Canicross Conversations

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 step at a time, reinforcing that change is achievable by breaking tasks into manageable chunks.
 
Topics
Cognitive‑behavioural triad: thoughts, feelings, behaviours
Behavioural activation: how exercise lifts mood with dopamine/cortisol
Finding enjoyable alternatives to boring workouts
Problem‑solving demo: overcoming injury with strength training
SMART goals explained
Challenging negative self-talk & predictions
Avoiding perfectionism & embracing fluctuations
"Compare and despair”: the impact of social media
Five-step action plan for sustainable change
 

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 canicross6.25 – early training challenges and dog selection9.40 – school running background and shift to longer distances12.20 – training routines and bikejoring17.10 – competing with two dogs and British Champs20.30 – mentoring younger runners24.15 – international races and upcoming world champs29.40 – importance of family support and school life33.50 – how to get started in canicross as a young person37.15 – growing the sport and using social media40.00 – future goals and quickfire round
 
Links mentioned
Episode 131 with Gail Irvine
Matt Powell on Instagram: @mattpowell.canicross

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 expectations. From harness training and on‑trail communication to adapting fitness regimes and handling pre‑race nervous energy, Ryan talks us through the world of bikejor racing. Whether you’re curious about getting involved or seeking inspiration to rekindle your fitness with your dog, this episode offers real‑life advice, amusing mishaps and heartfelt reflections. It sets a reassuring tone for beginners and reminds seasoned competitors why fun and connection matter more than winning.
 
We cover:
Introduction to Ryan and his mountain‑biking background
How Rhubarb became his training partner
First experience in canicross
Motivation to move into bikejor
Introduction to bikejor gear and harness safety
How dog‑pull enhances bike traction and speed
Pre-race preparation and warm‑up tactics
Race event recap at Chepstow (NATB)
Race‑day dynamics: overtaking, direction calls
Finish results & reflecting on mindset
Training takeaways post‑race
Balancing dog’s fitness with self‑training
Discussion: should dogs follow structured training plans?
Fun rapid‑fire questions
Key takeaways
Introduce bikejor gradually; begin with canicross to build trust and communication.
Harness sports can reveal and address dog behavioural issues.
Bikejor enhances traction and fun, similar to e‑bike assistance.
Direction cues (e.g. “left”, “right”) are crucial on technical courses.
Partner motivation outweighs finishing position—dog‑led enjoyment matters most.
Training both human and dog should focus on the weaker link first.
Small, experienced‑led groups work best for beginners.
Dogs don’t know race length—they'll give 100 % regardless.
Our favourite quotes from the episode
“It feels like you’re on rails when you go around the corner.” (Ryan)
“It doesn’t matter whether you came first or last… you can see in her face she’s had the best time ever.” (Ryan)
“The thing that helped me most was running with someone experienced—but not a big group.” (Ryan)
“Dogs don’t know how far they're racing… they’re just there to give it their all.” (Ryan)
 
Links
Ryan's Instagram page @scenicroute.adventures
Nonstop dog-wear
NATB dog sports events
Episode 161 with Sarah on her first canicross race

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