– I have been pushing him on warm-up training for a long time. I had to tell him that now he had to fucking toughen up and start with it, or at least test it. He has started doing that now, so let’s hope he gets a boost from it, says Bjørndalen to NTB.
Have used it myself
Bjørndalen became interested in the topic when it came to the end of his career. The biathlon legend was not allowed to use it even as an active player, but has long tried to “push” it on Northug.
Warm-up training is about increasing the core temperature during training. Either by exercising in very hot temperatures or wearing much more clothing than necessary.
Northug has completed a handful of sessions since returning home from altitude training earlier in November.
– I think it is hard and tough. I’ve had a fairly high core temperature, so I may have been wearing a bit too much clothing. Now I will test it three times a week for the next month, and then take another blood test. I am neutral, says Northug to NTB.
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– Regrets
Bjørndalen, who himself is still active on the training front, believes Northug’s move comes somewhat late.
– But now he has at least started.
Trønder has little hope of participating in the WC in Trondheim over the New Year. For that to work, he must show his best form in the season opener. On Wednesday, however, the message came that Northug, who has a back problem, will not start at Beitostølen this weekend. Thus, an important opportunity for the trønder is lost.
Bjørndalen nevertheless hopes that Northug can get a good effect from the warm-up training.
– It had almost come to the end of my career. I wanted to, but the team didn’t dare start with it. I regret that we didn’t try it in the last year. That plan had been made, so it was too high a risk, says Bjørndalen.
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Good answers
Researchers at Innlandet University College in Lillehammer have for several years investigated the effects of heat training.
– I think it is hard to implement, but the thinking behind it is interesting. Research in Lillehammer says that it works, but I will form my own experiences. I hear Ole say that it is good. I implement, then I take some kind of evaluation after a month, says Northug.
Although Bjørndalen hopes the training method can help Northug get in better shape, he does not fully believe that the Mosvik man will be seen in the world championship.
– Then he must be at his best and stay healthy. There’s really no chance, but he’s making an honest attempt.
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