Run Culture S24 Vol 5

This week’s newsletter started with researching the double threshold method and slowly transformed into a newsletter about all things Norwegian, from Norwegian 3D printed sunglasses to a behind-the-scenes look with Jakob Ingebrigtsen, to Marius Bakken’s studies on double threshold training. For such a small country, Norway has a huge influence on middle-distance running.

Marathon prep is still underway, with less than 13 weeks to the big dance I hit a new PB in the 5km by 2 minutes, if you’re interested, check out the weekly rundown here.

The Shop Front

Adidas Adios Pro 4

Last week, we covered a budget-friendly Adidas daily trainer. This week, we're switching gears and exploring the high-end spectrum. Imagine the Pro 3 and Evo 1 had a sleek, aggressive baby—welcome to the world of super shoes! They keep getting bolder and more cutting-edge with each iteration. Don't believe me? Take a sneak peek at the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2.

Love the look of these bad boys? You might have to hold your excitement just a bit longer, as they're set to hit the market in October 2024.

kmoshon

3D printed Norwegian performance eyewear. Kmoshon keeps it super simple with two models and a few colour ways to choose from. The minimalism screams Scandinavian design. While not purely running eyewear, it fits the bill with their goal being performance eyewear with a softer, more organic feel than the standard aggressive nature of other major eyewear brands.

Oat Running

The most underrated bit of apparel for runners, in my mind, is socks. I remember the first time I put on a pair of running-specific socks instead of a cotton pair; it blew my mind. Gone was any discomfort and blisters I thought were caused by my shoes. The confidence you gain, especially on long runs with a quality pair of socks, can’t be quantified.

In collaboration with Straight At It, our featured Aussie company is Oat Running. They truly understand the importance of socks in addition to your footwear. While they are expanding into further apparel, their bread and butter is socks—a staple in my wardrobe. Simple, understated, with a focus on high-quality materials.

The Cafe

Jakob : The Next Chapter

When you think of Norwegian running, the first person that comes to mind is Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Easily one of the best 1500m runners of all time, he's a favorite every time he sets foot on the track. This mini-documentary on Jakob shines a light on a side of him that we seldom see—a family man with a side of vulnerability. It’s a great look into the life of an elite-level runner.

The Gym

Double Threshold Training

Unlocking the Norwegian Model: Training Secrets from Marius Bakken

Targeted at elite-level runners due to its high volume, the Norwegian training approach, made famous by Olympian Jakob Ingebrigtsen and detailed by Marius Bakken, emphasises high-frequency threshold training, focusing on aerobic capacity and efficiency. Key features include:

• Double Threshold Days: Runners perform two threshold workouts in one day, enhancing aerobic power without overtraining.

• Consistency Over Intensity: Prioritising steady, manageable workouts over sporadic, high-intensity sessions ensures sustainable progress and reduces injury risks.

• Lactate Testing: A cornerstone of the Norwegian model, lactate testing helps determine the precise intensity for threshold workouts. By measuring blood lactate levels, athletes can fine-tune their training to stay within the optimal aerobic zone, maximising efficiency and minimising fatigue.

Adopting this model can transform your training, making it more efficient and effective. For a deeper dive, visit Bakken's comprehensive guide. For those who prefer to watch or listen, this recent podcast with collegiate runner Matt Hansen dives deep into the topic that he has found a lot of success with and also covers a good chunk of supplement talk featured in last week’s newsletter.

Writing this newsletter has truly opened my eyes to so many incredible independent brands creating innovative products around the world and that one training program does not fit all. Today's journey down Norway and its impact on running has been interesting and excites me to delve further into the rest of the world.

Let me know of any other countries or regions that have had a great impact on the sport we all love, and as always, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter and follow our Instagram to keep up to date.