Marius Bakken on the Norwegian Method: Double Threshold, Lactate Control, and Muscle Tone
We host Olympian and Norwegian-method innovator Marius Bakken and talk bout the history and principles behind double-threshold training, lactate testing, and “muscle tone” as a key limiter of recovery and performance. Bakken contrasts lessons from coaches like Joe Newton, Peter Coe, and others, emphasizing long-term progression and balancing load with precision rather than uncontrolled intensity. He describes comparing lactate patterns in Kenya versus Norway, observing lower session lactate in East African runners, and using over 5,500 lactate tests plus muscle-tone assessment to make training more repeatable and less risky. They discuss the inflection point where intensity above (sub)threshold raises muscle stiffness and makes recovery unpredictable, how to manage easy days to lower tone, peaking strategies that maintain frequency while reducing load, triangulating lactate/heart rate/talk test, and why training innovations often fail in short-term studies.
Steve’s Books are on Sale!
Win the Inside Game is 45% Off!!
Do Hard Things is 55% Off!!
Check out the Scholar Program
The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+ courses plus an online interaction system with 500+ other coaches! And we’ve added a new course! The Igloi course. Sign up now for a free month off!
We also just added a brand new course with 80+ lectures on the training of Mihaly Igloi! We also added the Mike Smith tapes! An exclusive interview with the illustrious NAU coach.
Join the Scholar Program!