks ago I went from riding the trainer to an outdoor run, and it wasn't too bad. Yesterday I rode 16.3 miles outside, then ran about 1.3 miles. My legs hurt, but not in the way I imagined they would. I didn't have jelly legs, but I could feel all the stabilizer muscles in my lower legs working and they felt sore. I'm not sure if this is because of the bike to run transition, or if it was because I had to run on asphalt and I usually run on dirt. After a few minutes it felt better, but I definitely need to keep practicing this. I don't have tri shorts yet, so I did a full change of clothes in between, I was in and out of the house in 2.5 minutes. Tying up running shoes when you're in a hurry coming off the bike is suprisingly difficult. A happy chocolate lab licking your face while attempting to tie shoes doesn't make it easier. From now on, no dogs are allowed in the transition area!

[KSH]

Great job on the outdoor brick!

I have been doing this for a good 3-4 monts on a regular basis... and it makes a HUGE difference.

Yesterday, I did a 30 mile ride... and then did a 3 mile run. I was pumped and ready for my run. No jello legs. Felt good to run.

Also, I just run in my bike shorts and jersey. No need to change into running clothes for such a short run.

If I had to run 6 miles or more, I might consider changing though.

Keep doing those bricks... it will help you A LOT when race day comes!

[Tri Girl]

Good job on your brick! I've never done an indoor to outdoor ride/run, so I don't know how it compares to the outdoor version. Like KSH said- those bricks really do help for race day. Keep at 'em. I never change clothes- I always run in my tri shorts (even if I'm just running for the day). I guess I have enough padding on my butt and thighs that a little extra fabric doesn't bother me much.
Speed laces are wonderful for those tricky laces after getting off the bike (who knew it'd be so hard to tie your own shoes?). As for the chocolate lab- that just makes transition more interesting. Think of him as another competitor who you have to dodge and shield yourself against. hee hee

[HillSlugger]

I've done several indoor ride/outdoor run bricks. I often got my best run times on these as my legs felt nice and loose with no rubber legs. I've only tried one outdoor/outdoor brick and could barely run it at all. The ride was the challenging 17.5 mile route for the Iron Girl I'll be doing in August and my legs were screaming when I tried the run. I managed 10 painful minutes before I started walking. Overall, I did 2.4 miles with three walks and felt pretty discouraged as I hadn't even tried the really challenging hill part of the run. I'll probably be repeating this brick this Sunday, but I've got to try some less challenging bricks, too.

[MINIskirt]

Great job!!

I've got a duathlon in about 2.5 weeks and have yet to do a brick Guess I'd better put that on the schedule for this weekend!!

[HappyAnika]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!

MDHillSlug- just think, next time you try the brick it should be easier. I think 2.4 miles with some walking is respectable coming off a hilly route.

Miniskirt- you must try the brick! I actually think its fun in some sort of sadistic way.

Tri Girl and KSH- I hate even walking from my house to the garage in my bike shorts. While they are great for riding, they just rub the wrong places while walking so I didn't even attemt to run in them. I'll be shopping for some tri shorts soon. And Tri Girl, the comment about the lab being like another competitor made me laugh.