Making A Runner

In this episode of Making A Runner, Nic sits down with South African distance runner Adriaan Wildschutt for a catch-up on everything that’s happened since their last conversation. From competing at the Paris Olympics and breaking the South African half-marathon record, to winning the New York City Half Marathon and taking on his first marathon, Adriaan’s running journey has entered a whole new chapter.

From his transition off the track and onto the roads to the realities of preparing for 42.2km, Adriaan takes us inside what it really looks like to train and compete at an elite level. He shares the lessons from his marathon experiences in Cape Town and Chicago, what he’s learnt along the way and what it takes to keep progressing as a distance runner.

He also opens up about his first book, A Change of Pace, reflecting on the decision to put his story on paper, the three-year writing process and what he hopes readers will take away from it.

In this episode, Adriaan covers:
• His journey since the Paris 2024 Olympics and what has changed as an athlete
• Transitioning from 10,000m track racing to half marathons and the marathon
• Breaking the South African half-marathon record in Valencia and winning the New York City Half Marathon
• His experiences in Cape Town and Chicago, and the lessons learnt from stepping up to 42.2km
• What an elite training week actually looks like, from mileage and key sessions to strength work and recovery
• Fuelling, hydration and adapting to the demands of marathon training
• The story behind his first book, A Change of Pace, and what’s next for his running career

From chasing records on the track to tackling the marathon and now sharing his story through his first book, this episode is a look at the many different chapters that make up an athlete’s journey.

Whether you’re curious about the world of elite distance running, preparing for your own marathon or simply love hearing the stories behind the miles, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

🔗 @adrianwildschutt
🔗 @makingarunner

In this solo episode, Nic looks back on his journey from Comrades to the Berlin Marathon, sharing how he recovered after Comrades, found his way back to running at his best and eventually made the spontaneous decision to take on Berlin.

From how he secured his entry to adapting his training in a much shorter timeframe than usual, Nic talks through the build-up to his first World Major Marathon and what it was like to experience race day in Berlin. He also reflects on how the race unfolded, supporting his own runners along the way, and the lessons he took away from the experience.

In this episode, Nic covers:
• Recovering after Comrades and finding his way back to running at his best.
• How the decision to run Berlin came about and how he got his entry.
• Adapting his training for a marathon with a shorter preparation period
• The experience of running his first World Major Marathon.
• How race day unfolded and what it was like supporting his runners.
• His biggest takeaways from Berlin and what comes next for his running goals.

From the unexpected decision to the finish line, this episode is an honest look at taking on a big running goal, adapting when plans change and figuring out what comes next.

Whether you’re training for your own marathon or love hearing the stories behind the miles, tune in for Nic’s take on his first World Marathon Major.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

In this episode of Making A Runner, Nic sits down with one of the most exciting emerging names in South African endurance running — George Kusche.

From competing as an NCAA middle-distance athlete in the United States while studying actuarial science and statistics, to stepping away from running completely for a period of time, George’s journey through the sport has been anything but conventional. But over the last few years, he has quietly rebuilt himself into an elite endurance athlete, running 2:13 for the marathon and an outstanding 5:41 debut at the Comrades Marathon.

Together, Nic and George unpack:

• His transition from middle-distance track racing into marathon and ultra running
• The lessons he took from the NCAA system and his time in the US
• His decision to self-coach and how he structures his training
• Building endurance without losing speed

• The importance of long-term thinking and consistency in development
• Balancing elite-level training with work, life, and family commitments
• Nutrition, race strategy, and lessons from his first Comrades Marathon

More than anything, this episode is a conversation about patience, progression, and trusting the process. George’s story is a reminder that performance doesn’t always follow a straight line — and that sometimes the best athletes are still quietly building towards their full potential.

Whether you’re training for your first marathon, chasing a Comrades goal, or simply trying to improve over the long term, this conversation is packed with practical insight and perspective from one of South Africa’s rising endurance talents.

We hope you enjoy the show, make sure to give the pod a follow and leave a review.

What does it really take to stay strong in running for years — not just months?

In this episode, we sit down with Shaun Meiklejohn, former winner of the Comrades Marathon, to unpack the principles behind true longevity in the sport.

Shaun’s career is nothing short of extraordinary — with 33 Comrades finishes to his name, 32 of them at Silver medal standard or faster, and even at 64 years old, still knocking on the door of a sub-3-hour marathon. It’s a testament to what’s possible when consistency, smart training, and a love for the process come together over decades.

We dive into:

• How to train smarter as you get older
• Managing injuries without losing momentum
• The mental side of racing and preparation
• Breaking down Ultra Marathons into manageable segments
• What it takes to run the perfect Comrades
• Why consistency is the ultimate performance tool

This is a conversation about playing the long game — building a sustainable approach to running that allows you to keep improving, stay injury-free, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process.

Whether you’re training for your first ultra or chasing your next PB, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can apply straight away.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

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 runners
• The importance of building a strong aerobic base
• How to avoid overtraining and burnout
• Whether you actually need deload weeks and how to use them effectively
• The role of intuitive and flexible training approaches
• What the latest insights — including Nordic training models — are teaching us about performance and longevity

Whether 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.za

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