In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle are joined by Ed Warner, former chair of UK Athletics, passionate sports advocate, and now an enthusiastic canicross convert. Ed shares the story of how a desire to stay fit for a family skiing trip led him into the world of running, and eventually to trail adventures with his energetic standard poodle, Trixie.

 

Ed shares with us his entertaining take on learning to canicross: from the early days of training with Trixie, to racing experiences full of surprises, and even some kit confessions. 

 

"You think poodles are just fluffy? Mine runs like the wind."

 

Topics and timings

 

1.10 – how Ed started running (hint: it began with skiing)

3.30 – marathons, ultras, and getting hooked on running

6.00 – Ed's journey into canicross and his first experiences

10.40 – the surprising athleticism of standard poodles

15.00 – training Trixie and early racing stories

18.45 – getting to grips with Canicross commands

21.30 – kit choices and why your waist belt matters

26.00 – building a stronger bond through Canicross

28.40 – training volume and respecting your dog’s limits

32.10 – racing plans, ambition, and the fun of chasing goals

 

Resources mentioned

CX Run Club Race Calendar: https://www.cxruncalendar.com

DogFit harnesses: https://dogfit.co.uk

Episode 20 on parkrun changes to rules for dogs

Canicross Midlands: https://www.canicrossmidlands.co.uk

British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF): https://www.thebssf.org.uk