Explore every episode of the podcast Sweat Elite Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is Lighter Always Faster? Weight Loss, RED-S, and Fueling Risks for Runners - Dr David Lipman | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:14:32 | |
Is getting lighter always the answer for runners chasing faster race times? Matt Fox is joined by Dr David Lipman for a short, sharp discussion about weight loss, performance, RED-S and the risks of taking leanness too far. Dr David Lipman Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidlipman/ Website: https://www.drdavidjlipman.com/ Listen to David's Podcast For more conversations exploring the science, psychology and hidden stories behind sport, check out 1% Better - Hidden Stories in Sport, co-hosted by Xylon van Eyck and Dr David Lipman. Matt Fox Links Coaching: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Supporters Club: https://sweatelite.co/supporters-club/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Email: matt@sweatelite.co Matt and David explore why being lighter does not automatically make an athlete faster. Although reducing excess body fat may improve running economy and performance, there is a lower limit where continued weight loss can begin to compromise health, recovery and long-term performance. Matt shares his own experience of becoming faster after losing weight, while David explains why the human body cannot be treated like a simple machine. Some body fat may provide an important energy buffer because the absorption and use of fuel can vary between athletes and from day to day. They examine Ryan Hall's experience as a cautionary example. Hall initially improved while becoming extremely lean, but his performance and health eventually declined after taking the process too far. This temporary improvement can create a dangerous "more is better" mindset, where athletes continue restricting food because the early results appear positive. The conversation also breaks down Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, commonly known as RED-S. Rather than viewing RED-S as the result of one isolated mistake, David describes it using a stress bucket model. Training load, inadequate fueling, poor sleep, work pressure and other life stressors can accumulate until the athlete's ability to recover is overwhelmed. Matt and David discuss carbohydrate periodization and carb cycling, including when lower-carbohydrate training may have a place within an endurance program. However, they stress that these strategies do not eliminate the risks of chronic under-fueling. Athletes still require adequate carbohydrates, protein and dietary fat to support performance, recovery and overall health. They also cover behaviours associated with disordered eating, the spectrum between structured nutrition and unhealthy restriction, whether runners should deliberately lose muscle mass, and the difficult tradeoffs that can exist between short-term performance and long-term health. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Is Lighter Always Faster? This conversation is provided for general educational purposes and is not individual medical or nutritional advice. Athletes concerned about RED-S, disordered eating or persistent under-fueling should speak with a qualified healthcare professional. | |||
| The Secret Marathon Workouts YOU Need To Know w/ Jack Kelly | 25 Jul 2026 | 02:07:21 | |
Jack Kelly joins the Sweat Elite Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on massive weight loss, injury prevention, marathon training, running performance for triathletes, heat adaptation, recovery, and the small "one percenters" that can make a big difference. Follow Jack Kelly / The Triathlon Hour: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetriathlonhour/ Jack Kelly with Elliot Jenkins - Heat Training: Follow Matt / Sweat Elite: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/3152859 Sweat Elite Supporters Club: https://www.sweatelite.co/supporters/ Jack is the host of The Triathlon Hour and a coach working with professional triathletes. In this episode, we discuss his transformation from around 125kg down toward 80kg, the unconventional approach he used to lose weight while staying injury-free, and why walking, varied movement and high-frequency training may be underrated tools for endurance athletes. We then go deep into marathon training, breaking down some of our favourite sessions including 25 x 600m, 1K on/1K float, progression long runs, 2K repetitions, long marathon-pace intervals and the classic 2 x 10K marathon dress rehearsal. We also discuss sleep consistency, post-workout carbohydrate intake, creatine, Nomio, sauna and heat adaptation, occasional "hero sessions," energy drinks, and the importance of considering heart health when using stimulants. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Jack Kelly Joins Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. Always consider your individual health circumstances and seek appropriate professional advice where necessary. | |||
| The Marathon Performance Equation: Fitness, Anxiety, Stress, and Self-Belief - Kyle Weise | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:53:49 | |
Kyle Weise joins the podcast again with the Gold Coast Marathon now just 16 days away. Kyle shares how his build has come together after consistent 110-125 km weeks, including a key long-run session of 3×7 km late in the run where he progressed by feel, closing strongly into a headwind. Kyle Weise Instagram: Strava: Matt Fox Coaching: Supporters Club: Email: Instagram: Strava: Matt and Kyle discuss why Kyle has avoided obsessing over goal marathon pace, the value of long-run efforts that mimic late-race fatigue, and how confidence can come from feel rather than constantly checking the watch. They also cover Kyle's final long run, taper plans, fueling strategy, bottles as priority A, carb pouches, caffeine gels, electrolytes, and targeting around 100 grams of carbs per hour. The conversation also gets into low-mileage success examples, group progress, Marty's sub-2:40 attempt, strides and hill sprints, reducing anxiety around training, London Marathon moving to a two-day format, Matt's planned 5K benchmark, and Kyle's decision to race in the Puma Fast-R. Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. Timestamps 00:00 Gold Coast Build Update | |||
| Alex Milne - 4th at Comrades, Rapid Race Blocks, and Building for 100K Worlds | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:40:39 | |
Alex Milne joins the pod just four days after his fourth-place finish at Comrades. Alex reflects on missing the podium by only 58 seconds, his huge race block from Valencia to Seville, Worlds 50K, London and Comrades, and how he is now building toward the 100K World Championships in Spain. Alex Milne Links: Strava: https://www.strava.com/pros/1262861 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runmilnerun/ Matt Fox Links: Coaching: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Supporters Club: https://sweatelite.co/supporters-club/ Email: matt@sweatelite.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 In this episode, Alex joins Matt four days after finishing fourth at Comrades. He explains why he was happy with the performance overall, but still frustrated to miss the podium by just 58 seconds, and talks through the difficulty of knowing your exact race position during an ultra like Comrades. Alex also breaks down one of the busiest racing blocks in elite distance running, including Valencia, Seville where he ran a 2:11:41 PB, the World 50K Championships, London Marathon while sick, and then Comrades. He explains why he prefers racing often, recovering well, and building through shorter but effective training blocks rather than long uninterrupted build-ups. Matt and Alex discuss how he balances elite training with teaching and parenting, using run-commutes, long lunch breaks, and consistent Box Hill hill sessions. Alex shares details around his 45-65K long runs, threshold work, race-specific Comrades sessions, fueling approach with Nomyo, Flycarb bicarbonate, high carbohydrate intake, sodium needs, heat training through hot baths, strength work, physio, and his plans for the 100K World Championships in Spain on September 20. Timestamps: 00:00 Comrades Fourth Place | |||
| Which Supplements Should Marathoners Be Taking? - Dr David Lipman | 16 Jun 2026 | 01:36:32 | |
Sports medicine physician,endurance athlete and 1% Better Podcast host - Dave Lipman - checks in for a wide-ranging conversation covering the realities of podcasting, the future of endurance technology, recovery methods, supplements, sleep tracking, heat adaptation, longevity trends, GLP-1s, peptides, and where the line should be drawn between performance enhancement and fair competition. Dave Lipman Links: Matt Fox Links: Matt welcomes Dave back to the podcast and the pair begin by discussing the realities of producing endurance content. They talk about the challenges of scheduling guests, dealing with cancellations and technical issues, recording in person versus remotely, and why some of the best conversations happen when the host and guest don't know each other particularly well beforehand. Dave also shares his podcast inspirations, what he currently listens to, and the endurance personalities he would most like to interview. The conversation then shifts toward the future of endurance performance technology. Dave discusses continuous lactate monitoring, multi-analyte sensors capable of tracking biomarkers such as glucose, ketones, cortisol, and hormones, as well as emerging ventilation and respiratory wearables. They explore whether future devices will be able to separate metabolic stress from mechanical and neuromuscular load, creating more useful insights than current metrics alone. Matt and Dave discuss the balance between useful data and over-analysis, touching on sleep tracking, orthosomnia, and how athletes can become overly reliant on wearable feedback. Dave explains why subjective feel still matters and why training should ultimately enhance enjoyment rather than create more stress. The discussion moves into supplements, with Dave outlining his practical framework for evaluating evidence and deciding what is worth using. They cover bicarbonate products such as Maurten Bicarb and Nomio, creatine, beta-alanine, beet nitrates, taurine, and the supplement trends currently gaining traction in endurance sport. Recovery strategies are another major focus. Dave reviews the evidence surrounding ice baths, sauna use, heat adaptation, active versus passive heat exposure, and how timing these interventions incorrectly may blunt training adaptations. They also discuss sweat rate adaptations, the interaction between heat and altitude training, and examples of accidental training breakthroughs that emerged from environmental stress. The final section of the conversation examines the rapidly growing longevity and biohacking space. Matt and Dave discuss Bryan Johnson, GLP-1 medications, peptides, anti-aging interventions, anti-doping gray areas, and whether amateur athletes should be held to different standards than professionals. The discussion expands into super shoes, emerging performance technologies, and how the sport may need to adapt as new forms of enhancement become increasingly accessible. Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back Dave | |||
| Better Running Technique for More Speed and Fewer Injuries - The Balanced Runner (Paul Mackinnon) | 13 Jun 2026 | 00:50:18 | |
Paul McKinnon - also known as The Balanced Runner - discusses running technique, movement efficiency, injury prevention, and why changing form requires more than drills or strength work. The Balanced Runner Links: Matt Fox Links: In this episode, Matt speaks with Paul McKinnon from The Balanced Runner about how runners can improve performance, reduce injury risk, and enjoy running more through better movement patterns. Matt begins with some skepticism around how difficult it can be for recreational runners to make meaningful form changes, while Paul explains why technique is a trainable skill when approached correctly. Paul shares how he works with everyone from beginners to elite athletes, including Ben Robinson, Isaac Doyle, Sarah Billings, Cam Wurf, Ellie Salthouse, and AFL players. He explains how he uses pattern recognition and positional analysis by eye to identify where runners are leaking energy or placing excessive load on the body. The conversation covers why drills and strength work alone are often not enough to change running technique, and why runners need to practice a specific cue every step until it becomes habit. Paul also discusses the role of physics in running, including the balance between vertical and horizontal force, and why super shoes tend to amplify the movement patterns a runner already has. Timestamps: | |||
| Race Weight, Sodium Loading, and Chasing Sub 2:40 at Gold Coast Marathon - Marty Bordignon | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:44:20 | |
Marty checks in 26 days out from the Gold Coast Marathon to discuss his peak marathon training, achilles niggle, biggest long run yet, fueling plan including sodium loading, race weight, sauna, strength work, and shoe choice. Marty Bordignon Instagram: Marty Bordignon Strava: Marty Bordignon Podcast: Train with Matt: Private Podcast Feed + Discord: Contact Matt: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava Training Log: With 26 days until the Gold Coast Marathon, Matt and Marty review Marty's peak marathon build, including a 36.36 km long run averaging 4:07/km with 22.57 km at 3:46/km, faster than his current 2:46 PB pace. Marty explains that the run felt hard partly due to early Achilles tightness, which flared after stopping, and he reflects on whether he could have extended the marathon-effort segment closer to 30 km. The conversation covers Marty's confidence around breaking 2:40, his doubts about holding 3:45/km on race day, and his estimate of around a 30% chance if everything comes together. Matt and Marty also discuss his weekly mileage rising toward roughly 160 km, a strong 2 km "on" / 1 km float session, and the mental benefits and drawbacks of group training, Strava comparison, and chasing other runners' sessions. They also talk through Marty's current race weight of around 66.5 kg, his plan to take 100 g of carbohydrates per hour, heavy sodium loading to reduce cramping risk, minimal fluids, and possible beetroot and bicarb trials. Marty shares that he has neglected sauna and strength work since moving but may add heat sessions back in, while Matt and Marty debate sauna protocols, strength training tradeoffs, and whether the Puma FastR is the right race-day shoe despite Achilles concerns. Timestamps: 00:00 - Marathon Build Check In | |||
| Should Runners Lift Weights? Many Elites Don't - Tom Nobbs (2:09 Marathoner) | 09 Jun 2026 | 01:07:07 | |
Tom Nobbs on Strides, Strength Training, and Building Toward Higher Marathon Mileage After Two 10Ks Canadian 2:09 marathoner Tom Nobbs discusses recent takeaways from conversations with Rory Linkletter and Jimmy, with a focus on frequent strides, sprinting, strength training, racing, and building toward a bigger marathon block. Tom Nobbs Links: Matt Fox Links: They begin by talking about Rory's daily strides, how often runners should include strides or short sprints, and why intensity needs to be individualized. Matt and Tom discuss the value of polarizing training between controlled tempo work and true max-speed work, rather than turning every session into the same moderate effort. The conversation then moves into strength training. They debate where gym work fits for distance runners, how it may help reduce cramping for some athletes, and why it can also become unnecessary or costly for high-mileage runners if it takes away from recovery or running volume. Tom explains his own strength gaps and the importance of tailoring gym work to the athlete rather than forcing one approach on everyone. Tom also breaks down two recent 10K races: a 28:47 road 10K in windy conditions in Ottawa, and a delayed late-night track 10K in awkward conditions with limited access to the track beforehand. Matt and Tom discuss how racing time-of-day, warm-up routines, track access, spikes, and surface specificity can all affect performance. They also compare road and track racing, why both require adaptation, and how shorter races can sharpen the mental edge during a marathon build. Later, they cover coaching athletes who over-race, how different personality types respond to racing, and the balance between racing for fun, social connection, and long-term development. The final part of the episode shifts into Tom's next marathon block, including higher "super mileage," the trade-offs of extreme volume, tapering challenges, days off versus seven-day running, and examples of older or later-career runners still making major marathon improvements.
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| Molly Seidel - How to Train to Win an Olympic Bronze Medal in the Marathon (Replay) | 07 Jun 2026 | 00:44:25 | |
REPLAY EPISODE: This conversation with Molly Seidel was originally recorded in May 2024. Olympic Marathon Bronze Medalist Molly Seidel on Injury Recovery, Training, Fueling, and Fixing Track & Field Matt from Sweat Elite hosts Olympic marathon bronze medalist Molly Seidel in Flagstaff to discuss her recent Strava Camp experience, her return from a broken-knee injury, and how she is rebuilding by correcting movement patterns with gym-based mobility and muscle activation. Molly explains why she skipped Canyons 50K to prioritize a fall road marathon, outlines her goals to win a major marathon, make World Championship teams, and target LA 2028 after missing Paris. She also breaks down her "unglamorous" marathon builds, including high aerobic volume, true double-threshold training, and a short specific block starting after a tune-up race. Matt and Molly also cover cross-training through skiing, cycling and ElliptiGo, Ethiopia's training culture, diet and race fueling, Puma shoe rotation, critiques of World Athletics around rankings, watchability and doping, plus Molly's race-focused mindset. Links Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Episode Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro | |||
| Rory Linkletter - Speed Development for the Marathon and Coaching Truett Hanes | 04 Jun 2026 | 01:06:40 | |
Rory Linkletter (2:06 marathoner) discusses fueling specifics, everything he has learned throughout his career, and the importance of staying flexible based on conditions. We also covered speed development, including workouts at 2:15/km pace and faster, whether the Boston Marathon can be quicker than Valencia when the wind is favourable, the relationship between Conner Mantz and Ed Eyestone, coaching Truett Hanes, and much more. Rory Linkletter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rory_linkletter/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/pros/9351341 Matt Fox Coaching: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2026 Shareholders Club / Private Podcast Feed: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Contact: matt@sweatelite.co The conversation shifts to speed and power output as a limiter for marathon performance, citing examples like Kejelcha, Sawe, and U.S. runners. Rory explains why he sprints and strides twice weekly, often using track in-and-outs or hill strides, and why he values maintaining top-end speed. He also describes building confidence to go out fast using fitness data, including sub-60 half marathons, and gives his views on Boston's comparability to flat courses and Ryan Hall's windy 2:04. Rory also answers rapid-fire questions on training partners, running with his dog, possible Valencia plans tied to 2028 qualifying, double-threshold readiness, and his new coaching role with YouTuber Truett Hanes. Topics 00:00 Welcome Back Rory | |||
| IMO #35 - The #1 Chinese Super Shoe, Travel Stress, What Happened to the Fastest Fox Series, EastBound Running and more | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:39:53 | |
I record from Hong Kong and provide an update on the future of the podcast, the relaunch of the Supporters Club private feed, and several new projects including Eastbound, the Run With Me app, and the Globe Runners Thailand experience in Phuket. Links Join Supporters Club and access advisory and second podcast feed: https://sweatelite.co/supporters-club/ Recording from an Airbnb in Hong Kong, I explain some upcoming changes to the podcast and Supporters Club. The private feed will be returning with weekly 30-minute training and Q&A episodes alongside regular conversations focused on elite training, racing, coaching, and the professional side of the sport. I also discuss why the Luke co-hosted podcast came to an end, why the Mick Fox series has been paused for now, and what listeners can expect from future episodes and guests. Along the way, I answer a wide range of listener questions covering Chinese running shoes, supplements, marathon versus 5K training, LT1 and LT2 workouts, Ozempic, doping conversations within the sport, and some of the best-value trainers currently coming out of China. Later in the episode, I provide updates on several projects I am involved in. These include Eastbound, a new online retailer that will distribute Dynafish and other Chinese running brands, the Run With Me app being developed by Mia to help runners build accountability through paid group runs, and the Globe Runners Thailand experience taking place at Thanyapura in Phuket from September 4-7. I also share a brief update on my comeback training, current fitness, and marathon plans later this year. Topics 00:00 - Hong Kong Setup | |||
| Jimmy Whelan - Chasing Sub 60 Half Marathon, Marathon training, Altitude Training, Shoe Tech and Switching From Pro Cycling | 31 May 2026 | 01:17:50 | |
Jimmy Whelan talks about leaving WorldTour cycling, becoming a Salomon-sponsored professional runner, training at altitude, chasing a sub-60 half marathon, and building toward the marathon long term. Jimmy Whelan Instagram: Jimmy Whelan Strava: Train with Matt: Private Podcast Feed + Discord: Contact Matt: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava Training Log: Jimmy Whelan joins Matt to talk about his move from seven years as a professional cyclist, including WorldTour stints with EF and Q36.5, into professional road running with Salomon. Now training at altitude in Andorra and Font-Romeu, Jimmy is focused on chasing a sub-60 half marathon and building toward the marathon long term, with the LA Olympics as a major target. Jimmy shares his early running background, including an 8:11 3K and a top-five finish at Zatopek U23, before an Achilles injury pushed him toward cycling and rapidly into the professional ranks. He discusses the crashes, pressure, and stress that contributed to him leaving cycling in 2024, briefly considering triathlon, and then committing fully to running after a 61:37 half marathon in Valencia. Matt and Jimmy also cover high-mileage training, double-threshold work, altitude response, marathon potential, shoe development with Salomon, nutrition and carb tolerance from cycling, bicarb issues, sauna and heat protocols, anti-doping differences between cycling and running, selective cross-training, minimal strength and plyometrics, and why Jimmy is based in Barcelona. Timestamps: 00:00 - Altitude Training Update | |||
| The Truth About Losing Weight to Run Faster | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:15:00 | |
Race Weight and Carb Cycling: Losing Weight to Get Faster Without Sacrificing Key Workouts Welcome back to another short, sharp sub 15-minute episode. Today, I discuss the relationship between race weight and endurance performance, using examples including Josh Kerr, the new mile world record holder, Comrades Marathon winner George Kusche, and Olympic triathlon champion Kristian Blummenfelt. I break down how I use a moderate calorie deficit on most days while carb cycling around important workouts. The goal is to fuel heavily with carbohydrates for approximately 12 hours before and three hours after key sessions, then return to lower-calorie, filling foods during easier periods. Matt's Links Coaching: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Supporters Club: https://sweatelite.co/supporters-club/ Email: matt@sweatelite.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Episode Timestamps 00:00 Elite Weight Clues | |||
| 100kg to 2:26 Marathon in 3 years - Mihailo Vukojičić | 27 May 2026 | 01:00:06 | |
Mihailo Vukojičić just ran 2:26 at the Copenhagen Marathon and he was 100kg and completely out of shape 3 years ago. Matt chats with Mihailo about weight loss, mindset, fueling, training, and chasing a national record. Mihailo Instagram: Mihailo Strava: Train with Matt Fox here: Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: Contact Matt Fox here: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava: In this episode, Matt speaks with Mihailo Vukojičić about his journey from being over 100kg with unhealthy habits to becoming a 2:26 marathoner. Mihailo shares how he started running in 2022, ran his first half marathon in around 1:41-1:42 at 93kg, and later missed the Athens Marathon because his passport was stuck at the US Embassy. They discuss his simple weight loss approach, technique changes from heel striking to forefoot running, using a 130 BPM heart rate cap to build aerobic fitness, and his 2:47 first marathon in Berlin 2023. Mihailo also explains how his fueling evolved from minimal race intake to 110-120g of carbs per hour in Copenhagen, and how he handled an injury-disrupted buildup with variable weekly mileage while relying heavily on confidence, perceived effort, and belief over device metrics. The conversation also covers nutrition structure, the HEXIS app, legal supplements, lactate testing, HRV, training flexibility, doping debates, the Enhanced Games, WADA, and Mihailo's long-term goal of potentially reaching 2:13 and chasing a national record. Topics: 00:00 Post Marathon Check In | |||
| Sauna & Nutrition Experiments, Weight Goals, Heart Rate Trends and Gold Coast Marathon - Marty Bordignon | 26 May 2026 | 00:53:01 | |
Marty checks in six weeks out from the Gold Coast Marathon to discuss Marty's biggest training block yet, heart rate trends, weight goals, recovery signals, sauna experiments, supplements, and key long runs still to come. Marty Bordignon Instagram: Marty Bordignon Strava: Marty Bordignon Podcast (Spotify): Train with Matt: Private Podcast Feed + Discord: Contact Matt: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava Training Log: With six weeks until the Gold Coast Marathon, Matt interviews Marty Bordignon about how his training is progressing, including his highest-ever volume week of 148 km and a recent 30K run on a humid, undulating course at 4:12/km pace. Marty explains how he has been using Apple Watch sleep heart-rate trends and easy-run heart rate averages to monitor fatigue, illness risk, and readiness to push training. The conversation covers Marty's current weight goals, aiming for 64-66 kg while managing fluctuations, reducing protein slightly to lower muscle mass, and keeping strength through heavy, low-rep gym work. Matt and Marty also discuss performance versus longevity, marathon-running lifespan, the global running boom, online criticism, shoe wars, and Nike's position in the market. They also dive into sauna protocols inspired by Bryan Johnson, the idea of reaching core-temperature thresholds, and Marty's supplement routine including vitamin D, methylated B vitamins, TMG, stopping creatine 12 weeks out, and experimenting with beetroot. The episode finishes with Marty outlining his next key long runs, including runs up to around 2 hours 45 minutes with marathon-effort segments. Timestamps: 00:00 - Six Weeks Out Check In | |||
| Jack Crago (Jog On Crago) on The Best Chinese Training & Racing Shoes in 2026 | 24 May 2026 | 00:52:41 | |
Matt sits down with Jack Crago - Running Warehouse employee and one of the most in-depth reviewers of Chinese running shoes - to break down performance, shoe tech, and his rapid progression in the marathon. Jack Crago Instagram: Jack Crago YouTube: Train with Matt Fox: Join the Supporters Club & Private Podcast: Contact Matt Fox: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava: Matt opens the episode by introducing Jack Crago and his unique pathway into running after a brain injury ended his involvement in contact sports. Jack shares how he started running around five years ago and quickly became interested in performance, progression, and finding more affordable gear through secondhand markets and platforms like Taobao and AliExpress. That curiosity evolved into detailed shoe reviews on Instagram and YouTube, with a strong focus on Chinese brands and how they compare to more established Western companies. Jack explains how this niche has grown rapidly, with innovation in foams, plates, and design now competing closely with the biggest brands in the sport. The conversation then shifts to Jack's own progression, including improving his marathon from 2:56 to 2:43 in Perth and then sub-2:40 in Osaka, alongside a half marathon around 1:12 and a 5K near 15:40. Matt and Jack discuss the role of consistent training, proper fueling, and building speed to support marathon performance. Jack breaks down his current shoe rotation, including the Dynafish Jiaoyan, Red A9 Ultra, Li-Ning Challenger, and Li-Ning Phaidon Elite 6, along with race options such as the Li-Ning Feiyeng Ultra 5/6 and Anta C10 Pro 2. He also shares insights into brands like Anta, 361, BMAI, Xtep, and Peak, highlighting where Chinese innovation is leading and where limitations still exist in global distribution. They also discuss broader topics including whether Western brands still hold an advantage, pricing trends, the impact of super shoes, and what emerging brands are doing differently. The episode closes with discussion around watches - with Jack favoring the Coros Pace 4 - and supplements such as creatine, beta-alanine, and bicarb. Timestamps: | |||
| 30K Tune-Up, 7 Weeks to Gold Coast Marathon & The Future of Shoe Tech | Coach Kyle | 21 May 2026 | 00:55:21 | |
Kyle breaks down his 30K tune-up race seven weeks out from the Gold Coast Marathon, along with a broader discussion on training structure, recovery, and performance goals heading into the final phase of his build. Matt's Instagram: Matt's Strava: Kyle's Strava: Kyle's Instagram: Supporters Club: Coaching: Kyle walks through his 30K tune-up race, run on a mixed trail and road course in humid conditions, sharing how the pacing unfolded alongside training partner Dave. He describes finishing controlled despite feeling slightly limited from lower recent volume, and recovering strongly enough to run again just two days later. The conversation then shifts into balancing marathon training with full-time work and parenting, including averaging around 5.5–6 hours of sleep, and how athletes can manage expectations when life stress is high. Kyle discusses his current goals, aiming to PB from 2:31:40 while seeing sub-2:30 as a longer-term progression rather than forcing it too early. Matt and Kyle also explore how weather impacts marathon outcomes, Matt's return from a sacral stress fracture alongside asthma management, and the plan to gradually rebuild volume and threshold work. They touch on shoe preferences, including the Puma Fast-R 3, interest in testing Chinese super shoes, and broader thoughts on adaptation to footwear, supplements, fueling, and strength training, with Kyle likely targeting peak long runs of 35–37K. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and catch-up | |||
| Running the Palestine Marathon: Ahmad Taha (2:48 marathoner) on Racing, Training in Ramallah, and the Right to Movement | 18 May 2026 | 00:53:05 | |
Running Through Checkpoints - The Reality Of The Palestine Marathon Recording from Ramallah after the Palestine Marathon, Matt sits down with Palestinian runner Ahmad Taher alongside Reem to unpack a race experience that goes far beyond performance. With multiple postponements and uncertainty around travel, the trip was only locked in seven days out, setting the tone for a week defined by unpredictability both on and off the course. Ahmad Taha Instagram: Reem Ali Instagram: Be coached by Matt: Join the Shareholders Club / Private Podcast Feed: Matt Instagram: Matt Training Log - Strava: Contact Matt: Ahmad placed third on a brutally hilly course with around 550m of elevation gain, but the result came with mixed emotions after battling a pre-race cold and overthinking during the race. He shares how he nearly stepped off the course around 22km before regrouping to finish, reflecting on the mental side of racing in tough conditions. The conversation goes deeper into Ahmad's journey, starting with the first Palestine Marathon in 2013 where he ran with minimal preparation, through to racing internationally in Spain, Barcelona, and Paris. He explains how the marathon itself was founded through the Right to Movement initiative, with a course that passes the Church of the Nativity, the separation wall, refugee camps, and military checkpoints - highlighting the realities of restricted movement in daily life. Ahmad and Reem speak openly about what it's like training in Palestine, including encounters with soldiers, raids, tear gas, and the constant need to check news before heading out to run. Despite this, Ahmad remains committed to improving within Palestine, aiming toward the national marathon record of around 2:29 and targeting future races in Amman and San Sebastian. They also reflect on the emotional moment of fellow runner Mohammed Alasi returning to competition to place second after 32 months in administrative detention, adding further weight to what this race represents beyond sport. Topics: 00:00 - Welcome to Ramallah 01:03 - Last Minute Race Trip 03:15 - Ahmad Race Recap 03:39 - Hills and Head Games 08:16 - First Palestine Marathon 11:04 - Spain and Marathon Mania 12:53 - Training in Palestine 16:04 - Race Origins and Meaning 20:49 - Checkpoints and Daily Life 24:56 - Areas A B C Explained 26:55 - Running Under Occupation 28:37 - Guns on the Run 29:41 - Raids and Tear Gas 31:53 - Checking News for Safety 33:40 - Why Train in Palestine 37:19 - Friend Returns From Prison 41:56 - Life in a Refugee Camp 43:18 - Foreign Passports and Checkpoints 47:24 - Marathon Course Sabotage 48:56 - Coaching and Next Goals 51:13 - Records and Sweet Farewell | |||
| How Bad Is Doping In Recreational Running And Triathlon Really? | Collin Chartier | 12 May 2026 | 00:55:50 | |
Former professional triathlete Colin Chartier joins Matt for a wide-ranging and controversial conversation about doping in endurance sport, the realities of EPO use and testing loopholes, and how his life changed after receiving a three-year suspension following a positive test in 2023. Ground App: Collin Chartier Instagram: Be coached by Matt: Join the Shareholders Club / Private Podcast Feed: Matt Instagram: Matt Training Log - Strava: Contact Matt: Chartier was once ranked 11th in the world and won both Ironman Mont-Tremblant (2022) and the PTO US Open before his career came crashing down. He speaks openly about the pressure that narrowed his identity entirely around performance and winning, why he chose to dope, how easily substances can be sourced online and through clinics, and how many athletes likely understand testing loopholes far better than the public realizes. He details the day of his EPO test in Girona, Spain, including taking an out-of-hours call from testers while swimming and later realizing he could have avoided the test entirely. Colin also discusses the emotional aftermath, the advice he received to immediately accept responsibility, and an offer from the ITA for a reduced "silent ban" in exchange for substantial assistance that he says he was unable to provide. The conversation then shifts toward identity, shame, mental health, and rebuilding life after elite sport. Colin explains how a long solo bikepacking trip through Mexico, Central America, and Colombia eventually led him toward breathwork and nervous-system regulation practices that became transformative for him personally. Matt and Colin also discuss how widespread doping may actually be in recreational endurance sport, peptides and recovery technologies, the ethics of the Enhanced Games, and whether modern anti-doping systems are truly effective. Colin closes by discussing the launch of GroundApp - an iOS breathwork and nervous-system regulation app that integrates wearable data and emotional state tracking - as well as his upcoming 2,000-mile run from Denver to Washington, DC beginning June 10. Topics: 00:00 - Meet Colin Chartier 00:55 - Ban and Accountability 04:01 - Why He Chose Doping 05:41 - Bike Escape and Breathwork 07:54 - Sourcing EPO and Loopholes 12:26 - Test Day in Girona 15:58 - Aftermath and Silent Ban Offer 19:10 - How Widespread Is Doping 20:21 - How Much EPO Helps 22:01 - Recreational Doping and WADA Rules 25:56 - Peptides and Recovery Tech 28:50 - Running Across America Plan 29:24 - Marathon Record Doping Talk 30:35 - Enhanced Games Debate 31:06 - Backlash And Bike Escape 31:36 - Bikepacking Pain And Perspective 34:02 - Letting Go Of The Plan 35:46 - Breathwork Breakthrough 39:47 - Colombia And Coming Home 40:20 - Hero's Journey Lessons 43:30 - GroundApp Launch And Features 50:50 - Mindset Coaching For Athletes 55:11 - Wrap Up And Next Steps | |||
| IMO #34 - Palestine Marathon - The Reality Of Running In The West Bank | 10 May 2026 | 01:01:58 | |
I recap my experience travelling to and running the Palestine Marathon weekend in Bethlehem, including crossing through Jordan and the West Bank, what it was actually like on the ground in the region, and how different the experience felt compared to many online portrayals. I also announce the new Globe Runners Thailand experience in Phuket and answer listener questions on coaching, shoe tech, injury comeback plans, visas, and the future of running. Links My coaching: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ I open this episode by announcing the first Globe Runners Thailand experience taking place in Phuket from September 4-7. The trip will include training sessions, seminars, exploring Thailand, group activities, and a chance to train with a like-minded running community in one of the best environments in the world for a running camp. From there, recording from Jerusalem, I recap the Palestine Marathon weekend in Bethlehem after travelling through Amman and crossing the Israeli border. I talk through the long screening process, what it was actually like travelling through the West Bank, and why the reality on the ground felt very different to what many people might expect from following international media coverage. I also recap the race weekend itself. I jogged the 10K which ended up being around 9.3K, Reem ran 1:38 to place second in the half marathon on a very hilly course, and my athlete Ahmed placed third in the marathon. I also reflect on emotional footage from a Gaza marathon and the broader atmosphere around the event weekend. Later in the episode, I answer a wide range of Instagram Q&A topics including my failed U.S. green card process, detention in Japan over cannabis, rehoming Turbo, thoughts on the future of the running industry, London Marathon potentially moving to two days, altitude training in Font-Romeu, doping speculation, shoe tech and fueling, my injury comeback plans, coaching philosophy, and why Luke left the podcast. Topics 00:00 - Globe Runners Thailand Launch | |||
| Is a 1:57 Marathon Possible? How Much Is Technology vs Performance | Marty Bordignon | 05 May 2026 | 01:07:27 | |
Hope you like the new thumbnail :) Marty is back with 9–10 weeks to go until the Gold Coast Marathon, diving into a London Marathon debrief, the rise of supershoe tech, and where performance gains really come from. They discuss Adidas' Evo 3 hype, extreme pricing, and whether improvements are driven more by shoes, fueling strategies, bicarb, and training rather than technology alone. Matt's Instagram: Matt's Strava: Marty's Strava: Marty's Instagram: Marty's Podcast: Phuket Running Experience: Supporters Club: Coaching: The episode breaks down the London Marathon races, including Sawe's decisive finish, Kjelcha potentially missing a late bottle, and how the course compares to other fast majors. They also touch on the women's race, with Tigst Assefa taking the win over Hellen Obiri, and discuss how conditions and execution shaped performances across the field. The conversation expands into where to draw the line between legal performance enhancements and banned substances, referencing ongoing doping discussions, additional testing protocols, and broader debates around fairness in sport. They also explore emerging technology trends, from advanced footwear to Neuralink and future performance implications. Marty shares updates on his own build toward Gold Coast, currently running around 135 km per week, key workouts, and a mindset shift from launching his own podcast. He outlines an aggressive goal of sub-2:40, while the discussion closes with plans around future races like Valencia or Shanghai, and updates on the GlobeRunners Thailand training camp. Timestamps: 00:00 Marty Returns | |||
| 2:09 Marathoner Tom Nobbs Reflects on Watching the Boston Marathon and Prepares for a 10K in One Month | 01 May 2026 | 00:55:41 | |
Matt is joined again by Canadian 2:09 marathoner Tom Nobbs to break down the Boston Marathon, Canadian distance running, post-marathon recovery, and Tom's build toward the Ottawa 10K. Train with Matt Fox here: Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: Contact Matt Fox here: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava: Tom Nobbs Instagram: Tom Nobbs Strava: Matt and Tom open the episode by discussing the Boston Marathon broadcast, including the improved leaderboard, live tracking, and commentary, while also noting the challenges of covering a marathon live with long gaps, tactical changes, and commercial breaks. They then break down the Canadian performances in Boston, including Rory Linkletter's outstanding 2:06:04 PB, Ben Preisner running around 2:11 while managing injury issues, and Jacob Thompson breaking 2:10. Matt and Tom also debate whether fast Boston times should be treated as "true" PBs when conditions, tailwind, and course profile play such a major role. The conversation shifts into post-marathon recovery, including disrupted sleep, nervous system stress, and the importance of getting carbohydrates and protein in quickly after a race. Tom also shares his own recovery approach, including carbs, protein, creatine, and ketones. From there, Tom outlines his preparation for the Ottawa road 10K, where he is aiming to improve his 28:58 PB and push toward sub-28:30. He and Matt discuss high-volume double-threshold training, hill reps, long-run structure, time-based training versus mileage chasing, and why 10K speed can set the ceiling for marathon performance. Later in the episode, they talk about filming YouTube training content, using video as accountability, sponsorship considerations, and wider Boston takeaways including high carbohydrate intakes, half marathon fitness as a predictor, tailwind and air-resistance effects, and the role of supershoes on Boston's downhill sections. Timestamps: | |||
| London Marathon Shockers: Sub 2:00, Mixed Results, and an Irish Legend | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:55:33 | |
Matt and Mick break down the London Marathon chaos, training consistency, and the reality behind elite and everyday running. LINKS Matt Coaching: www.sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ They also analyze the women's race and the context around women-only world records, before getting into prize money, sponsorship dynamics, and how negotiations can shape race execution. The conversation moves into broader topics like influencer narratives around heart rate training and fueling, questioning what's real versus what's being pushed, while highlighting standout performances including Ireland's Peter Lynch running 2:06:08 for a national record and Vinny Morey's surprise 2:05:54 debut at Glass City. They finish by pointing listeners toward a more training-focused companion episode. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Podcast Return | |||
| Sprint Training for Faster Marathons | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:12:55 | |
Recording from Beijing International Airport during a delayed Air China flight, I share a short, single-topic episode exploring the "speed gap" and why pure speed can be a major limiter for marathon and half-marathon performance. Using examples such as breaking three hours in the marathon and my own goal of running 2:19, I explain why runners need enough speed at shorter distances to make marathon pace feel sustainable. I also discuss why many runners and coaches place too much emphasis on mileage and threshold training while neglecting speed development. I finish the episode by sharing three practical ways to improve speed without dramatically changing your training: short max-effort hill sprints, regular strides after easy runs, and strength training focused on squats, hamstrings and calves. Links Coaching: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Supporters Club: https://sweatelite.co/supporters-club/ Email: matt@sweatelite.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Episode Timestamps 00:00 Airport Podcast Setup | |||
| The Reality of Balancing Marathon Training, Fatherhood & Full-Time Physiotherapy - Coach Kyle Weise | 26 Apr 2026 | 00:53:49 | |
Matt and Kyle recap the Boston Marathon, discussing standout performances, strong Australian results, and how favorable tailwinds can make Boston far faster than many expect despite the course profile. They break down race execution, fast early splits, and why Boston can sometimes race more like a flat fast marathon than people assume. Matt's Instagram: Matt's Strava: Kyle's Strava: Kyle's Instagram: Supporters Club: Coaching: The conversation then shifts to Kyle's Gold Coast Marathon build, balancing fatherhood and full-time physiotherapy work while preparing for a strong marathon performance. They discuss recent 10K racing as a turning point for confidence and fitness, current weekly mileage, a key 4 x 2K workout, and how shorter races can be used as valuable marathon build checkpoints without needing to be in PB shape. They also cover influencer culture versus elite running performance, tall poppy syndrome, and why attention and actual results often do not align. Kyle explains how to manage niggles, when to seek professional help, and applies that thinking to Matt's calf issue during his return from a sacral stress fracture. The episode finishes with thoughts on doubles versus singles, training cycles beyond the traditional seven-day week, group training benefits, and why learning how to race matters just as much as fitness itself. Timestamps: 00:00 Boston Marathon Recap | |||
| Running Robots - What Actually Happened in China? Boston Marathon Recap and London Marathon Preview | 23 Apr 2026 | 01:07:41 | |
Mick Fox (2:19 marathoner) and Matt Fox (2:18 marathoner). Boston Recap, London Forecast, and Why Runners Overthink Data (Plus a Robot Race Detour) In this week's episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, Mick Fox and Matt return with another episode of the Fastest Fox series. They break down Boston Marathon results, preview London Marathon conditions, discuss why so many runners overcomplicate training data, and somehow end up deep in a conversation about robot racing in Beijing. Train with Matt Fox here: Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: Contact Matt Fox here: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava: Mick Fox Instagram: Mick Fox Strava: Mick Fox and Matt open the episode with some light banter around balding, hats, and race-week nerves before moving into what has been a rare gift for marathon runners - genuinely ideal weather conditions. They discuss Boston's unusual tailwind and cool temperatures, and how much weather often matters more than course profile itself. London also looks promising, leading into excitement around another major weekend of racing. They recap the Boston Marathon in detail, covering John Korir's win, the depth of the men's field, and standout performances from athletes like El Bilal, Charlie Hicks, Rory Linkletter, Clayton Young, and Abdi Nageeye, whose 2:08 for 21st place shows just how deep the race was. On the women's side, they touch on Hellen Obiri's win and Emily Sisson's strong late-race move into ninth place. The conversation moves into reflections on Ryan and Sara Hall, Boston's unusual 1897 short-course history, and how much marathon racing has changed over time, especially around fuelling and preparation. Mick and Matt compare older-school approaches to the modern obsession with precision and metrics, questioning whether some athletes now rely too heavily on devices instead of learning how to truly run by feel. That opens up a wider discussion around influencers, Strava culture, and the tendency for runners to overanalyse pace, heart rate, and training numbers. They argue that too much data can create unnecessary anxiety, especially for everyday runners trying to compare themselves to elite-level content online. Simplicity, consistency, and self-awareness remain the bigger performance drivers. They also preview the London Marathon, touching on British and Irish athletes to watch, and discuss the value of documenting the life of the everyday runner rather than only chasing polished elite content. Mick highlights creators and relatable runners who make the sport feel more accessible and honest for regular people balancing training with normal life. In true Fastest Fox fashion, the episode takes a sharp turn into a discussion about robot racing in Beijing, AI, and what life could look like if robots become increasingly normal in everyday society. From convenience to discomfort, they debate where technology helps and where it starts to feel like too much. They close by circling back to London Marathon hype and the reminder that sometimes the best race plan is simply trusting your effort and racing without overthinking it. Timestamps: 00:00 - Balding Banter | |||
| 2:46 Marathon to 2:07 Marathon in 5 years - Ethan Shuley | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:02:18 | |
Ethan Shuley on His Rapid Marathon Rise to 2:07 in Osaka, Training in Japan, and What's Next Matt Fox speaks with runner and YouTuber Ethan Shuley about his rapid rise from a 2:46 marathoner to 2:07 in Osaka. Ethan shares how injuries, ultras, Japan's running culture, high mileage, better fueling, and more structured coaching helped drive one of the most interesting marathon progressions in the sport right now. Matt coaching Matt Instagram Matt Strava Contact Matt Ethan Shuley Instagram Ethan Shuley Strava Ethan Shuley joins Matt Fox to unpack one of the most dramatic recent jumps in marathon running - from 2:46 at Provo Marathon off minimal training to 2:07 at Osaka. Ethan explains his background as a strong high school runner in Kentucky, injuries at BYU, two years living in Ukraine on an LDS mission, and how moving to Japan after studying Japanese opened the door to a completely different running culture. The conversation dives into Ethan's return to serious training through ultras, mistakes that taught him key lessons, self-coaching, Strava pressure, and how more structured marathon preparation changed everything. Ethan talks through breakthrough races at Nara, Kobe, and Osaka, including mileage progression, shoe adaptation, first-time bottle fueling with Maurten and gels, and the practical details that helped him close the gap to 2:07. Matt and Ethan also discuss the differences between Japanese and American distance running systems, why Japan has such depth in the marathon but less focus on middle distance, the pressure of sharing training online, YouTube filming challenges, sponsor considerations, and what comes next with pacing duties at Gold Coast and a target race at the Launceston Half. Topics: 00:00 - Meet Ethan Shuley | |||
| IMO #33 - How To Race Boston Marathon & London Marathon, Chinese Shoe Brand Updates, Palestine Marathon and more | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:59:17 | |
Some final thoughts ahead of Boston and London Marathon weekend, including why I believe effort matters more than obsessing over numbers, how I would approach Boston tactically, and why fueling properly can make a huge difference on race day. I also talk about what I'm doing in Hong Kong, coaching while travelling, Chinese shoe brands, and a few workouts you can use in your own training. Links Matt coaching: www.sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Recording this one from Hong Kong, I go through my last-minute thoughts for Boston and London Marathon runners and explain why I think most athletes race better when they stay locked into effort rather than rigid pace or heart rate targets. I talk through the Boston course, the likely weather, how I'd think about carb loading in the final days, and why arriving at the key hills under control matters so much more than chasing a split too early. I also get into fueling in more detail, including the importance of drip feeding carbohydrates and caffeine throughout the race rather than waiting until you are already in trouble. From there, I talk a bit about what I'm doing in Hong Kong, the running-related app project I'm involved in, and some of the Chinese shoe brands and factories I've been looking into, including the balance between affordability, durability, and performance. Elsewhere in the episode, I touch on London logistics, some thoughts on the pro scene, my own recent body composition results and return from injury, coaching while travelling, a possible Beating Bester rivalry idea, and a few practical workouts for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon runners. Topics 00:00 - Hong Kong Coffee Intro | |||
| The Fastest Marathon Courses, China's Emerging Shoe Tech, Great Instagram Accounts and more | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:48:12 | |
Mick Fox (2:19 marathoner) and Matt Fox (2:18 marathoner) return with another episode of the Fastest Fox series. They cover the current marathon period with Rotterdam complete and Boston and London just ahead, before moving into debates around race weather, hydration policy, shoe technology, underrated running creators, and where the sport is heading. Train with Matt Fox here: Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: Contact Matt Fox here: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava: Mick Fox Instagram: Mick Fox Strava: Mick Fox and Matt open the episode by looking at the heart of marathon season, with Rotterdam just completed and both Boston and London coming up next. They discuss how different forecasts can shape not only race-day execution but also the appeal of one event over another, noting that Boston looks relatively cool while London may be much warmer. That leads into a broader reflection on how unpredictable weather remains one of the biggest variables in marathon racing. The conversation then shifts to the Paris Marathon and its controversial trial of removing cups at aid stations. Mick and Matt question whether the policy, while environmentally motivated, creates unnecessary inconvenience and potential risk for runners trying to hydrate properly during a marathon. They also discuss Paris winner "Cripp," and use the race to make a wider point that events outside the Abbott World Marathon Majors can still offer fields, atmosphere, and performances that rival the biggest races in the sport. From there, they explore what really makes a marathon feel "major," including the influence Abbott has had in shaping perception and expansion. They also touch on some of the most popular European races for fast times, especially from an Irish perspective, with Valencia, Seville, Dublin, and Frankfurt all mentioned as strong options depending on goals, timing, and conditions. The episode also includes discussion around Rotterdam's 2:03 to 2:04 winning standard and whether modern marathon performances are being driven primarily by shoe advancements. Mick and Matt acknowledge that training, depth, and professionalism all matter, but argue that shoe technology has clearly played a major role in lifting the level of the event and the sport more broadly. Matt then shares updates from China, where he is researching a shoe brand referred to as "QD," while also thinking through broader ideas around business, running culture, and product access. That includes discussion of a paid group-run app, the possibility of an online shoe store, and what it might look like to help people access performance footwear that is less visible in Western markets. Later in the episode, the discussion becomes more personal, moving into the tension between travel and family life, the way sleep and routine are affected by constant movement, and the wider shift on social media toward short-form content. Mick and Matt also spotlight underrated running creators including Dan Nash, Ryan Creech, and Caroline Hassett, before briefly debating Josh Kerr's mile world record ambitions and whether he could eventually be a serious marathoner. They wrap up by pointing listeners toward the private podcast and deeper training discussion. Timestamps: 00:00 - Marathon Season Kickoff | |||
| Marty (2:46 Marathoner) Begins His Gold Coast Marathon Build - Training Talk | 12 Apr 2026 | 01:10:20 | |
Matt Fox and Marty Bordignon talk through Marty's first marathon-specific block for the Gold Coast Marathon, his rough post-Osaka patch, and how things have started to turn around as training settles back near 100 km per week. They also discuss Marty's MTHFR-related folate/B-vitamin issue, tapering philosophy, group training in the heat, preferred YouTube running content, fueling economics, and Boston Marathon predictions. Train with Matt: Private Podcast Feed + Discord: Contact Matt: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava Training Log: Marty Bordignon Instagram: Marty Bordignon Strava: In this episode, Matt is joined by Marty Bordignon from the Gold Coast, a 2:46 marathoner beginning a focused marathon block with less than three months to go until the Gold Coast Marathon. Marty reflects on a difficult three-week stretch after Osaka where fatigue, low motivation, and even easy runs felt unusually hard, before things started to shift again as he returned to roughly 100 km per week and gained confidence from a session of 3K, 5 x 60 seconds, and 3K. The conversation also explores Marty's discovery that an MTHFR gene variant was affecting his ability to absorb folate and certain B vitamins properly, and how getting back on the right supplement made a major difference. Matt and Marty discuss early-morning group runs to manage the heat, training rhythm, pacing options, and realistic goal setting heading toward race day, with 2:40 framed as a stretch and 2:38 sitting more in the realm of possibility if training continues well. They also break down Steve Magness's recent tapering video and share their preference for shorter tapers that maintain intensity, before moving into a broader discussion on running YouTube, filming ideas, watch time, monetization, sponsor dynamics, Ben Felton's content, Jake Barraclough injury speculation, Cole Givens, Nick Bare's move away from data obsession, and the ever-growing cost of fueling - including DIY carb mix ideas versus gels. The episode closes with some Boston Marathon predictions and a bit of shoe talk. Timestamps: 00:00 - Marathon Block Begins | |||
| Jimmy Gressier's 12:51 5km + Kiprun Decathlon Shoes & The Rising Threat of Chinese Running Shoe Brands | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:53:40 | |
Mick Fox (2:19 marathoner) and Matt Fox (2:18 marathoner) return with episode 4 of the Fastest Fox series. They break down Jimmy Gressier's 12:51 European 5K record, the rise of Kiprun and Decathlon's premium ambitions, and the growing pressure Chinese running shoe brands could place on the major Western companies. Train with Matt Fox here: Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: Contact Matt Fox here: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava: Mick Fox Instagram: Mick Fox Strava: Mick Fox and Matt open episode four of Fastest Fox by reacting to Jimmy Gressier's 12:51 European 5K record, run in Kiprun shoes. That result leads into a broader discussion about Kiprun as Decathlon's more premium performance sub-brand, and how Decathlon appears to be repositioning itself from a budget reputation toward greater credibility in serious running. From there, the conversation expands into the wider running shoe market. Mick and Matt compare the pricing, branding, and marketing power of major Western companies like Nike, Adidas, and ASICS with the growing presence of Chinese brands based near Hong Kong and mainland China, including Li-Ning, Anta, 361 Degrees, Xtep, and smaller online names like Diner Fish. They argue that some of these brands are already producing shoes with performance levels that appear comparable to the established giants, but at significantly lower prices. The episode explores why those Chinese brands still face major barriers despite strong product development. Trust, brand perception, and global distribution remain the biggest hurdles, but Mick and Matt discuss how that could change quickly if more athletes, creators, and consumers begin taking the products seriously. They also examine how marketing can create the illusion of premium value, and why Western brands may eventually face real pressure on pricing if cheaper high-performance alternatives continue to improve. They also touch on Hugo Fry switching from Boston to the London Marathon, with some speculation around whether Jake Barlow's apparent illness or injury may have influenced that shift. As the episode progresses, the discussion becomes broader and more reflective, moving into topics like validation-seeking, overanalysing data, and the tendency for runners to overcomplicate training. Mick and Matt argue for a more grounded approach to both coaching and self-improvement, emphasizing accountability, simplicity, and consistency over chasing endless metrics or external approval. They discuss how social media can distort expectations around training, identity, and progress, and why sharing the journey still matters when it is done honestly. The episode closes with Mick describing a run with his coach, a humble two-time Olympic marathoner, which leads into a final conversation around perspective, mentorship, sponsors, and missed opportunities in the sport. It is another wide-ranging Fastest Fox episode blending current events, shoe industry insight, and honest reflections on running culture. Timestamps: 00:00 - Show Kickoff | |||
| Running a 2:09 Marathon off a 98%+ Treadmill Build-Up - Tom Nobbs | 05 Apr 2026 | 00:56:09 | |
Matt is joined by Canadian 2:09 marathoner Tom Nobbs, fresh off a huge breakthrough performance at the McCurdy Marathon. Tom ran 2:09 on a low-key, looped course to become the fourth fastest Canadian marathoner of all time and he did 98%+ of the build up on a treadmill! He joins the show to break down the training, racing, and mindset behind the result. Train with Matt Fox here: Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: Contact Matt Fox here: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava: Tom Nobbs Instagram: Tom Nobbs Strava: Matt opens the episode by welcoming Tom Nobbs to the podcast just days after his outstanding 2:09 marathon at McCurdy. Tom explains why the performance was especially meaningful given the unusual lead-in - it was his fourth marathon in around two and a half years, his first back-to-back marathon build since the Marathon Project, and a winter training block completed almost entirely on the treadmill. Tom shares how that treadmill-heavy buildup created a lot of uncertainty around race-day pacing and fitness translation. Once the pacer stepped off early, he was left to run roughly 22 miles alone on a looped course with confusing lap splits, forcing him to rely heavily on feel and effort rather than clean external feedback. That ability to stay composed and trust the work became one of the defining parts of the race. The conversation then turns to Tom's progression from 2:15 to 2:12 to 2:09. Rather than simply piling on more mileage, he credits much of that jump to improved speed, better quality, and specific Canova-style sessions such as 12 x 1K plus 6 x 400, along with frequent strides and faster running around 5K to 3K pace. Matt and Tom discuss how those layers of speed have helped raise his ceiling while still supporting marathon performance. They also get into body weight, fuelling strategy, and how Tom thinks about food through a marathon build, as well as race shoes, including the Puma Fast-R 3. Tom speaks about coaching with Team Run Run, his philosophy around helping athletes improve, and the value of putting bold goals out publicly rather than hiding from them. Later in the episode, they touch on Connor Mantz dropping Boston, the pros and cons of pros racing too often, and Tom's own plans moving forward, which include returning to shorter races on the track and over 10K before deciding on a possible fall marathon. Timestamps: 00:00 - Meet Tom Nobbs | |||
| Doping Is The Only Way To A Sub 2:20 Marathon | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:47:45 | |
In this week's episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, Mick Fox (2:19 marathoner) and Matt Fox (2:18 marathoner) reveal that they have both been doping to sub 2:20 marathons. They also talk about Emma Bates' UCAN sponsorship drama, an inbound message from Hugo Fry, Ben Is Running's Berlin Half Marathon result, Cole Gibbons' stress fracture, and much more. The episode covers a mix of humour, controversy, racing updates, and behind-the-scenes insights into elite and sub-elite running. Train with Matt Fox here: Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: Contact Matt Fox here: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava: Mick Fox Instagram: Mick Fox Strava: Mick Fox and Matt open the episode with an April Fools prank, jokingly "confessing" to doping before quickly revealing the joke and shifting into the main discussion. The light start transitions into a more serious check-in with Mick, who shares an update on a long-delayed hospital stress test following previous chest pain and concerns around heart health. The conversation then turns to the Emma Bates and UCAN sponsorship situation. They break down Bates' claim that she was dropped due to pregnancy, contrast it with UCAN's statement that discussions had already been underway, and highlight how quickly social media can form one-sided narratives without full context. This leads into a broader discussion around online reactions, accountability, and the dangers of pile-on culture. They also revisit commentary around running creators, with Mick acknowledging that Hugo Fry reached out privately to explain his financial situation and background. That added context shifts Mick's perspective, with Hugo planning to share more publicly in a future video. On the racing side, Mick recaps a tough half marathon run in heavy wind and rain, finishing around 68:40 for second place while importantly coming through healthy with no hamstring issues. Luke and Matt also highlight Ben Felton's strong 1:04:50 PB in Berlin and discuss an unusual race moment where a pacemaker nearly crossed the line first, sparking conversation about race dynamics. Matt shares updates from China, including exploring local running culture, testing Chinese super shoes, and the possibility of visiting factories to better understand production, distribution, and pricing. This opens into a broader reflection on journaling, maintaining real-world friendships, and staying grounded beyond social media. The episode also touches on Cole Gibbons withdrawing from the London Marathon with a stress injury, and a wider discussion around criticism directed at influencers. They reference Mary McCarthy's comments on gendered criticism in running and examine how online negativity often escalates beyond reasonable discussion. They close by encouraging listeners to join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed for deeper training conversations, additional episodes, and access to the Discord community. Timestamps: 00:00 - The Sub 2:20 Doping Confession | |||
| The Stephen Scullion Interview - The Fastest Fox E2 | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:47:34 | |
In this week's episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, Michael Fox and Matt launch a new weekly series - The Fastest Fox - with Mick Fox returning to the show. They discuss Mick's hamstring comeback, his first race back, training philosophy, marathon goals, content creators in running, and much more. Train with Matt Fox here: Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: Contact Matt Fox here: Matt Fox Instagram: Matt Fox Strava: Michael Fox Instagram: Michael Fox Strava: Mick and Matt open the first episode of the new weekly Fastest Fox series with Mick Fox, covering Mick's recovery from a hamstring injury and the emotion of getting back to proper running after recently being limited to 5K runs at around 8-minute pace. Mick shares how meaningful it felt to return to one-minute reps at sub-5 mile pace and previews his first post-injury half marathon, where the main goal is to race freely, avoid obsessing over splits, and come away healthy. The conversation also explores how age-related decline is often less about age itself and more about life pressures like family, poor sleep, and limited training time, with Irish runner Gary O'Hanlon mentioned as an example of what is still possible later in a running career. Luke and Matt then discuss Steven Scullion's recent Spencer Matthews interview, including thoughts on keeping training simple, the role of lactate and zones, honesty around shoes, and the pros and cons of overcomplicating performance. Later in the episode, they talk through how YouTube and content incentives can push runners toward racing too often, reference creators like Jake Barraclough and Hugo Fry, debate Ben Felton's shift away from the "Road to Rotterdam" idea, and reflect on how often they would race a marathon themselves. They finish by sharing marathon goal times, discussing the balance between high mileage and speed blocks, and teasing next week's deeper conversation on nutrition products, coaching, and the private feed. Timestamps: 00:00 - Fastest Fox Returns | |||
| Allie May on Her 2:36:22 Gold Coast Marathon Debut, Even Splits, and Transition from Surf Lifesaving to Road Racing | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:45:26 | |
Eight days after her outstanding marathon debut at the Gold Coast Marathon, Allie May joins the Sweat Elite Podcast to break down her 2:36:22 performance, her journey from elite surf lifesaving to road racing, and the lessons she learned from her first marathon. Allie May Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allieeemay/ Matt Fox Coaching: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Allie shares how she executed an almost perfect even split of 1:18:11 for both halves, why she targeted a 2:35 debut, what surprised her most over 42.2km, and how she recovered in the days after the race. She also reflects on her background in the Ironwoman Series and the Coolangatta Gold, explains how those endurance events prepared her for the marathon, and discusses her transition to road racing after having children. The conversation also covers her training environment, nutrition and fueling strategy, overcoming previous struggles with disordered eating with the help of a dietitian, shoe choices, strength training, racing alongside Reenie Ringe, and what's next after an impressive marathon debut. Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Allie May | |||
| How to Run a Sub 2:15 Marathon w/ Coach Kyle Weise | 24 Mar 2026 | 01:12:57 | |
In this Sweat Elite Podcast Training Talk episode, Matt interviews Kyle Weise who is helping guide Matt's return to running and long-term goal of breaking his marathon PB over the next 12–18 months. Kyle shares his background, starting running in late 2012, racing ultras early including a 100K at age 19, studying exercise science, working as a physio, and transitioning into coaching while building a Gold Coast-based squad alongside remote athletes. Kyle's Strava: Kyle's Instagram: Matt's Instagram: Matt's Strava: Supporters Club: Coaching: The conversation explores common mistakes runners make, including chasing short-term results, copying elite sessions by distance rather than effort or time, over-relying on data, and failing to properly cycle training. Kyle explains his preference for time-based prescriptions, capping most marathon long runs around 2:45–3:00, and balancing speed development with aerobic base and threshold work. Kyle outlines his own marathon journey, including a PB of 2:31:50, and reflects on why he fell short of sub-2:30, pointing to limitations in leg strength and cramping. They also discuss Matt's sacral stress fracture, why imaging often lags symptoms, and a cautious return-to-run process built around walk-run progressions. The episode finishes with thoughts on using a 5K-focused speed block before returning to the marathon, managing content consumption, highlighting athletes like Jimmy Whelan, and how patience and long-term consistency ultimately separate runners who reach their potential. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome | |||
| IMO #32 - Marathon Mindset Tools, Mileage Plateaus, Easy Runs & Strava Ego, Sleep Supplements & more | 21 Mar 2026 | 00:59:16 | |
I'm back with another fortnightly In My Opinion episode - sharing running observations, Q&A and personal updates, including my return from injury, training in Bangkok, travel disruptions, Globe Runners plans, and listener questions on performance, recovery and mindset. Train with me: Private Podcast Feed + Discord: Contact: Instagram: Strava Training Log: I recorded this In My Opinion episode from Bangkok, where I ended up extending my stay to meet more people, coach athletes and attend Hyrox. Travel plans shifted a bit with flights becoming more expensive and disrupted, partly due to the ongoing situation involving Iran and rising oil prices, which made things a bit unpredictable. I talk through my return to running after injury, following Kyle Wees's 18-day run-walk progression alongside cross training on the bike and stair climber. The focus is on staying patient and only going down the scan route if symptoms return. I've been running at Lumphini Park and catching up with athletes in person, including Chris Weeks, which has been a nice change from purely online coaching. I share some observations from being in Thailand - the low cost of living, the culture, and the interesting contrast around cannabis being widely visible despite reports of legal tightening. I also reflect on solo travel, meeting new people, and some of the connections made at places like ice bath venues. There's an update on Globe Runners, with thoughts around building future training camps in Thailand and applying lessons from past Sweat Elite trips, particularly around timing and structure. I also touch on how regional instability can impact travel and planning. From there I move into listener Q&A, covering topics like training alone versus with a group, how to break through plateaus, and why slowing down easy runs can often be the lever athletes need. I also discuss mindset around mileage, managing ego with Strava, and building confidence in your own strengths. Other topics include marathon mindset tools, sleep and supplements like magnesium, thoughts on cannabis use, when to change training, altitude race timing, and practical travel-to-race logistics. I also answer questions on weight loss during marathon prep and share some broader thoughts on skepticism around elite performances and doping. I wrap up by highlighting Australian runner Jimmy Whelan, bringing back Workouts of the Week, and finishing with some final thoughts on fueling and consistency. Topics | |||
| Marty Bordignon on his 2:46 Osaka PB, Training by Feel, Weight Strategy, and Chasing Big Goals at Gold Coast | 17 Mar 2026 | 01:01:27 | |
In this Sweat Elite Training Talk episode, Matt interviews Gold Coast runner Marty Bordignon after his Osaka Marathon PB of 2:46:05, a roughly four-minute improvement, paced evenly with a 1:22 high / 1:23 low split. They discuss Marty's summer heat-based build, coached by Kyle Weise, with a strong focus on effort over numbers, plus reflections on wanting a faster result and lessons for future races like Gold Coast. Marty's Strava: Marty's Instagram: Matt's Instagram: Matt's Strava: Supporters Club: Coaching: Marty outlines a conventional training week of intervals on Tuesday, threshold on Friday, and a long run on Sunday. He explains a 16-week marathon build that began with a six-week weight reduction phase at around 80 km per week, before increasing fueling and building toward peak mileage of around 150 km per week. The conversation covers whether more speed work and strides could help marathoners, the role and risks of weight management, semaglutide appetite suppression, tall poppy syndrome in Australia, and the pros and cons of posting ambitious running goals publicly. They also touch on the running content and podcasts they enjoy, including How Bad Do You Want It. Timestamps: 00:00 New Guest Intro | |||
| Michael Fox - Overweight to 2:19 Marathon, High-Mileage Training, and Parenting Through Marathon Pursuit | 13 Mar 2026 | 01:15:39 | |
Episode Summary He recounts his return to the sport and debut at the 2018 Dublin Marathon in 2:40, followed by several frustrating blow-ups while trying to improve. During COVID lockdown he leaned heavily into high mileage, including multiple 100-mile weeks, which helped unlock a new level of endurance and led to major progress - improving to 2:33 at Belfast and eventually running 2:19 for the marathon, though not without more setbacks along the way. Mick discusses becoming somewhat mileage-obsessed, then later working with a coach to incorporate faster work and more half-marathon focused training to complement his endurance. He also shares how he balances training with running a full-time sports massage business, raising three kids, and operating on limited sleep, crediting his wife's support and occasional altitude camps as key pieces of the puzzle. The conversation also touches on social media dynamics in running, outspoken opinions online, content creation, and dealing with backlash - including reactions to his gel-fueling videos. Mick explains his process for creating content, why he continues posting despite criticism, and his recent efforts to cut back caffeine and energy drink dependence. He closes by outlining his ambitions to push his marathon PB closer to 2:16. Mick Fox Strava: Mick Fox Instagram: Be coached by Matt: Join the Shareholders Club / Private Podcast Feed: Matt Instagram: Matt Training Log - Strava: Contact Matt: Topics: 00:00 - Foxes On The Pod 01:04 - Early Track Years 02:15 - Drifting From Running 02:34 - Australia Weight Gain Reset 03:37 - Marathon Spark 2018 04:03 - 800m Times And Racing 05:34 - First Running Motivation 07:21 - Debut Marathon Two Forty 09:11 - Covid Mileage Breakthrough 11:58 - Training Lessons And Volume 15:46 - Speedwork And Half Focus 18:00 - Balancing Family And Training 21:37 - Outspoken Online Persona 23:03 - Favorite Creators And Takes 30:02 - Hugo Fry Transparency Debate 33:47 - Gel Video Backlash Story 40:03 - Growing Instagram Following 40:12 - How He Makes Content 40:36 - Why He Posts Anyway 42:29 - Caffeine Detox Story 46:55 - Marathon Goals And Limits 49:15 - Work Schedule Reality 52:26 - Altitude Camp Dreaming 54:13 - Kenya Training Fantasy 58:49 - Friendly Rivalry Talk 59:30 - Matt's Sub 215 Ambition 01:04:17 - Valencia Entry Tips 01:06:09 - Comeback From Injury 01:08:25 - Handling Online Backlash 01:13:14 - Wrap Up And Where To Follow | |||
| Tokyo Marathon Weekend, Sub-3 Pursuit, and Building a Running YouTube Channel in Thailand - This Messy Happy | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:39:12 | |
Ben and Mary Bridges (Messy Is Happy) recap Tokyo Marathon weekend, celebrating Mary's 3:00:01 PB and discussing her rapid progression from 3:13 (Chicago 2024) to 3:04 (Shanghai) to nearly breaking three hours. They attribute the improvement to consistent training, gradually building to ~100 km weeks, and focused mindset work. Ben reflects on his emotional on-camera reaction at the finish and shares his own marathon journey, progressing from 2:50 at the 2019 London Marathon to 2:44 in Chicago, with a long-term goal of running in the 2:30s. He also recounts his Chicago trip where he raced well despite being jet-lagged and unwell. They explain the niche they are building with This Messy Happy across YouTube and Instagram - combining coaching-focused content, relatable storytelling around their own running journeys, and light comedy reels. They also discuss how the value of traditional tutorial-style content is shifting as tools like ChatGPT become more widely used. Looking ahead, they outline a "Six in 26" idea for 2026 - a travel-heavy year attempting six marathons while documenting the experience. The conversation also touches on leaving teaching jobs in Thailand to pursue content creation and coaching full time, creators who inspire their work, and Thailand's rapidly growing running scene known for its celebratory atmosphere and safe places to run. Links Messy Is Happy Instagram: Messy Is Happy YouTube: Be coached by Matt: Join the Shareholders Club / Private Podcast Feed: Matt Instagram: Matt Training Log - Strava: Contact Matt: Topics 00:00 Tokyo Weekend Recap | |||
| IMO #31 - Thailand Ramble: Tokyo Marathon Takes, Brian Johnson's 8 Steps, Workouts of the Week and more | 03 Mar 2026 | 01:01:07 | |
I'm back with another fortnightly In My Opinion episode - sharing running observations, Q&A and personal updates. Train with Matt: Private Podcast Feed + Discord: Contact: Instagram: Strava Training Log: I recorded this ramble episode from Phuket during a 10-day Thailand and Bali trip where I've been catching up with friends while doing some work. Part of the trip included visiting Thanyapura Sports Resort to see if it might work as a future Globe Runners Asia training camp location. I talk about some of the longevity content from Brian Johnson and walk through his "eight steps" framework - doing hard things, building a bedtime routine, starting the day with purpose, future-proofing your body, treating food like medicine, killing distractions, removing isolation, and avoiding motivational garbage. From there I discuss Ben Felton racing two half marathons on consecutive weekends and use it as a jumping off point to talk about training and racing more by feel rather than being overly dependent on rigid pacing data. I also cover the Tokyo Marathon, including frustrations with the race tracking app and a breakdown of Jake Barraclough's Tokyo build - his high mileage approach, injury concerns, livestreams during the build up, race plan doubts, and the eventual DNF. I mention other performances from the weekend including Nick Bester running 2:25 and highlight SECA member Merna finishing Tokyo while fasting during Ramadan. Later in the episode I bring back Workouts of the Week with sessions for the 5K/10K, half marathon and marathon, read some hate mail, discuss emails about GLP-1 weight loss drugs and how they might affect fueling for endurance athletes, share Mark from Finland's perspective on the doping crisis in Kenya, and finish by answering a question about Luke's approach to the marathon. Topics
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| Josh (Berlari) Fothergill on Running a 2:29 Marathon Off Minimal Training, Running Marathons in Costumes and Huge Social Media Growth | 28 Feb 2026 | 00:42:17 | |
Episode Summary Runner and content creator Josh Berlari (Josh "Josh Berlari") breaks down the training behind his 2:29 London Marathon (2025) and a near-sub-15 5K, pushing back on rumors of "minimal training." He shares that his peak was about 100 km per week, with a focused 4-5 week speed block before a marathon block that overlapped with fasting during Ramadan. Based in Bali for five years, Josh explains how he built a 140K+ Indonesian-language Instagram following by running in costumes (including a suit and a Go-Jek helmet), while trying to balance entertainment with a serious pursuit of elite performance. He also discusses his full-time e-commerce and digital marketing role selling hearing aids into the US, managing global operations after scaling to seven figures per month. Now coached by Mark Scott, Josh details his build toward Tokyo up to roughly 140 km per week before an ankle injury from stepping into a pothole in heavy rain. He outlines how he's using bike and treadmill cross-training, and why he's keeping Tokyo conservative (around 2:24-2:25), while targeting sub-2:20 this year and longer-term goals that include London, Gold Coast, and Berlin. Links Josh Fothergill Instagram: Be coached by Matt: Join the Shareholders Club / Private Podcast Feed: Matt Instagram: Matt Training Log - Strava: Contact Matt: Topics 00:00 - Minimal Marathon Build 00:31 - Speed Block Before London 01:47 - Fasting Through Training 02:26 - Meet The Runner 04:35 - Costumes And Content 07:20 - Going Global With YouTube 09:38 - Day Job And Hustle 11:58 - Full Time Running Dreams 16:06 - Coached By Mark Scott 18:47 - Tokyo Injury Setback 22:03 - Tokyo Goals And Potential 23:53 - Marathon Time Goals 25:17 - Instagram Origins 26:26 - Back To Back Racing 28:15 - Upgrading Content Gear 29:50 - Costumes Versus Speed 31:39 - Helmet And Suit Lessons 33:38 - Future Content Direction 37:51 - Tokyo Injury And Plan 41:01 - Where To Follow Josh 42:29 - Faith And Online Stereotypes | |||
| Doping, Corruption and Athlete Exploitation in Kenyan & Ethiopian Distance Running | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:55:53 | |
Matt interviews high performance coach Selva Yoga following Selva's earlier public comments on doping in elite distance running. Selva has worked with male athletes holding personal bests ranging from 2:25 down to 2:07 in the marathon, and female athletes as fast as 2:38. He has personally coached athletes from 2:26 down to 2:16 in the marathon. The conversation breaks down how athletes are caught - in and out of competition testing, missed whereabouts filings, and biological passport irregularities - alongside claims of uneven enforcement. Selva alleges corruption within parts of Kenyan athletics, including bribery, advance warning of tests, falsified medical exemptions, age manipulation, and financial exploitation by managers. He also raises serious concerns around coercion and abuse of young athletes, while repeatedly framing his comments as based on accounts shared with him rather than direct proof. Matt and Selva also discuss well known training groups and high profile athletes, with Selva careful not to make direct accusations without evidence. He emphasizes that both Kenya and Ethiopia have strong, clean systems operating alongside problematic ones, and that culture, incentives, and financial structures often shape the level of risk. The episode closes with Selva inviting athletes to connect with his Toronto-based Northern Endurance Project. LinksNorthern Endurance Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northern.endurance/ Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2026 Join the Shareholders Club / Private Podcast Feed: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders Matt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359/ Contact Matt: matt@sweatelite.co Topics
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| IMO #30 - Osaka Marathon Weekend, Social Media, Running To Effort and much more | 21 Feb 2026 | 00:53:39 | |
I'm back with another fortnightly In My Opinion episode - sharing running observations, Q&A and personal updates. Train with Matt: Private Podcast Feed + Discord: Contact: Instagram: Strava Training Log: I wished friends luck at Osaka and Tokyo and spoke about returning to YouTube to document a marathon comeback despite not running yet and feeling imposter syndrome. I explained why I moved away from pro-athlete travel content - doping concerns, COVID restrictions, visa limits and tax complications. The channel is shifting toward my own journey. On training, I addressed the effort vs pace debate. Context matters. Effort leads, especially when fatigued. I spoke about avoiding the anxiety spiral by focusing on sensation and adaptation rather than numbers and judgment. I touched on influencer culture, unnecessary products, and doping speculation - urging caution without proof. I discussed coaching as an optional performance tool, like super shoes, and may use a coach in an advisor role. I'll likely train mostly in standard shoes and race in super shoes. Current context: I'm around 79 kg and believe 65-66 kg aligns with a 2:12-2:15 goal. I reflected on running 2:20 off ~105 km per week in 2021. I'm considering cycling and stair climbing to maintain fitness while reducing impact and avoiding ego-driven mileage. I also covered my 10-year Japan ban, alcohol vs cannabis culture, pre-race nerves, speed after 40, Australia's social media ban for under-16s, and moving Workouts of the Week into a paid Supporters Club to build a healthier community. Closed with plans for stairs, weights and a cold plunge. Topics
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| Are all the Elite Runners Doping? | 18 Feb 2026 | 01:08:53 | |
Luke and Matt kick off with some light banter before Luke's travel day into Japan for the Osaka Marathon - a small delay, a tight connection, business class, melatonin sleep, and ANA staff going above and beyond to get them through. That opens a broader chat on Japan's world-class service, its strict rule-following culture, and why Japan feels "cheap" right now with the yen and day-to-day costs. The episode then pivots to Jake Barraclough's "Ran To Japan" video and his blunt take on doping in pro running - how hard it is for major names to get caught, the risks for whistleblowers, and how brand protection, TUEs, and enforcement can shape what the public does (and doesn't) see. Luke and Matt keep the language careful while still digging into the bigger system-level questions. On the racing side, Luke and Matt talk about Truett Hanes' Austin Marathon hype - and the contrast with the women's winner Kellen Taylor running a women's OTQ-level performance that didn't get the same attention. They also recap Barcelona Half - Hugo Fry's standout 1:03:35, plus Ben is Running and Victor Smang's results and what it suggests for Ben's Rotterdam sub-2:20 plan. They close with a broader YouTube chat - raw vlog energy vs cinematic edits - and a few hints at Matt ramping back into regular uploads alongside coaching. LinksBe coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2026 Join the Shareholders Club / Private Podcast Feed: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders Luke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukeandrewkeogh/ Luke Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/87061348/ Matt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Contact Matt: matt@sweatelite.co Topics
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| From Addiction Rehab to a 2:38 Marathon - Jack Ahern | 09 Jul 2026 | 01:04:08 | |
Jack Ahern joins the podcast just days after running a 2:38 PB at the Gold Coast Marathon. Matt and Jack talk through his build, racing while sick, marathon-specific training, hill sprints, fueling, Bali heat training, his Berlin Marathon goals, and Jack's powerful story of recovering from meth addiction and rebuilding his life through sport. Jack Ahern Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackahearn_/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/49569041 Matt Fox Links Coaching: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Supporters Club: https://sweatelite.co/supporters-club/ Email: matt@sweatelite.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Show Notes Jack Ahern joins the Sweat Elite Podcast just days after running a 2:38 marathon PB at the Gold Coast Marathon. Despite being sick for weeks in the lead-up, dealing with flu-like symptoms, headaches, IV drips, and a WHOOP recovery score of just 3% on race morning, Jack still managed to hold things together and come away with a personal best. Jack breaks down his training block, including half marathon tune-ups around 1:14:30, a small PB in Perth, marathon-specific workouts, and the consistent use of short 10-20 second hill sprints. He explains how the build gave him confidence, how he approached Gold Coast, and what he learned from being dropped by the 2:35-2:36 group around 32-34km. The conversation also covers Jack's fueling, what he will adjust before Berlin, and why he believes training in the Bali heat gives him an edge. Jack also shares his background with rare honesty, speaking about teen methamphetamine use, crime, police raids, rehab in Bali, halfway house life, and how he eventually rebuilt himself through sport, COVID-era running challenges, ultras, coaching, and the marathon. Timestamps 00:00 Gold Coast PB Intro | |||
| Alex Harvey - Progression Skepticism, Training Evolution & Marathon Goals | 12 Feb 2026 | 00:48:22 | |
In this detailed conversation, Alex Harvey discusses his recent impressive half marathon in Japan, the skepticism around his progression, and his transparent use of Strava to share his full training. Alex breaks down his early marathon times and steady improvement through consistent training. He covers marathon challenges (fueling and getting intensity right), how business and family life fits around training, and his aspirations heading into Tokyo Marathon. He also shares why racing without a strict time goal can be valuable, plus how context-specific training has helped him progress. We also get into his preference for training alone, keeping training efficient, and his approach to diet - along with why he largely avoids strength training and cross training. Follow Alex Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexxharvey/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/46089368/ Work With / Follow Matt Coaching: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2026 Shareholders Club / Private Feed: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Contact: matt@sweatelite.co Topics 00:00 Introduction and Recent Achievements | |||
| Should all Influencers log on Strava? | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:50:25 | |
This episode of the Sweat Elite podcast delves into recent interactions with athlete Luke Hugo Fry and his preparation for the Boston Marathon, including his feedback on the podcast's take on his training. The hosts discuss the implications of Strava usage and social media for athletes, emphasizing the mental aspects of training comparisons. The episode also highlights content creator influences, comparing runners' unique training styles like Hugo Fry's authentic approach against Ben is Running's more data-focused methods. There are mentions of elite athletes such as Keely Hodgkinson and her training style, along with critique on the potential over-analysis of training data. The episode also includes predictions for Truett Hanes' upcoming Austin Marathon performance and reflections on the benefits of speed work in marathon training. Finally, an update on personal training and racing plans, including Luke's Osaka Marathon preparation, wraps up the episode. LinksBe coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2026 Join the Shareholders Club / Private Podcast Feed: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders Luke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukeandrewkeogh/ Luke Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/87061348/ Matt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Contact Matt: matt@sweatelite.co Topics
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| IMO #29 - Workouts of the Week are back, Save 90%+ $$ Fueling and more | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:59:33 | |
Train with Matt: Private Podcast Feed + Discord: Contact: Instagram: Strava Training Log: Episode Topics: Workouts of the Week 5–10km: Half Marathon: Marathon: | |||
| Can Ran To Japan Break 2:10? | 04 Feb 2026 | 01:00:37 | |
In this episode, Luke and Matt discuss the unexpected use of their video snippet by runfluencer Truett Hanes and delve into the nuances of various running influencers like Ben is Running, Hugo Fry, and Rory Linkletter. They critique the content and strategies of these athletes while touching on the psychological aspects of training and race preparations. The episode also includes updates on the Sweat Elite podcast format changes and highlights engaging Instagram posts and their relevance to running. Finally, there's a discussion on the importance of balancing mental and physical training components in marathon preparation. LinksBe coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2026 Join the Shareholders Club / Private Podcast Feed: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders Luke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukeandrewkeogh/ Luke Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/87061348/ Matt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Contact Matt: matt@sweatelite.co Topics
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