What if endurance performance is not so much about VO2max, lactate threshold, or running economy… but more about the muscular system itself?

In this episode, Dr Marius Bakken shares the thinking behind his latest book The Norwegian Method Applied and the decades of experimentation that shaped his approach to endurance training. From double threshold training and lactate controlled intensity to muscle tone, elasticity, and stiffness, this conversation explores performance through a very different lens.

The discussion unpacks why sub-threshold training became foundational within the Norwegian system, how muscular state may influence performance and fatigue more than most athletes realize, and why recovery is often misunderstood in modern endurance training.

Marius also reflects on his experiences training in Kenya, his observations of elite African runners, and how balancing training load may matter more than any other factor.

This episode challenges conventional thinking around endurance performance and opens up a broader discussion about what truly limits adaptation, recovery, and race day performance.

Today’s speakers:

Prof Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/
Dr Marius Bakken  https://www.mariusbakken.com/

The Norwegian Method Applied Book: http://geni.us/norwegianmethod