A Successful Brick

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Sometimes, I surprise myself with my workouts.  It rarely happens so it’s kind of nice when it does!  🙂

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I planned to do a brick workout this afternoon – simulating the Olympic triathlon that I have in two weeks, I set out to do a 20-mile bike and 5.6 mile run.  My initial goal was to complete everything (including the transition) in 2:10. 

 

I knew it was going to be INTENSE.

 

I decided to drive to the Wal-Mart near my bike route so I could immediately start pedaling hard (instead of weaving through traffic for the first few miles).  The Chevy Traverse is pretty awesome for hauling lots of sports gear!

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I set my transition area up so I would be good to go when I got off the bike.

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My initial goal for the bike was to wrap it up in 1:10, but I knew immediately it was going to be impossible.   The wind gusts were about 15 mph! There were moments on the bike that I could barely go 10.0 mph!  When I was biking and the wind was coming at me from the side, it literally pushed me into the curb. 

 

Biking into the wind is soooo hard.  My quads were screaming in pain at some points.  I was grunting, chanting mantras, and cursing the weather the entire time.  BUT – I reminded myself that hard training rides are the KEY to a successful race.  You never know what race day conditions will be like – and mentally and physically challenging training days makes race day that much easier.

 

Final statistics for the bike:

 

  • Duration:  1:17:07
  • Distance: 20.0 miles
  • Average Pace: 15.6 mph

 

Considering the wind, I was pleased with my bike time.

 

I immediately hopped off and transitioned.  Off came my bike shoes, and on went my knee sleeves and sneakers.  I took off my helmet, fixed my hair, and took off my bike gloves.   I also started to shove these sport beans down my throat:

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The entire transition took 3:29.

 

And… then I was off on the run!  I was SO grateful to be off my damned bike and be running that I took off pretty fast.  My legs felt like BRICKS (hence, the brick workout) for the first 0.5 mile. 

 

I actually forgot my iPod at home, so I was forced to focus on the run and my surroundings.  I actually REALLY enjoyed it.  I think I went much faster as a result.

 

My goal for the run was to negative split and finish in 55 minutes, and I managed to crush both goals.  I was working SO hard towards the end.

 

  • Duration: 52:10
  • Distance: 5.6 miles
  • Mile 1: 9:44
  • Mile 2: 9:46
  • Mile 3: 9:48
  • Mile 4: 9:24
  • Mile 5: 8:57
  • Mile 5 – 5.6: 6:53 (a 7:49 pace!)

 

All I can say is “YAYYYY!”  My overall time for the workout was 2:12:17, only 2 minutes over my goal.   I am MORE than pleased.  If it hadn’t been windy, I would’ve easily surpassed my 2:10 goal.

 

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE TRIATHLON!

 

Here are my eats for the day…

 

This morning, the Husband and I went to a British pub to watch the Manchester United game.  I ordered a egg and cheese breakfast sammie:

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We ended up running errands after the game, and I was stuck without a snack.  Like any good athlete, I had a packet of Goo in my purse and ate that (ewww!).  It did the job.  🙂

 

I came home and had a Green Monster, which contained 2 cups spinach, 1 banana, and 1 cup rice milk.

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Post-workout, I had a whole wheat bagel with PB, strawberries, and Chobani pineapple:

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After such an intense workout, I’m going to need a BIG dinner.  I’ll be eating 2 to 2.5 servings of cheese tortellini with red sauce, roasted canned artichokes, and sundried tomatoes, plus a bunch of asparagus on the side.  Mmm.

 

What a lovely way to cap off my weekend. 🙂 Now, I just need to emotionally prepare myself for the next week – it’s going to be a doozy with work.

 

Have a great night!

{ 86 comments }

 

  • Kelly February 28, 2010, 6:39 pm

    Wow, looks like an AWESOME work out. I hate biking into the wind but you are right, better now in a training run than during the actual race. You are going to kick this tri’s butt 🙂

    • Kelly February 28, 2010, 6:49 pm

      By the way, are you allowed to have your ipod during your tri? For some reason I wasn’t allowed to for mine and it probably would’ve been smart to practice running without it. I don’t know if the run was just hard for me or what but I really missed my ipod haha.

      • caitlin February 28, 2010, 7:10 pm

        the organization that runs our tri are super relaxed and im sure i can use it during the run (i’ve done a sprint tri – failed – and a relay tri with them before and wore ipods). obviously its not ok during the bike!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) February 28, 2010, 6:39 pm

    Your workout sounds so intense and awesome…LOVE it! :mrgreen:

    I always try to force myself into that same mindset, whenever a run or ride gets tough due to incliment weather and wind. It’s a great way to prepare for race day events, so that you’re ready to face anything that comes at you.

    Awesome job!! 😀

  • Allison (Eat Clean Live Green) February 28, 2010, 6:40 pm

    Great job on the awesome workout! Those running splits are awesome 🙂

  • Reenie February 28, 2010, 6:40 pm

    YOU continue to amaze me. WAY TO GO!!! WOOT!!!

  • Evan Thomas February 28, 2010, 6:41 pm

    Awesome workout! And awesome deal on the sports pack, too 🙂

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers February 28, 2010, 6:41 pm

    Congratulations, that’s awesome!! You totally rocked that brick 🙂 Have you tried fueling on the bike so you don’t have to spend time in transition eating? Woot woot!!!

    • caitlin February 28, 2010, 6:42 pm

      oh man… i am not very coordinated so i don’t think eating on the bike would be a good idea!! LOL i ate most of the beans while running though. i can run and eat 🙂

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) February 28, 2010, 6:41 pm

    Great job onthe brick workout- they seriously do wonders for race day 🙂

  • Lori (Finding Radiance) February 28, 2010, 6:42 pm

    When I was training for my tri last year, the bricks freaked me out because I could not believe how heavy and lead-like my legs were for the run. It does get better, though – just have to keep telling yourself that.

    Has anyone mentioned to you that for the last 1/2 mile or so of the bike ride, put the bike in low gear so you have more revolutions of the pedals to simulate your running pace. That way when you get off the bike, the transition won’t feel as funny.

    Great workout!

    • caitlin February 28, 2010, 6:43 pm

      awesome tip!!! thank you!!!

  • Shannon, Tropical Eats February 28, 2010, 6:42 pm

    Awesome!! You sure know how to pump up your workouts.. even without an iPod. You rock 🙂

  • Keri February 28, 2010, 6:42 pm

    Congrats on an awesome workout! That does sound INTENSE! I love the feeling the rest of the day after completing a tough workout like that. I’m sure you’ll sleep well tonight 🙂

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) February 28, 2010, 6:44 pm

    Hahaha my quads are brick like too! I love the feeling actually. ‘Cursing the weather’—yes!! I can totally picture that.

    • caitlin February 28, 2010, 6:46 pm

      I literally screamed “fuck you wind!” luckily i was in the middle of nowhere and no one heard me.

      • Katie @ Health for the Whole Self February 28, 2010, 7:48 pm

        I’ve definitely done this while running in intense wind…except that I wasn’t in the middle of nowhere and got some glares!!!!

  • Daniel February 28, 2010, 6:45 pm

    Wow, that’s one heck of a work out. Much much more that I could force myself to do, congratulations! I bet you felt fantastic afterwards!! Eat and sleep well tonight~

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) February 28, 2010, 6:45 pm

    Nice, you rocked that one out!!

  • jen trinque February 28, 2010, 6:45 pm

    You are going to kick ass when you do your tri! So cool.

  • Ashley February 28, 2010, 6:48 pm

    Wow totally impressive!! I never run with music…the few times I have I’m more annoyed about my music selection, finding the next button, the cord bouncing on me, etc. Way to go!

    • caitlin February 28, 2010, 7:07 pm

      i think the reason i was faster is this exactly! i was not fiddling with my iPod and I buckled down instead.

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward February 28, 2010, 6:49 pm

    Congrats on your incredible workout! You are such an inspiration 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) February 28, 2010, 6:50 pm

    I love when workouts just work despite the circumstances. That’s how my run…longest yet…went today. I finished way quicker than I though.

    • caitlin February 28, 2010, 7:10 pm

      congrats on your long run 🙂

  • Elaine February 28, 2010, 6:52 pm

    Sounds like a killer workout! I’ve stopped using my iPod on runs and really enjoy it, too.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) February 28, 2010, 6:55 pm

    wow, that’s incredible! you should be so proud of that time…you’re gonna rock the tri! 🙂

  • christie, honoring health February 28, 2010, 7:00 pm

    That is awesome, Caitlin! You are going to kick that tri’s ass!

  • Jenny February 28, 2010, 7:01 pm

    Congrats on such a great workout! I’m always inspired by your determination and endurance, especially when it comes to your motivation to train and participate in races. I’m not suprised at your workout today in the least! 😉

  • Kailey (SnackFace) February 28, 2010, 7:01 pm

    You’s a BEAST!!! I have no idea how you do it! I’d definitely be eating the kitchen right now.

  • Carolina John February 28, 2010, 7:01 pm

    Fantastic brick Caitlin! Well done. You are going to be totally ready come race day.

  • Michelle @ HeathyEatingRoadmap February 28, 2010, 7:12 pm

    congrats! good run times

  • Whitney @ whitinspired.wordpress.com February 28, 2010, 7:15 pm

    Good job!! You’re going to kick that triathlon’s butt!

  • John February 28, 2010, 7:21 pm

    Nice going on the training. You’ll kick ass at the OLY.
    Now who won the game? If you’re going to mention it you should tell us the result good or bad(?) 🙂

    • caitlin February 28, 2010, 7:23 pm

      heh

      MAN U! 2-1

      • John February 28, 2010, 7:26 pm

        lol Congrats on that too.

  • Monica (Musings of the Granola Girl) February 28, 2010, 7:25 pm

    Glad your workout went well!

    Stella Artois = love

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 28, 2010, 7:26 pm

    Woo hoo!!! Sounds like an awesome workout– you are MORE than ready!

  • caronae February 28, 2010, 7:35 pm

    Wow,awesome job! That sounds mighty tough. I did a “brick” of my own today, sort of. I did a 90 minute yoga class with tons of leg poses (warrior, chair, temple, etc.) immediately followed by a 16 mile run. This was way more killer than I expected, I totally recommend trying it sometime (hard yoga followed by long run).

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) February 28, 2010, 7:46 pm

    You are freaking nuts!!! I love it. Congrats on kicking your own ass today and loving it. So incredible!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is February 28, 2010, 7:47 pm

    Great job on your workout! There is not a better feeling after a successful, killer workout.

  • Jenn @ Watch My Butt Shrink! February 28, 2010, 7:49 pm

    My goodness, I’m exhausted just reading about your training! I give you a LOT of credit, girl – that is hard core!
    And I am SO jealous of your sunshine, as I sit here looking at the 2 feet of snow outside my window.

  • Gabriela February 28, 2010, 7:50 pm

    Congrats on the hardcore workout, girl!
    You´re tough ;D
    Have a great week!
    Brazilian XOXO´s,
    Gabriela

  • Beth February 28, 2010, 8:18 pm

    Wow that is an awesome workout. I am so inspired! Great job.. you’ll crush the tri!

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner February 28, 2010, 8:23 pm

    What an awesome workout!

  • Jes February 28, 2010, 8:25 pm

    Awesome job!!! Congratulations!

  • chandra h February 28, 2010, 8:34 pm

    SO IMPRESSED you managed that run without your ipod!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i would have died. running more than half a mile without any sort of music is as impressive to me as running a marathon. way to go 😉

    http://www.prettytimepiece.org

  • Amanda (modernation) February 28, 2010, 8:35 pm

    Great job Caitlin! So excited for your tri. Brick workouts are the worst. Luckily when you are at the race you will have too much adrenalin to feel your brick legs.

  • Karla February 28, 2010, 8:38 pm

    Wow! What an awesome work out! I bet you feel like a million bucks! Congratulations! You’ll rock that triathlon!

  • Nicole, RD February 28, 2010, 8:46 pm

    Great job, Caitlin! You’re so inspiring! You are going to kick tri tushie!

  • Lisa February 28, 2010, 8:57 pm

    Congrats on a great workout!! For the longest time I couldn’t run without my iPod but then I forced myself one time and now I really enjoy running without it. It’s a great time to think! I don’t know how you workout like that in the middle of the day. I have to do it first thing or I’m too exhausted.

  • Laura February 28, 2010, 9:06 pm

    Oh woah, good job.

    You’re doing so well with your training.

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 28, 2010, 9:20 pm

    Yay congratulations!!!
    Is it sad that I’m so FREAKING jealous of you and your intense workouts!! I’m running vicariously through you, btw, during my injury 😀
    I hate running without my ipod but it makes everything seem more…alive!

    • caitlin February 28, 2010, 9:23 pm

      aww im sorry you are injured – ive been there! it happens to us all – just focus on getting better.

  • Laura Smith February 28, 2010, 9:21 pm

    congrats!! your a really inspiration 🙂 And i also am super jealous of that sunshine..snow and coldness here 🙁

  • Heidi February 28, 2010, 9:22 pm

    I LOVE that you have a green monster in a Stella glass. So perfect!

  • ida February 28, 2010, 9:51 pm

    great workout!! sounds like you’re totally ready for a strong tri. Have you ever tried Perpetuem? it’s a hammer product that you might really like esp since you have the century to train for. it’s a powder that you mix with water, it makes fueling while riding a breeze.

    • caitlin February 28, 2010, 9:53 pm

      i also want to try recoverite!

  • eatingRD February 28, 2010, 10:04 pm

    wooo-hooo! that’s awesome!! So funny I just had a gale force wind ride today too, it was killer and I was slooow. but I powered through cursing the wind the whole way and thinking positive thoughts 🙂 I’ve tried recoverite and posted about it a little while ago, it tastes really good actually and is great for convenience and recovery if real food isn’t around. I’m also wanting to try perpetuem because it is packed with energy! up to 15% of our energy comes from protein during endurance events so adding a bit of protein can be helpful. I’m going to look more into the research for that too. Yay for a strong tri!!

  • Tracey February 28, 2010, 10:04 pm

    Wow, amazing job! You are going to rock your triatholon. Keep up the great job with the training!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 28, 2010, 10:21 pm

    Awesome job on the brick!! I am so excited for you for the tri!

    I always drink my GM’s out of beer glasses too 🙂

  • Julie February 28, 2010, 10:34 pm

    what an awesome workout today! you are going to do awesome in your upcoming tri! 🙂

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) February 28, 2010, 10:48 pm

    That is so hardcore — love it, love it! Looks like a beautiful day in Florida. It was lovely here in Oz but is raining for the next few days, sadly.

  • Jalita February 28, 2010, 11:54 pm

    I really like reading your blog and seeing the photos of what you’ve eaten that day. I will have to look up those Jelly Belly Sport Beans. It appears you got them at Target, is this correct? Where did you find them in the store? I’m not an athlete so I don’t really know what Goo is. I assume it may be a gel-like substance that gives you energy and protein or something. Am I wrong?

    Good job on your workout!

    • caitlin March 1, 2010, 7:30 am

      oops, should’ve explained better.

      i found the jelly beans at marshalls, actually (its like a dept store) but i usually get them at target, sports authority, or a running shop. Goo is the same thing as the jelly beans, just in another (jelly) form – straight glucose to give you calories during long ass workouts.

  • Christie March 1, 2010, 12:01 am

    Great job on your workout~ that’s awesome!!! OH and I loved your fortune from the other day!

    ~Christie (http://rollerkoesterrun.wordpress.com/)

  • erin March 1, 2010, 12:13 am

    so what did you do with your bike? just leave it at the side of the road (i don’t think so) just curious 🙂 Great job on your workout

    • caitlin March 1, 2010, 7:30 am

      nope, it went back in my car!

      • erin March 1, 2010, 12:03 pm

        i guess that means you did an out and back bike ride

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople March 1, 2010, 12:16 am

    That workout sounds INTENSE! That is so amazing, but I could never work out without my tunes! I’ve tried it before and I just get so incredibly bored. Or like one time, my brain just runs with an endless list of to-dos that I have to keep repeating since I don’t have anything to write them down on.

    I had Chobani today too, although I had the pomegranate flavor. =)

  • Jessica Lee March 1, 2010, 12:32 am

    Congrats on your time! You’re so hardcore girl!

    I want to do a triathlon but I need to get some serious training on swimming. I know how to swim like if I was thrown in the water, I wouldn’t drown but I don’t think I can swim straight which is probably a problem 🙂

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 1, 2010, 1:57 am

    Fantastic news on the workout, what great times! A 20mile bike ride, I don’t know how you do it…I struggled when I did 6 LOL!!
    Ennjoy all that totellini, you sure deserve it 😀

  • Penny March 1, 2010, 2:18 am

    Your dedication to exercise never ceases to amaze me. It is so inspiring.
    Now that I think about it, you’re inspiring for a lot of reasons.
    🙂

  • Paige @ Running Around Normal March 1, 2010, 6:58 am

    Woo hooo!! Great job on the brick. You’re awesome, girl. You’re gonna show this tri who’s boss!

  • Becky March 1, 2010, 6:59 am

    Great job! I recently ditched my ipod for outdoor runs an I am enjoying them so much more. I’m keep channeling your positive energy as I train for my first big race 🙂

  • Susan March 1, 2010, 8:20 am

    NICE!!! I love that pic of you at the beginning 😉 Although, you’ve reminded me how much biking in the wind suuuucks. The worst is having to fight the wind AND a major climb at the same time. It’s also really scary when wind gusts either push you into traffic or on to the curb. Way to fight through it!

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit March 1, 2010, 9:59 am

    Fabulous brick! Love it.

    I think you are becoming addicted to this, no? 🙂

  • Helen March 1, 2010, 10:31 am

    all I can say to this workout is WOW! I am amazed you did this, you must be so fit. I’m glad the training is going well. Alsom how beautiful is the weather there! Not like grey England at all!! Helen x

  • Lauren March 1, 2010, 12:14 pm

    Awesome job! You’re going to kick ass in the triathlon!

  • Nutritious Foodie March 1, 2010, 12:44 pm

    I hear you on the wind.. I did a 57 miler yesterday and the wind was blowing so strong 15+ mph that on a downhill I couldn’t go faster than 10 mph even though i was pedaling.

  • kate March 1, 2010, 3:43 pm

    i was just ate tjmaxx and saw sports beans there for .70 cent! great way to cut costs!

  • Kristilyn (My 29th Year) March 3, 2010, 11:08 am

    That looks like an intense workout! Good for you for completing it – especially in that wind!

    Your eats for the day look really delicious, especially the egg sandwich and the bagel. Yum!

    How are those sports beans? I’ve thought about getting them for long runs, but wonder if there’s a healthier (natural) alternative.

    K

    • caitlin March 3, 2010, 11:12 am

      they are yummy! there are natural alternative, like raisins or coconut water. they work pretty well but i like to add in electrolytes because i sweat so much.

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