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.

Making A Runner is a sports podcast hosted by Nic Acampora, with 125 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Nic Acampora hosts Making A Runner, a sports show with 125 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #133

  EP 133 | The Trail Running Masterclass; Everything Every Runner Should know about running off-road , with Salomon Athlete, Adventurer and Coach, Andrew Erasmus.

  Aug 13, 20261h 3m

  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.

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  Making A Runner

  EP. 132 | Life After Comrades Success, with Up Run Champion and Record Holder, George Kusche.

  Jul 29, 202644 min

  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.

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  Episode #131

  EP. 131 | Comrades Race Week & Race Day: Host Nic shares advice on preparing for the Final Run into the Ultimate Human Race.

  Jun 9, 202633 min

  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!

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  Episode #130

  EP. 130 | How To Run Your Best Comrades; Host Nic breaks down tapering, goal setting and race-day execution.

  Jun 2, 202640 min

  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 fitness What to expect physically and mentally during the final two weeks How to set realistic and meaningful race goals The key principles of successful Comrades race execution How to approach the different sections of the Up Run Why pacing and patience are often more important than fitness Common mistakes runners make on race day Practical nutrition and hydration considerations Throughout 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.

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  Episode #129

  EP. 129 | The Calm Before Comrades: Navigating the Final Weeks with Coach Nic.

  May 26, 202634 min

  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 weeks Why fatigue, flatness, and self-doubt are completely normal The Comrades Up Run Race Breakdown ( https://www.instagram.com/p/DYhETIdDrm1/?igsh=Y25weHdvdHlsc243 ) Common mistakes athletes make late in a Comrades build How to manage emotions, comparison, and race anxiety The importance of arriving healthy, fresh, and mentally ready Why restraint and recovery become the real training in the final phase The 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.

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