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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: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/ Contact Matt Fox here: [email protected] Matt Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Mick Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningfox26.2/ Mick Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/9571709/ 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 01:04 - Boston Marathon 02:50 - Weather Beats Courses 04:37 - Boston Winners Talk 06:10 - Ryan and Sarah Hall 09:36 - Old School Racing 13:13 - Boston Standout Runs 20:20 - London Marathon Preview 24:27 - Influencers vs Real Amateurs 29:58 - Fly on the Wall Filming 34:09 - Shoutout to Tony 34:45 - Finding Relatable Runners 34:55 - Michael Sison Recommendation 37:30 - Robot Race Rant 39:10 - Flying to Beijing for Robots 44:02 - AI Convenience vs Fear 45:42 - Robots Running in China 51:45 - London Marathon Hype 52:20 - Race Without a Plan 56:17 - Heart Rate Obsession 58:53 - Influencers and Watch Data 01:01:05 - Old School Feel Training 01:04:38 - Strava and Social Burnout 01:07:08 - Wrapping Up and Private Pod

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 www.sweatelitecoaching.com/matt Matt Instagram www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox Matt Strava www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Contact Matt [email protected] Ethan Shuley Instagram www.instagram.com/ethanshuley Ethan Shuley Strava www.strava.com/pros/13986450 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 01:17 - Post Osaka Life Changes 02:44 - Early Running Background 05:15 - Ukraine Mission Years 06:27 - First Marathon Breakthrough 08:10 - Ultras Spark Comeback 09:41 - Why Japan Matters 12:31 - Ultra Mistake Lessons 14:15 - Self Coaching Training Philosophy 18:17 - Mileage Strava Pressure 22:41 - Injury Nara Turning Point 25:45 - Getting A Coach 28:21 - From 2:11 To 2:07 31:00 - Shoes Fueling Race Details 32:33 - Marathon Bottles and Carrying 33:01 - Fuel Plan for 2:07 33:51 - Japan vs US Carb Mindset 37:15 - Next Races and Goals 39:35 - Strava Privacy and Sharing 40:18 - YouTube Filming Challenges 42:36 - No Vlogging Style 43:49 - Creative Influences 50:03 - Sponsors and Staying in Japan 54:17 - Japan Training System Debate 57:11 - Japan Culture Rule Stories 01:00:55 - Dating Apps and Wrap Up

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/ Matt Instagram: www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Strava: www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 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 00:55 - Effort Over Numbers 03:02 - Boston Weather And Carbs 04:29 - Why I'm In Hong Kong 05:58 - Chinese Super Shoes Deep Dive 09:06 - Boston Course And Pacing 12:43 - Fueling Plan During Race 16:00 - Heartbreak Hill Execution 17:11 - London Marathon Notes 22:56 - Pro Field And Podcasts 24:44 - Palestine Trip Plans 26:45 - Shoe Prices And Durability 29:23 - Weight Loss And DEXA 31:50 - Body Scan Reality Check 32:49 - Calf Niggle And Shoe Testing 34:16 - Beating Bester Rivalry Idea 39:56 - Coaching While Traveling 45:49 - Rapid Fire Q And A 52:00 - Workouts Of The Week 57:42 - Coaching Versus AI Guidance 58:28 - Wrap Up And Boston Pep Talk

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: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/ Contact Matt Fox here: [email protected] Matt Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Mick Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningfox26.2/ Mick Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/9571709/ 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 00:42 - Boston And London Weather Talk 02:25 - Paris Hydration Controversy 04:21 - Kipruto Wins Paris 05:28 - What Makes A Major 07:05 - Best Races For Fast Times 09:24 - Frankfurt And Dublin Plans 11:00 - Rotterdam And The Shoe Era 12:02 - China Trip And New Shoe Brands 14:59 - Run Meetup App Idea 18:17 - Business Ideas And Family Tradeoffs 20:19 - Travel Struggles And Sleep 23:01 - Parenthood Sleep Stories 24:04 - Sharing the Hard Moments 24:42 - Short Form Takes Over 26:37 - Attention Spans and Algorithms 29:07 - Watching Runners Grow Up 32:21 - Underrated Creator Shoutouts 33:36 - Dan Nash Spotlight 36:44 - Ryan Creech and Real Talent 40:49 - Caroline Hassett Relatable Running 43:20 - Josh Kerr Mile Record Debate 47:36 - Wrap and Private Pod Plug

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: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Private Podcast Feed + Discord: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/ Contact Matt: [email protected] Matt Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Fox Strava Training Log: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359/ Marty Bordignon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martybordignon/ Marty Bordignon Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/martybordignon/ 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 00:50 - Goals and Pacing Plans 02:33 - Post Marathon Struggles 04:57 - B Vitamin Breakthrough 06:17 - Early Morning Training Life 10:15 - Coach Kyle and Volume Focus 13:23 - Workout Breakdown and Confidence 16:14 - Tapering Advice Debate 28:56 - Running YouTube Favorites 30:12 - Clayton Young Series Hype 35:23 - Behind the Scenes Filming Ideas 37:38 - YouTube vs Short Form Attention 38:13 - Watch Time Monetization 38:51 - YouTube Ads vs Sponsors 39:41 - Instagram Sponsor Appeal 40:17 - Ben Felton Video Breakdown 42:34 - Jake Injury Conspiracies 46:50 - Cole Givens Appreciation 48:06 - Nick Bare Ditching Data 51:59 - Supplements and Gel Economics 53:47 - DIY Carb Mix Recipes 01:01:15 - Instagram Follows and Motivation 01:05:55 - Boston Marathon Predictions 01:08:25 - Wrap Up and Shoe Talk

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: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/ Contact Matt Fox here: [email protected] Matt Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Mick Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningfox26.2/ Mick Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/9571709/ 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 00:41 - Gressier Record Buzz 01:32 - Kiprun Origins Explained 02:05 - Decathlon Value Gear 04:44 - Premium Brand Strategy 08:20 - Chinese Shoe Boom 13:38 - Marketing Hype Pricing 19:08 - Influencers Premium Illusion 21:38 - Hugo Fry Switches London 22:39 - Jake Barlow Infection Drama 25:00 - Identity High Mileage Talk 26:42 - Relatable Racing Fails 26:55 - Why Share Your Journey 29:28 - Ego Data And Validation 32:32 - Strava Run Stolen 35:46 - Instagram Story Breakdown 36:38 - Modern Coaching Expectations 38:10 - Accountability Over Programs 43:41 - Coaching Boundaries 45:19 - Humble Olympic Mentor 48:43 - Sponsors And Missed Chances 52:44 - Closing And Private Pod

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: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/ Contact Matt Fox here: [email protected] Matt Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Tom Nobbs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nobbs.not.knobs/ Tom Nobbs Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/28521910 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 01:04 - Fresh Off 2:09 02:16 - Why This Build Worked 03:54 - Treadmill Winter Grind 06:01 - Race Day Chaos 09:39 - Running Solo Confidence 12:57 - From 2:15 to 2:09 15:50 - Monster Canova Sessions 17:19 - Heat and Treadmill Doubts 21:43 - Strides and Speed Layer 26:42 - Predicting a 5K Return 28:17 - 5K Time Expectations 28:42 - Weight and Food Mindset 30:47 - Fueling and Carb Strategy 35:06 - Race Shoes and Sponsorship 36:56 - Sharing Big Goals Online 43:02 - Starting YouTube Content 44:37 - Coaching Career and Philosophy 48:01 - Pros Racing Too Often 52:27 - Wrap Up and Next Races

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: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/ Contact Matt Fox here: [email protected] Matt Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359/ Mick Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningfox26.2/ Mick Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/9571709/ 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 02:18 - April Fools Reveal 03:16 - What Matt Is Doing in China and Mick's Stress Test 05:17 - Emma Bates UCAN Controversy 11:14 - Hugo Fry's Inbound Message 16:23 - Mick Half Marathon Recap 18:06 - Ben Felton Berlin Half PB 20:40 - Petros and Pacemaker Drama 21:59 - Training Update Check-In 22:43 - Gold Coast Marathon Plans 25:05 - China Trip Shoe Mission 28:44 - Testing Chinese Super Shoes 32:17 - Journaling and Real Friends 35:13 - Cole Gibbons Injury Talk 36:53 - Mary McCarthy Runner App Debate 39:39 - Online Hate and Influencer Pile-Ons 46:05 - Wrapping Up and Supporters Plug

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: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Join the Supporters Club and private podcast feed here: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/ Contact Matt Fox here: [email protected] Matt Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 Michael Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningfox26.2/ Michael Fox Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/9571709/ 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 00:32 - Hamstring Comeback Joy 01:52 - Half Marathon Plans 03:16 - Race Day Mindset 04:45 - Back To Training Build 06:39 - Age Family And Sleep 09:24 - Steven Scullion Takeaways 15:08 - Marathon A Month Lessons 17:03 - Weather And Run Struggles 18:35 - Running Content Roundup 21:14 - Jake In Japan Strategy 23:48 - Racing for Content 25:13 - Monthly Racing Pros 27:42 - Ben Felton Debate 29:46 - Why Skip Rotterdam 31:30 - Trusting the Coach 36:26 - Marathon Time Goals 38:05 - Chasing Irish Masters 40:01 - Speed vs Mileage 44:49 - Nutrition and Session Timing 45:58 - Wrap and Private Feed

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: https://www.strava.com/athletes/3517976/ Kyle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyle_weise/ Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359/ Supporters Club: https://www.sweatelite.co/supporters-club/ Coaching: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox 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  01:06 Kyle's running origin story 02:34 From physio to coaching 05:37 Patience and long term gains 09:30 Stop copying elite workouts 12:19 Time vs distance mindset 14:06 Marathon long run limits 16:51 Kyle's marathon journey 19:34 Why the sub 2:30 faded 21:46 Matt's comeback and marathon principles 25:45 Marathon Pace Myths 26:36 Rebuild Then Speed 28:17 Stress Fracture Scans 30:16 Symptoms vs Imaging 33:02 Return to Run Plan 34:38 Back to Consistent Training 37:11 Sydney Timing and 5K Goals 39:38 Benchmarks vs Race Execution 44:00 Testing Speed for Marathon 46:38 Time Goals and Mindset 49:07 Racing Without Splits 50:47 Race Not The Clock 52:29 Marathon Goals And Variables 54:15 Curating Running Content 57:58 Social Media Noise And Sponsors 01:01:12 Who To Follow From Zero 01:05:00 Tall Poppy And Jealousy 01:07:30 What Makes Runners Great 01:12:02 Where To Follow Kyle

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: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Private Podcast Feed + Discord: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/ Contact: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Strava Training Log: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 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 00:00 - No Edit Podcast Setup 00:25 - Bangkok Plans Shift 01:17 - Return to Running Plan 03:46 - Lumpini Park and Coaching Shoutouts 04:39 - Thailand Costs and Culture 07:17 - Hyrox Weekend and Flight Chaos 08:18 - Solo Travel and Ice Baths 10:42 - Globe Runners Training Camps 13:57 - War Talk and Travel Disruptions 18:35 - Q&A Training Solo vs Group 24:06 - Mileage Plateaus and Pulling Levers 26:45 - Easy Runs and Strava Ego 29:35 - Personal Mileage Beliefs 30:23 - Strengths and Potential 31:33 - Marathon Mindset Tools 32:29 - Sleep Supplements and Cannabis 35:29 - When to Change Training 36:49 - Altitude Race Timing 38:26 - Race Day Travel Tips 39:45 - Weight Loss While Training 40:36 - Doping and Enhanced Games 48:22 - Jimmy Whelan Spotlight 52:04 - Workouts of the Week 56:42 - Fueling and Final Wrap

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: https://www.strava.com/athletes/18059049/ Marty's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlawrence9/ Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359/ Supporters Club: https://sweatelite.co/supporters-club/ Coaching: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox 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 00:55 Osaka Marathon Recap 03:30 Why He Started Running 05:47 Inspiration And Mindset 07:53 Was He In 244 Shape 12:31 Osaka Training Structure 16:04 Speed Work For Marathoners 22:32 Weight Cut And Fueling 25:50 Ozempic Debate In Running 29:58 Tall Poppy Syndrome 34:02 Tall Poppy Talk 34:38 Gold Coast Build Plan 35:38 How Bad Do You Want It 36:19 Effort Over Numbers 37:58 Heart Rate Obsession 41:25 Finding Running Joy 43:18 Running Is Black And White 44:54 Wanting It Most 45:53 Scholarship Race Story 48:02 Favorite Run Creators 54:28 Ben Felton Marathon Debate 58:35 Podcasts And Wrap Up

Episode Summary Irish runner and content creator Michael Fox joins Matt to discuss his unconventional path in the sport. After early success as a teenage 800m/1500m runner, Mick drifted away from athletics in his 20s - moving to Australia, gaining around 30 kg, dealing with injuries, and switching focus to cycling before eventually finding his way back to running. 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: https://www.strava.com/athletes/9571709 Mick Fox Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningfox26.2/ 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: [email protected] 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

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: https://www.instagram.com/thismessyhappy/ Messy Is Happy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisMessyHappy 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: [email protected] Topics 00:00 Tokyo Weekend Recap 00:51 Three Hour Breakthrough 02:12 Training Behind Progress 03:34 Raw Finish Reaction 05:02 Channel Mission Explained 09:29 Future Content Direction 11:01 Ben Marathon Journey 12:26 Chicago Travel Chaos 15:13 Leaving Teaching Behind 17:24 Creators They Follow 20:46 Authentic Brand Deals 21:30 Merch Funds Independence 22:06 Staying Relevant on YouTube 22:41 Entertainment Beats Advice 23:52 Viral Running Comedy Reels 25:59 Wordless Humor vs Dialogue 27:01 Defining Content Goals 28:05 Photo Album Mindset 30:12 North Star Over Views 31:29 Upcoming Races and Targets 33:43 Running Culture in Thailand 36:43 Living Safe in Thailand 38:01 Where to Follow Next

I'm back with another fortnightly In My Opinion episode - sharing running observations, Q&A and personal updates. Train with Matt: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/ Private Podcast Feed + Discord: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/ Contact: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Strava Training Log: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359 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 00:00 - Welcome and Agenda 03:43 - Thailand Trip and Training Camp Idea 05:44 - Brian Johnson Longevity Lessons 07:56 - Eight Steps and Key Quotes 18:53 - Ben Felton and Racing by Feel 23:39 - Training Without Data Obsession 27:50 - Tokyo Marathon App Rant 28:40 - Jake Barraclough's Tokyo Build Up 30:54 - Taper Doubts and Volume Fear 33:17 - Race Plan and DNF Breakdown 34:14 - Rethinking Jake's Training 37:16 - Shout out Merna - SECA Member running Tokyo fasted 38:49 - Workouts of the Week Return 40:02 - 5K / 10K Ladder Session 41:04 - Half Marathon Track Alternations 42:30 - Marathon 30K Progression 44:21 - Hate Mail and Ozempic Debate 53:29 - Kenya Doping Context Email from Marc 56:40 - Luke's Osaka Marathon and Training Takeaways 01:00:43 - Wrap Up