Making A Runner

For 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 of Making A Runner, Nic sits down with Coach Mike Roscoe to unpack one of the biggest debates in endurance sport right now. Together, they explore whether periodisation has been misunderstood, overcomplicated, or simply misapplied — especially for everyday runners juggling work, stress, and real-life demands.This conversation moves beyond theory and into practical application. Mike shares how training should adapt to the individual, why consistency often matters more than chasing the “perfect” plan, and how to use simple training levers like volume, intensity, hills, and long runs to drive long-term progress.They also dive into:Why traditional periodisation models don’t always translate to real-world runnersThe importance of building a strong aerobic baseHow to avoid overtraining and burnoutWhether you actually need deload weeks and how to use them effectivelyThe role of intuitive and flexible training approachesWhat the latest insights — including Nordic training models — are teaching us about performance and longevityWhether you’re a beginner looking to avoid common pitfalls or an experienced runner aiming to train smarter and stay injury-free, this episode will help you simplify your approach and focus on what really matters.At the end of the day, it’s not about having the perfect plan — it’s about building a system you can stick to consistently, over time.You can give Mike a follow on @mikeroscoe_sbrsport or visit his website www.sbrsport.co.zaEnjoy the episode, share it with a running buddy and don't forget to hit that "Follow" button.

To 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 Coach , Annie Bothma — for a community-driven Q&A episode.Questions were gathered directly from runners, and together Nic and Annie unpack six of the most common topics currently circulating in the endurance world. The result is a practical, insightful conversation packed with takeaways that runners at all levels can apply to their training.In this episode, they discuss:• Where we currently stand with carbohydrates in endurance sport• Why some runners struggle with bathroom issues during runs and what might help• What it really takes to run a Sub-3 Hour marathon and move that towards 2:40• How to manage race-day nerves and pressure• How to integrate strength training into a running program without compromising mileage• How to tell whether you’re fueling enough for your training loadAs always, Annie brings a science-based perspective combined with real-world coaching experience, helping runners better understand the decisions they make around training, fueling, and performance.Whether you’re preparing for your next race or simply looking to train smarter this year, this episode offers practical insight to help you along the running journey, one you do not want to miss.You can reach to Annie on socials @annies_athletes or visit her website https://www.anniesathletes.org/We hope you enjoy the show, remember to leave a review and share with your running buddy.

In 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 pillars of endurance performance: Protein.Annie Bothma is a Performance Sports Nutritionist (MSc), Running & Strength Coach and Elite Long-distance Runner. Known for her evidence-based yet practical approach, Annie combines scientific expertise with real-world experience to support athletes in optimising performance, health, and recovery. She’s a familiar voice on MAR, having previously shared valuable insights on Carbohydrates for Endurance (EP.109), Carb Loading (S3E25), and Weight Loss and Body Composition (EP.116). In this conversation they unpack how endurance athletes can better fuel for strength, recovery, and long-term health—cutting through common misconceptions and offering science-backed, actionable advice. From protein timing and daily intake strategies to the role of amino acids and practical supplementation (yes, even creatine for runners!), this conversation is packed with insight for athletes of all levels.You’ll learn:Why protein is essential for muscle repair, recovery, and resilienceProtein needs for different athletic populations and goalsHow to meet your needs on plant-based or mixed dietsThe role of essential amino acids in muscle protein synthesisHow supplements like creatine and beta-alanine fit into the endurance pictureWhy the distribution of protein across meals is a useful tool in meeting your daily needsWhether you're training for your next marathon or simply looking to run stronger for longer—this episode will help you optimise your nutrition and performance in a sustainable, practical way.If you want to find out more about Annie or her services, give her a follow on @annies_athletes ion Instagram or check out her website https://www.anniesathletes.org/We hope you enjoyed the conversation and make sure to share it with a fellow runner.

With 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 unpack the critical details that can make or break your marathon performance.From mastering your final long runs and fine-tuning your nutrition plan, to tapering strategies, gel selection, caffeine use, and mental preparation—this conversation is packed with practical advice for both first-timers and experienced marathoners alike. Mike also shares insights on pacing, injury management, and how to build a bulletproof race day plan.Whether you're chasing a PB or just aiming to finish strong, this episode will leave you feeling more prepared and confident heading into race day.We wish you all the best!Follow Mike on Instagram @mikeroscoe_sbrsports or visit his site www.sbrsport.co.za for more information.

With 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 CT Marathon finisher — sits down with Coach Mike Roscoe from SBR Sports Coaching to unpack everything you need to know to get to the start line feeling confident and ready to run your best race yet.Whether you're training for your first marathon or chasing a PB, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge from years of experience coaching runners. Together, they cover:How to structure your final training weeksKey differences in approach for first-timers vs. experienced runnersStrength training integration without sacrificing recoveryHow to mentally prep for race day and manage expectationsRoute insightsThe importance of consistency, mindset, and building beliefThis conversation is packed with practical advice, relatable insight, and expert tips that’ll leave you feeling motivated and prepared. It's the episode we all wish we had before our first Cape Town Marathon! Make sure to share it with your running buddies and leave a review on the show.For more information and educational content follow Mike on instagram @sbrsportscoaching or check out his website www.sbrsport.co.za .

In 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 Athlete – to tackle a topic that’s often misunderstood in the running world: sustainable weight loss and body composition change for athletes.Annie unpacks the science behind weight and performance, busts common myths about “lighter equals faster,” and explains why chasing a race weight can sometimes do more harm than good. They discuss how to approach body composition goals in a healthy, realistic way, when the best time is to focus on weight loss, and the importance of fuelling properly to avoid underperformance and RED-S.You’ll learn:Why defining your why matters when it comes to weight goalsThe role of energy availability, training phase, and nutrition periodisationHow to track progress beyond the scale and avoid common dieting pitfallsPractical strategies for sustainable fat loss while maintaining strengthWhether your goal is to lean up for performance, build a healthier relationship with food, or simply understand your body’s needs better, this episode is packed with actionable insights to keep you running strong for life.You can follow more of Annie's Nutritional tips and advice @annies_athletes or visit her website https://www.anniesathletes.org/ to find out more about the services she offers.Remember to share this conversation with a running buddy who could benefit from it and give this episode a rating on your streaming platform.

In this episode of Making A Runner, Nic sits down with one of the sport’s most respected voices — Jason Fitzgerald, coach and host of the Strength Running Podcast. From his humble beginnings showing up to his first cross-country practice in basketball shoes, to becoming a 2:39 marathoner and leading coach, Jason’s journey is filled with lessons every runner can learn from.Together, they dive deep into what it means to build lasting progress — touching on the role of genetics, consistency, and smart training through every stage of a runner’s life. Jason unpacks why starting small, racing short, and gradually building up is the key to long-term success — and shares powerful insights on avoiding burnout, staying healthy, and finding joy in the process.Whether you're just lacing up for the first time or chasing personal bests in your 40s and beyond, this episode is packed with practical advice, real talk, and plenty of inspiration to keep you running strong.You’ll also hear Nic reflect on why this conversation was such a full-circle moment — as someone who’s learned so much from Jason over the years.If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to check out the Strength Running Podcast, give Jason a follow on socials, and — as always — share this episode with a fellow runner who could use some inspiration.

In this episode of Making a Runner, host Nic Acampora sits down with South African running icon, Irvette Van Zyl, as she prepares for her very first Comrades Marathon. In this inspiring and deeply honest conversation, Irvette opens up about her rollercoaster journey to the start line, navigating serious injuries, relentless setbacks, and the mental and emotional battles that come with being an elite athlete. Despite facing multiple challenges—including a stress fracture, calf thrombosis, and a torn hamstring—Irvette shares how she found the strength to keep moving forward, the importance of listening to her body, and the lessons learned from knowing when to step back in order to come back stronger. Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with relatable moments, practical insights, and a powerful reminder that progress isn’t always linear—but with resilience and self-compassion, anything is possible. As Comrades Marathon approaches, let Irvette's story fire you up, no matter where you are on your own running journey. Enjoy.

What does it take to chase some of the world’s biggest running dreams—while juggling careers, travel, setbacks, and the everyday demands of life? In this inspiring episode of Making A Runner, host Nic Acampora sits down with Jade De Sousa and Dominique Webb, two South African runners who not only earned the coveted Abbott Six Star Medal, but met on this journey, pushed their personal boundaries and continued to inspire every step of the way.From a serendipitous meeting in Berlin to unforgettable finishes in Tokyo, New York, Boston, London, and Chicago, Jade and Dom pull back the curtain on what it really means to commit to a global running goal. They reveal the lessons learned on fast courses, the realities of racing marathons weeks apart, and the highs and lows that happen far away from the finish line—including injuries, training fatigue, and balancing ambitious running schedules with demanding professional lives.You’ll hear:The inside stories behind each of the world major marathons—and how Jade and Dom blitzed their PB's at Chicago.Honest insights on navigating injuries (including Jade’s comeback from a stress fracture), mindset challenges, and reshaping expectations when the plan goes sideways.Practical wisdom on juggling work, relationships, and running—plus the roles that discipline, community, and support play in going the distance.How their marathon journeys have shaped their approach to their next challenge: toeing the start line as Comrades novices.Why developing a powerful ‘why’ is vital for both marathon and ultra training—and what their reasons are for showing up, even on the toughest days.With heart, humour, and hard-won advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing big running goals, dreaming of their first major, or seeking a spark of motivation to keep lacing up. Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, you’ll find yourself nodding along, laughing, and maybe even dreaming a little bigger.You can keep following their inspiring journey on social media @jadedesousa and @dominiqueruns . If you enjoyed the episode, remember to share it with your running buddies and leave us a review if you have yet to do so.If you a new to the show , tune in to previous episodes and discover how runners are made—and why the finish line is always just the beginning.

In this conversation, Host Nic and Andy Brodziak delve into the critical aspects of hydration and sodium intake for ultra marathon runners. They discuss the importance of understanding individual sweat rates, the role of sodium in performance, and practical strategies for maintaining optimal hydration levels during training and races. The conversation emphasises the need for personalised hydration strategies, the dangers of over-hydration, and the significance of sodium in preventing performance drops and health issues during endurance events. We delve into the critical aspects of hydration for runners and how it relates to Two Oceans and Comrades, discussing the importance of understanding hydration needs, practical strategies for race day, and the significance of gut training. They share personal experiences and case studies, emphasising the need for tailored hydration plans based on individual sweat rates and sodium loss. The discussion highlights common mistakes runners make regarding hydration and nutrition, and offers actionable advice to optimise performance on race day.We hope you have enjoyed the conversation and find it extremely useful in helping guide you to even better performance. As always, feel free to reach out to info@makingarunner.com with any questions or on our socials @makingarunner. You can also reach out to Andy on his socials @andybrodziak .If you enjoyed the show, remember to leave a review and share it with your running buddies!LINKS FROM THE CONVERSATIONHow to measure your sweat rate to improve your hydration: https://www.precisionhydration.com/performance-advice/hydration/how-to-measure-your-sweat-rate/#:~:text=This%20is%20easy%20if%20you%20drink%20from%20a%20single%20bottle%20or%20two.&text=After%20exercise%2C%20towel%20yourself%20dry,clothes%20will%20hold%20some%20sweat).Fuel and Hydration Testing Consultation: https://forms.gle/m3to8j1Y7LUy4RL37

In 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 significance of setting realistic goals. Lindsey emphasises the need for strength training, especially for novice runners, and provides insights on how to navigate the complexities of training for both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons.The discussion also highlights the mental and physical challenges runners face as they prepare for this iconic race. We delve into the essential aspects of preparing for the Comrades Marathon, focusing on mental preparation, training, strength training, recovery, and nutrition strategies. We emphasise the importance of understanding the course, the role of rest days, and effective nutrition strategies for long runs. Lindsey also shares insights on mental strategies for race day, highlighting the significance of knowing one's goals and practicing visualisation techniques to enhance performance.We wish you the best of luck with the training and hope that you enjoyed this episode. You can reach out to Coach Parry on socials or www.coachparry.com. Feel free to share this episode with your running buddies and don't forget to leave us a review.

Today 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. In this episode, Kim shares insights into her remarkable running journey, from Parkruns to Ultramarathons, and how she recently overcame the intense heat and demanding conditions of the desert race. She opens up about her passion for supporting causes close to her heart, raising funds for Liv2Run and Mowbray Maternity, through her racing endeavours. We'll explore her unique approach to training, balancing her professional demands, and maintaining a holistic approach to health—both for herself and her patients. Stay tuned and get ready to be inspired by a story of resilience, community spirit, and the transformative power of running. We hope you enjoy our conversation. Don't forget, you can find the links to donate to Kim's causesnbelow. Running for a cause makes it THAT much sweeter. https://www.quicket.co.za/events/283724-desert-ultra-250km-fundraiser/#/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZCoHnMmZ2MsyKES1pb7RssH72sJH0ZemPKDR_w0_5EYl879MODqF0UuTY_aem_VgvtVTnE54A43D_w3iA0Aw You can also connect with Kim and follow her journey further through her instagram profiles: @kimexplores_ & @drkimsonntaggynae