– If I run hill workouts with him, then it doesn’t work to do all the intervals together. We start at the same time, and I fall back a bit. Otherwise,I ruin my whole next day. He is incredibly good at those sessions, says Andreas Almgren to NRK.
He is no ordinary name in European middle-distance running – and holds the Swedish records for 1500, 5000, and 10,000 meters, as well as the half marathon.
This is Andreas Almgren (29)
Even though Jakob Ingebrigtsen won the Olympic gold in 5000 meters, it was the Swede who had the best time with 12:50.94 minutes last season. The differences manifest during training.
– One has to be careful not to push too hard. He does it very controlled. I am good enough to hang on to him, but I am not good enough to keep up at the right intensity, says Almgren.
Praising the Swede
He recently shared a clip of a hill session from 2400 meters altitude in Sierra Nevada, where he really got pushed along with Ingebrigtsen. On Instagram,he called the session “Death by Norway (Norwegian flag).”
– I am a person who very rarely deviate in my training work for things other than my own body and my own program, says Jakob Ingebrigtsen to NRK.
In other words, one participates at their own risk.
The Norwegian is quick to praise his Swedish colleague, who has become good by training in the same systematic manner as himself.
– It’s cool that we, with relatively similar backgrounds, can compete in a sport in the world, which not too long ago was impossible.
Doesn’t run any differently
Jakob Ingebrigtsen arrived in the EM city of Antalya last among the Norwegian athletes – the night before the cross country race. Thus, he did not participate in the course walk on Saturday, where among others, Magnus Tuv Myhre got to inspect the course.
FIGHTING FOR MEDALS: Silver winner last year, Magnus Tuv Myhre, hopes to be up among the front runners in the EM.
– You have to prepare yourself to put in everything you can. I do that every time. I run as hard as I can, says Myhre, who is part of Ingebrigtsen’s training group and won silver at the championship last year.
– They had a very nice session. Jakob did what he had to do, and I don’t think he runs any differently than if he doesn’t have anyone with him. Those are the sessions where you can push a bit, and he does that pretty much every time he has those sessions, says older brother Filip Ingebrigtsen.
SOME ADJUSTMENTS: Filip Ingebrigtsen is perhaps the one who has spent the most time on the hills with Jakob, alongside older brother Henrik.
Last season, the 24-year-old from Sandnes had to skip the EM in cross country in Brussels. He was injured from October to January but has now had a significantly more fruitful autumn.
– I had a very good altitude training session in Sierra Nevada, Spain, where I did not miss a single workout. So far, I have been running well, and I am very ready to test myself, says Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who has previously won the senior class twice.
Aiming for gold
On Wednesday, he received a visit in Sandnes from the hosts of the Idrettsgallaen, Erik Solbakken and mia Hundvin, and it was in connection with this that he answered a few questions before this year’s championship.
– The European Cross Country Championship is a very good test now at the start of winter, to see how well one has trained lately, and a bit of a reality check to see where one stands and how good one is, and a very good pointer for what to do the rest of the winter and the beginning of spring.
The ambition is as always to win.Hopefully, the Norwegian team will also be able to compete for a team medal – with strong competition from France, Belgium, and Spain.
– I missed out on what I think is a cool championship last year and will try everything I can to make up for it this year, says Ingebrigtsen, who has picked up medals in all age categories in European cross country.
The ambition can be summarized in four letters: Gold.
- The European Cross Country Championship will be broadcast on NRK2 from 09:25 on Sunday morning. Jakob Ingebrigtsen will run in the senior class on NRK1 from 12:11.
Published
08.12.2024, at 08:35
Updated
08.12.2024, at 10:43
– How does altitude training impact performance in middle-distance running events?
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Andreas Almgren, one of Sweden’s most accomplished middle-distance runners. Andreas, thank you for joining us.
Andreas Almgren: Thank you for having me!
Interviewer: You hold impressive records in various events, including the 1500, 5000, and 10,000 meters, as well as the half marathon. How does that feel, knowing you’re at the top of your sport in Sweden?
Andreas Almgren: It’s an unbelievable feeling, but it comes with its challenges. Each record represents countless hours of training and dedication. It’s not just about the times; it’s the journey, the hard work, and the support from my coaches and team.
Interviewer: You mentioned in a recent interview that you have to be cautious during workouts, especially when training alongside Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the Olympic gold medalist. Can you elaborate on that?
Andreas Almgren: Absolutely. Jakob is an remarkable athlete, and while I can keep up with him, I need to manage my effort to avoid overextending myself. If I push too hard, it can affect my entire next day. It’s a delicate balance—training with someone of his caliber pushes me to improve, but I have to be mindful of my own limits.
Interviewer: in one of your training sessions at high altitude in Sierra Nevada, you labeled it ”Death by Norway.” What does that mean?
Andreas Almgren: (laughs) It was a tough session, to say the least! The altitude adds a different level of difficulty, and Jakob’s training pace is relentless. I was joking on Instagram about how intense it was, but it’s a testament to how hard we both work to push each other. It’s brutal but rewarding.
Interviewer: You have an upcoming competition, the European Cross Country Championship in antalya. How are you preparing for that?
Andreas Almgren: Readiness is key, especially as we approach a championship. I’m focusing on my endurance and speed work while also incorporating recovery to ensure I’m in optimal shape.Competing against the best in europe is always thrilling, and I’m aiming to bring my best performance.
Interviewer: You’re recognized not only for your speed but for your consistent dedication. What drives you to maintain this level of training and commitment?
Andreas Almgren: My passion for running is the main driver. There’s something special about pushing the body’s limits and improving each day. The sense of achievement, the thrill of competition, and the camaraderie with fellow athletes are all motivating factors. Plus, I want to inspire the next generation of runners.
Interviewer: That’s inspiring, Andreas.As someone with multiple Swedish records, what advice would you give to aspiring middle-distance runners?
Andreas Almgren: Focus on the basics—training smart, listening to your body, and staying consistent. Embrace both your successes and failures; they are all part of the learning process.Building a strong support system and enjoying the journey can make a meaningful difference.
Interviewer: Thank you, Andreas, for your insights today! We wish you the best of luck at the European Cross Country Championships and in all your future endeavors.
Andreas almgren: Thank you! It was a pleasure to share my experiences with you.