Canicross Conversations

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

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 forming meaningful connections with others.
Activities include morning cani-treks, yoga, Pilates, forest bathing, labyrinth walking, sound healing, photography walks, and expert talks on both human and dog nutrition. Designed for every type of dog and owner, whether you're a seasoned canicrosser or just enjoy a gentle stroll with your pup, there's something for everyone.
 
With limited spots available (only 50 tickets), this is an exclusive and intimate retreat. Expect live music, thoughtful journalling, delicious local street food, paddle boarding, and even glamping. It’s an immersive weekend designed to inspire mindfulness and wellness—for both ends of the lead.
 
Topics and timings
7.00 – Meet Georgie and Katie again
8.10 – The birth of Connect and Paws
9.05 – Why summer matters for community
10.50 – Event overview and intention
13.00 – Activities: from yoga to labyrinth walking
16.50 – Supporting dogs with space and respect
21.00 – Expert talks from Holly Barker and Renee McGregor
26.00 – What Georgie and Katie are most excited about
29.30 – Kit demos, community spirit, and good food
Resources mentioned
Episode 82 with Katie
Episode 4 and 44 with Georgie
 
Links mentioned
Connect and Paws: https://www.traildogevents.co.uk/connectandpaws
Nonstop Dogwear: nonstopdogwear.com
 
 

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/