Doping Is The Only Way To A Sub 2:20 Marathon

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.

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Mick Fox Strava:
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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