Making A Runner

Today, we have the privilege of hosting Mariella Sawyer, Professional Triathlete, Dietitian and new mother, days after she took the win at the Mossel Bay Ironman 70.3, to discuss her transformative journey of returning to competition a year postpartum.

Join hosts Nic and Leah in this episode of Making HER Runner, as they delve into Mariella's experiences balancing motherhood and her athletic ambitions.

In this episode, Mariella opens up about the unique hormonal changes after childbirth, the realities of managing a newborn, and the pressures of bouncing back physically. She candidly shares insights into navigating breastfeeding challenges, debunking weight loss myths, and the societal expectations placed on new mothers.

Mariella's story is one of flexibility and patience, emphasising the importance of a supportive training environment and adapting to the ever-changing demands of motherhood. She highlights her approach to nutrition, offering practical tips on managing energy levels while maintaining focus on performance goals.

We explore the resilience and strength required to balance life as an athlete and a parent, providing encouragement and realistic perspectives to aspiring and new mothers in the world of running. This episode aims to inspire, educate, and connect with anyone navigating the journey of postpartum fitness and beyond.

We hope you enjoyed this converation. Feel free to share it with your running buddies or leave a comment with your thoughts on the show.

Today, we're thrilled to have Kamo (you may know him as @Kamo.runs on social media) a passionate runner and finance professional, share his incredible journey from a gym enthusiast to achieving a sub-3-hour marathon at Cape Town this year after running over hours in the 2023 version of the race ( a massive 1 hour+ improvement).

We'll delve into his unique story of perseverance, motivation, and personal growth, fueled by the motto "dreamers keep trying." From his beginnings in running during the COVID-19 pandemic to navigating diets and overcoming injuries, Kamo's journey showcases the resilience required to chase ambitious dreams and stay motivated. Join us as we uncover the strategies, setbacks, and successes that have defined his running narrative, offering valuable insights for dreamers and runners alike.

We hope you enjoy the show and keep on chasing those dreams! This one is for those in need of motivation & inspiration.

In today's episode Nic chats to one of our all time favourite deep dive guests, Dr Martin Khoury, as we shift our focus to understanding pharmacology and how it relates to managing running related pain.

We'll explore everything from the efficacy of analgesics and the placebo effect to the challenges and ethics of chronic pain management.

Whether you're curious about why a simple painkiller could pose risks or how to handle discomfort during a run, Martin provides key insights into making informed decisions. Plus, we'll touch on the risks of over-the-counter meds and the surprising effectiveness of non-invasive approaches like good nutrition and adequate sleep.

As athletes and enthusiasts, it's crucial we understand the balance between natural discomfort and the kind of pain that signals deeper issues. Join us in navigating this intricate landscape, and learn how to enhance your running performance without compromising your health.

We hope you enjoy today's conversation and feel free to pop us any questions you may have.

Tune into todays episode for a walk down memory lane as we reminisce over the last 100 episodes of Making a Runner spanning the last 2 and a half years.

We chat about some of our favourite guests, go into details and learning outcomes from episodes gone by and dive into how our own personal running journey has been influenced by what we have learned since April 2022.

Whether you are a die hard fan from day one, have a couple of episodes to catch up on or have 99 to go, we want to thank you for your support and encouragement. The show wouldn't be what it is today without YOU.

In the words of Carla Molinaro - Running is all about the 3 C's : Consistency, Community and Cake. We hope that through our journey you have learned enough about running to remain consistent, you have found a community to share the love of the sport with and have enjoyed a few laughs through the conversations we have had.

Thank you for following the journey, we hope you enjoyed this episode as much as we did and that you are excited for what is to come. As always, remember to share with your running buddies and follow our journey via our @makingarunner Instagram page.