Canicross Conversations

In this episode, Michelle and Louse chat to Jamie Stevenson, with a focus on the ICF World Championships last month, and his role in the BSSF as monosports rep. 

Listen for behind‑the‑scenes insight into how the International Canicross Federation (ICF) World Championships work — from selection via the British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF), to the challenges of visas, travel, and dog‑friendly logistics across Europe. Jamie reflects on the highs and challenges of international competition — including the rush of a mass‑start, the thrill of representing Britain, and the necessary balance between competitive drive, dog welfare, and everyday...

  In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle welcome Tony Leonard of Shoes to talk about the brand’s growing connection with the canicross community.   Tony shares his journey from competitive running to sports‑industry marketing and shoe development, explaining how VJ evolved from orienteering and fell shoes, into making models that canicrossers are now choosing. The discussion covers the technical details behind their designs — from studs and heel‑profiles to materials like butyl rubber and Schoeller Keprotec® uppers — and how this connects with the demands of running with dogs across muddy, mixed terrain.   Tony helps differentiate between the current line‑u...

In this episode, Louise and Michelle are joined by Leasa, who tells us about her two whippets, Barley and Biscuit, as they have discovered the world of canicross over the last 18 months.   Leasa used to avoid sport altogether, but a simple Instagram reel introduced her into the warm‑hearted fold of a local canicross club, where encouragement and community helped her to grow not just as a runner, but also as a team with her dogs.   Leasa’s story shows that you don’t need to be an athlete to take part; with the right support, a few steps of kit, and a...

  Michelle and Louise are joined by Brigid, a relatively new canicross enthusiast based in Ireland, who shares her journey with her Border Collie, Corvo.   Brigid adopted Corvo - her first dog - during lockdown, and soon discovered the demands of a high‑energy collie. She found her way into the canicross community, but then tragedy struck ....   Corvo was involved in a serious accident, where his leg was fractured. Brigid and Corvo are currently adapting to rehab and recovery, but they have big goals for when Corvo is recovered. A great lesson in patience, and hope.   Timings: 1.10 – introduction to Brigid & Corvo
2.34 –...

In this episode, Louise and Michelle are joined by Anna Pollard of The Dog House Canine Spa in Leicestershire to explore how best to care for your dog’s coat, especially when you’re into canicross and other active dog sports.

Anna shares her insights from years of grooming experience, explaining why proper maintenance of the coat and skin isn't just cosmetic but a key part of your dog’s wellbeing and performance.

The conversation covers coat types (single vs double coat), grooming routines for active dogs, the role of brushing and bathing, pad and nail care, sea...

In this episode, Michelle and Louise chat with Ray, a canicross enthusiast with a pack of rescue dogs. Ray shares her journey from returning to the UK after seven years abroad, feeling isolated and looking for a way to connect socially and physically. She found the sport of canicross through her local club (Tees Valley Canicross), which offered both community and motivation.   She gives a warm, honest account of the challenges of running with Cloud, who is a mixed‑breed street dog rescue from China. She also shares how she is building up a new puppy‑rescue, Nomad from Cyprus, to jo...

Michelle and Louise chat to sports dietitian and author Renee McGregor about how to optimise fuelling across life stages - especially during perimenopause and after menopause - while also unpacking RED‑S, carbohydrate myths, and sensible supplement use.   Renee acknowledges how little conversation there has historically been about female hormonal transitions, and how women often experience a “wobbliness” in their energy, mood, and performance as hormones fluctuate unpredictably. She emphasises that menopause (and the years leading up to it) needn’t be a downhill spiral: “there’s a lot of women [who] feel they’ve reached their potential from an athletic point...

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 ne...

In today's canicross story, we chat to Becky about how she tried canicross after her working dogs didn't really enjoy gundog training, and now she's hooked!

Becky chats to us about how she started out with free running, experimenting with gundog training tools (like whistle recall), and the moment she realised what canicross was all about.

In this insightful episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Michelle and Louise are joined by Lucy Millar, founder of Rùn Dog Food, and Dr Jacqueline Boyd, an animal scientist and canine nutrition consultant. Together, they delve into the world of performance nutrition for active dogs, demystifying cold-pressed food, fuelling strategies, and how to navigate the myths of pet nutrition.   Lucy shares her journey from dog trainer to dog food entrepreneur, driven by her passion for transparency in the pet food industry.   Dr Boyd brings her scientific expertise to explore what dogs really need to thrive in sports like canicross, agility and...

In today's canicross story, we chat to Becky about how she tried canicross after her working dogs didn't really enjoy gundog training, and now she's hooked!

Becky chats to us about how she started out with free running, experimenting with gundog training tools (like whistle recall), and the moment she realised what canicross was all about.

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle are joined by Claire, better known as @theyorkshirewhippets on Instagram.   Claire shares her upside-down journey into the world of canicross when a friend convinced her to enter a race with her whippet, Pip. From her early days of social running, to training for her first half marathon, Claire brings energy, honesty and giggles.   Listeners will hear about Claire’s transition from casual runner to competitive canicrosser, how she manages training with two very different dogs, and the importance of cross-training and recovery. She opens up about the challenges of running in hot...

In this episode, Louise and Michelle catch up again with physio and ultrarunner Nicky Edwards about her recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and how she's adapting her training to achieve her ultimate goal of UTMB

In this episode, Michelle and Louise chat to sports dog nutritionist Holly Barker for her no nonsense advice on feeding your dog. 

Holly shares her journey from serving as a medic in the RAF, through mental health nursing, to becoming an evidence-based practitioner focused on canine nutrition. She outlines how she educated herself in the absence of formal courses, experimented with diets in working and sport dogs, and gradually developed a full‑time practice.

The conversation addresses what good evidence means in the canine nutrition world, the differences (and similarities) between human and dog nutrition, and...

In this special summer‑'paws' episode, hosts Louise Humphrey and Michelle Mortimer share a friendly, warm chat instead of their usual guest interview. They reflect on recent adventures (including Trail Dog UK’s dog & wellness festival and holiday escapades), explain why they’re taking a break over summer, and give a peek at what’s coming up when they return. Expect updates about upcoming races and new guests, plus an invitation for listeners to engage with them over the summer on Instagram and Facebook.   Episode Highlights Our summer pause is intentional: to recharge and plan next season, keeping safety and wellbeing at...

Another of our inspiring Canicross Stories.

Please do leave us a review and share our podcast with your dog friends.

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 (incl...

In this episode, Michelle Mortimer and Louise Humphrey welcome Professor Dawn Carnes, an expert in musculoskeletal health and chronic pain psychology. Dawn introduces a cognitive-behavioural approach to help runners and canicrossers break through mental barriers. She explains how thoughts, emotions and behaviours are interconnected and offers practical strategies: insight into automatic negative thinking, goal‑setting with SMART objectives, problem‑solving, self‑visualisation, and self‑compassion.   Through a live demonstration, Michelle and Louise explore addressing motivations, reframing “chore” workouts (e.g. running intervals) into enjoyable alternatives (like netball), and challenging negative automatic thoughts mid-run. The episode concludes with encouragement to tackle fears one small...

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle welcome rising star Matt Powell, a 16-year-old who is already a British, European, and World Champion in canicross. As if that weren’t impressive enough, Matt has   Key takeaways Matt discovered canicross at 12 and quickly rose to the top of junior ranks. He runs with two dogs and adapts training for each one's ability. Bikejoring adds variety and pace to his training regime. Mentorship has been crucial to his development and now he mentors others. The canicross community is supportive and welcoming to newcomers. Topics and timings 1.10 – how Matt got into canic...

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...

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...

In this special episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Louise and Michelle welcome back two popular guests: Georgie Lambert from Nonstop Dogwear and Katie Kirkup, founder of Trail Dog Events. Together, they unveil an exciting new venture: "Connect and Paws"—a human and dog wellness weekend set against the breath-taking backdrop of Druridge Bay, Northumberland from 4–6 July 2025.   Born from Katie's vision, and shaped into reality with Georgie’s support, this event invites the canicross and wider dog-loving community to take a break from the high-speed pace of life. Instead, it's all about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, bonding with your dog, and form...

Louise and Michelle chat to journalists Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson about their new book Ultra Women

Sarah Stokes shares her first experience of racing with Louise and Michelle in this episode

Louise and Michelle chat to Gabby, one of the co-founders of Bournemouth Canicross about how their community has grown over the last four years since the group was first formed. It’s an uplifting, positive episode about the power of community. 

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Morag, a trustee of Lincs Dobermann Rescue about her experience of rehoming Dobies, and her 'failed foster' with tri-paw Trooper. We hear all about Trooper's amputation and rehabilitation, proof that amputation is not the end, and can often be the start of a new life for many dogs like Trooper.

https://dobiefest.co.uk/

Louise and Michelle chat to Gemma Knott at RAD Assistance Dogs. 

RAD provides specialised assistance dog training to UK clients living with Mental Health Disabilities and/or Autism to become qualified handlers of their own assistance dogs.

In this episode we chat to Gemma about what makes a good assistance dog, and also the disability laws the public should be aware of with regard to assistance dogs.

https://www.radassistancedogs.org.uk/

Louise and Michelle chat to vet Hannah Capon about certain breeds' predisposition to canine arthritis, how we can prevent it, how to diagnose it and treatments.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Emily Thomas about her new book Canicross for Fitness and Fun

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Fran Hannemann about how canicross fits into her home boarding and dog walking business, and her adventures with her three dogs.

In this episode we catch up with previous guest Elli, who was halfway through hiking the entire length of Britain with her dog Otto when we chatted to her in episode 68. We find out how the rest of her epic hike went, and chat to her about her recent attempt to complete the Spine Race Challenger South, a 108 mile challenge where she faced knee deep snow and extreme sleep deprivation.

You can find Elli's videos on her YouTube channel 

Banjo was a rescue dog who was adopted by a (non-running) family, but when he escaped on his first day in his new home, fate intervened to introduce him to the canicross community, where he became a very well-loved character. We chat to his family and friends about their favourite memories of him.

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Joe Swiffen from Mynydd Sled Dog Adventures about the challenges of setting up her husky sled dog adventure trails business in Wales during COVID.

Joe is also doing great work with her Junior Sled Dog Sports Academy.

We also learn A LOT about husky breeds.

https://mynyddsleddogadventures.com/

We love bringing you canicross stories from our community, and in this episode Louise and Michelle chat to Sara McCarthy about how her second canicross season with her 'rocket dog' spaniel Logan is going. Sara has thrown herself into many cani-sports so far, to keep her working cocker spaniel Logan engaged and well exercised.

We chat about their first experience of dog triathlon at Tri Dog, as well as their training for their upcoming (first) ultra marathon.

Sara embodies the spirit of feeling the fear and doing it anyway!

Follow Sara and Logan...

In this episode, Louise and Michelle quiz podiatrist Kate Hammond about all those things you've always wanted to ask about looking after your feet, but have been too embarrassed or squeamish to ask.

We cover:

It's a fascinating episode, and we certainly learned loads!

In this episode, Louise and Michelle catch up with Duncan and Dizzy the Dalmatian about what they've been up to since we last spoke 2 years ago! There's also a new greyster, Peggy, in the family!

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@thatspottydogruns

Instagram: @thatspottydogruns

You can listen to the previous episode with Duncan here: https://www.canicrossconversations.co.uk/e/canicross-story-that-spotty-dog-runs-episode-49/

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Join Louise and Pickle at the Irchy Park canicross race on Sunday 9th February 2025. It's a 5k adventure around Irchester Country Park, and is a great event for th...

In today's special episode, we're diving back into an insightful chat we had with Karen Weir, an expert in menopause and strength and conditioning. This clip, recorded in March 2023 explores how the natural changes in our bodies during menopause affect our running. Karen breaks down the physical shifts we experience and offers advice on the way we train and eat.

You can listen to the full episode (55) here: https://www.canicrossconversations.co.uk/e/why-is-strength-training-so-important-to-runners-during-perimenopause/