Today I had my first experience with Brick training. Sounds like I have to carry a brick around while I train, but it's nothing like that. It's the bike to run (ick!) transition, hence the name, brick. It is supposedly the most difficult transition of the tri. Since I'm doing the sprint tri, my ride is only 9 miles and the run is 3, I don't suspect I'll suffer as much from the wobbly legs of someone doing the full tri.
I met Teena and Richelle at Tribe Multisport at 7 a.m. this morning. As I was the first one there, I was a bit worried that they wouldn't show up and I'd be lost in a sea of real bikers, the real athletes, you know the ones who ride at least 25 miles a day? I hurriedly sent Teena a text to let her know I was freaking out, she replied with "You're okay. I'm on my way" which made me smile.
The three of us waited about 15 minutes to see if anyone else was going to make it out for Brick training, and then we left. We rode for 10 miles at a slow and steady pace, and I really enjoyed it. I usually ride alone every week, and it's just not as productive for me. With no one to talk to, I get trapped in my head and think about my aches and pains and why I should just give it up. Giving up never crossed my mind today.
Once we got back to Tribe, Teena and I got out of our helmets and switched to baseball caps and ran for one mile while Richelle rode along beside us. I really suck at running. Half way in I was starting to feel tightness from my asthma, and towards the end I was actually wheezing. I take walk breaks to try and get some air into my lungs, but it really doesn't help. It's so frustrating. I think I'm getting better though. I set little goals all along the route; running to the next stop sign, walking for 10 deep breaths only, etc. I have two more months to improve.
