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
How are you going to time those sprints and stay on pace? Here’s what we recommend:
Garmin Fenix 7
Suunto 9 Baro
COROS Vertix 2
Garmin Epix
COROS Apex 2 Pro