A photo-realistic image depicting the Norwegian flag at the top of a mountain.

The Norwegian Approach

Bridging Intensity and Volume in Ultra-Running

Venturing into the ultra-running world often feels like embarking on a thrilling quest. The pursuit of the 'perfect' training model is akin to finding the holy grail of endurance sports. One knight in shining armor in this quest is the Norwegian Training Model, stealing the spotlight with its balanced approach.

Delving into the Norwegian Training Model

The Norwegian Training Model is a perfect blend of controlled intensity with high volume, making it a favored choice for endurance athletes in the realm of ultra and trail running. This model has endorsements from distinguished athletes like the Ingebrigtsen brothers, showcasing its potential in enhancing aerobic capacity while minimizing fatigue. It's ideal for those who aim to maintain a higher performance level over extended periods; a core essence of ultra-running.

Comparing with Other Training Styles

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Known for short bursts of high-intensity exercises, HIIT is suited for those looking to improve cardiovascular fitness quickly. However, unlike the Norwegian model, it might not provide the endurance base essential for ultra-running.

Long Slow Distance (LSD)

Emphasized by coach Mark Wooten, LSD involves running long distances at a slow pace to build aerobic endurance, lacking the element of controlled intensity at varying levels seen in the Norwegian model.

Maffetone Method

Practiced by legends like Mark Allen, this method emphasizes training below the anaerobic threshold, sharing similarities with the Norwegian model in promoting aerobic development, albeit with less structured intensity variations.

The Norwegian Training Model presents a compelling approach for those looking to optimize their ultra-running training. As you lace up for your next ultra, exploring this model alongside other training philosophies can open new avenues to achieving your ultra-running aspirations, making every trail a thrilling quest towards your own holy grail of endurance.

Example training weeks:

Norwegian Training Model

Monday: Easy 10-mile run

Tuesday: Interval training just below lactate threshold

Wednesday: Rest or cross-training

Thursday: Moderate 15-mile run

Friday: Interval training just below lactate threshold

Saturday: Long easy 20-mile run

Sunday: Rest or cross-training

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Monday: Rest or cross-training

Tuesday: Hill repeats

Wednesday: Moderate 10-mile run

Thursday: High-intensity intervals

Friday: Rest or cross-training

Saturday: Long slow 15-mile run

Sunday: Moderate 10-mile run

Long Slow Distance (LSD)

Monday: Rest or cross-training

Tuesday: Slow 10-mile run

Wednesday: Slow 15-mile run

Thursday: Rest or cross-training

Friday: Slow 10-mile run

Saturday: Long slow 20-mile run

Sunday: Rest or cross-training

Maffetone Method

Monday: Aerobic run at a heart rate below the anaerobic threshold

Tuesday: Rest or cross-training

Wednesday: Aerobic run at a heart rate below the anaerobic threshold

Thursday: Rest or cross-training

Friday: Aerobic run at a heart rate below the anaerobic threshold

Saturday: Long aerobic run

Sunday: Rest or cross-training

Image showing a runner at the top of a mountain, admiring the view.

How are you going to time those sprints and stay on pace? Here’s what we recommend:

Garmin Fenix 7

Garmin Fenix 7 GPS smartwatch in closeup. Black and silver.
Suunto 9 Baro GPS smartwatch in black in close up.

Suunto 9 Baro

COROS Vertix 2

COROS Vertix 2 GPS smartwatch with orange strap in close up.

Garmin Epix

Garmin Epix GPS smartwatch in black close up image.

COROS Apex 2 Pro

COROS Apex 2 Pro GPS smartwatch with black strap in close up.