by Coach Brendon

Dr Mat Brick became only the second athlete over the age of 40 to break the 9 hour barrier at Ironman. Being a former 2 times World Duathlon Champion and also a highly respected doctor, Mat was always known for his thorough approach to training and racing and certainly did a lot to bring science into the sport of triathlon in the early days. Here is what he had to say.


Q. When did you start your training for Ironman New Zealand? How many weeks of training did you do?

I sat my orthopaedic finals in June 2002. At that time I was less fit than I have been at any time since 1987. I started trying to do a bit more from that time. I could squeeze in a couple of training sessions during the week and tried to do a 2-3 hour bike on the weekend. I started swimming twice per week with former World Triathlon Champion Rick Wells squad in Auckland New Zealand. I couldn't run for some time because I had surgery on my achilles tendon in June. I then started training harder in December and I built up to about 25 hours per week by the end of January

Q. What were the most important sessions you did and why?

Firstly the swim / bike / run every Tuesday with Jon Hume (build to 3k swim / 120k bike / 25k run). Secondly a long run every Sunday and thirdly a long ride every Friday. These were important because it is a long race!


Q. Did you do long 'brick' time trials, if so how far and how fast?

Yes the Tuesday session. The bike would be almost race pace in the last hour and the run would be almost race pace in the last hour. We would always start slow.

Q. How many 'brick' sessions did you do?

About 8 through the buildup

Q. What was the longest bike ride you did in the lead up?

We rode 200k

Q. In the past you have always done hill reps on the bike did you do these in this buildup and what was a typical session like?

We did some harder riding once per week with 5 min repeats x 4-8. Time was limited because we were both working and have families. I would normally do hill repeats also if there was time.

Q. Tell me about your race nutrition, I noticed at the Tauranga ½ Ironman that you had Coke in your Drink Bottles at the start.

On race day I used pb on the bike with one power bar until the 120km mark and then used 50:50 coke and water to the finish line. I did just used coke and water in the 1/2 Ironman.

Q. How long and what did you do in your taper?

I tapered by booking more work in the last week! I was never able to do the big mileage weeks so there seemed little point in an extended taper. The last long ride was 10 days out. The last long run was 2 weeks out. The final week involved about 5 hours training only.

Q. Aerodynamics are obviously important for a bike time trial. Does it surprise you the equipment selection of some of the pros?

Most pro's pay scant regard to aerodynamics. I have no idea why. Why not wear a big baggy coat and be done with it!
On a flat course it is simply a battle between you and a couple of zillion nitrogen and oxygen molecules.

Q. What are the key features of your equipment to help aerodynamics and how did you make decisions about aerodynamics?

My bike is a monocoque carbon Zipp frame. It will always flow better than a tube frame, especially with a cross wind. A lenticular disc is especially important if it is windy as it acts like a sail. Also My helmet and visor fills the air pocket between my arms and chest. When I was preparing for the World Championships one year I had an opportunity to use a wind tunnel. I was able to test all these things. The key points from that experience was to ensure that your head was below your shoulders. Therefore knowing the course, so you don't have to look up too often is a big help.

Q. How did you gauge if you were going at near optimal pace during the bike ride? Did you use a HRM if so how did you use it during the race?

I use a heart rate monitor and stuck to about 80% effort (minimum pulse 34, max 188, raced at 145-150 )

Q. You looked very lean, how does your weight compare to when you were the ITU World Duathlon Champion 10 years ago?

Much heavier. I raced Ironman this year at 83 kg. I raced Ironman in 1989 at 82 kg and I raced as a pro duathlete at 78 kg!

Click here to return to the Articles page