Calgary-based Evan Birch is not your everyday Canicrosser…and nor is his seven-year-old Vizsla, Nova.Both are ultra runners and have tackled some exceptionally long distances together, including more recently a whopping 75 miles as part of the Orcas Island 100 in the US.

How is this even possible I hear you ask? And, more importantly, how do you ensure the dog’s health and well-being is not put at risk? Well, we’re about to find out from Evan who joins us on this podcast to talk about all of this, including his background in running and his special partnership with Nova.

Watch Their Story

A documentary about Evan and Nova’s Orcas Island adventure launches 15th May 2025. It promises to be the dog-human running film of the year and a heartfelt look at what’s possible when two souls move in sync, one stride at a time.

Follow Evan: @ultrabirch
Watch the trailer (coming soon): ultrabirch.com

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In this episode, we chat with Emma Duckworth, a former British Army soldier who opens up about her journey with PTSD, life after military service, and how a rescue dog named Miyah — her “soul dog” — helped her heal through the sport of Canicross.

Emma shares:

👉 Her time in the military and the impact of PTSD

👉 How she rescued Miyah and their instant bond

👉 Discovering Canicross and its mental health benefits

👉 Training for the Manchester Marathon (yes, with Miyah!)

👉 The power of community and why any dog can CanicrossWhether you're a runner, a dog lover, or someone looking for motivation to start your Canicross journey, this episode will leave you uplifted and ready to hit the trails.

🐾 Support Emma’s marathon fundraiser for Thin Blue Paw Foundation🔗 https://www.justgiving.com/page/emma-duckworth-1713943572555💬 Let us know in the comments if you’ve found strength through Canicross too!👍 Like and hit Subscribe #Canicross #DogRunning #MentalHealthAwareness #RescueDog #DogFit #TalkCanicross #PTSDRecovery #RunningWithDogs #DogLovers #MayaTheHusky

www.dogfit.co.uk

👉🏻 Keep in touch with all things Canicross

🐾YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyjG8gbY7wSVwsumilzsevg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogfituk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogfituk

We are often asked on social media if any dog can Canicross, especially those with anxiety or behavioural issues. Happily, the short answer is yes…but it isn’t simply a case of buying the kit and heading off onto the trails. It’s useful to know your ‘Canicross code’ which includes using the equipment correctly and also incorporating commands whilst you are running so you can be in more control.

For some people, having the guidance of a dog trainer, can also be a great benefit. We are joined by Clare Grierson who is our DogFit Trainer in Enfield and a highly regarded dog trainer.

Clare is a big advocate of Canicross and how it can help complement her training and is going to share some of her knowledge and experiences with us in this Episode.

For all things Canicross, kit advice, classes and support - please visit

www.dogfit.co.uk

If you would like to get in touch with Clare, you can find her website here:

www.muddymutleys.com

For many of us with children, September marks ‘Back to School’ but it also serves as a good time to re-set our fitness goals for the remainder of the year. And for those of you who are considering trying Canicross or even looking to improve on your existing skills, speed and endurance, this is the prefect time to seek out some classes; as the weather is also cooler and much more comfortable for our four-legged friends.

In this episode, we are joined by elite Canicrosser and NonStop dogwear sales representative Georgie Lambert. She competes at Canicross Internationally and shares her insights on how to get the best out of your Canicross sessions.

If you would also like to watch this episode, please head to YouTube: https://youtu.be/q2aS2JdPBiw

About DogFit

We are pleased to welcome Cat Batson to our latest podcast. Cat is an experienced Personal Trainer and DogFit Trainer, and we asked her to join us to discuss Strength and Conditioning (often referred to as S&C) and why all Canicrossers should consider including it in their weekly exercise programme.

You can find out more about Cat and her popular Canicross classes here:

We are delighted to have  Daisy Hickman on this episode, she is one of our Ambassadors and a regular Canicrosser.

For ten years, Daisy dedicated herself to long-distance trails and club running events, however six years ago, began experiencing debilitating panic attacks during her runs. 

After numerous medical tests she was eventually diagnosed with exercise induced panic attacks and the pleasure of running seemed completely lost.

However enter Pepper, who came as a puppy and when she was old enough gave Daisy the confidence to consider running again.  As well as being great company Pepper became Daisy's anxiety antidote. The connection they shared on the trails made Daisy feel less alone, providing a distraction from anxiety and a sense of being looked after. 

The power of Canicross is a remarkable thing and so interesting to hear about their journey.

You can follow Daisy and Peppers adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petalpawsdaisy/

For more information about Canicross, kit and how to run with your dog, please visit: https://dogfit.co.uk/

If you are a regular follower of DogFit you’ll know that at the heart of everything we do and stand for is a passion to spread the positive word of Canicross and its inclusivity for all - and when we say ‘all’ that’s people and dogs of course.

Do you have an anxious, reactive or nervous dog and think Canicross is the last thing you would be able to do with them, especially with a group of people and their dogs?

Well, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that Canicross can be a positive experience for your dog, and we have countless examples over the years of people who have seen their dogs transform into confident and focused dogs who simply want to run and enjoy being part of a pack.

Ginetta and I receive enquiries pretty much every week from people who want to try Canicross but are worried their dog may not be suitable for Canicross, so we wanted to address that today and hopefully allay any fears you may have.

We are joined by Lynzi Mulford who is our DogFit Trainer based in Shoreham. Lynzi has vast experience in helping nervous and reactive dogs. In fact, her own dog that she runs with, River, is reactive. And it’s on the back of her experiences with River that Lynzi receives enquiries from people who want the same positive results with their dogs. So we thought, who better to have on our podcast?

If you would like to start Canicrossing with your dog, we can help you both every step of the way.

www. dogfit.co.uk

On the 29 September 2023 our friend and fellow Canicrosser, Sue-Lee faced every dog owner’s worst nightmare.