Sweat Elite Podcast

Sweat Elite

Interviews with Elite Athletes, Professional Coaches, Sport Scientists and Thought Leaders in the Sport of Running.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    The Reality of Balancing Marathon Training, Fatherhood & Full-Time Physiotherapy - Coach Kyle Weise

    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: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/ Matt's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359/ Kyle's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/3517976/ Kyle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyle_weise/ Supporters Club: https://www.sweatelite.co/supporters-club/ Coaching: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox 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 02:50 Tailwinds and Fast Times 04:04 Gold Coast Training Update 07:37 Balancing Kids and Mileage 10:06 Recent Workouts and 10K Plans 12:28 Influencers vs Elite Runners 18:50 Handling Niggles and Injury Risk 24:19 Return to Running Philosophy 27:37 Calf Strain Check In 29:24 Hiking And Fatigue Risks 30:09 Doubles Versus Singles 33:57 Easy Run Time Limits 37:04 Beyond The Seven Day Week 40:39 Group Training Versus Solo 43:38 Racing Without PB Pressure 49:59 Short Races In Marathon Builds 53:09 Wrap Up And Next Episode

    54 min
  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    2:46 Marathon to 2:07 Marathon in 5 years - Ethan Shuley

    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 matt@sweatelite.co 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

    1hr 2min
  3. 20 APR

    IMO #33 - How To Race Boston Marathon & London Marathon, Chinese Shoe Brand Updates, Palestine Marathon and more

    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

    59 min
  4. 12 APR

    Marty (2:46 Marathoner) Begins His Gold Coast Marathon Build - Training Talk

    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: matt@sweatelite.co 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

    1hr 10min
  5. 5 APR

    Running a 2:09 Marathon off a 98%+ Treadmill Build-Up - Tom Nobbs

    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: matt@sweatelite.co 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

    56 min
  6. 24 MAR

    How to Run a Sub 2:15 Marathon w/ Coach Kyle Weise

    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

    1hr 13min
  7. 21 MAR

    IMO #32 - Marathon Mindset Tools, Mileage Plateaus, Easy Runs & Strava Ego, Sleep Supplements & more

    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: matt@sweatelite.co 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

    59 min
  8. 17 MAR

    Marty Bordignon on his 2:46 Osaka PB, Training by Feel, Weight Strategy, and Chasing Big Goals at Gold Coast

    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

    1hr 1min

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Interviews with Elite Athletes, Professional Coaches, Sport Scientists and Thought Leaders in the Sport of Running.

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