Most times when I’m running threshold intervals, my 10- to 20-minute warmup jog isn’t enough to make me feel confident about my workout pace or fresh enough to hit it. I often wind up slogging through the first interval before actually hitting the intended pace.

This always left me feeling nervous about the workout ahead and lacking confidence in my ability to nail the pace. I accepted this fate until I spoke with an expert who pointed out a better way to get in touch with your threshold pace.

Marius Bakken , MD, a two-time Olympic distance runner and author of the recently released book, The Norwegian Method Applied , suggests testing your threshold pace for about three to five minutes at the end of your 10- to 20-minute warmup.…