IMO #34 - Palestine Marathon - The Reality Of Running In The West Bank

I recap my experience travelling to and running the Palestine Marathon weekend in Bethlehem, including crossing through Jordan and the West Bank, what it was actually like on the ground in the region, and how different the experience felt compared to many online portrayals. I also announce the new Globe Runners Thailand experience in Phuket and answer listener questions on coaching, shoe tech, injury comeback plans, visas, and the future of running.
Links
My coaching: sweatelitecoaching.com/matt-fox

My Instagram: instagram.com/mattinglisfox

My Strava: strava.com/athletes/6248359

Join me in Phuket for a running experience of a lifetime: thegloberunners.com/phuket-running-experience
I open this episode by announcing the first Globe Runners Thailand experience taking place in Phuket from September 4-7. The trip will include training sessions, seminars, exploring Thailand, group activities, and a chance to train with a like-minded running community in one of the best environments in the world for a running camp.
From there, recording from Jerusalem, I recap the Palestine Marathon weekend in Bethlehem after travelling through Amman and crossing the Israeli border. I talk through the long screening process, what it was actually like travelling through the West Bank, and why the reality on the ground felt very different to what many people might expect from following international media coverage.
I also recap the race weekend itself. I jogged the 10K which ended up being around 9.3K, Reem ran 1:38 to place second in the half marathon on a very hilly course, and my athlete Ahmed placed third in the marathon. I also reflect on emotional footage from a Gaza marathon and the broader atmosphere around the event weekend.
Later in the episode, I answer a wide range of Instagram Q&A topics including my failed U.S. green card process, detention in Japan over cannabis, rehoming Turbo, thoughts on the future of the running industry, London Marathon potentially moving to two days, altitude training in Font-Romeu, doping speculation, shoe tech and fueling, my injury comeback plans, coaching philosophy, and why Luke left the podcast.
Topics
00:00 - Globe Runners Thailand Launch
02:00 - Palestine Marathon Recap
04:02 - China Trip Reality Check
09:50 - West Bank Safety Impressions
13:18 - Crossing the Border Story
17:59 - Race Day Highlights
21:08 - Visa Nightmare Update
29:15 - Running Industry Next 5 Years
31:49 - Font Romeu Altitude Camp Guide
34:41 - Doping Test Speculation
35:52 - Fueling Explains Breakthroughs
37:47 - Sawe Testing And Supplements
40:08 - Injury Comeback Race Plan
42:39 - Luke Podcast Fallout
47:57 - Records Gear And London Changes
51:07 - Training Response Differences
52:18 - Palestine Marathon Border Tips
53:48 - Influencers And Testosterone Talk
55:51 - Return To Run Coaching Advice
57:06 - Gaza Access And Coaching Wild West
59:18 - What Makes A Great Coach
01:01:40 - Wrap Up And Sign Off