Making A Runner
by Nic Acampora
Latest episode
EP. 135 | From Track to Road to Author: The Evolution of Adriaan…
EP. 135 | From Track to Road to Author: The Evolution of Adriaan…
About this podcast
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 your Parkrun run or running your first Comrades.
Because great runners aren’t born — they’re made.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 135 episodes
- EP. 135 | From Track to Road to Author: The Evolution of Adriaan Wildschutt's Running Journey · 55 min · Episode 135In this episode of Making A Runner, Nic sits down with South African distance runner Adriaan Wildschutt for a catch-up on everything that’s happened since their last…
- EP. 134 | From Comrades to Berlin: Taking on My First Marathon Major · 29 min · Episode 134In this solo episode, Nic looks back on his journey from Comrades to the Berlin Marathon, sharing how he recovered after Comrades, found his way back to running at his best and…
- EP 133 | The Trail Running Masterclass; Everything Every Runner Should know about running off-road , with Salomon Athlete, Adventurer and Coach, Andrew Erasmus. · 1 h 3 min · Episode 133Whether you're thinking about entering your first trail race, preparing for an ultra, or simply looking to become a more complete runner, this episode is your guide to the world…
- EP. 132 | Life After Comrades Success, with Up Run Champion and Record Holder, George Kusche. · 44 min · Episode 132Winning Comrades may be the dream, but what happens once you've crossed the finish line?In what is Making A Runners first Video Form Podcast Episode, Nic catches up with newly…
- EP. 131 | Comrades Race Week & Race Day: Host Nic shares advice on preparing for the Final Run into the Ultimate Human Race. · 33 min · Episode 131The training is done. COMRADES 2026 is here. In the final episode of the Making A Runner Comrades Mini Series, Nic shifts the focus away from training and towards the things that…
- EP. 130 | How To Run Your Best Comrades; Host Nic breaks down tapering, goal setting and race-day execution. · 40 min · Episode 130With just two weeks to go until Comrades, the training is largely done. The focus now shifts towards arriving at the start line healthy, confident, and ready to execute. In…
- EP. 129 | The Calm Before Comrades: Navigating the Final Weeks with Coach Nic. · 34 min · Episode 129With Comrades just weeks away, the hard work is largely done — but for many runners, this is when the nerves, doubt, and overthinking really begin. In this episode of this…
- EP. 128 | The Road Back: How George Kusche Rebuilt Himself Into One of South Africa’s Most Promising Distance Runners · 53 min · Episode 128In this episode of Making A Runner, Nic sits down with one of the most exciting emerging names in South African endurance running — George Kusche. From competing as an NCAA…
- EP. 127 | How to Run Strong for Decades; Lessons from 1995 Comrades Winner Shaun Meiklejohn. · 57 min · Episode 127What does it really take to stay strong in running for years — not just months? In this episode, we sit down with Shaun Meiklejohn, former winner of the Comrades Marathon, to…
- EP. 126 | Train Smarter, Not Harder: The truth about periodisation and how your training can benefit from it with Endurance Coach Mike Roscoe. · 1 h 7 min · Episode 126For years, runners have been told to follow structured training phases — base, build, peak, taper — but is traditional periodisation still the best way to train? In this episode…
- EP. 125 | Heat Training For Endurance Performance; Unlock your best running potential through heat training modalities with practical advice from Sport Scientist and Endurance Coach, Andy Brodziak. · 55 min · Episode 125In 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…
- EP. 124 | Community Q&A with Annie Bothma; Latest carb stance, sub 3 hour marathon tips , how to deal with the pressure of races, strength training advice for runners and much more. · 1 h 8 min · Episode 124To 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…
- EP. 123 | Running Reflections, The 2025 Review ; with Former Host and Running Influencer David Fick AKA. Davey On The Run. · 1 h 16 min · Episode 123Welcome 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…
- EP. 122 | The Endurance Athlete’s Guide to Protein; Evidence-Based Strategies to Optimise Performance, Recovery & Longevity with Sports Nutritionist (MSc), Annie Bothma. · 1 h 33 min · Episode 122In 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…
- EP. 121 | Bouncing Back From Disappointment ; Mental strategies for dealing with setbacks in your running journey with Mental Performance Coach Giovanni Bianco. · 1 h 7 min · Episode 121What 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…
- EP. 120 | The Cape Town Marathon Round Up ; Coach Mike Roscoe and Host Nic bring you the final countdown to race day with all the tips you will need to have a successful day. · 1 h 0 min · Episode 120With 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…
- EP. 119 | Optimising Running Performance for Life; Reconnecting mind and movement with Author of “Built To Run”, Dr. Matt Silver - Part 2 · 1 h 22 min · Episode 119In 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…
- EP. 118 | The Cape Town Marathon Countdown; Your Ultimate 10-Week Training Guide with Coach Mike Roscoe · 1 h 13 min · Episode 118With 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…
- EP. 117 | Optimising Running Performance for Life ; Reconnecting mind and movement with Author of “Built To Run”, Dr. Matt Silver - Part 1. · 1 h 29 min · Episode 117In 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…
- EP. 116 | Evidence-Based Strategies For Sustainable Weight Loss and Body Composition Change in Athletes ; with Performance Sports Nutritionist (MSc), Annie Bothma. · 1 h 29 min · Episode 116In 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…
