Canicross Conversations

Another of our inspiring Canicross Stories.

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In this episode, Michelle and Louise welcome Zoe Gow from Mindspace Journey to delve into how clinical hypnotherapy can strengthen the mind–body bond for runners, with a special nod to the unique connection between runners and their dogs.

Zoe shares her personal journey from discovering hypnotherapy in the pandemic to training as a clinical hypnotherapist and supporting endurance athletes with performance, recovery and mental wellbeing. She explains how hypnotherapy works, the power of trance and subconscious suggestion, and how it complements sports psychology.

The episode explores topics like calming pre‑race nerves, overcoming phobias (including goats on the Pennine Way!), stress relief, improving sleep, breath‑work and EFT tapping—even for the trail‑running duo of human and dog. Zoe outlines her typical six‑week programme, how it adapts for ultra‑runners, and shares practical tips and resources—including guided recordings and grounding techniques—for listeners to start applying immediately. This episode is a holistic guide to mental resilience, focus and relaxation, crafted to support both runners and their dogs.

Topics

Links

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Michelle and Louise chat to guest Ryan McKee about the world of bikejor.

Ryan shares how he was first an ultra‑endurance mountain biker, taking a break from the sport due to burnout. His love for mountain biking reignited after adopting Rhubarb, their enthusiastic Hungarian Vizsla. What started as a behavioural solution evolved into competitive fun as the pair discovered canicross and then bikejor.

Ryan describes his first bikejor race in Chepstow, talking about his preparation, race‑day experience, and how Rhubarb’s natural instincts helped them excel beyond expectations. From harness training and on‑trail communication to adapting fitness regimes and handling pre‑race nervous energy, Ryan talks us through the world of bikejor racing. Whether you’re curious about getting involved or seeking inspiration to rekindle your fitness with your dog, this episode offers real‑life advice, amusing mishaps and heartfelt reflections. It sets a reassuring tone for beginners and reminds seasoned competitors why fun and connection matter more than winning.

We cover:

Key takeaways

Our favourite quotes from the episode

“It feels like you’re on rails when you go around the corner.” (Ryan)

“It doesn’t matter whether you came first or last… you can see in her face she’s had the best time ever.” (Ryan)

“The thing that helped me most was running with someone experienced—but not a big group.” (Ryan)

“Dogs don’t know how far they're racing… they’re just there to give it their all.” (Ryan)

Links

Ryan's Instagram page @scenicroute.adventures

Nonstop dog-wear

NATB dog sports events

Episode 161 with Sarah on her first canicross race

Louise and Michelle catch up with BSSF Vice-President Howard Clark once again, to see how last season went, and what the future holds for canicross in the UK.

Listen to our last chat with Howard in Episode 85

Dog selfies? Instagram and TikTok stars Fredrick and Royston, Golden Retriever brothers, are experts at them. We chat to their owner Hannah all about her Goldie social media stars. 

In today's episode we're joined by Belle from Canicross Midlands, who talks us through the rewards of marshalling at canicross races

In this deeply insightful episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Louise Humphrey and Michelle Mortimer are joined once again by canicrosser and endurance athlete Tamara Beach to shine a spotlight on RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport).

Returning after her first appearance in Episode 133, Tamara shares her personal journey through recognising, and recovering from, RED-S. The conversation is open, informative, and immensely relatable, breaking down medical jargon into real-life experiences.

Tamara bravely discusses the physical and mental toll of under-fuelling in sport, her missteps with nutrition, and the pervasive influence of diet culture on female athletes. Listeners will gain a better understanding of how RED-S can manifest, why it’s not exclusive to elite or female athletes, and why proper fuelling – especially with carbohydrates and fats – is so essential. She also explains how she transitioned her mindset from restriction to recovery and performance sustainability, offering practical tips and encouragement for others who may be in similar positions.

Whether you're a competitive canicrosser, recreational runner, or just trying to balance sport and well-being, this episode will resonate and inform. Tamara’s story is both a caution and a call to listen to your body and treat it with the respect it deserves.

Topics and timings

7.26 – introduction to RED-S and Tamara’s background

11.16 – understanding RED-S and energy deficiency explained

13.19 – early signs and influence of diet culture

15.07 – hidden symptoms and being on the pill

17.14 – fuelling myths and constant fatigue

19.14 – stress fracture as a wake-up call

22.13 – recovery approaches and baby steps

28.06 – navigating GP advice and diagnosis challenges

32.58 – medical tests, MRI and DEXA scan results

34.07 – realising individual ‘set points’ for body composition

35.33 – RED-S in sport: rock climbing and canicross examples

38.12 – spreading awareness and advice to others

42.54 – performance gains from consistent fuelling

45.02 – eating before morning training and second breakfasts

47.16 – wrap up and Tamara’s top advice for those who suspect RED-S