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    Sweat Elite Podcast

    Sweat Elite Podcast

    About

    Interviews with Elite Athletes, Professional Coaches, Sport Scientists and Thought Leaders in the Sport of Running.

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    Sweat Elite

    Allie May on Her 2:36:22 Gold Coast Marathon Debut, Even Splits, and Transition from Surf Lifesaving to Road Racing

    Allie May on Her 2:36:22 Gold Coast Marathon Debut, Even Splits, and Transition from Surf Lifesaving to Road Racing

    July 15, 2026
    45m

    Eight days after her outstanding marathon debut at the Gold Coast Marathon, Allie May joins the Sweat Elite Podcast to break down her 2:36:22 performance, her journey from elite surf lifesaving to road racing, and the lessons she learned from her first marathon.

    Allie May

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

    Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/52067205/

    Matt Fox

    Coaching: https://sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox/

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

    Email: matt@sweatelite.co

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

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

    Allie shares how she executed an almost perfect even split of 1:18:11 for both halves, why she targeted a 2:35 debut, what surprised her most over 42.2km, and how she recovered in the days after the race. She also reflects on her background in the Ironwoman Series and the Coolangatta Gold, explains how those endurance events prepared her for the marathon, and discusses her transition to road racing after having children.

    The conversation also covers her training environment, nutrition and fueling strategy, overcoming previous struggles with disordered eating with the help of a dietitian, shoe choices, strength training, racing alongside Reenie Ringe, and what's next after an impressive marathon debut.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Meet Allie May
    00:30 Even Split Breakdown
    01:46 Recovery After Gold Coast
    02:26 Surf Lifesaving Roots
    03:52 What Is Surf Lifesaving
    06:14 Early Running and Training Load
    09:02 Switching to Road Racing
    11:36 Marathon Fear and Respect
    14:25 Chasing a 2:35 Debut
    16:13 First Marathon Block Lessons
    17:32 Team Training and Balance
    20:20 Nutrition and Fueling Mindset
    25:52 Fueling Matters Most
    26:25 Race Day Nutrition Plan
    28:54 Shoe Rotation Choices
    30:49 Carbon Shoes Debate
    32:07 Elite Start Experience
    35:13 Doubts and Dark Patches
    38:31 Next Goals and Races
    41:21 Strength Training Add On
    42:39 Wrap Up and Where to Follow

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