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 In this episode of the Sweat Elite podcast, hosts Luke and Matt discuss their preparation for the upcoming Osaka Marathon, which is less than three weeks away. They share their feelings about their current fitness levels and introduce an unconventional strategy inspired by professional athletes like Andy Buchanan and Conner Mantz: taking forced rest days in the weeks leading up to the marathon. The conversation delves into the reasoning behind this strategy, how they've observed it working well for top athletes, and their own plans for implementing it. They also discuss Luke's recent training, including high-mileage weeks and a particularly strong long run, and how they intend to manage diet, hydration, and rest during this period. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of feeling confident in one's training and being cautious not to over-train in the final weeks before a big race. Topics: 00:00 Welcome and Countdown to Osaka Marathon00:33 Forced Injury Down Week Strategy01:14 Training Insights and Professional Observations02:06 Luke's Training Journey and Peak Week05:11 Long Run Breakdown and Rest Week06:54 Marathon Pace and Effort Discussion11:12 Psychological Aspects of Marathon Training17:21 Race Day Strategy and Final Preparations21:55 Post-Workout Reflections and Illness23:10 Diet and Intermittent Fasting26:00 Training Adjustments and Rest Days28:02 Mindset and Confidence in Training31:55 The Importance of Rest and Avoiding Overtraining39:18 Conclusion and Next Steps