RUNNING TRAINING: Long threshold intervals – Improve your aerobic threshold

by Maja Eriksson • 09.07.2026
training
Looking to enhance your aerobic threshold? This workout could be just what you need.

Looking to enhance your aerobic threshold? This workout could be just what you need.

Threshold training is one of the most effective tools for becoming a faster and more enduring skier. By running at the right intensity, challenging yet manageable, you teach your body to work efficiently right at the limit of what is sustainable over time.

It should feel tough but steady, and you should be able to maintain the same pace throughout the interval. Note that it is crucial to stay below the threshold. Once you cross that line and start producing lactic acid, the purpose of the workout is lost. Perform the session in the terrain available to you that day.

Also Read – ROLLER SKI TRAINING: VO2max intervals

Session facts

TypeThreshold workout
Duration70-120 minutes
IntensityMedium
TerrainFlat or hilly
StructureWarm-up / Main session / Cooldown

Training effects

The aerobic threshold is the intensity at which the body begins to produce more lactic acid than it can clear. By staying right at this limit during longer intervals, you train your body to work efficiently at high speeds without accumulating lactic acid. This enhances your ability to maintain a high pace over extended periods, which is crucial in cross-country skiing.

Workout structure

Warm-up — 15 min

  • 15 minutes of jogging
  • Include running drills in the warm-up

Intervals — 40-90 min

  • Depending on your level, aim for 45-90 minutes of threshold work in 5000-meter intervals
  • The focus is to stay just below the lactate threshold and maintain the same pace across all intervals
  • Intervals can be performed in varied terrain or on a track

Cooldown — 10 min

  • Jog or walk for 10 minutes to flush out the body

Read More – RUNNING TRAINING: Easy and Long – the key to strong base conditioning

Are you interested in training for Ski Classics, long-distance, traditional cross-country skiing, and biathlon? Click HERE and read more about it.

Show sharing buttons

Subscribe to our newsletter

Most read

  • double poling
    1

    Five training sessions to develop your double poling technique

    by ProXCskiing.com
    08.08.2026
  • roller skis Italy
    1

    Discovering Italy’s iconic peaks on roller skis

    by Bezky.net/ProXCskiing.com
    17.07.2026
  • oping
    1

    Doping through the eyes of a leading sports physician: “Beware of dietary supplements”

    by Adéla Ročárková
    10.07.2026
  • training
    1

    ROLLER SKI TRAINING: VO2max intervals

    by Ingeborg Scheve
    08.07.2026
  • Johaug
    1

    Only three men were faster than Johaug at the Norwegian Championships

    by Ingeborg Scheve
    23.07.2026

More Articles

  • Stina Nilsson

    Stina Nilsson wins opening event at Toppidrettsveka 2026

    Toppidrettsveka 2026 opened on Friday with a 32km mass-start roller ski race in classic technique for women in Hitra, Norway. Stina Nilsson, Team Ragde Charge, claimed victory with a strong performance.
    by Leandro Lutz
    21.08.2026
  • Toppidrettsveka 2026 – complete calendar

    by Leandro Lutz
    21.08.2026
  • Biathlon, exams, and plans: Voborníková on training and graduation

    by ADÉLA ROČÁRKOVÁ
    21.08.2026
  • Madona to host 200 athletes from 25 nations at Roller Ski World Championships

    by ProXCskiing.com
    21.08.2026
  • “Thought it would be my last season”

    by Ingeborg Scheve
    21.08.2026