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Making A Runner: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Nic Acampora
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 weeks ago29 min
EP. 134 | From Comrades to Berlin: Taking on My First Marathon Major
In 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 eventually made the spontaneous decision to take on Berlin.From how he secured his entry to adapting his training in a much shorter timeframe than usual, Nic talks through the build-up to his first World Major Marathon and what it was like to experience race day in Berlin. He also reflects on how the race unfolded, supporting his own runners along the way, and the lessons he took away from the experience.In this episode, Nic covers:• Recovering after Comrades and finding his way back to running at his best.• How the decision to run Berlin came about and how he got his entry.• Adapting his training for a marathon with a shorter preparation period• The experience of running his first World Major Marathon.• How race day unfolded and what it was like supporting his runners.• His biggest takeaways from Berlin and what comes next for his running goals.From the unexpected decision to the finish line, this episode is an honest look at taking on a big running goal, adapting when plans change and figuring out what comes next.Whether you’re training for your own marathon or love hearing the stories behind the miles, tune in for Nic’s take on his first World Marathon Major.
- Aug 13, 20261h 3m
EP 133 | The Trail Running Masterclass; Everything Every Runner Should know about running off-road , with Salomon Athlete, Adventurer and Coach, Andrew Erasmus.
Whether 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 of trail running.In this Trail Running Masterclass, Nic sits down with Salomon athlete, coach, and experienced trail runner Andrew Erasmus to unpack what makes trail running so unique—and why it's about far more than just swapping the tar for dirt.From technical descents and steep climbs to race-day strategy, safety, equipment and mindset, Andrew shares the lessons he's learnt from years of racing and coaching on the trails. Together, they explore how trail running challenges your body and mind in completely different ways to road running, while offering some of the most rewarding experiences endurance sport has to offer.In this episode you'll learn:How trail running differs from road runningThe biggest mindset shifts every road runner should makeHow to climb and descend technical terrain more efficientlyWhen power hiking is faster than runningHow to train specifically for different trail racesStrength exercises that will make you a stronger trail runnerThe differences between road and trail shoesNutrition and hydration strategies for long days on the trailsSafety essentials every trail runner should knowWhy the trail running community is unlike any otherWhether you're chasing a podium, preparing for your first mountain race, or simply looking for your next adventure, this conversation is packed with practical advice that will help you train smarter, race better, and enjoy the trails with greater confidence.As Andrew reminds us throughout the episode, trail running isn't just about reaching the finish line—it's about embracing the journey, respecting the mountains, and becoming a more resilient runner along the way.Remember to leave review and share with a running buddy who might appreciate these tips! If you want to find out more about Andrew and his coaching, you can go give him a follow on Instagram @andrew_erasmus2 .Lace up, slow down, look up, and enjoy the trails.
- Jul 30, 202643 min
EP. 132 | Life After Comrades Success, with Up Run Champion and Record Holder, George Kusche.
Winning 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 crowned 2026 Comrades Champion and Up Run Record Holder, George Kusche, weeks after his record-breaking victory.Rather than focusing solely on the race itself, this conversation explores what comes next. George shares the physical and emotional realities of recovering from one of the greatest performances of his career, why patience is essential after a major goal race, and how he's learning to listen to his body as he begins building towards the next chapter.Together they discuss:- Recovering from a record-breaking Comrades Marathon- The importance of giving your body time to heal after a major race- Managing cramps and difficult moments during the race- The role of HRV, sleep and recovery metrics in guiding training- Why consistency and patience continue to underpin his success- Balancing elite running, coaching and a professional career- His exciting new coaching platform and vision for helping more runners- His next goals, including the marathon and future Comrades campaignsOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that recovery is not lost time—it's part of the training process. George explains why the temptation to rush back into hard training can often delay long-term progress, and why the best athletes are willing to take a step back in order to move forward.Whether you've just completed Comrades, finished your goal marathon, or are simply trying to build consistency in your own running, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that long-term success comes from respecting the process—not just celebrating the result and that sometimes the most important training block begins after the finish line.Go and check out George's new coaching apphttps://www.gorunmore.com/If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to leave a review and share with a running buddy.
- Jun 9, 202633 min
EP. 131 | Comrades Race Week & Race Day: Host Nic shares advice on preparing for the Final Run into the Ultimate Human Race.
The 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 matter most during race week: staying healthy, staying calm, trusting your preparation, and arriving at the start line ready to execute.With race numbers issued and final race instructions now released, Comrades suddenly becomes very real. In this episode, Nic shares practical advice and personal insights to help runners navigate the excitement, nerves, and uncertainty that often accompany the final few days before the Ultimate Human Race.Topics covered include:What to focus on during race week (and what to ignore)Sleep, recovery, and managing time off your feetPractical carb-loading adviceControlling the controllables and avoiding unnecessary stressUnderstanding the 2026 Comrades start process and race morning logisticsReviewing your pacing, nutrition, and seconding plansMental preparation strategies for handling difficult moments during the raceWhat to do when things don't go according to planWhy the finish line means so much more than a medalThroughout the episode, Nic encourages runners to cut through the noise, trust themselves, and remember that confidence comes from the work already completed—not from trying to squeeze in one last perfect week.Whether you're chasing a Silver Medal, a Bill Rowan, a Bronze, or simply your first Comrades finish, this episode is designed to help you arrive at the start line feeling organised, prepared, and ready to enjoy one of the most special days in running.This is the final episode of the Making A Runner Comrades Mini Series.Good luck, trust your preparation, and enjoy every step of the journey from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. You are all winners!
- Jun 2, 202639 min
EP. 130 | How To Run Your Best Comrades; Host Nic breaks down tapering, goal setting and race-day execution.
With 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 Episode 2 of the Making A Runner Comrades Mini Series, Nic takes a deep dive into the final stages of preparation for race day. Drawing from his own experiences on the road to Comrades, as well as years of coaching athletes towards their goals, he shares practical advice on how to maximise your taper, set realistic race goals, and approach race day with a clear strategy.In this episode, you'll learn:How to get the most out of your taper without second-guessing your fitnessWhat to expect physically and mentally during the final two weeksHow to set realistic and meaningful race goalsThe key principles of successful Comrades race executionHow to approach the different sections of the Up RunWhy pacing and patience are often more important than fitnessCommon mistakes runners make on race dayPractical nutrition and hydration considerationsThroughout the episode, Nic refers to the race breakdown and pacing framework that can be found on our socials @makingarunner , helping runners understand where discipline, patience, fueling, problem-solving, and mental strength become most important throughout the 86km journey.Whether you're chasing a Silver Medal, a Bill Rowan, a Bronze, or simply your first Comrades finish, this episode is designed to help you simplify the process, trust your preparation, and give yourself the best possible chance of running the race you're capable of.The work has been done. Now it's time to execute.We hope you have enjoyed it, make sure to share with your running buddy and leave us a review.
- May 26, 202633 min
EP. 129 | The Calm Before Comrades: Navigating the Final Weeks with Coach Nic.
With 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 special Making A Runner Comrades mini-series, Nic dives into the emotional and physical realities of the final few weeks before race day. Drawing from both his own experiences running Comrades and years of coaching athletes through the journey, this episode focuses on how to approach the taper period with confidence, perspective, and calmness.Nic unpacks:What runners should realistically expect to feel during the final weeksWhy fatigue, flatness, and self-doubt are completely normalThe Comrades Up Run Race Breakdown (https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhETIdDrm1/?igsh=Y25weHdvdHlsc243)Common mistakes athletes make late in a Comrades buildHow to manage emotions, comparison, and race anxietyThe importance of arriving healthy, fresh, and mentally readyWhy restraint and recovery become the real training in the final phaseThe episode also explores the emotional significance of Comrades itself — why this race is different, what makes it so special, and why trusting the process matters more now than ever before.Whether you’re preparing for your first Comrades or returning for another medal, this conversation is designed to help you slow down the noise, trust your training, and approach race day with clarity and confidence.We hope you enjoy the episode and find it insightful.
- May 13, 202652 min
EP. 128 | The Road Back: How George Kusche Rebuilt Himself Into One of South Africa’s Most Promising Distance Runners
In 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 middle-distance athlete in the United States while studying actuarial science and statistics, to stepping away from running completely for a period of time, George’s journey through the sport has been anything but conventional. But over the last few years, he has quietly rebuilt himself into an elite endurance athlete, running 2:13 for the marathon and an outstanding 5:41 debut at the Comrades Marathon.Together, Nic and George unpack:His transition from middle-distance track racing into marathon and ultra runningThe lessons he took from the NCAA system and his time in the USHis decision to self-coach and how he structures his trainingBuilding endurance without losing speedThe importance of long-term thinking and consistency in developmentBalancing elite-level training with work, life, and family commitmentsNutrition, race strategy, and lessons from his first Comrades MarathonMore than anything, this episode is a conversation about patience, progression, and trusting the process. George’s story is a reminder that performance doesn’t always follow a straight line — and that sometimes the best athletes are still quietly building towards their full potential.Whether you’re training for your first marathon, chasing a Comrades goal, or simply trying to improve over the long term, this conversation is packed with practical insight and perspective from one of South Africa’s rising endurance talents.We hope you enjoy the show, make sure to give the pod a follow and leave a review.
- Apr 29, 202656 min
EP. 127 | How to Run Strong for Decades; Lessons from 1995 Comrades Winner Shaun Meiklejohn.
What 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 unpack the principles behind true longevity in the sport.Shaun’s career is nothing short of extraordinary — with 33 Comrades finishes to his name, 32 of them at Silver medal standard or faster, and even at 64 years old, still knocking on the door of a sub-3-hour marathon. It’s a testament to what’s possible when consistency, smart training, and a love for the process come together over decades.We dive into:How to train smarter as you get olderManaging injuries without losing momentumThe mental side of racing and preparationBreaking down Ultra Marathons into manageable segmentsWhat it takes to run the perfect ComradesWhy consistency is the ultimate performance toolThis is a conversation about playing the long game — building a sustainable approach to running that allows you to keep improving, stay injury-free, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process.Whether you’re training for your first ultra or chasing your next PB, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can apply straight away.We hope you enjoy the episode!
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About 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 your Parkrun run or running your first Comrades. Because great runners aren’t born — they’re made.
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