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:
[e-mail]

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