Andreas Almgren, You Bloody Ripper! 1,000km in the Dynafish, Training with a Torn Calf & More

For those interested specifically in Matt's reaction to Andreas Almgren's incredible NYC Marathon victory, skip straight to 8:33. Matt also shares 17 lessons from Almgren's training starting at 17:23.

Matt reviews his Dynafish running shoes after 1,000 kilometres, shares an update on Eastbound Running and discusses his calf injury recovery, Valencia Marathon preparations, nutrition coaching and upcoming Globe Runners trips.

Train with Matt Fox:
https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/

Sweat Elite Supporters Club:
https://sweatelite.co/supporters-club/

Globe Runners - Monte Gordo, Portugal (January 9-17, 2027):
https://www.thegloberunners.com/monte-gordo-running-experience-2027/

Globe Runners - Lisbon, Portugal (February 20-28, 2027):
https://www.thegloberunners.com/

Nutrition Coaching with Matt Fox:
https://sweatelite.co/coaching/nutrition/

Personalised Nutrition Meal Plans:
https://sweatelite.co/nutrition-meal-plans/

Eastbound Running - Dynafish Running Shoes:
https://www.eastboundrunning.com/

Matt Fox on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/

Matt Fox on Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359

Contact Matt:
matt@sweatelite.co

About This Episode

Matt Fox opens this episode with a look at his Dynafish running shoes after more than 1,000 kilometres of use. Despite the mileage, he estimates they still feel approximately 80% as good as new and explains why durability should be an important consideration when evaluating the true value of running shoes.

He then shares an update on Eastbound Running, the business he launched alongside Ryan Mitchell and Alex Harvey to distribute Chinese running shoes in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. With 120 sales in approximately ten days, Matt discusses the most popular colourways, sizing recommendations for women, shipping times and the advantages of purchasing through an established distributor rather than ordering directly from Chinese marketplaces.

The conversation moves to the New York City Marathon, where Andreas Almgren delivered a remarkable 2:06:03 victory on his marathon debut. Matt analyses the performance, considers how Almgren might perform on a faster course such as Valencia or Berlin, and highlights Australian runner Haftu Strintzos's impressive 2:06:34 performance.

Drawing on numerous interviews and podcasts featuring Almgren, Matt shares 17 lessons about training and racing at the highest level. Topics include avoiding unnecessary training, keeping workouts simple, understanding the purpose of double threshold sessions, controlling intensity, prioritising recovery and knowing when to cut a workout short. He also examines Almgren's five-day marathon training cycle, strength and speed development, carbohydrate fueling, heat and altitude preparation, sleep and racing mentality.

Recording from Portugal, Matt describes his first week living near Lisbon, including running in the Sintra Hills and Monsanto Forest Park. He also provides an encouraging update on his grade 3 soleus tear sustained during the Melbourne Marathon. After gradually returning through incline treadmill sessions and controlled outdoor running, he recently completed a pain-free 32-kilometre long run and is increasingly optimistic about racing Valencia in five weeks, potentially targeting a personal best.

Matt explains the two nutrition coaching services he offers, including ongoing monthly coaching with personalised meal plans and accountability, alongside one-off nutrition plans. He discusses helping runners improve their diets, manage body composition and time their carbohydrate intake appropriately around demanding training sessions.

Looking ahead, Matt shares updates on the Globe Runners training experiences in Portugal, including the January 9-17 Monte Gordo camp, which has just two places remaining, and the February Lisbon experience. He also reveals plans for a potential Palestine Marathon trip in April, combining running with travel and cultural experiences in Bethlehem, Ramallah and Tel Aviv.

Finally, Matt discusses the debate surrounding GLP-1 medications, explaining his personal experience using them to manage hunger and reduce food-related distractions while losing weight. He closes by reflecting on his inconsistent YouTube output, the demands of running multiple businesses and his hopes of rediscovering his creative motivation.

Episode Chapters

00:00 1,000K Shoe Check
01:07 Durability and Value
02:38 Eastbound Launch Update
04:09 Colourways and Sizing Tips
06:31 Shipping and Authenticity
08:33 NYC Marathon Reactions
14:51 Life in Portugal
17:23 Lessons From Almgren
18:40 Training Principles Breakdown
26:37 Five-Day Marathon Cycle
28:40 Injury Prevention and Rest
30:52 Strength and Speed Work
31:22 Fueling Like a Pro
31:40 Heat and Altitude Blocks
32:14 Sleep and Performance
33:54 Mindset and Racing Smarts
36:20 Calf Tear Comeback Plan
38:40 Valencia Goals and Training Partners
41:54 Nutrition Coaching Breakdown
47:27 Globe Runners Camp Updates
49:31 Palestine Marathon Tour Plans
51:57 GLP-1s and Weight Loss Debate
56:54 Wrap-Up and YouTube Motivation