In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Lauren.

 

Lauren recounts how her 'failed' sheepdog Pip came into her life at 13 months old, having never truly bonded with farm work, and how the two forged an extraordinary connection in a family environment. From tentative first nights indoors, to running together in canicross, Lauren shares how this strong bond became a lifeline during a difficult season in her life. She opens up about losing her father to suicide, stepping back from her former high‑pressure work, and finding solace, purpose and community through running with Pip.

 

Along the way, she discovered a new passion, launched Me and My Dog Running Club, creating personalised apparel. A heart-warming episode, showing that healing and connection can take unexpected and wonderful forms.

 

We also chat about warm ups in our new feature Harness the Expert

 

Timings

0.00 – introduction & backstory: meeting Pip

3.50 – Pip’s personality, calm indoors vs energetic outdoors

5.20 – herding instinct & family dynamics on walks

7.00 – settling into house life, first nights indoors

9.00 – impact on child allergies & kids bonding with dog

10.30 – discovering canicross & first parkrun experience

13.00 – joining clubs, recce runs, community

16.00 – learning about kit, harness choices

18.00 – Pip’s running style, working as a team

20.30 – running without Pip, ultra training decisions

24.00 – doing the 50K ultra with Into Ultra support

28.30 – goals together: longer distances, exploring events

32.00 – how canicross changed Lauren’s life after loss

36.00 – starting Me & My Dog Running Club and personalised apparel

40.30 – Harness The Expert: How to warm up (you + dog) for a club run

45.00 – closing, social handles & where to find Lauren online

Links & social

Me and My Dog Running Club on Instagram

Lauren’s personalised apparel website

Into Ultra