Making a Runner is an inspiring and informative podcast that delves into the world of running. Hosted by Nic Acampora and David Fick, the show features in-depth conversations with athletes, coaches, experts, and enthusiasts from various running disciplines. Each episode uncovers the personal journeys, training techniques, and mental strategies of top runners and industry professionals, sharing valuable insights for listeners at every level of their running journey. From beginners looking to ...
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EP. 107 | Understanding Heat and Altitude training ; with Physiologist, Coach and Endurance Specialist - Dr. Philip Batterson.
1:10:07
1:10:07
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1:10:07In 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:…
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EP. 106 | The 'Down Run' Masterclass; A Comrades Training Roadmap with Coach Lindsey Parry
1:02:21
1:02:21
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1:02:21In 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 significanc…
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EP. 105 | The Two Oceans Marathon Masterclass; with Sports Scientist and Coach, Devlin Eyden from Coach Parry.
1:09:09
1:09:09
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1:09:09Like any good training program - the off-season is the key part of returning hungry and ready for more! This is the start of a the new year for us and we are planning for big things in 2025! After a 6 week break 'Making A Runner' returns with a conversation surrounding one of the most beautiful and challenging races in the world - The Total Sports …
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EP. 104 | Rising to the Desert Challenge; Kim Sonntag's Ultra Journey Balancing Running, Medicine and Charity.
55:10
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55:10Today we're diving into the inspiring journey of Dr. Kim Sonntag, a dedicated Runner and Obstetrician & Gynecologist from Cape Town. Kim has not only conquered the grueling Two Oceans and Comrades marathons this year, but she recently took on the extraordinary challenge of a 250 km self-supported race through the Namibian desert ; The Desert Ultra.…
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EP. 103 | Return to Running Postpartum; Professional Triathlete and Dietitian , Mariella Sawyer, and her intuitive journey of self discovery a year on from the birth of her first child.
48:55
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48:55Today, we have the privilege of hosting Mariella Sawyer, Professional Triathlete, Dietitian and new mother, days after she took the win at the Mossel Bay Ironman 70.3, to discuss her transformative journey of returning to competition a year postpartum. Join hosts Nic and Leah in this episode of Making HER Runner, as they delve into Mariella's exper…
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Ep. 102 | Dreamers Keep Trying; Kamo's motivational journey to his first sub 3 hour marathon.
1:09:33
1:09:33
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1:09:33Today, we're thrilled to have Kamo (you may know him as @Kamo.runs on social media) a passionate runner and finance professional, share his incredible journey from a gym enthusiast to achieving a sub-3-hour marathon at Cape Town this year after running over hours in the 2023 version of the race ( a massive 1 hour+ improvement). We'll delve into his…
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Ep. 101 | Pharmacological approaches to running-related pain and alternative solutions to pain management with Dr Martin Khoury.
1:14:38
1:14:38
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1:14:38In today's episode Nic chats to one of our all time favourite deep dive guests, Dr Martin Khoury, as we shift our focus to understanding pharmacology and how it relates to managing running related pain. We'll explore everything from the efficacy of analgesics and the placebo effect to the challenges and ethics of chronic pain management. Whether yo…
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100 Episodes of Making Memories with your hosts; Nic , Davey and Leah.
58:09
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58:09Tune into todays episode for a walk down memory lane as we reminisce over the last 100 episodes of Making a Runner spanning the last 2 and a half years. We chat about some of our favourite guests, go into details and learning outcomes from episodes gone by and dive into how our own personal running journey has been influenced by what we have learne…
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S3|E30 - Mental Strategies for Race Day Success with Mental Performance Coach and 2:23 Marathoner, Giovanni Bianco.
1:00:44
1:00:44
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1:00:44An often overlooked or underestimated element of training is mental strength. We delve into the depths of our STRAVA stats and are pretty clued up about nutrition, right down to grams of crabs per hour, but how do we deal with negative thoughts? Those nagging mental niggles that creep up when we're on the verge of doing something epic. As Giovanni …
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MHR- Beating Burnout with Co-Host, Leah; learning from our setbacks and the importance of mindful nutrition.
1:02:59
1:02:59
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1:02:59It's been a good few months since our last 'Making Her Runner' episode but we are excited to be back sharing in Leah's running journey over the last year. A journey that started with low energy availability prior to Cape Town Marathon in 2023 along with hormonal issues and ended in a completely different runner crossing the finish line of the Karkl…
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The South African Trail Running Scene; prepare for the upcoming local Races plus the latest training updates from the world of Ultra Trail with Coach and Trail Running Legend, Linda Doke
1:07:51
1:07:51
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1:07:51We’re thrilled to have the legendary Trail Runner and Coach, Linda Doke, back on the pod. In this episode, Linda shares her profound insights into the ultra-running world, diving into specific race strategies, challenges, and the personal impact of trail running. We chat about the latest news coming from UTMB, David Roche's Leadville 100miler recor…
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In this episode we welcome Davey back onto the pod as we catch up with how life as a parent is treating him whilst touching onto both Nic and Davey's training for the Cape Town Marathon. We focus on: providing our listeners with insights and tips on what to expect from the last 6 weeks of training the route changes and what to expect come race day …
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S3|E26 - What You Can Learn From Your Feet; a masterclass in foot biomechanics with Podiatrist, Nelfrie Kemp
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1:01:25
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1:01:25In this second part of our conversation Nic and Nelfrie Kemp go into the details of foot anatomy, biomechanics, common injuries and answer some of the questions from our listeners. Nelfrie discusses the importance of everyday shoe wear, the complexity of foot biomechanics, and the significant impact it has on running mechanics. From addressing comm…
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S3|E25 - Pre Race Carbo-Loading 101; all you need to know with Sports Nutrition Expert, Annie Bothma
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1:03:10
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1:03:10In this episode, Nic sits down with sports nutrition expert Annie Bothma to delve deep into the world of carb loading for runners. Together, they explore the essential role carbohydrates play in endurance exercise, tracing the history and evolution of carb loading as a strategy for athletes. Topics Discussed: Why Carb Loading Matters: Annie explain…
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S3|E24 The Right Shoe for the Right Occasion - A masterclass in running shoewear with Podiatrist, Nelfrie Kemp
1:07:22
1:07:22
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1:07:22What is the right shoe for me? This is the most commonly asked question by runners all around the world and yet the answer to this simple question is far from straight forward. In today's conversation we chat to Nelfrie Kemp, Podiatrist and long time friend of the podcast as we dive deep into the topic of helping runners find the right shoe. We ask…
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S3|E23 - Discover Your Full Running Potential with Nick Bester, 2:20 Marathoner, Running Coach and Founder of Best Athletics.
52:39
52:39
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52:39Today's conversation is one of those chicken and egg scenario's, what came first? Where some runners lace up and strike gold on their first try, others spend years in the single pursuit of a goal. So is it potential that requires hard work or hard work that unlocks potential? Nick Bester, running coach and founder of Best Athletics, helps us naviga…
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S3|E22 - World Class Trail Racing in South Africa with Professional Trail Runner Admire Muzopambwa
1:06:10
1:06:10
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1:06:10In this conversation Hosts Nic and Davey chat to one of the best Ultra Trail Runners in the country right now - Admire Muzopambwa. Coming from a road running background Adie discovered his ability on trail and has never looked back winning and podiuming at many of the country's biggest trail running events such as UTD, Karkloof, MUT and Skyrun to n…
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S3|E21 - Exploring Road VS Trail Running with Ultramarathon Runner and Coach, Jo Keppler
55:07
55:07
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55:07Jo Keppler is a familiar voice on the show and with this episode we welcome her back to help us unpack some core differences between Road and Trail Running - Jo being an accomplished ultra-distance trail runner herself, who trained for her very first Comrades Marathon this year. We cover some interesting ground including the difference in intensity…
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Unlocking the Hip Joint, a Deep Dive with Dr Martin Khoury, Chiropractor and Pain Management Specialist
1:16:02
1:16:02
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1:16:02Dr Martin Khoury is no stranger to the podcast and his expertise have already been shared in previous deep dive episodes on the lower leg and knee but as he will tell you: "The hip joint is his favourite joint of the body". His enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject matter is unmatched. We had a fantastic conversation covering: Hip Joint Anatomy a…
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S3|E19 - What It Takes To Win The Comrades Marathon with 2024 Male Winner, Piet Wiersma
1:20:20
1:20:20
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1:20:20We are back after a small production break with one of the most anticipated conversations of the year - The 2024 Comrades Marathon Winner, Piet Wiersma. After narrowly missing out on the win in 2023 by 2 seconds the 'Unknown' Dutchman was the talk of the South African and global running community. We had the pleasure of chatting to him back then (S…
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S3|E18 - The Advice You Need For Comrades Race Week, with your Hosts, Nic & Davey
1:15:58
1:15:58
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1:15:58Making it to the start of Comrades Marathon is as much an achievement as is completing the gruelling 85.9km journey from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. This episode is for those of you competing in this years version of the Comrades Marathon or those of you hoping to support on the road during the day. This episode is even for those of you watching fr…
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S3|E17 - Running the 'Toughest Footrace on Earth' with up and coming Trail Runner James Miller
1:11:14
1:11:14
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1:11:14The Marathon Des Sables (MDS) is notorious for being one of the toughest trail races in the world. If this is news to you then picture this for a minute: Running 250km in the middle of the Sahara desert spread over 6 days where participants have to be able to fully self support themselves and work with strict daily water rations. Your days can rang…
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S3|E16 - Hydration for Endurance Running with Coach and Fueling Specialist, Andy Brodziak.
1:23:35
1:23:35
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1:23:35Are you willing to reconsider everything you think you know about hydration? This episode had us diving into the deep waters of hydration for endurance sports, with multiple Kona Ironman World Championship contender, Sport Scientist and Coach, Andy Brodziak, who is a representative of Precision Hydration - an industry leader in all things, you gues…
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S3|E15 - Your Comrades Up Run Raceday Strategy and final preparation with Coach Lindsey Parry
1:25:33
1:25:33
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1:25:33Overview: In this episode Nic and Davey are back and chatting to Official Comrades Coach, Lindsey Parry, discussing race day strategy and final preparation for the Ultimate Human Race. In the conversation Lindsey emphasises the importance of getting to race day feeling fresh and pain-free advising runners to embrace the fatigue and understand that …
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S3|E14 - Master your Mental Game with Mental Performance Coach, Giovanni Bianco
1:11:46
1:11:46
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1:11:46Every experienced runner knows that when the going gets tough you better be on top of your mental game! But mental strength is often only something that comes along with years of experience and some tough lessons learnt. But mental gains can be trained and with developing the right habits, it could be the key to unlocking not only your best perform…
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