The Norwegian Method Applied: Threshold Training and Intensity Control for Faster, More Durable Running at Every Level

by Marius Bakken MD, Steve Magness (Foreword)

Genres: Nonfiction

328 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2026

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bakkens Buch wird eine Trainingsbibel werden, auch wenn es vielleicht etwas zu spät kommt: Die Ambitionierten haben längst Norwegian Doubles eingebaut und die Hobbyjogger trainieren nach Copelands/Sirpocs Norwegian Singles Method. Zum Glück kommt Bakken ganz ohne lange Tabellen mit Pace-Umrechnungen und ohne Woche-für-Woche Trainingspläne aus. Die genaue Planung bleibt einem selbst überlassen, so dass das Buch eine gute Vertiefung zu planlastigeren Büchern ist. Gefreut hat mich, dass es ein Kapitel für Hobbyjogger wie mich gibt, also für alle, die so 5-6h/Woche trainieren und keine Doubles laufen wollen oder können. Überraschend, aber einleuchtend war der Fokus auf Muskeltonus zur Trainingssteuerung. Leider fehlt ein Index fürs Nachschlagen. Offen ist für mich geblieben, wie Load gesteuert werden kann, wenn man kein Laktatmessgerät zur Verfügung hat. Ich hatte gehofft, dass Bakken zumindest zum Einstieg bzw. Groborientierung auf Trimp/CTL/ATL o.ä. eingeht. Aber nicht so schlimm: Das Buch ist toll für das, was es verspricht, und eine gute Vertiefung zu Copelands Buch.

[Nicholas Su · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot. Bakken ties in a lot of cutting edge research, but the overarching training philosophy he presents is straightforward, and all chapters are structured around this. Will have to revisit certain sections, especially the intro chapters, training chapters, and discussions on double threshold and muscle tone.

Specifically will also need to try incorporating double threshold at very conservative paces as well as 45/15 reps into my upcoming training.

There are lots of details in here that are probably meant for runners at much higher levels than myself, but the overall approach is presented in a way that all levels can get value from it. One thing I'll probably never do is actually measure my blood lactate regularly.

Now i am curious to read Copeland's NSM book.

[Louis Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great complimentary to Norwegian Singles Approach with a much deeper dive into the gritty details.

As a hobby jogger, the NSA style fits my schedule and aims better but I gained lots of new insights from this book, like: lowering my sub threshold HR range, always erring on the slow side, calorie and carb intake, and, most importantly, information about overtraining.

It also convinced me to spend £220 on new running shoes.

[David Roesener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and i learned alot. No you don’t need a lactate meter to do double threshold training but it is helpful. Learning the role of muscle tension in recovery was something i hadn’t considered

Definitely a fascinating read and i will refer back to it. Also reminds the importance of maintaining year round endurance through periodization

[Jeff Purdom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. There is so much to take in as both a coach and a runner myself.

[Inez Sjödin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bra grejer! Redan blivit bättre! Tröskel träning ftw!