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 training alone, keeping training efficient, and his approach to diet - along with why he largely avoids strength training and cross training.

Follow Alex

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexxharvey/

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/46089368/

Work With / Follow Matt

Coaching: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2026

Shareholders Club / Private Feed: https://www.sweatelite.co/shareholders

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattinglisfox/

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6248359

Contact: matt@sweatelite.co

Topics

00:00 Introduction and Recent Achievements
00:10 Addressing Skepticism and Progression
02:42 Early Running Experiences
03:51 Transition to Serious Training
05:05 High School and Early Twenties
07:35 Inspiration to Start Running
09:38 Recent Race Highlights
12:59 Training Philosophy and Volume
17:48 Training Alone and Flexibility
19:42 Speed Work and Coaching
24:28 Long Runs and Marathon Preparation
25:03 Training in the Heat: Adapting to Queensland's Climate
26:02 Key Training Sessions: Building Endurance and Speed
27:09 Mental Strategies for Pacing and Performance
30:21 Fueling Challenges and Solutions
33:34 Balancing Life: Business, Family, and Running
38:28 Speed and Distance: Exploring Potential and Preferences
41:59 Diet and Weight Management for Optimal Performance
44:45 Cross Training and Strength Training Insights
47:16 Final Thoughts and Where to Follow

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 under coach Victor Smangs. The episode also includes predictions for Truett Hanes' upcoming Austin Marathon performance and reflections on the benefits of speed work in marathon training. Finally, an update on personal training and racing plans, including Luke's Osaka Marathon preparation, wraps up the episode.

• Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2026
• 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

1. 00:00 Luke Hugo Fry's Feedback on SE Podcast
2. 01:49 The Strava Comparison Debate
3. 04:33 Keely Hodgkinson's Training Style
4. 09:24 Hugo Fry's Authentic Approach to Training
5. 11:44 Analyzing Ben Felton's Running Goals
6. 15:49 The Role of Data in Marathon Training
7. 25:16 The Hybrid Approach to Running
8. 26:49 Training in Kenya and Ethiopia
9. 28:39 Team Makou's Training Insights
10. 32:26 Creatine and Weight Loss in Marathon Training
11. 37:24 Truett Hanes Austin Marathon Predictions
12. 43:06 Eric Flober Winter Half Marathon Video
13. 46:11 Osaka Marathon Preparation
14. 48:37 Join the Shareholders Club

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 debunking common misconceptions around nutrition and performance. Matt introduces recommended workouts for 5–10km, half marathon, and marathon, and answers listener questions ranging from weight loss strategies to training plans.

Episode Topics:
00:00 – Back on YouTube
01:40 – Digital Detox
07:35 – Listener Question: Cannabis
09:27 – Listener Question: GC Marathon + Sydney Marathon double
12:31 – Listener Question: Best Running Locations
19:39 – Save 90%+ on Fuelling
30:10 – Convenience and Premiums: AG1 Subscription
31:05 – Injury Update and Future Plans
35:01 – Running Coach vs AI
41:39 – Workouts of the Week
42:09 – Supporters Club and Going Ad-Free
55:42 – Recommended Instagram & Strava Accounts
59:07 – Final Thoughts

Workouts of the Week

5–10km:
2 sets of (1600m, 1200m, 800m, 400m). Start at 10km effort for the 1600m and progress to faster than 5km effort for the 400m.
Recovery: 1 min between reps, 3 min between sets.

Half Marathon:
12 × 1km alternating efforts:
Odd reps (1,3,5,7,9,11) at Threshold
Even reps (2,4,6,8,10,12) at 10km effort
Recovery: 1 min

Marathon:
5km @ marathon effort
3 × 1km @ 5km effort
3km @ marathon effort
Recovery: 3 min