The Full Marius Bakken Interview: The Norwegian Method, Double Threshold, and Raising the Aerobic Ceiling
LetsRun.com's Track Talk: The Home of Running and Track and FieldShow Notes
Did you miss the first edition of our Training Talk video series? You are in luck as the Supporters Club embargo has ended!
In this exclusive 1-on-1 interview, LetsRun.com co-founder Robert Johnson sits down with Dr. Marius Bakkenโ13:06 5000m runner, two-time Norwegian Olympian, medical doctor, and the true mastermind behind the double threshold "Norwegian Method" training system used by Jakob Ingebrigtsen and elites worldwide.
Bakken breaks down the physiological logic behind double threshold, why the muscular system (not the heart or lungs) is the true limiting factor for distance runners, how to properly use lactate meters, super shoe technology, and why easy days MUST stay easy. If you liked interview, then you need to read the article we wrote as he answered some additional questions via email after we recorded.
๐ READ THE FULL ARTICLE & EMAIL Q\&A: ๐ https://www.letsrun.com/?p=327012 ๐
GET MARIUS BAKKEN'S NEW BOOK ("The Norwegian Method Applied"): ๐ https://lasso.to/3choBS6Q1Y
Time Stamps
0:00 - Introduction & The Launch of LetsRun Training Talk Live
2:16 - Sitting in the Call Room: The Quest to Catch African Distance Runners
5:10 - How Marius Bakkenโs Winter Base Model Inspired the Ingebrigtsens
7:29 - Bridging Joe Newtonโs Mileage with Peter Coeโs Interval Precision
9:21 - Discovering How Kenyans Naturally Train at Threshold Effort
10:42 - The Science & Logic Behind Double Threshold Workouts
12:31 - Re-Framing Double Threshold: "One Long Session with a Long Break"
14:06 - The TRUE Limiter in Distance Running: Muscular System vs. Heart/Lungs
15:26 - Why Easy Days MUST Stay Easy to Protect Muscle Elasticity
16:20 - The Sample Training Week: Balancing Threshold Days and the "X Factor" Workout
17:51 - How Less is More: Maximizing Training Load at the Lowest Muscular Cost
20:14 - Recovery Windows: Controlling the Muscular Adaptation Phase
21:33 - How Beginners & Recreational Runners Can Safely Build Volume
23:59 - What to Do If You Miss a Threshold Workout in Your Schedule
24:32 - Bridging the Gap: Why Western Distance Runners Have Caught Up
26:34 - Marius Bakken's Historic 2002 LetsRun Forum Thread ("Kenya vs. USA")
28:40 - Controversial Altitude Training Experiments in Kenya & Bolivia
30:57 - Did Kenyans Intuitively Train Sub-Threshold Better Than Westerners?
33:37 - Why Marius Chooses Medical Practice Over Full-Time Coaching
34:17 - Will Continuous Lactate Monitors Make Distance Running "Too Perfect"?
36:09 - High School Days at York High School & Transitioning to High Volume
37:24 - The Craziest Training Experiments: 5,000m Altitude & Ketosis Weeks
39:28 - Why Cross-Training (Cycling/Swimming) Doesn't Replace Specific Running Movement
43:55 - Adapting Double Threshold & Intensity Control for High School Athletes
45:24 - Why Every Serious Runner Should Try a Lactate Monitor ($300 Shoe vs $300 Meter)
48:59 - Marius Bakkenโs Current Fitness & Weekly Training Routine at Age 48
50:45 - The Future of Continuous Lactate & Gate Monitors
51:34 - Is Double Threshold Ideal for the Western Coaching Mindset?
54:54 - Why a Gap Still Exists Between Westerners & Africans in the Marathon and Cross Country
56:30 - Super Shoes: Injury Reduction, Ankle Stiffness, & Track Depth
59:31 - Could Bob Kennedy or Seb Coe Have Run Faster on the Norwegian Method?
1:01:37 - Zatopekโs Early Double-Session Repeats vs Modern Double Threshold
1:02:30 - Muscle Biopsies & Determining Athlete Event Specialization
1:03:25 - Can Jakob Ingebrigtsen Come Back Stronger From His Injuries?
1:04:54 - Working With Karsten Warholmโs Coach, Leif Olav Alnes
1:07:24 - Did Bakken See Any Doping While Training in Kenya (2000โ2002)?
1:08:22 - Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Guest Coaching Appearance
Contact us: Email [email protected] or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line.
Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly
More from LetsRun.com's Track Talk: The Home of Running and Track and Field
๐ Presented by VKTRY
๐ Presented by VKTRY
The 2026 Chicago Marathon is stacked with storylines. On the men's side, Vinny Mauri, a former shoe store employee who ran 2:05 alone at Toledo, has gone viral for jaw-dropping treadmill workouts at Planet Fitness, fueling American record hopes. Rojo sparks heated debate by arguing the US has zero legitimate marathon title contenders despite record depth. The women's field is historically loaded with 12 sub-2:20 runners, led by former world record holder Brigid Kosgei and two-time Boston winner Sharon Lokedi, who's running her first flat marathon. The crew also breaks down Jacob Kiplimo's chances, weather concerns that could derail fast times, and whether super shoes benefit women more than men.
Tigst Assefa was on world record pace at the Berlin Marathon before an Achilles injury derailed her final two kilometers. She still limped home in 2:11:04, the third-fastest women's marathon ever, and underwent surgery within hours.
Emma Grace Hurley joins the podcast after the race of her life: a 66:23 half marathon PB at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, good for fifth place and a historic team silver medal for the US women. She breaks down her race strategy, the chaotic Atlanta trials where she was led off course in the final mile, and why she chose the half marathon over the 5K.