EP. 121 | Bouncing Back From Disappointment ; Mental strategies for dealing with setbacks in your running journey with Mental Performance Coach Giovanni Bianco.
What happens when you’ve done the training, visualized the finish line, and race day is suddenly taken away?In this timely and deeply personal episode, Nic sits down with mental performance coach Giovanni Bianco to unpack the emotional impact of the Cape Town Marathon cancellation—and how runners can bounce back when their race plans fall apart. Together, they explore how to process disappointment, reframe setbacks, and reshape your vision for the future.Whether you’ve faced injury, underperformance, or the loss of a race you trained months for, this episode offers practical tools and a fresh perspective. From emotional acceptance and goal pivoting to the power of visualisation and reconnecting with your "why," Giovanni shares empowering insights for anyone navigating the unpredictable nature of running.This one is for every runner who’s ever felt like the rug was pulled out from under them—but keep going anyway.We hope you enjoyed the episode, you can give Giovanni a follow on socials @giovanni_bianco_
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EP. 120 | The Cape Town Marathon Round Up ; Coach Mike Roscoe and Host Nic bring you the final countdown to race day with all the tips you will need to have a successful day.
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.
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EP. 119 | Optimising Running Performance for Life; Reconnecting mind and movement with Author of “Built To Run”, Dr. Matt Silver - Part 2
In Part 2 of this powerful two-part series, Nic Acampora continues the conversation with Dr. Matt Silver—Doctor of Physical Therapy, Performance Coach, and Author of Built to Run. This episode dives deeper into the transition from rehabilitation to peak performance, exploring the key elements that help runners move from pain to potential.Together, Nic and Matt unpack the practical tools and mindset shifts needed to rebuild running confidence, including the role of gait retraining, coordination, and strength training. You’ll learn how cadence, ground contact time, and foot mechanics impact running efficiency, plus what cues and drills can be used to correct common issues like over-striding and postural collapse.Whether you're returning from injury, refining your form, or simply chasing more efficient movement, this episode is full of insight to help you reconnect mind and movement.If you haven't done so yet, we highly recommend going back to listen to Part one of this conversation (MAR Episode 117).To find out more info on Dr. Matt Silver, you can give him a follow on socials @mattsilverpt or visit https://www.alphaprojectphyzio.com .As always, we hope you enjoy the show—don’t forget to leave a review and share with your fellow runners!
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EP. 118 | The Cape Town Marathon Countdown; Your Ultimate 10-Week Training Guide with Coach Mike Roscoe
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 .
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EP. 117 | Optimising Running Performance for Life ; Reconnecting mind and movement with Author of “Built To Run”, Dr. Matt Silver - Part 1.
In this insightful episode of Making A Runner, Nic Acampora sits down with Dr. Matt Silver— Sports Physical Therapist, Running Coach and author of Built to Run—for a powerful conversation that redefines how we think about running injuries, movement, and performance.Together, they explore why runners often stay stuck in injury cycles and how a whole-body, system-first approach can offer lasting solutions. From mobility myths and the truth about core training, to foot health, breathing techniques, and the evolution of running shoes, Matt unpacks what it really means to be a resilient, high-performing runner.You’ll learn:Why injuries are more about disconnection than damage.How rotational strength and hip mobility influence over striding.Why pronation is your friend—not your enemy.The hidden role of your rib cage, pelvis, and breath in efficient running.How strong, adaptable feet can unlock better movement and fewer injuries.Why rehab must go beyond symptoms and become context-driven.Whether you're a coach, elite, or recreational runner navigating a setback—or simply want to run stronger for longer—this episode is packed with takeaways to help you reconnect with your body and build lifelong durability.Tune in and discover why you were Built to Run—and how to stay that way. Make sure to leave a review and share the conversation with a running buddy. Enjoy!You can find out more about Dr. Matt Silver at https://www.alphaprojectphyzio.com/ or purchase his book onhttps://www.alphaprojectphyzio.com/built-to-run-book OR https://www.takealot.com/built-to-run-the-runner-s-guideto-fixing-common-injuries-resolvi/PLID95484202
Making a Runner is an inspiring and informative podcast that delves into the world of running. Hosted by Nic Acampora, 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 take their first steps into running to seasoned athletes aiming to achieve their personal bests, Making a Runner offers practical tips, motivation, and guidance to enhance running performance and overall well-being. The podcast looks to cover a wide range of topics, including race preparation, nutrition, recovery, mental resilience, injury prevention, and the latest trends in the running world.
With a warm and engaging approach plus some lekker South African 'Gees', the host create a supportive space for runners to explore the challenges and triumphs of their sport, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
Making a Runner seeks to empower and inspire runners of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities, celebrating the joy of running and the limitless potential that lies within each individual. Whether you're an experienced marathoner or lacing up your shoes for the first time, this podcast is your go-to resource for unlocking the athlete within and making your running dreams a reality.
This is how runners are made....
South Africa