Translation via ChatGPT:
He has always claimed that he actually doesn't like to train, only to compete in races. But on this summer day in Sandnes, Jakob Ingebrigtsen shines alongside the sun after completing a 6x800-meter interval session.
"It was awesome," he says.
His brother Henrik Ingebrigtsen is clearly impressed.
"You didn't think it would go so well?" he asks his younger brother.
"No, I didn't," Jakob replies.
Too Easy:
Before each competition, he usually has a moderately intense interval session where he touches the race pace he intends to maintain in the upcoming race.
The plan was to do a 6x800-meter session two days before the training session with TV 2. And he did. However, Ingebrigtsen significantly underestimated his own fitness.
"I haven't done this particular session much before. So, I misjudged the pace I should have. The session was too easy. Therefore, it didn't have the desired effect. So, I had to do it again today," he explains.
And this time, the pace was as it should be.
Impressive Numbers:
For those especially interested in running, we can reveal the speed the world's best middle-distance runner is preparing for the record attempt.
The first two intervals were done at a pace of 60 seconds per lap, equivalent to 24 km/h or 2 minutes per 800 meters.
After two intervals, he measured his lactate just above the threshold (he doesn't want to disclose exact numbers).
He then followed up with two intervals at a pace of 57 and 58 seconds per lap, around 1:55 for 800 meters.
His lactate had increased, but it still wasn't very high.
For the last two intervals, he ran an impressive 1:49.50, which corresponds to an average speed of about 26 km/h for 800 meters. He took longer breaks between these intervals compared to the first four.
After these intervals, Ingebrigtsen's lactate was high for his standards. However, this is interpreted positively since he managed to sustain the pace over time with a significant amount of lactic acid in his legs. On paper, it's considered a sign of good fitness.
Matching Personal Best:
Daniel Komen's world record in the two-mile race is 7:58.61. Ingebrigtsen's personal record in the 3000 meters is 7:27.05.
"When you ran your consistent 60 laps and finished with a final lap around 57 seconds, if you are in the same form now, then you have the world record within reach?"
Ingebrigtsen ponders for a moment and smiles.
"Absolutely," he laughs.
"What's the plan?"
"It seems that this is a very good way to approach longer races. You are a bit conservative for the first 80-90 percent of the race. If you have something left, you increase the pace towards the end. That way, you can gain quite a few seconds on the average speed," he says.
Not Guaranteed:
But Jakob Ingebrigtsen doesn't promise a record when he puts on his spikes on Friday night. He emphasizes that it depends on various factors, such as conditions, his form on the day, and whether the race goes as planned with pacemakers and optimal conditions.
"When I see the organizers' poster saying that I'm going to set a world record, it doesn't really concern me," he laughs.
"The most important thing is to show up. To be as well-prepared as possible. Then I'll try to run fast."
His older brother Henrik Ingebrigtsen has no doubt that Jakob has the capacity to achieve it