Making A Runner

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.