UATC wrote:
I find it incredibly interesting that they do a lot of their workouts (including the vast majority of tempos) on treadmills. They were training in Flagstaff for 4 weeks earlier this season and still did their tempos on a treadmill.
Anyone have any insight into why they do this?
In Norway, the winter can be quite harsh. Many, many of the Norwegian elites as well as "normal" runners do this to continue quality training when there is snow and especially ice on the roads, tracks, and/or forest paths. Ingrid Kristiansen is another fine example of this use of treadmill for hard training. We become used to it, and make it habit. Regarding tempos, it is much easier to control pace/effort while on a treadmill. Salazar's group also uses the same way of thinking regarding "tempos" and easy runs. It should be noted that the American, Rupp, as well as the Brit, Farah, also use their treadmills for long runs. Mr. Ingebrigtsen is highly knowledgeable regarding running training, and it should be known that the 3 brothers also have an extensive background in Nordic skiing since very young. Of course, many Norwegian runners will also supplement their running training with skiing. I am the opposite: I support my skiing with running. Both systems work well together. Heia Jakob!