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PODCAST

Making A Runner

Making A Runner is a podcast about the journey of becoming a better runner — physically, mentally, and over the long run. Hosted by Coach and Biokineticist Nic Acampora, the show brings together experts from the running world and everyday runners to unpack the realities of training, racing, injury, and performance. Expect practical insights, honest conversations, and a proudly South African perspective on what it really takes to build yourself into a runner; whether you are looking at improving

sports running

All Episodes

00:54:50

Heat Training For Endurance Performance; Unlock your...

Making A Runner ·

2026/03/24

In this episode of Making A Runner, Host Nic sits down with an old friend of the podcast, Coach Andy Brodziak , to explore one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—tools in endurance training: heat adaptation.From mimicking altitude benefits to improving performance in both hot and cooler conditions, Andy breaks down the science and practical application of heat training for runners and endurance athletes. The conversation dives into how the body adapts to heat, including increases in blood

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01:08:25

EP. 124 | Community Q&A with Annie Bothma; Latest...

Making A Runner ·

2026/03/10

To kick off a new year of Making A Runner, Host Nic Acampora is joined once again by one of the podcast’s most trusted voices — Sports Nutritionist (MSc), Running and Strength Coach , Annie Bothma — for a community-driven Q&A episode.Questions were gathered directly from runners, and together Nic and Annie unpack six of the most common topics currently circulating in the endurance world. The result is a practical, insightful conversation packed with takeaways that runners at all levels can apply

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01:16:41

EP. 123 | Running Reflections, The 2025 Review ; with...

Making A Runner ·

2025/12/11

Welcome to the last Making A Runner Episode of 2025.In this engaging conversation, our host Nic and former co-host Davey catch up and reflect on their running journeys throughout the year, discussing various races, personal bests, and the challenges they faced. They delve into the changes they made to their training, the experiences of different marathons, how they bounced back from setbacks and Daveys transition to coaching. The conversation highlights the camaraderie in the running community and

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01:33:35

EP. 122 | The Endurance Athlete’s Guide to Protein;...

Making A Runner ·

2025/11/26

In this episode of Making a Runner, Nic Acampora is joined once again by Sports Nutritionist and Elite Athlete Annie Bothma for a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood pillars of endurance performance: Protein.Annie Bothma is a Performance Sports Nutritionist (MSc), Running & Strength Coach and Elite Long-distance Runner. Known for her evidence-based yet practical approach, Annie combines scientific expertise with real-world experience to support athletes in optimising performance,

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01:07:34

EP. 121 | Bouncing Back From Disappointment ; Mental...

Making A Runner ·

2025/10/23

What happens when you’ve done the training, visualized the finish line, and race day is suddenly taken away?In this timely and deeply personal episode, Nic sits down with mental performance coach Giovanni Bianco to unpack the emotional impact of the Cape Town Marathon cancellation—and how runners can bounce back when their race plans fall apart. Together, they explore how to process disappointment, reframe setbacks, and reshape your vision for the future.Whether you’ve faced injury,

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01:00:12

EP. 120 | The Cape Town Marathon Round Up ; Coach...

Making A Runner ·

2025/09/24

With just weeks to go until Cape Town Marathon, this episode is your go-to guide for race day success. Host Nic Acampora sits down with Mike Roscoe from SBR Sports Coaching to unpack the critical details that can make or break your marathon performance.From mastering your final long runs and fine-tuning your nutrition plan, to tapering strategies, gel selection, caffeine use, and mental preparation—this conversation is packed with practical advice for both first-timers and experienced marathoners

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01:22:31

EP. 119 | Optimising Running Performance for Life;...

Making A Runner ·

2025/09/03

In Part 2 of this powerful two-part series, Nic Acampora continues the conversation with Dr. Matt Silver—Doctor of Physical Therapy, Performance Coach, and Author of Built to Run. This episode dives deeper into the transition from rehabilitation to peak performance, exploring the key elements that help runners move from pain to potential.Together, Nic and Matt unpack the practical tools and mindset shifts needed to rebuild running confidence, including the role of gait retraining, coordination, and

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01:13:48

EP. 118 | The Cape Town Marathon Countdown; Your...

Making A Runner ·

2025/08/06

With just 10 weeks to go until race day, this episode of Making A Runner is your go-to guide for final preparations ahead of the Cape Town Marathon.Your Host Nic — a three-time CT Marathon finisher — sits down with Coach Mike Roscoe from SBR Sports Coaching to unpack everything you need to know to get to the start line feeling confident and ready to run your best race yet.Whether you're training for your first marathon or chasing a PB, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge from years of experience

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01:29:50

EP. 117 | Optimising Running Performance for Life ;...

Making A Runner ·

2025/07/23

In this insightful episode of Making A Runner, Nic Acampora sits down with Dr. Matt Silver— Sports Physical Therapist, Running Coach and author of Built to Run—for a powerful conversation that redefines how we think about running injuries, movement, and performance.Together, they explore why runners often stay stuck in injury cycles and how a whole-body, system-first approach can offer lasting solutions. From mobility myths and the truth about core training, to foot health, breathing techniques, and

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01:29:35

EP. 116 | Evidence-Based Strategies For Sustainable...

Making A Runner ·

2025/07/09

In this episode of Making A Runner, host Nic sits down once again with Annie Bothma – IOPN Performance Sports Nutritionist (MSc), Running and Strength coach, and Endurance Athlete – to tackle a topic that’s often misunderstood in the running world: sustainable weight loss and body composition change for athletes.Annie unpacks the science behind weight and performance, busts common myths about “lighter equals faster,” and explains why chasing a race weight can sometimes do more harm than good. They

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00:57:38

EP. 115 | Rebuilding The Runner ; Recovering from ITB...

Making A Runner ·

2025/06/25

In this inspiring episode of Making A Runner, host Nic sits down with runner and content creator, Chanel Cronje, to talk about one of the most relatable topics in the sport: injury.After building strong momentum in her training, Chanel hit a wall with ITB syndrome during her Cape Town Marathon 2024 campaign — a race she courageously completed despite pain from as early as kilometer 3. In her 18-week long journey of rehabilitation, strength training, and deep self-reflection, she found a way to

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01:13:09

EP. 114 | How To Achieve Your True Running Potential...

Making A Runner ·

2025/06/18

In this episode of Making A Runner, Nic sits down with one of the sport’s most respected voices — Jason Fitzgerald, coach and host of the Strength Running Podcast. From his humble beginnings showing up to his first cross-country practice in basketball shoes, to becoming a 2:39 marathoner and leading coach, Jason’s journey is filled with lessons every runner can learn from.Together, they dive deep into what it means to build lasting progress — touching on the role of genetics, consistency, and smart

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00:49:31

EP. 113 | The Comrades Race Week YOU Need; Nic and...

Making A Runner ·

2025/06/04

Davey is back on the show and with Nic they go over all you need to hear in the build up to the 2025 Comrades Down Run.In this fun and lighthearted episode you can expect to find some golden nuggets of wisdom which are sure to help get you fully prepared for race day along with many laughs from the stories shared. They cover:- Their own Comrades journeys and how they go to the start of this years race.- Mental advice to overcome the difficult moments on race day.- Seconding and on the day support-

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01:04:00

EP. 112 | Rolling With The Punches, Learning To...

Making A Runner ·

2025/05/28

In this episode of Making a Runner, host Nic Acampora sits down with South African running icon, Irvette Van Zyl, as she prepares for her very first Comrades Marathon. In this inspiring and deeply honest conversation, Irvette opens up about her rollercoaster journey to the start line, navigating serious injuries, relentless setbacks, and the mental and emotional battles that come with being an elite athlete. Despite facing multiple challenges—including a stress fracture, calf thrombosis, and a torn

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01:14:44

EP. 111 | The Gold Mine for Comrades Down Run Success...

Making A Runner ·

2025/05/21

Ready to make the most of your Comrades Down Run? In this episode of Making A Runner, host Nic Acampora sits down with living legend Barry Holland—the only person to have finished 49 consecutive Comrades Marathons and a current CMA Board Member. Drawing on five decades of experience, Barry unpacks the route like only he can, sharing hard-earned tips on pacing strategies, breaking up the daunting 90km, and how to approach those infamous hills (and downhills!) for your best shot at the finish.They

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01:01:03

EP. 110 | Two Runners, 6 Stars, One Comrades Dream;...

Making A Runner ·

2025/05/13

What does it take to chase some of the world’s biggest running dreams—while juggling careers, travel, setbacks, and the everyday demands of life? In this inspiring episode of Making A Runner, host Nic Acampora sits down with Jade De Sousa and Dominique Webb, two South African runners who not only earned the coveted Abbott Six Star Medal, but met on this journey, pushed their personal boundaries and continued to inspire every step of the way.From a serendipitous meeting in Berlin to unforgettable

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01:30:04

EP.109 | Carbohydrates and Endurance Performance....

Making A Runner ·

2025/03/26

In this episode of Making A Runner, host Nic welcomes back Annie Bothma, a frequent guest with profound expertise in nutrition, especially in the context of running. Annie dives into the intricacies of carbohydrate consumption and its pivotal role in endurance sports. Having previously covered pre race Carbo-Loading strategies as a topic as well as general nutritional advice for runners today we focused our conversation around runners preparing for longer distances such as marathons and

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01:07:02

EP. 108 | Understanding your sweat - a Key to...

Making A Runner ·

2025/03/07

In this conversation, Host Nic and Andy Brodziak delve into the critical aspects of hydration and sodium intake for ultra marathon runners. They discuss the importance of understanding individual sweat rates, the role of sodium in performance, and practical strategies for maintaining optimal hydration levels during training and races. The conversation emphasises the need for personalised hydration strategies, the dangers of over-hydration, and the significance of sodium in preventing performance

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01:10:07

EP. 107 | Understanding Heat and Altitude training ;...

Making A Runner ·

2025/02/26

In todays conversation your host, Nic, chats to Dr. Philip Batterson, a Physiologist, Coach and Endurance specialist from Oregon, USA. Phil holds extensive knowledge in the field of exercise physiology and it's application when it comes to endurance sports. Today we chat in detail about heat and altitude training for endurance runners. We focus on: The science behind these methodologies of training. How to optimise your oxygen carrying capacity through heat or altitude stress. How to

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01:02:21

EP. 106 | The 'Down Run' Masterclass; A Comrades...

Making A Runner ·

2025/02/12

In this conversation, Nic chats to the official Comrades Coach, Lindsey Parry, as they look to unpack the essential preparations for runners gearing up for the upcoming 'Down Run' Comrades Marathon.We explore the different types of runners (from novice to sub elite), the importance of training habits, the risks of overtraining, and the significance of setting realistic goals. Lindsey emphasises the need for strength training, especially for novice runners, and provides insights on how to navigate

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125 results

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