In this mini audio episode of the Fast & Free Podcast, Brant breaks down the Norwegian double threshold method—one of the most discussed and most frequently misapplied training systems in modern distance running. While often presented as a shortcut to elite fitness, Brant explains why copying this approach blindly is one of the fastest ways for runners to stagnate, get injured, or drift into chronic “gray-zone” training.
The episode traces where double threshold training actually comes from, how it was originally intended to function, and why restraint—not intensity—is the defining feature most runners miss. Brant explains how the system has evolved from its early research roots to more recent updates, why elite training models don’t translate cleanly to most athletes, and how chasing numbers without context undermines the very adaptations the method is designed to produce.
Rather than offering a copy-and-paste plan, this conversation focuses on understanding principles: when double threshold work makes sense, how it can be scaled responsibly, and when it’s simply the wrong tool for the job. If you’ve felt pressure to adopt the Norwegian method because “everyone is doing it,” or tried it only to feel worse instead of fitter, this episode provides the clarity and context needed to make smarter, more individualized training decisions.
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The Fast & Free Podcast with Brant Stachel explores the intersection of endurance training and mental performance. Each episode, Brant—an endurance coach, Registered Psychotherapist, and mental performance specialist—shares practical insights designed to help athletes train smarter, think clearly under pressure, and build sustainable performance over time.
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Instagram: @fastandfreecoaching
YouTube: @FastandFreeCoaching
Website: http://runfastandfree.com
