Canicross Conversations

Timings

00:00 Introduction: Michelle introduces SJ and her rescue dog Rosie

00:33 SJ's background: PE teacher, running, and her first dog Molly the mad cocker spaniel

01:37 How Rosie came into SJ's life in 2014 via her sister at a London vet's

03:43 Dogs Trust behaviourists suggest canicross as an outlet for Rosie's energy and reactivity

04:12 SJ's first experience of canicross — starting from scratch with no prior knowledge

05:45 First run with Rosie at the Salisbury rehoming centre — and the moment she "was absolutely off"

06:20 Kit chat: SJ's honest admission about not having the right kit to start with

08:57 Rosie at 13: she's hung up her canicross harness

12:33 Moving to South Shropshire two years ago and using canicross to find friends and build community

13:51 Setting up Tails and Trails: from casual group in Dorset to a proper canicross club with her coaching qualification.

15:10 Summer running: early starts, shaded forest runs, dog-friendly water spots, and keeping the community together with guest speakers

16:50 Racing: SJ's experience at CaniX and Canicross Midlands events — taking the group together so no one feels intimidated

18:18 The range of dogs in her group: Vizslas, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, a Dachshund… and a marathon runner who wants to learn to run with his dog properly

21:20 Why canicross works so well for reactive dogs

25:31 What's next: restarting beginners groups in September, plus exciting news about a retail store selling Non-Stop Dogwear at the farm shop

📍 Based near Ludlow, South Shropshire

Louise and Michelle are joined by Dr Janey Lowes — a vet from the North East of England who, at 26, packed up her life and moved to Sri Lanka to help street dogs. What started as a year-long volunteering trip has become a decade-long mission, a team of 70, and Sri Lanka's only emergency hospital for street dogs.

 

Janey shares the story of how WECare Worldwide grew from just her, a friend, and a tuk-tuk driver, to treating over 35,000 animals in the south of Sri Lanka. We talk about rabies, neutering programmes, rehoming, the economic crisis, and why putting dogs back on the street is often the kindest thing to do.

 

And then there's the big one — The Dog Jog. Starting 12th October, Janey is running 600km from the top of Sri Lanka to the bottom, over 20–25 days, to raise over £1 million for a brand new hospital and vet nursing training centre.

 

She's never run a half marathon. She's training in 37-degree heat and 94% humidity. And she is absolutely doing it anyway.

 

 

Timings:

01:21 How a surf holiday in Sri Lanka changed everything — and why Janey never came home 03:48 The scale of the problem — 3 million street dogs, 1 for every 8 people

07:28 From 14 dogs in her house to Sri Lanka's only emergency hospital for street dogs

09:56 How WECare grew from 3 people and a tuk-tuk to a team of 70

13:47 Why street dogs don't always need a sofa — and why that took Janey a while to accept 20:50 The fundraising reality — nearly £1 million a year, and how they raise it

29:02 The Dog Jog — 600km, 25 days, starting 12th October

31:37 Training in 37°C heat, 94% humidity, and stopping every 100m to say hi to dogs

36:56 The mental challenge — and why having community support matters so much

44:59 Where to follow Janey and support the cause

 

Find Janey: 

Instagram: @JaneyTheVet

Website: wecareworldwide.org.uk

 

Want to support the Dog Jog or get involved? Get in touch and we'll figure something out together, especially if you fancy joining virtually in October!

Michelle and Louise are joined by Mick for another real-life canicross story, this time with his three dogs: Rodney, Amber and Betsy. Mick shares how he came back to running after years away from it, starting with a muddy dog challenge and gradually finding his way into proper canicross kit, races and longer-distance adventures.

 

Listeners will hear how each of Mick’s dogs has a completely different approach to running. Rodney, a standard poodle, is the powerful, enthusiastic runner who has taken on ultras; Amber prefers a steadier pace and has needed a more thoughtful approach; and Betsy, the working cocker spaniel, is stepping into longer distances with plenty of spaniel energy.

 

The conversation covers beginner mistakes, choosing the right harness and bungee setup, the value of learning from other canicrossers, and how different dogs may need different kit, distances and expectations. Mick also talks about running ultras in Wales, preparing for future events, and making decisions as dogs get older or come back from injury.

 

Michelle and Louise also offer practical advice on strength training, core work and consistency, especially for runners taking on trail and ultra distances.

 

This episode is full of relatable moments for anyone who started canicross without knowing everything, learned along the way, and now runs because their dog makes it fun.

 

Timings

0.20 – introducing Mick, Rodney, Amber and Betsy

1.04 – Mick’s running background and returning to running after school

2.01 – starting canicross with Amber and discovering she did not love it

3.12 – learning about proper canicross kit

4.17 – Mick’s first canicross race experience and realising the kit was not right

5.14 – upgrading to waist belts, bungee leads and better harnesses

7.12 – Rodney’s harness journey and finding what works

8.12 – standard poodles, muscle tone and Rodney’s enthusiasm for racing

9.11 – Mick’s first proper canicross race with Murphy

10.14 – vet-supported canicross after injury and building strength safely

10.55 – hydrotherapy, older dogs and keeping them supple

11.40 – running two dogs together

12.43 – how dogs motivate and compete with each other

13.21 – Mick’s ultra experiences with Rodney

14.57 – preparing better for a second ultra

16.10 – gradually building distance

17.10 – strength training, core work and consistency

19.00 – Louise’s advice on squats, lunges, calf raises and getting professional guidance

20.19 – why strength work matters as runners get older

22.11 – Mick’s goal for his next ultra

22.40 – switching from Rodney to Betsy for longer-distance plans

24.08 – Betsy’s first half marathon

25.08 – gundog training, disc dogs and other activities

27.01 – future races with Sporting Paws and local events

28.04 – adjusting expectations as dogs get older

29.49 – where to follow Mick online

30.21 – why Mick prefers running with dogs

 

Resources mentioned

Sporting Paws

Wild Deer Half Marathon

Loggerheads, Wales

Brecon ultra

Preston Disc Dogs

K9 Toss and Fetch

Links mentioned

Instagram: Chorley Canicrosser

Michelle and Louise are joined by Lyndsy for an honest conversation about canicross, chronic illness and redefining what it means to be a runner.

 

Lyndsy shares how she went from a love-hate relationship with running to finding a completely new sense of enjoyment through canicross with her Bernedoodle Indy. After years of feeling pressure around pace, personal bests and being at the back of the pack, running with Indy helped her discover a more supportive and joyful way to move. Their partnership has taken them from first-session nerves and downhill tumbles to weekly social runs and races.

 

The episode also explores Lyndsy's experience of living with endometriosis, including the long road to diagnosis, the symptoms that were dismissed or mistaken for other conditions, and how chronic pain can affect exercise, confidence and everyday life. Lyndsy explains why movement can help, but also why listening to your body and adapting your plans matters.

 

This is a powerful episode for anyone who has ever felt they are “not a runner”, anyone managing a chronic condition, or anyone who needs reminding that canicross is not just about speed, distance or results.

 

Lyndsy forgot to mention in the episode that one thing that's been really important for her has been finding a Canicross belt that she's comfortable with. Obviously a lot of the pain caused by endometriosis is focused around the stomach and with the bloating and soreness that comes with it sometimes even the waistband of your clothes can be painful. So she would advise anyone with endometriosis to try a few different styles of belt to find one that works for them. 

 

Timings

 

0.00 – introducing Lyndsy and Indy

0.34 – meeting Indy the Bernedoodle

2.20 – Lyndsy's relationship with running

3.40 – discovering canicross through Sporting Paws

4.36 – first canicross session and falling in love with it

5.37 – becoming “a runner”

6.35 – why canicross feels different from traditional running

7.49 – hills, confidence and running with a big dog

9.10 – Lyndsy's endometriosis diagnosis journey

10.39 – what endometriosis is

13.20 – symptoms, A&E visits and being misdiagnosed

15.27 – how endometriosis affects running

16.18 – adapting canicross on difficult days

17.30 – how dogs help motivation with chronic illness

18.30 – surgery, treatment and symptom management

20.09 – research and potential improvements in diagnosis

21.30 – symptoms to look out for

22.10 – symptom checkers and GP conversations

23.06 – how to advocate for yourself at the doctor

26.59 – the wellbeing benefits of canicross

28.26 – why you do not have to be fast to belong

33.12 – what Lindsay wishes she had known earlier

35.47 – why open conversations matter

36.08 – canicross as hope, movement and fun

 

Resources mentioned

Period symptom checker

Lyndsy recommends the following Instagram accounts for general information on a range of menstrual health conditions and how to approach conversations with your doctor:

https://www.instagram.com/gynaegeek?igsh=MThmemdia3U5cWFxeg==

 

https://www.instagram.com/drnighatarif?igsh=MTEzd3V2eXd3ejdjYw==

 

For details about what endometriosis is and to find sources of support - https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/

 

Finally, after our chat, Lyndsy looked for any information about endometriosis and women's sport and found this article which touches on some of what we discussed - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/56276626

 

And this one about endometriosis and running -https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/a43464680/endometriosis-and-exercise/

Michelle and Louise are joined by Clare Thompson and her rescue dog Loki, whose first season together has been full of surprises, progress and plenty of learning.

 

Clare moved from ultra running into canicross, first with her rescue dog Rex, and then with Loki, a young, high-energy pointer who arrived underweight, inexperienced and in need of confidence.

 

What began as a gentle, low-pressure introduction to racing soon became a standout season, with Clare and Loki finishing second nationally and putting in an expression of interest for Poland.

 

But this conversation is about much more than results. Clare talks openly about working with the dog in front of you, building trust, managing race environments, decompression after events and why canicross can be such a powerful outlet for rescue dogs.

 

As a sports therapist, Clare also brings valuable insight into the human side of the sport. The episode explores why strength training matters so much for canicross runners, especially when adding the extra force of a strong pulling dog. From squats and deadlifts to core work, upper body strength and “snack exercises”, Clare explains how small, consistent habits can help reduce injury risk and support better running.

 

There is also a fascinating discussion around pain, mindset, stress, confidence, comfort zones and why canicross can be just as important for mental wellbeing as it is for fitness. Whether you race competitively, run socially, have a rescue dog, or are just canicross-curious, this episode is full of encouragement, practical advice and honest reflections.

 

Timings

0.31 – introducing Clare and Loki

0.56 – how Clare found canicross after ultra running

2.52 – finding Loki in rescue and taking a chance on a high-energy dog

4.01 – building Loki up slowly and starting with short course races

5.29 – how Loki copes with the race environment

6.23 – overtaking, focus and confidence around other dogs

8.43 – not rushing rescue dogs into more than they are ready for

9.21 – moving from ultra running to fast 5k canicross

13.53 – Clare and Loki’s national result

15.02 – putting in an expression of interest for Poland

15.42 – working with different dogs and different levels of drive

18.17 – Clare’s background as a sports therapist

19.28 – why strength training matters for canicross runners

20.52 – squats, deadlifts, single-leg work and upper body strength

22.25 – core work and loaded carries

23.38 – balancing running and strength sessions

25.00 – helping injured runners take responsibility for rehab

28.38 – snack exercises and fitting strength into everyday life

31.14 – pain, discomfort and the brain’s role in injury

36.38 – books on the body, stress and pain

37.27 – international inspiration and watching canicross abroad

38.27 – canicross as friendship, fresh air and mental wellbeing

40.24 – canicross for dogs who cannot be off lead

43.00 – Loki’s progress and getting stronger for next season

 

Resources mentioned

The Body Keeps the Score

When the Body Says No

Canicross Midlands

Canix

BSSF

Cani-Fit

Louise’s strength training blog after the London Marathon

Previous episode with Lindsay from Cani-Fit

Michelle and Louise are joined by Lucy J Morgan from Wales, a professional musician, ultra runner and member of Dexy's Midnight Runners, who has recently discovered the world of canicross with her dog Tedi Bêr. Although Lucy has been running with Tedi for years, including through mountain training for ultramarathons, she only recently realised that what they were doing had a name, a community and a whole sport behind it.

 

Lucy shares how Tedi Bêr, a 40kg New Zealand Huntaway, has become her loyal mountain-running partner, helping her feel safer, more motivated and more connected to the outdoors.

 

The episode also explores Tedi's first canicross race at Red Warrior Margam, where the pair chose the 20k distance and went on to win the women’s race.

 

Michelle and Louise offer supportive advice on belts, passing other runners, using commands and understanding the canicross season, especially when temperatures rise.

 

Lucy also shares the moving story behind her upcoming memorial walk on 25 May, following the footsteps of three boys who became lost in the Brecon Beacons in 1904. Through music, memory and mountain rescue fundraising, this episode brings together canicross, endurance, Welsh landscape, companionship and community.

 

Timings

1.02 – Lucy’s running background and discovering canicross

2.17 – Tedi Bêr's longest training run of 33 miles

2.45 – Meet Tedi Bêr, the New Zealand Huntaway

4.26 – Starting out with a lead, waist belt and harness

5.30 – Lucy’s teal canicross kit setup

6.18 – Why a canicross-specific belt can help with a strong dog

8.35 – Tedi Bêr’s size and power at 40kg

9.19 – Running early in the Welsh mountains

10.12 – Trying a first event to see how Tedi coped

10.48 – Red Warrior Margam and choosing the 20k distance

11.43 – Lucy and Tedi’s first race experience

12.12 – Learning canicross race etiquette

14.13 – Feeling safer running with a dog

15.09 – How Tedi helped Lucy through a tough ultra training day

17.15 – Long runs, water and Tedi's endurance

17.50 – Canicross ultras and longer-distance options

18.23 – Lucy and Tedi winning their first women’s canicross race

19.10 – Tedi’s interest in sheep and future training plans

21.10 – Understanding the canicross season

21.45 – Why dogs should not run in the heat

22.38 – Summer alternatives, cani-hiking and cooling down

23.31 – Finding races through the canicross calendar

24.10 – Why longer distances may suit Lucy and Tedi

25.23 – Lucy’s ultra running background

26.30 – Women, endurance and the book Ultra women

27.32 – Lucy’s memorial walk project in Wales

29.31 – Raising money for Western Beacons Mountain Rescue

31.27 – Lucy’s life as a professional musician

33.40 – Touring with Dexy's Midnight Runners

34.30 – Lucy’s questions about handler etiquette

35.17 – How to pass safely in canicross events

36.20 – Commands, focus and working with distractions

37.13 – Downhill control and using a “behind” command

38.25 – Where to find Lucy online

 

Links mentioned

Red Warrior Margam

Cani Trail

Podcast episode 2 on running dogs in the heat

Podcast episode 162 with the authors of Ultra Women

JustGiving page for Lucy’s mountain rescue fundraiser

Lucy's Big Walk Promo Video

Dexy's Midnight Runners

Louise and Michelle are joined by Stuart Nuttall, who shares his journey from school cross-country and triathlon into the world of flyball, canicross and bikejor. After years of endurance sport, including triathlon and Ironman training, Stuart found that dog sports offered a new way to stay active while spending more time with his family and dogs.

 

Stuart talks about meeting Louise at Crufts, getting into canicross through off-season fitness work for flyball, and how his young dog Maverick has opened up a whole new set of goals. The conversation explores the crossover between flyball and canicross, including focus, passing, drive, confidence, strength and conditioning, and the importance of building fitness gradually.

 

There are plenty of relatable moments, from buying “just one more” bit of kit, to Maverick chewing through his harness on the start line of his first race. Stuart reflects on imposter syndrome, learning from others, looking after paw health, and why he sees himself as the weaker part of the human-dog team.

 

This is a great episode for anyone curious about combining different dog sports, starting canicross with a young dog, or simply enjoying getting outside and being active with their dog.

 

Timings

0.00 – Introducing Stuart and how he met Louise at Crufts

0.36 – Stuart’s early canicross experience and running with his dogs

1.42 – From school cross-country to rugby league and returning to running

3.08 – Getting peer-pressured into his first triathlon

4.14 – Representing GB in duathlon and triathlon events

5.05 – Why coaching and being open to learning matters

6.10 – Moving away from triathlon and towards family dog sports

7.36 – Using running to help keep the dogs fit for flyball

8.51 – What flyball is and how Stuart first discovered it

10.56 – Setting up a flyball team and competing at Crufts

12.27 – How travelling for flyball changed Stuart’s view of canicross events

14.12 – Maverick’s breeding, drive and introduction to sport

15.58 – Why canicross is not “just running with your dog”

19.01 – Commands, passing dogs and the crossover with flyball focus

20.40 – Why Stuart was most proud of Maverick’s control around walkers and loose dogs

21.24 – Stuart and Maverick’s first canicross race with Trail Dog Events

22.50 – The start-line harness chewing incident

24.19 – Flyball season, canicross season and fitting it all in

24.59 – Discovering the speed of canicross with a strong dog

26.17 – Stuart’s goals for the next canicross season

27.03 – Building Maverick’s distance and endurance gradually

28.08 – Strength and conditioning for injury prevention

28.22 – Paw care, nail care and learning what Maverick needs

30.07 – Imposter syndrome at races and comparing dogs, kit and speed

31.11 – Understanding the power of purpose-bred canicross dogs

33.41 – Why the human needs to train too

34.04 – Will Maverick choose flyball or canicross?

34.56 – Giving Maverick the right opportunities

35.20 – Where to follow Stuart and Maverick online

35.57 – Future duathlon plans and whether a triathlon could happen

37.01 – Final thoughts: canicross can be whatever you want it to be

 

Links mentioned

Check out our episodes with Toby Lambert and Lindsay from Cani-Fit 

Stuart on Instagram: @stunuttall

Maverick on Instagram: @negativeghostrider31

Michelle Mortimer and Louise Humphrey are joined by Lindsay, founder of Cani-Fit and a four-time British canicross champion.

 

We chat about how the sport has grown and what really matters when it comes to training dogs and humans well.

 

Lindsay shares how she found canicross in the early days, when there was very little support available in Scotland, and explains how that experience shaped the way she now coaches thousands of runners and dog owners through Cani-Fit. Lindsay talks openly about the early mistakes she made, what she has learned from working with all kinds of dogs, and why training should always be adapted to the individual dog in front of you. She also explains the difference between training recreationally and preparing for championship level competition, offering useful insights on intervals, hill work, race preparation, recovery, and why 'too much too soon' is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make.

 

The episode also explores the family side of the sport, as Lindsay shares how her 10-year-old son is beginning his own canicross journey in a way that keeps things fun, social, and age-appropriate. It is a lovely reminder that canicross is not only about racing, but also about teamwork and community. Whether you are completely new to running with dogs or already immersed in the sport, this episode is packed with thoughtful takeaways.

 

Timings

0.00 – Introduction to Lindsay, founder of Cani-Fit and four-time British champion

1.09 – How Lindsay first got into canicross through sled dog sports

3.13 – What the early days of canicross looked like in Scotland

5.00 – Why she started Cani-Fit and what the first version of the business looked like

8.39 – Did she ever imagine Cani-Fit would grow this much?

10.35 – Building credibility in a sport with no clear governing pathway

13.47 – How Lindsay trains dogs for canicross and keeps them fit through the year

18.39 – How intervals can work effectively with dogs

21.06 – Why repeated hill reps do not make sense for most dogs

22.47 – Training leaders and seeing canicross grow internationally

23.47 – The biggest mistakes beginners make

27.25 – Advice for people brand new to canicross and racing

29.40 – Why many people do canicross without ever wanting to race

31.03 – What Lindsay does differently now compared with when she started

34.28 – Supporting her son as he gets into the sport

38.19 – Why fun, friendships, and enjoyment matter for junior athletes

40.42 – Thoughts on one-day versus two-day events and the future of race accessibility

42.37 – Where canicross is heading in the next few years

46.06 – Quick fire questions

47.52 – Where to find Lindsay and Cani-Fit

 

Links mentioned in the conversation

Instagram: @lindsay_canifit

Michelle and Louise chat to Ebony from Sporting Paws, a dog trainer, behaviourist, and passionate canicross advocate who has recently organised her very first race in Lancashire. Ebony shares her personal journey into canicross, which began not through competition, but through a desire to reconnect with her dog during a difficult period. What started as simple runs together quickly became something much more powerful, helping both her and her dog rebuild confidence, trust, and enjoyment together.

 

Ebony has built Sporting Paws from the ground up, focusing on making dog sports more accessible, especially for younger people. She offers a refreshing perspective on canicross as a tool for wellbeing, behaviour, and connection, rather than just performance.

 

Ebony talks openly about the challenges of securing permissions for her first race, designing a course, managing logistics, and creating an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere for all abilities. Her first event at Beacon Country Park highlights what canicross is all about: community, encouragement, and shared enjoyment with your dog.

 

This episode is full of inspiration for anyone new to canicross, thinking about entering their first race, or even considering organising an event in their own area.

 

Timings

0.00 – Introduction to Ebony from Sporting Paws

1.05 – How Ebony discovered canicross and rebuilt her bond with her dog

3.30 – Early barriers to racing and accessibility challenges

6.00 – Becoming a dog trainer and founding Sporting Paws

7.30 – Mission to make dog sports accessible for younger people

10.00 – Growth of the Sporting Paws canicross community

11.30 – Organising the first race at Beacon Country Park

14.30 – The realities of race planning and permissions

16.30 – Designing a fun and technical course

18.30 – Feedback from the first event

19.00 – Supporting beginner racers

21.00 – Beach races and upcoming events

23.30 – Expanding races across the North West

24.30 – Lessons learned and future improvements

27.30 – Advice for first-time racers

 

 

Links

Sporting Paws

Crosby Beach race

Rivington Pike race

Pennington Flash event

Dr Juliet McGrattan returns to share expert insight into one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: menopause and its impact on running.

 

Drawing on her experience as a former GP, runner, and author of The Runner’s Guide to Menopause, Juliet brings both professional knowledge and lived experience to a conversation that is honest, reassuring, and highly practical.

 

Listeners are guided through what menopause actually means - including the often-overlooked perimenopause phase - and why symptoms can start much earlier than expected. The episode explores how hormonal changes can affect performance, motivation, recovery, and overall enjoyment of running, while reinforcing that every woman’s experience is unique.

 

Importantly, the conversation focuses on what can be done. From adjusting training expectations and embracing slower running, to the importance of strength training, nutrition, and recovery, Juliet offers realistic strategies to help women continue running in a way that supports their changing bodies. There is also a balanced discussion around hormone replacement therapy, helping listeners understand when it may be helpful and why it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

 

This episode is empowering, informative, and inclusive, reminding runners that while menopause may bring changes, it can also be an opportunity to reconnect with running in a more sustainable and enjoyable way.

Menopause includes perimenopause and post-menopause, not just one moment in time

Symptoms can begin in your 30s or early 40s, often without obvious signs

Running may feel harder due to hormonal, physical, and mental changes

Losing motivation and performance is common, and normal

Slow, steady running (zone 2) supports recovery and endurance

Strength training is essential for muscle, bone, and long-term health

Nutrition should focus on fuelling, not restriction.

Mobility, balance, and core strength are key for injury prevention

HRT can be helpful but should be an individual decision

Running can still improve mood, identity, and social connection during menopause

Timings

0.00 – Introduction and Juliet’s background

2.00 – Why the book was written

4.00 – What menopause actually means (peri, post, timeline)

7.30 – When symptoms can start and why many miss them

10.00 – Misinformation and the menopause “industry”

12.00 – Early signs in running: fatigue, slower pace, loss of motivation

16.00 – Mental health, anxiety, and confidence changes

20.00 – How menopause affects performance and recovery

24.30 – Practical training advice and slowing down

28.00 – Endurance vs speed and why sprint work still matters

33.00 – Injury risk, balance, and coordination

36.00 – Managing hot flushes and temperature when running

41.00 – Benefits of running during menopause

44.00 – Strength training and why it’s essential

48.00 – Nutrition, fuelling, and avoiding under-eating

53.00 – Hormone replacement therapy explained

58.00 – Positives of running through menopause

1:00.00 – Listener questions

 

Resources mentioned

The Runner’s Guide to Menopause – Dr Juliet McGrattan

Our running podcast episode with Juliet McGrattan

drjulietmcgrattan.com

Juliet McGrattan Instagram