Intervals - Nov 12, 2024
The Norwegian Method, All About Training Zones, Hybrid Athlete Guy, Alan Couzen's New Forum
Welcome to Intervals, where I bring you the best insights and resources I’m discovering as I delve into the world of sustained strength and endurance.
And welcome to the 116 new subscribers who have joined since the last edition of Intervals. It’s great to have you here!
1/ Brad Culp’s excellent new book: The Norwegian Method
The Norwegian Method represents the most successful endurance training paradigm of the last 10 years, highlighted by the achievements of athletes like Jakob Ingebrigtsen (5k Olympic Champion) and Kristian Blummenfelt (Olympic Triathlon Champion).
Brad spent considerable time with Olav, Kristian, and Gustav researching and writing this book.
It’s a fun and informative read.
2/ A Great Single-Page Reference on Training Zones
Endurance training terminology can be complicated. This single-page reference can help!
3/ How Training Zones Should Feel
Gordon Byrn writes an excellent Substack on endurance training. He’s put together this helpful guide with John Hellemans on how endurance zones should feel.
"When you practice listening to your body, rather than relying on the numbers provided by heart rate, lactate, or power readings, you will find that your confidence and enjoyment will increase."
4/ Hybrid Athlete Guy reduced his 5 km time from 20:35 to the mid-17:00s.
He achieved this while maintaining a 1,200 lb powerlifting total. An excellent thread on the benefits of Zone 1 / Zone 2 endurance training!
“I can do 1-2 hours of Z1 biking, and I feel no negative effects from it when lifting.
It’s crazy.
I still can’t believe it took me 15+ years to figure this out and truly give it a try.”
5/ Alan Couzens’ New Forum for Endurance Training
This is my go-to place for learning about endurance training. I’ve spent many hours there, discovering new papers and deepening my understanding of what works for developing endurance performance.
Alan is incredibly knowledgeable about endurance training, and he’s curated a community of like-minded individuals. The discussions are thoughtful and detailed.
Thanks for joining for this week’s Intervals. This weekend I’ll be racing a Half Marathon in Queenstown, wish me luck!
Train well,
-John