Making A Runner

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.

Publisher

Nic Acampora

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Aug 2022

Latest episode

13 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

133 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Aug 2026

   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 running The biggest mindset shifts every road runner should make How to climb and descend technical terrain more efficiently When power hiking is faster than running How to train specifically for different trail races Strength exercises that will make you a stronger trail runner The differences between road and trail shoes Nutrition and hydration strategies for long days on the trails Safety essentials every trail runner should know Why the trail running community is unlike any other Whether 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.

2. 

   30 Jul 2026

   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.

3. 

   9 Jun 2026

   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 feet Practical carb-loading advice Controlling the controllables and avoiding unnecessary stress Understanding the 2026 Comrades start process and race morning logistics Reviewing your pacing, nutrition, and seconding plans Mental preparation strategies for handling difficult moments during the race What to do when things don't go according to plan Why the finish line means so much more than a medal Throughout 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!

Who has been a guest on Making A Runner

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Chanel Cronje
• Jason Fitzgerald
• Irvette Van Zyl

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

89 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 53 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

73

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

85

Contact Making A Runner

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  Up - A Comrades Marathon Podcast

• 

  The Strength Running Podcast

• 

  The Extramilest Podcast

• 

  Trail Runner Nation

• 

  Human Performance Outliers Podcast

• 

  The Rich Roll Podcast

Questions about Making A Runner