Adventure Racing, in its simplest form, is the combination of various single sports into one multi-sport event. There are a wide array of training plans and exercises designed with a specific sport in mind. When it comes to Adventure Racing, just take a training plan here and a few exercises there and you're on the road to success, right? Some would say yes, but there is one tool that is often overlooked by the beginning Adventure Racer; Brick Workouts.

A Brick Workout is a tool used to begin bringing your single training events in line with the multi-disciplined sport of AR. A five, ten or twenty mile mountain bike ride can be difficult enough, but try adding a five or ten mile trek or run directly after that ride and you're in a for a new experience. You're body has grown accustomed to riding in a certain position, muscles absorbing the bumps and logs, and your legs moving in a constant and constrained spinning motion. Now you dump your bike at the TA, make a quick gear adjustment and your on your feet trying to run with those legs that are still trying to spin the bike cranks. It can be extremely awkward, and takes some getting used to. That is where the brick comes into play.

Start by taking two disciplines, then combine them into one training event. You can adjust the speed, intensity and durations depending on your current level of fitness. If you're new to AR, then it is best to start easy. Begin with a five mile bike ride, park the bike, stretch or walk for a few minutes, then start out on an easy two or three mile run. Both sessions should be at an easy pace. Make the weaker of the two disciplines the longer or more challenging one. The goal of this session is the transition itself more than the individual bike or run segments.

Keep your training fresh by adding or changing the disciplines that you perform. Try a run, then a paddle across the lake in your canoe or kayak. Most adventure races incorporate three or more segments, so look ahead at upcoming races, and then tailor your brick workouts to mirror sections of that race. This is also a great chance to try different gear combinations and practice for how you pack that gear. Perform them at different times of the day, and take notes so you learn what works best.

Hopefully this will help you to improve your overall racing performance and experience.

By Greg Van Buren, GMARA member