May 19: My First Brick in the Wall

We had our first TNT group training this morning. We met at Stoney Creek Metro Park, in Shelby Township. I was lucky to go, since originally Gary was supposed to have a photoshoot that morning and there was no way we could find a babysitter to start at 7am. But since it was cancelled, I was able to go.

I was nervous before I started, mainly because of the fact that I hadn't ridden on this bike before, and I had never used cages (slots where my feet slip into the pedals). But when I got there at 8:00am, I became even more nervous. As I drove into the park, I saw many experienced riders and runners all over. That should have brought me comfort, but it didn't.

I found my group right away. There were 12 riders, not including the coaches and mentors, and they all varied in experience. Fortunately, I wasn't the only nervous one. Coach Kevin (the East side team's coach) took a look at my bike and made sure all was well with my new wheels. (Gary had put it together for me the night before, and did quite a nice job! Thanks Gary!)

So this was the plan. We were going to make two passes around the park (equalling 12 miles). As soon as we finished that, we had to get off the bike and immediately get into our run, which would consist of 1-2 miles. No resting in between. Putting the two sports together like that, I found out, was called a brick, and is a good training method for triathlons. Bricks can also consist of swimming then biking.

The bike to run brick was interesting. I ended up doing quite well riding. My cadence (which are revolutions per minute) averaged from 73-90 (and I was told I needed to be at 90). I guess I need to work on that, but am told I will get better with time. I never felt fatigued throughout the ride, which I think is good. However, OH HOW MY TUSH IS SORE! I don't have biking shorts or tri shorts, and that apparently can make a difference. The way I feel this evening, I can't imagine getting on my bike again for a few days. Frustrating!

Back to this morning: When I got off my bike, my legs were a little like jelly, and it took me a mile of running to really find them again. (I only ran a mile and a half total.) The running was hard after the biking, but I'm not sure if it was because I had biked, or if the running route had more hills than what I'm used to at home. Probably both.

So according to my training calendar, tomorrow is a day of resting and stretching. I'm feeling good, not sore with the muscles, other than a little in my back and my neck. I feel like the kid in the charmin commercial, though. I think these rides require at least one full roll, maybe two! (Then again, I think I may just invest in some tri-shorts.)


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