18/06/2026
Is the BRICK RUN a thing of the past?
In numerous interviews with long-course professional triathletes it seems like running off the bike is being utilised less and less.
In hybrid sports training this way is called COMPROMISED running and maybe this gives us the major clue as to why brick runs are less favourable to stand alone runs.
To run well off the bike you first have to be able to run well. Whatever that means for you.
Running off the bike is highly specific and so is best left for the race build / prep phase. As we mentioned yesterday, specificity only comes in as you get closer to your chosen KEY race.
For the majority of the year running off the bike should not be prioritised over high quality fresh run workouts and overall weekly mileage. When introduced it can take 1 of 2 forms - brick run or transition run.
Brick run - longer / goal race pace / fueling
Transition run - short / familiarity with the feel of ROTB
As a balanced opinion; amateurs, with less training time available compared to pros, could use bricks a little more often and perhaps a ‘soft’ brick is concept to consider. See below.
*the soft brick session / allow 20-30mins between bike and run to change clothing, fuel and partially recover.
