This observation about long distance pace is similar to what I remember from a long time ago (20+ years) when another Norwegian national team runner started training/competing for my club. He was always trailing at the far back of the pack when we were out on long distance runs. He never bothered to try and catch up even though he obviously had the capacity to do so and persisted in running at his own slower pace.

As for 'continental' runners (continental Europe that is) they tend to be better runners particularly for flat and easy runs (like long distance training on roads/trails) and always push hard.

And Swedes - well they might be in between somewhere - not using the Norwegian 'slow distance model' and not quite as fast runners as continentals, but used to 'competing' on every training...

It´s all a matter of different training cultures in the different countries and all of them produce champions every now and then...
 

My experience in Swedish clubs was that most training sessions felt like competitions. There was always someone who was racing. If your plan was to have a relaxed session, it took an extra bit of discipline to stick to your plan and keep from getting caught up in a race.