In this inspiring episode of Making A Runner, host Nic sits down with runner and content creator, Chanel Cronje, to talk about one of the most relatable topics in the sport: injury.

After building strong momentum in her training, Chanel hit a wall with ITB syndrome during her Cape Town Marathon 2024 campaign — a race she courageously completed despite pain from as early as kilometer 3. In her 18-week long journey of rehabilitation, strength training, and deep self-reflection, she found a way to overcome and and grow stronger.

Together, Nic and Chanel explore:

• The emotional toll of injury and how to manage it

• Why ITB syndrome is so common — and what to do about it

• The role of cross-training and rehab in recovery

• The importance of patience, support, and mindset in rebuilding confidence

• What Chanel learned about herself as both an athlete and a person

This episode is packed with practical advice and motivation for any runner who's had to pause, pivot, and persevere. Whether you’re sidelined right now or simply want to run smarter, you’ll walk away with tools to help you keep moving forward — and proof that the comeback is always stronger than the setback.

If you enjoyed the conversation, make sure to share it with a running buddy who will also benefit from it. You can follow more of Chanels journey on her socials @chanel_cronje .

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.

Davey is back on the show and with Nic they go over all you need to hear in the build up to the 2025 Comrades Down Run.

In this fun and lighthearted episode you can expect to find some golden nuggets of wisdom which are sure to help get you fully prepared for race day along with many laughs from the stories shared. They cover:

- Their own Comrades journeys and how they go to the start of this years race.

- Mental advice to overcome the difficult moments on race day.

- Seconding and on the day support

- Carbo-loading strategies

- Recovery and Sleep strategies

- Morning of the race advice

Below are some recommended episodes to further guide you and dive deeper on some of the topics discussed in todays conversation.

Mental Strength Episode (S3|E30): https://open.spotify.com/episode/7avdvgeljwlpIdWMC0EXiu?si=743fcd0e86d54cd7

Carbo Loading Episode (S3|E25): https://open.spotify.com/episode/1IU1PMHHn5QEMLTynH8Dhl?si=fcd6a0ff480145ce

We wish you the best of luck with race day and hope you found the conversation as fun and informative as we did. Remember to share this with a running buddy who needs to hear it and see you all at the start (or the finish)!