#654 - Brad Culp and the Norwegian Method: The Culture, Science, and Humans Behind the Groundbreaking Approach to Elite Endurance Performance

Norway has long stacked the field with champions in sports like Nordic skiing and sailing, but a new generation of athletes has arrived on the endurance scene, smashing records and grabbing medals in running, cycling, and triathlon. Sports journalist Brad Culp unpacks the rise of the Norwegian method and its meticulous scientific protocols, which upend long-held beliefs about training and performance. With its rugged terrain and harsh weather, Norway has a way of hardening competitors for any test. Culp explores the how the Scandinavian culture imbues a unique biopsychosocial approach to performance. He also introduces the athletes, coaches, and scientists who are shaking up the world of endurance sports. Their secret? Plenty of volume at low intensity, punctuated with hard-fought double-threshold workouts, which seems to turn workhorses into winners—they know when to hold back and when to go all-out. The Norwegian Method is a real-life story of how discipline and determination can be employed to overcome seemingly impossible odds and achieve breakthrough performances. Culp gives endurance athletes a blueprint of how to adapt their training to look more like that of Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Kristian Blummenfelt. You can purchase Brad's book here. --- Sponsors ASICS - Check out my favorite footwear brand, and the new Superblast 2 (my favorite shoe of 2024) at www.asics.com. Peregrune - I've been using Peregrune supplements, including their Runner Multivitamin and Runner Joint, everyday since 2023 and for good reason. They are NSF and third-party tested. They are also for runner, created by runners. Save 15% on your purchase at www.peregrune.com by using code "RAMBLING" at checkout. --- Rambling Runner Resources Personalized Coaching - Are you looking to work with a running coach? I am here for you! I've been working with runners of all ages and abilities for five years - from newer runners, masters runners looking to PR, and folks hoping to break 3:00 in the marathon. You can learn more by going to www.mckirdytrained.com, where I coach, or by emailing me at [email protected]. Rambling Runner Run Club - I am excited to announce a new venture that I’ve been thinking about creating for over a year. This is a place to interact with fellow runners, catch-up on the latest in the running world, and learn from your fellow amateur runners. In addition, each month I will host conversations, interview people from across the running world, and share interesting and insightful content. Join us here - https://rambling-runner-run-club.mn.co/landing/plans/1433028. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices