In this episode of Making A Runner, Host Nic sits down with an old friend of the podcast, Coach Andy Brodziak , to explore one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—tools in endurance training: heat adaptation.

From mimicking altitude benefits to improving performance in both hot and cooler conditions, Andy breaks down the science and practical application of heat training for runners and endurance athletes. The conversation dives into how the body adapts to heat, including increases in blood plasma volume, improved thermoregulation, and more efficient sweating.

Together, they unpack:

• Why heat training can be a game-changer for endurance performance
• The key physiological adaptations that take place
• How to implement both active and passive heat protocols
• The importance of hydration and managing heat stress
• Why individual responses to heat vary—and how to adjust accordingly
• How to maintain heat adaptations over time

Whether you're preparing for a hot race or simply looking to gain a performance edge, this episode offers practical, science-backed strategies you can start applying immediately. Below are some links that Andy talks about in the conversation.

🎥 Learn more about heat training:
https://youtu.be/yzqvypG6Hcw

📊 Heat strain & training insights:
https://help.corebodytemp.com/en/articles/10447107-heat-strain-index
https://help.corebodytemp.com/en/articles/10447113-heat-training-load

📚 Heat training protocols & resources:
https://help.corebodytemp.com/en/collections/11455763-heat-training-protocols

We hope you enjoyed the podcast! Make sure to share it with your running buddy and give us feedback on how your heat training block goes!

To kick off a new year of Making A Runner, Host Nic Acampora is joined once again by one of the podcast’s most trusted voices — Sports Nutritionist (MSc), Running and Strength Coach , Annie Bothma — for a community-driven Q&A episode.

Questions were gathered directly from runners, and together Nic and Annie unpack six of the most common topics currently circulating in the endurance world. The result is a practical, insightful conversation packed with takeaways that runners at all levels can apply to their training.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Where we currently stand with carbohydrates in endurance sport
• Why some runners struggle with bathroom issues during runs and what might help
• What it really takes to run a Sub-3 Hour marathon and move that towards 2:40
• How to manage race-day nerves and pressure
• How to integrate strength training into a running program without compromising mileage
• How to tell whether you’re fueling enough for your training load

As always, Annie brings a science-based perspective combined with real-world coaching experience, helping runners better understand the decisions they make around training, fueling, and performance.

Whether you’re preparing for your next race or simply looking to train smarter this year, this episode offers practical insight to help you along the running journey, one you do not want to miss.

You can reach to Annie on socials @annies_athletes or visit her website https://www.anniesathletes.org/

We hope you enjoy the show, remember to leave a review and share with your running buddy.

Welcome to the last Making A Runner Episode of 2025.

In this engaging conversation, our host Nic and former co-host Davey catch up and reflect on their running journeys throughout the year, discussing various races, personal bests, and the challenges they faced. They delve into the changes they made to their training, the experiences of different marathons, how they bounced back from setbacks and Daveys transition to coaching.

The conversation highlights the camaraderie in the running community and the motivation they draw from each other as they look forward to future races and goals.

If you are looking to learn through their journeys or are just looking for some Making A Runner nostalgia, this episode is perfect for you.

Here is to a wonderful festive season and an even better 2026 in running.