by Larry Eder
What is the secret of Jakob Ingebrigtsen?
Hard work, diligence, family support can help build on to success. Jakob has trained since he was 9 or 10. First, he did cross country skiing, then, running. His father, Gert, told me in a quick chat at the Dusseldorf Meeting that he was not a coach but a doting father.
The secret? HIgh quality running with short recoveries over a career build a high VO2 Max, and racing skills come with racing a lot.
This season, Jakob has raced from 800m to 5,000m. Last season, he won the Olympic 1,500 meters. Last winter, Jakob set the World Indoor best at 1,500m, and won the World Indoor Champs silver medal at 1,500m when he came down with COVID the very next day.
Jakob ran the fastest mile in the world in almost 30 years with his 3:46.46, just .14 off the world record of Steve Cram.
In 2019, Jakob collapsed after the 5000m at the World Champs taking 5th in 13:02.93. In the WC 1,500m, Jakob took 4th in the 1,500m in 3:31.70.
One has to earn their global titles, just like you have to earn your win at the high school dual meet. Nothing is given away without effort in our sport.
The workout today, June 22, 2022 is warm-up, and easy 30-minute run, walk or bike run.
