In this episode of the Sweat Elite Podcast, hosts Matt Fox and Luke Keogh discuss Luke’s preparation for the upcoming Chicago Marathon, including the specifics of his tapering strategy and final workouts. They delve into marathon pacing models, debating the merits of negative splits, even pacing, or banking time, and consider the pros and cons of major marathons versus smaller races for serious runners. The conversation also touches on the psychology of marathons and why runners are drawn to this challenging distance. Luke shares his personal feelings as he enters the taper period, discusses his planned final hard workout, and reflects on the transformative experience of marathon training. Be coached by Matt: https://www.sweatelitecoaching.com/coaching-2025 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: [email protected] Topics 00:00 Welcome Back 00:31 Luke's Chicago Marathon Taper Plans 13:10 Marathon Pacing Models: Negative Split vs Even Split vs Banking Time 31:24 Challenges with Major Marathons 47:27 Why Do We Choose The Marathon? 58:23 Conclusion and Supporters Club