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.

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.

EP. 112 | Rolling With The Punches, Learning To Overcome ; Irvette Van Zyl’s inspiring journey through multiple setbacks & return to elite level running as she lines up for her first Comrades Marathon

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....

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Running

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....

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EP. 112 | Rolling With The Punches, Learning To Overcome ; Irvette Van Zyl’s inspiring journey through multiple setbacks & return to elite level running as she lines up for her first Comrades Marathon

EP. 112 | Rolling With The Punches, Learning To Overcome ; Irvette Van Zyl’s inspiring journey through multiple setbacks & return to elite level running as she lines up for her first Comrades Marathon

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