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.

[Thaïs Rolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellently written protocol to the Norwegian Method of training from decades of experience and clinical studies. This changed how I approach training—it’s interesting to learn that working easier can yield better results. All this knowledge could be overwhelming but ultimately, the overall message is quite simple: consistent threshold training in the correct zone with progressive loading allows for progress.

[Sean McGorty · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It’s not variety that drives progress. It’s precision.”

[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

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly a little bit disappointing. Very obvious heavy AI use that made this a chore to read. Certainly not bad in terms of a running book: some very helpful sections on muscle tone, and I loved the 45/15 workouts, but I was expecting better from the GOAT. Just read Steve Magness or James Copeland's book instead.

[Julius Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad Coach Bakken cuts through all the social media hype and gets to the point of the Norwegian training. If you want the truth, get it from the horse’s mouth. Definitely worth a read if you’re looking to optimize threshold training and minimize risk.

[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!

[Joscha · Rating 5 out of 5]

May this let me achieve a 2:47 marathon 🙏🏻

[Brian Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking book which outlines in detail the often misunderstood and misused Norwegian training method

[Konstantinos Paradeisopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

[Sean Mccafferty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous read. Confirmed a lot and made me think.

[DeNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, man, I learned so much. This book lays it out simply, and I understand my son's training and success so much more.

[Matthew Falcioni · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you only read one book about distance running training it should be this one.