The Norwegian Training Model
Behind the success of Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen
Recently, the so-called “Norwegian model”, more accurately described as the Ingebrigtsens’ training style, has received a lot of media attention. More and more coaches and athletes are discussing “double threshold sessions” and several claim it to be THE KEY to their success Moreover, the decades-old practice of measuring blood lactate levels during training sessions as a way of controlling intensity has surged in popularity among recreational runners and elite runners alike. But what is actually The Norwegian Model all about; how does it work in practice?
In this article, I will discuss two different training intensity distribution (TID) models: polarized and threshold. I will explain the terms, concepts, and physiology behind the hype of The Norwegian Model and compare it to polarized training. I will discuss if and how they differ, and why “Ingebrigtsen style” training may work well for elites, but not necessarily for beginners and recreational runners. Ultimately, I will give my recommendations from a theoretical and practical perspective.
Intensity zones 1–5
Dividing the intensity of training into “zones”, from sitting on the sofa eating potato chips to pushing yourself to the deepest, darkest place you…
