THE NORWEGIAN METHOD 🇳🇴 

What if we told you… that the ‘Norwegian Method’ is probably less about lactate testing, double threshold days and endless data points… and more about:

Culture. Carbs. Consistency. And, intensity control!

Of course there is more to it than that but we believe these three things are likely the centre of the continued success of Norwegian triathletes and why they have won four world championships in recent years, have swept podiums at the highest level and captured the attention of the triathlon world

🤝Culture 

The culture created by the Coaches and athletes is one that (in their own words) made them want to show up to training… and do lots of it! Fun, enjoyment, friendship and a shared goal. They’ve grown up together and become the best in the world while doing so…

🥐 Carbs 

There has been a clear increase in the amount of carbohydrate consumed in training and racing over the past 10 years and the Norwegians have been a part of this… more fuel for training and more carbohydrate in racing 🥤 

📈 Consistency 

The athletes that are front and centre have been in the sport for a long time… starting in their early to mid teens they have been consistent (for the most part) to the underlying philosophy and are reaping the reward for many years and countless hours of training. The recent world champions are in their mid to late twenties now. That’s a lot of training!

🫀 Intensity control might be the fourth key pillar. Knowing their numbers, knowing the purpose of each session, understanding the big picture outcome goals and executing with excellence! They know how to go hard and push the limits but they have likely also amassed more ‘easy’ than anyone 💪 

So yes, data points, infinite lactate pricks and many hundreds of lab test all play a part… but what are the big ticket items? Behind the science and the smoke are some critical and ever consistent staples. Accessible to all in many ways… they have just done it better than anyone else! As always, age groupers should take what they can from this and apply to their own training ensuring it is appropriate within the context of their life. As always, ignore the fads and be ever consistent with the fundamentals!