The Norwegian method does not encourage smooth training that accelerates fitness after injury. So don’t expect the Olympic 5000m champion to compete until late summer.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s absence earlier this summer will not come as a surprise to Norwegian Method students. A training system that involves “double threshold” sessions interspersed with very easy jogging is more of a slow burner when it comes to reaching peak fitness. If you’re looking to get in top shape in a short period of time, this probably isn’t for you.
An A great new book by Marius BakkenThe two-time Olympian from Norway, who is often called the father of the Norwegian Method, explains the theories behind the system in extensive and impressive detail.
As well as the infamous ‘double threshold’ sessions, Bakken explains the importance of concepts such as ‘muscle tone’, ‘drop load’ and the ‘X-session’. Following the Norwegian method takes incredible discipline and patience. It’s the polar opposite of a quick-fix workout schedule.
So, in addition to recovering from Achilles surgery, a notoriously delicate process in itself, Ingebrigtsen will have many weeks to plow through before he can begin to rediscover the form that propelled him to Olympic 1500m (2021) and 5000m (2024) titles, European records (3:7m) and 1500m. (3:43.73), plus outdoor world records in the 2000m (4:43.13), 3000m (7:17.55) and two miles (7:54.10).
His manager Daniel Weissfeld recently said: “It depends on how training goes in April and May. If he recovers quickly, competing in the second half of the season remains the target.”
The big question is whether he will be back on the pitch in time for the European Championships in Birmingham from August 10-16. When he eventually returns, the Norwegian may find that the opposition have raised their game even in his absence.
After winning the world indoor 3000m title for the second time, Josh Kerr talks confidently about his attack on Hicham El Gerouj’s long-standing world mile record of 3:43.13 at the London Diamond League on July 18.. Portugal’s Isaac Nader is looking to add world gold to the European title he won just ahead of Jake Wightman in Tokyo last year.
Cole Hawker has already shown great form this year, including a US mile record of 3:45.94, while last year’s 5000m world title showing he has the power to follow up the brilliant sprint finish that helped him win the Olympic 1500m title.
The next generation is also making its presence felt with Australian Cam Myers running under 3:30 1500m this month as a teenager, while younger New Zealand prodigy Sam Root turned 17 this week.
In his book, Bakken says that Norwegian Method sessions are “hard enough to adapt to, controlled enough to repeat… The body adapts to stress, but only when given the chance. Train too hard and the opportunity closes.”
Take a look at our in-depth review of Bakken’s book AW: website later this month.
Claudia’s collision course
Claudia Hollingsworth’s recent clash with Jess Hull in the 1500m final at the Australian Championships in Sydney is reminiscent of a similar tangle at the Los Angeles Olympics 42 years ago.
Bursting into the lead, Hull thought he had enough of an opening to cut in front of Hollingsworth, but after they made some fortuitous contact, Hull hit the bottom. Hollingsworth was controversially disqualified for striking, but was later reinstated and awarded the win.
Hull’s father was particularly angry, claiming that “we’ve been robbed”. and that it “ruined his weekend by creating some history,” though he has since apologized for his emotionally charged comments.
Of course, it’s not as dramatic as the infamous incident between Mary Decker and Zola Budd in 1984. On that occasion, Decker felt denied Olympic glory on home soil, while Budd, who stayed on his feet, was booed for the rest of his race and rushed home under death threats from loyal Decker fans.
Officials will no doubt be keeping a close eye on Hull and Hollingsworth if they both compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer, or even end up in the same heat at Los Angeles 2028.
Doha date change
Not surprisingly, the Diamond League in Doha was postponed from May 8 to June 19 due to the conflict in the Middle East. The only problem is that it now has to take place the day before the Novuna UK Champs in Birmingham.
For many years, British fans have been disappointed when medal contenders miss the national championships through “injury” and often compete elsewhere. It will be interesting to see if any Brits head to the desert and glamor of the Diamond League instead of the potentially cool and damp Alexander Stadium on the weekend of June 19-21.
