Sweat Elite Podcast
Interviews with Elite Athletes, Professional Coaches, Sport Scientists and Thought Leaders in the Sport of Running.
Doping, Corruption and Athlete Exploitation in Kenyan & Ethiopian Distance Running
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...
IMO #30 - Osaka Marathon Weekend, Social Media, Running To Effort and much more
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: matt@sweatelite.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Strava Training Log: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
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...
Are all the Elite Runners Doping?
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...
Alex Harvey - Progression Skepticism, Training Evolution & Marathon Goals
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...
Should all Influencers log on Strava?
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...
IMO #29 - Workouts of the Week are back, Save 90%+ $$ Fueling and more
Train with Matt:
https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/
Private Podcast Feed + Discord:
https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/
Contact:
matt@sweatelite.co
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Strava Training Log:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
Matt shares updates and insights on the podcast, including decisions on returning to YouTube and the importance of flexibility in content planning. He discusses recent digital detox strategies, highlighting the benefits of reducing notifications and organising email.
There's also a deep dive into training philosophies, effort-based training, and...
IMO #29 - Workouts of the Week are back
Train with Matt:
https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/
Private Podcast Feed + Discord:
https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/
Contact:
matt@sweatelite.co
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Strava Training Log:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
Matt shares updates and insights on the podcast, including decisions on returning to YouTube and the importance of flexibility in content planning. He discusses recent digital detox strategies, highlighting the benefits of reducing notifications and organising email.
There's also a deep dive into training philosophies, effort-based training, and...
Can Ran To Japan Break 2:10?
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.
Links
<...Runfluencers: Balancing Content Creation and Performance Improvement
In the first public podcast episode of 2026, the hosts reflect on their journey on the private podcast feed and outline their plans for the public feed. Emphasizing the growing influence of running content creators across YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms, they discuss their aim to highlight resources that are genuinely beneficial to their own training and racing.
The episode features an in-depth conversation about several popular running influencers, including Team Makou, Rory Linkletter, Ran To Japan, Jake Dearden, Truett Hanes, and Eric Floberg, exploring their content, challenges, and the balancing act between producing engaging media...
IMO (#28) is back - What's happening with Sweat Elite?
Connect: matt@sweatelite.co with thoughts, ideas and coaching enquiries.
Marathon Running in 2025: The Strongest Countries and Deepest Fields
In this episode of The Sweat Elite podcast, hosts Luke and Matt dive into marathon statistics for the year 2025, analyzing the strongest nations and the fastest races. They discuss the sub-2:10 performances for men and sub-2:25 for women, highlighting the dominance of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Japan. Alex Yee's impressive 2:06:38 at the Valencia Marathon is also examined, with an in-depth look at his training from Strava. The episode touches on the concept of elite versus sub-elite marathon times, the role of shoe brands in elite performances, and the recent challenges faced by the Grand Slam Track League. Additionally, the hosts mention...
Valencia Marathon & California International Marathon Highlights
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, Luke and Matt discuss the recent Valencia Marathon and California International Marathon. They highlight notable performances, with a focus on elite athletes such as Phil Sessman and Alex Yee, and explore their training methods and race executions. Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2025
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 Talk: Q&A
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, hosts Luke and Matt discuss various aspects of running and training. They reflect on the insights shared by Victor in the previous episode, focusing on his heat training regimen and its implications. Luke shares his own challenges and skepticism regarding heat training, considering his personal experiences. Matt and Luke delve into common pitfalls in runners' training, the importance of listening to the body, and how to strategically approach race preparation. They also answer thought-provoking questions about training beliefs, impactful race moments, and valuable coaching advice. The episode wraps up with a discussion...
Training Talk with Victor Smångs
In this episode of the Sweat Elite podcast, Matt welcomes guest Victor Smångs. Victor, a dedicated runner who started running seriously at the age of 33, shares his journey from his beginnings in ice hockey to achieving impressive running times. He discusses his rigorous training routine, including double threshold workouts, lactate measurements, and challenges he's faced along the way, such as injuries and personal life disruptions. The duo also delve into Victor's experiences with marathons, particularly the Auckland Marathon, and his recent foray into heat training and core body temperature monitoring. Additionally, Victor talks about his use of the Swedish p...
Finding Motivation and Building Mental Toughness in Running
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, hosts Matt and Luke explore the intricacies of motivation and mental toughness in running. They discuss specific strategies to enhance motivation, like joining a running group, setting clear goals, and employing tactics such as the '10-minute rule' and 'run the mile you're in.' The conversation also delves into the concept of mental toughness, emphasizing the importance of emotional control, pacing discipline, and commitment to training plans. The duo highlights the interaction with their listeners and mentions key responses from a previous episode's debate on the greatest male distance runner...
Who is the Greatest Male Distance Runner of All Time?
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, hosts Matt and Luke discuss the timely topic of who is the greatest male distance runner of all time, prompted by Eliud Kipchoge's recent announcement regarding his competitive future. The conversation delves into the careers of Kipchoge, Kenenisa Bekele, and Haile Gebrselassie, examining their achievements, consistency, longevity, and overall impact on the sport. They also touch on the dominance of East African runners in distance running and speculate on whether non-African regions can ever bridge the gap. The episode concludes with a teaser about an in-depth analysis of British marathoner Phil...
NYC Marathon Highlights + The Remarkable Rise of Ava Crean
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, Matt and Luke discuss the New York Marathon, focusing on the exciting men's race that featured a photo finish between Benson Kipruto and Alexander Mutiso. They delve into Kipruto's broader ambitions of winning all seven major marathons and reflect on the different strategies and mindsets elite runners employ. The episode also highlights the performance of notable athletes like Joel Klecker and debut runner Charles Hicks in the men's race, as well as Helen Obiri and Fiona O'Keeffe among the women. Additionally, the hosts share the inspiring story of 19-year-old Irish marathoner...
What's the Real Women's Marathon World Record?
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, hosts Matt and Luke discuss several key topics in the running world, including the three-year doping ban of Women's Marathon World Record Holder Ruth Chepngetich by the AIU. They review notable performances from the recent Valencia Half Marathon and delve into Luke's updated training regime and blood test results post-Chicago Marathon. The episode also covers the Olympic qualifying standards for US marathoners, highlighting the differences in criteria between men and women, and debates potential improvements in anti-doping measures.
Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2025
Join t...
Conner Mantz's Marathon American Record - Training Analysis
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, hosts Matt Fox and Luke Keogh delve into an in-depth analysis of Conner Mantz's training plan leading up to his American Record over the Marathon recently at the Chiacgo Marathon, highlighting his approach to recovery, lack of traditional periodization, and consistent long run strategies. They also answer listener questions about marathon training strategies addressing specifics on high-volume training, the nuances of weight loss related to marathon performance, and approaches to structuring training blocks for optimal improvement.
Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2025
Join the Shareholders...
Chicago Marathon 2025 Recap
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, Matt Fox and Luke discuss Luke's experience at the recently concluded Chicago Marathon. Luke shares his struggles, including a tough decision to drop out due to physical and mental challenges. The episode delves into the importance of pushing through adversity and finding positives, even when races don't go as planned. They also analyze professional race results, offering critical insights into performances by notable runners such as Conner Mantz and Rory Linkletter. The show concludes with a sneak peek into Matt Fox's injury and plans for recovery. Be coached by Matt: https://www.s...
Chicago Marathon Race Week Is Here - Fueling, Shoes, Carbs, Weather
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, Matt announces a couple of open positions for personalized coaching at the Sweat Elite Coaching Academy: ttps://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2025 Joining him is colleague Luke, who shares his thoughts and concerns about the upcoming Chicago Marathon amid fluctuating weather forecasts. Despite feeling less excited due to a tough summer of training, Luke remains determined to give it his all on race day. The episode delves into Luke's race shoe choice, nutrition plan, and prepping strategies for the marathon. Additionally, listeners' questions are answered, covering topics like running in a suit, Usain B...
The Chicago Marathon Taper, Marathon Pacing Strategies and more
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, hosts Matt Fox and Luke Keogh discuss Luke's preparation for the upcoming Chicago Marathon, including the specifics of his tapering strategy and final workouts. They delve into marathon pacing models, debating the merits of negative splits, even pacing, or banking time, and consider the pros and cons of major marathons versus smaller races for serious runners. The conversation also touches on the psychology of marathons and why runners are drawn to this challenging distance. Luke shares his personal feelings as he enters the taper period, discusses his planned final hard workout, and...
World Champs Highlights Part 2, Berlin Marathon Recap and more
In this episode of The Sweat Podcast, hosts Luke and Matt provide a detailed review of the recent World Championships held in Tokyo, covering various track events from the men's and women's divisions. They delve into standout performances, discuss the implications of some controversial incidents, and consider the potential future impact of the Enhanced Games, an event allowing athletes to compete without doping restrictions. The episode also includes a brief recap of the Berlin Marathon, highlights from other significant races, and a discussion about the efficacy of heart-rate training. Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2025
Jo...
World Champs Distance Running Highlights, "Cool down" Miles Explained, Finding Training/Work/Life Balance and more
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast's 'Training Talk', Luke and Matt dive into the excitement of the World Athletics Championships. They discuss standout performances like Susanna Sullivan's impressive marathon lead and the unexpected outcomes in the men's and women's marathons. The conversation also touches on the 1500m and the dramas surrounding disqualifications, including Cole Hocker's DQ and Jakob Ingebrigtsen's surprising failure to advance from the heats. Additionally, Luke and Matt answer listener questions on maintaining fitness, diet, and finding balance between life and intense training schedules. They share personal insights on their favorite training locations globally, with...
Training to Effort Rather Than Pace and AI Coaching Apps Pro's and Con's
Luke and Matt dive into the concept of training to effort rather than pace, using real-life examples from athletes preparing for upcoming marathons like the Berlin and Chicago Marathons. They discuss the impact of heat and humidity on training, and how adjusting efforts can lead to better performance. Luke shares his personal experience of transformation from last summer's challenging training to his current peak condition. The hosts also explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in running training, analyzing how AI apps like ChatGPT can be used for planning but may fall short in areas that require human touch and...
Sydney Marathon & Answering Listener Questions About The Marathon
Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2025
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
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, Luke and Matt break down their observations of the recent Sydney Marathon, including the event's challenging hilly cour...
7 Weeks Before Chicago Marathon Luke logs 100 miles while Matt hits 100km returning to fitness
Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2025
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
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast hosts Luke and Matt discuss their current training as Luke prepares for the Chicago Marathon and Matt rebu...
Luke logs his biggest week this Chicago Marathon build while Matt runs a 19:00 Parkrun
Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2025
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
In this episode of The Sweat Elite Podcast, hosts Luke and Matt discuss their training routines with a focus on preparing for the Chicago Marathon and re...
Luke begins his Chicago Marathon specific block incorporating Double Threshold Training in the heat while Matt returns to training after 4.5 months off
Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2025
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
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, the hosts return after a five-month hiatus with a new Training Talk segment. Luke shares his experience training for the Chicago Marathon with the goal o...
What Happened to Matt in Japan
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast: Matt and Luke detail the unexpected five-month hiatus of the podcast, driven by Matt's surreal experience of being detained in Japan. Matt recounts how he was arrested at Osaka airport for bringing half a gram of THC (an ingredient in cannabis) into Japan and the subsequent four and a half months he spent in a Japan dealing with the situation. The podcast delves into the legal procedures, the isolation, and the impact on his personal and professional life. Matt also emphasizes the importance of understanding local laws, especially regarding cannabis, to...
Chirine Njeim - Running 7 Marathons in 7 Days in 7 Continents | Rapid Fire Series
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, Chirine Njeim recounts her extraordinary experience of running seven marathons in seven days across seven continents. She narrates how the idea came to her, the camaraderie with fellow runners, and the logistical challenges they faced, including running on different terrains and handling minimal sleep. Chirine also shares insights into her training regimen and her aspirations to reclaim the Lebanese marathon record currently held by her sister. The conversation offers a deep dive into mental resilience, strategic training, and the joys of pushing personal boundaries in the world of marathon running.
<...
IMO #27 - Dealing With A DNF Marathon - Osaka Marathon, Sub 60min Workouts Of The Week, Marathon A Month & Much More
Train with Matt: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/
Tune into the Private Podcast Feed and Join Our Discord Discussions: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/
Contact: matt@sweatelite.co
Matt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Matt Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
In episode 27 of the Sweat Elite podcast, Matt recounts his recent Osaka Marathon experience and the challenges that led to his dropout at 22.8km. Speaking from the mountains of Japan, Matt discusses factors such as jet lag, asthma issues, and personal stressors that impacted his performance. He...
Osaka Marathon Recap - Luke Runs 2:24 While Matt DNF's
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast's 'Training Talk,' the focus shifts from training to race-day experiences at the Osaka Marathon. Luke shares his exhilarating account of achieving a personal best time of 2:24:51, along with the challenges he faced leading up to and during race day. Matt, on the other hand, discusses his struggle with asthma and sleep deprivation, which unfortunately led to him dropping out at around the 22.8 km mark. Despite the setback, they both maintain a positive outlook on future races and training adaptations. The episode also touches on their experiences with race fueling, the...
Osaka Marathon Pre Race Chat | Training Talk Feb 23
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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
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, Matt and Luke discuss their final preparations less than 24 hours before the Osaka Marathon. Recorded in Osaka, Japan, the duo is fresh from an onsen visit and they share insights about the traditional Japanese bathhouse e...
IMO #26 - Hello from Japan! 5th Marathon in 5 Months, Ozempic Q&A, Globe Runners Portugal in April and more
Globe Runners Portugal April 13-20: https://www.thegloberunners.com/portugal
Train with Matt: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/
Tune into the Private Podcast Feed and Join Our Discord Discussions: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/
Contact: matt@sweatelite.co
Matt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Matt Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
In this episode of the Sweat Elite podcast, Matt discusses his recent travels to Japan, his marathon training, and his experiences with Ozempic for weight management. He provides insights into various workouts, shares news ab...
IMO #25 - Osaka Marathon is Game On. Was Nick Bester Banned on Youtube? Bicarb, Creatine, Ozempic, Shelby Houlihan and more
Train with Matt: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/
Tune into the Private Podcast Feed and Join Our Discord Discussions: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/
Contact: matt@sweatelite.co
Matt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Matt Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
In this 25th episode of the IMO on the Sweat Elite podcast, Matt shares updates about his recent experiences, including fascinating and challenging stories related to U.S. immigration and USCIS regulations. The episode covers various topics such as the journey towards obtaining a green card, de...
Ozempic & Marathon Training + Analysing Jake Barraclough's 2:16 Marathon Training Session | Training Talk Feb 10
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
In this episode of Training Talk on the Sweat Elite Podcast, hosts Luke and Matt discuss their marathon preparation, including Luke's forced recovery and Matt's controversial experiment with Ozempic for weight loss. They delve into the potential impact of a four-day rest on training per...
Aki Nummela - Lessons From 20 Years Of Distance Running & Coaching | Rapid Fire Series
In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, the host engages in a conversation with Aki Nummela, a prominent Finnish marathoner known for his impressive experience and influence in marathon running. Aki shares insights on his extensive training journey, spanning over 20 years, and discusses key principles he has learned along the way. Topics include maintaining an active lifestyle, the importance of low and high-volume training, and effective recovery strategies. Aki also highlights the role of nutrition in marathon performance, emphasizing the importance of proper energy intake. The episode delves into common training mistakes and offers valuable advice for both seasoned...
IMO #24 - More Bicarb Learnings, Arizona Running Experience, Shelby Houlihan Documentary, Losing Weight During High Mileage and more
Matt Fox - Marathon Weight Loss Protocol: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18jcXkyboLbvVvU0eSkVUVCNz3x3lmVnsNh99wTTskko/edit?usp=sharing
Boulder Experience (April 2025): https://www.thegloberunners.com/boulder-running-experience-april2025/
Check out Globe Runners on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegloberunners/
Train with Matt: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/
Tune into the Private Podcast Feed and Join Our Discord Discussions: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders/
Contact: matt@sweatelite.co
Matt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/
Matt Training Log - Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359
In t...
Is Taking 4 Days Off In A Marathon Build A Good Idea? Training Talk Feb 4
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
In this episode of the Sweat Elite podcast, hosts Luke and Matt discuss their preparation for the upcoming Osaka Marathon, which is less than three weeks away. They share their feelings about their current fitness levels and introduce an unconventional strategy inspired by professional ath...
