Canicross Conversations

Michelle and Louise sit down with Pauline, founder of Scottish trail‑inspired running brand Trailbreeze, to explore how a love of running in the Scottish hills sparked a business born on the trails.
 
In August 2024, Pauline left her long‑term job in care to focus on family life and pursue something that nurtured her spirit, running the trails around her home with her spaniel, Joey. What began as a simple idea for headwear soon blossomed into a full range of trail gear, embraced by runners, dog lovers and the canicross community alike.
 
Pauline shares her journey from that first beanie, to events, sponsorship and future plans. She explains why trails have kept her inspired, motivated and balanced. Throughout, she speaks honestly about running, business, community and simply enjoying the outdoors.
 
 
Timings
 
0.00 – welcome & introduction to Pauline0.30 – Pauline's story: leaving work, family life & running1.30 – how Trailbreeze began: headwear idea to brand name3.00 – Joey the spaniel 4.00 – thoughts on canicross 5.30 – quitting her job & Trailbreeze launch7.00 – running background: road vs trail experiences8.40 – Glencoe marathon & the joy of trails10.00 – weekly training & ultras12.00 – next race: GB Ultra 50 miler13.30 – Trailbreeze product beginnings: beanies & tops15.00 – retail stockists & early success16.15 – events, brand awareness & BSSF sponsorship17.00 – feedback from canicross community18.30 – technical kit details & product quality20.00 – garments: shorts, hoodies, headbands, gloves22.00 – clubs & custom gear offerings23.30 – audience ideas & new products coming soon25.00 – quickfire questions26.00 – upcoming events
 
“Running on the trails isn’t about pace — it’s about enjoying where you are.”
 
Links
Trail Breeze website — https://trailbreeze.co.uk
Trail Breeze UK on Instagram — @trailbreezeuk

 
Hosts Louise and Michelle are joined by Amy, founder of Track and Trail Canine Outfitters, for an inspiring conversation about how one dog changed her life and led her into canicross, community‑building and launching a specialist canine gear shop.
 
Amy shares her personal journey with Max, a rescue cocker spaniel with behavioural challenges and boundless energy, and how discovering canicross transformed both of them — from anxious walks filled with zig‑zags and reactivity to focused runs, confidence building and partnership. 
 
Rather than take on the cheapest gear she finds on the high street, Amy’s experiences with a lead breaking under stress inspired her to research strength testing and purposeful design. This leads to the creation of her shop — a place that prioritises tested quality, and supports owners with nervous or reactive dogs through private shopping sessions and accessible advice.
 
 
 
Timings
00:00 – 04:40 – intro + how Amy first got into canicross with Max04:40 – 10:15 – Max’s progress and impact of running on behaviour10:15 – 17:00 – the incident that sparked the idea for a shop17:00 – 22:00 – research into strength‑tested brands and gear advice22:00 – 28:00 – what to look for when choosing dog equipment28:00 – 33:00 – business journey, community and online growth33:00 – 37:00 – rewarding moments, private sessions and helping owners37:00 – 42:30 – exciting plans: expanding shop space and workshops
 
 
https://trackandtrailcanine.co.uk

In this episode, Mary Pearson, Race Director at Race Harborough tells us all about how she and Louise have set up a new canicross event, as they prepare for its second edition in February.
Mary shares the story of how a canicross‑only race came to life in Leicestershire, inspired by the loss of canicross‑friendly parkruns, and a desire to create an inclusive, fun and sustainable race experience for beginners to canicross.
 
With practical tips on rolling starts, chip timing, ways to handle public parks and working with volunteers, Mary explains what she’s learned both from the inaugural event and from her extensive experience organising regular trail races and parkruns.
 
The conversation also explores what makes the race beginner‑friendly, the support available on the day — including kit fittings and advice — and how the event fosters community and inclusivity without feeling elitist. Mary and Louise discuss real participant feedback, route terrain, and what to expect at the 2026 race, taking place on Sunday 8 February at Irchester Country Park. This episode is perfect for anyone thinking about entering a canicross race, organising their own event or simply curious about the behind‑the‑scenes work that makes a race day successful.
 
Link for the race - https://raceharborough.co.uk/canicross/
 
 
Timings
1.00 – episode intro and overview3.00 – why Mary started a canicross‑only event6.20 – designing a dog‑friendly course9.40 – the importance of rolling starts12.00 – beginner support and equipment stands15.30 – participant feedback from the 2025 race18.00 – how public park logistics are managed21.30 – what’s new for the 2026 event24.40 – date, distance and entries info26.30 – trophies, medals and event extras28.00 – final thoughts on inclusivity and community

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle are joined by Ed Warner, former chair of UK Athletics, passionate sports advocate, and now an enthusiastic canicross convert. Ed shares the story of how a desire to stay fit for a family skiing trip led him into the world of running, and eventually to trail adventures with his energetic standard poodle, Trixie.
 
Ed shares with us his entertaining take on learning to canicross: from the early days of training with Trixie, to racing experiences full of surprises, and even some kit confessions. 
 
"You think poodles are just fluffy? Mine runs like the wind."
 
Topics and timings
 
1.10 – how Ed started running (hint: it began with skiing)3.30 – marathons, ultras, and getting hooked on running6.00 – Ed's journey into canicross and his first experiences10.40 – the surprising athleticism of standard poodles15.00 – training Trixie and early racing stories18.45 – getting to grips with Canicross commands21.30 – kit choices and why your waist belt matters26.00 – building a stronger bond through Canicross28.40 – training volume and respecting your dog’s limits32.10 – racing plans, ambition, and the fun of chasing goals
 
Resources mentioned
CX Run Club Race Calendar: https://www.cxruncalendar.com
DogFit harnesses: https://dogfit.co.uk
Episode 20 on parkrun changes to rules for dogs
Canicross Midlands: https://www.canicrossmidlands.co.uk
British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF): https://www.thebssf.org.uk
 

Today, Louise chats to Kerry Burridge about how she got into canicross with her two lurchers, Willow and Hazel, and how they reacted when there was a new pup introduced to the pack who isn't a Lurcher.
@thelazylurchers

In this episode, Michelle and Louise chat to Sarah about discovering the joy of canicross with her rescue dog Jasper. This is a feel-good episode that reminds us why we love the sport and the community so much.
Follow @adventuredog.jasper on Instagram

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Michelle and Louise chat to Jo from Dorwest, a leading natural pet supplement company with a deep history in herbal care.
Jo shares the Dorwest journey, how their products support active dogs, and offers practical, evidence-based advice on keeping your canicross companion healthy.
Listeners will gain insights into physical demands on dogs, early signs of stress or overuse, and what to do when your dog needs recovery support especially in peak mileage seasons. From mobility to calming aids, and even how to manage gut issues during race days, Jo’s expertise offers a holistic look at dog welfare in sport. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how Dorwest sources ingredients, works with vets, and develops products based on real-world feedback from working and sporting dogs.
Whether you’re new to canicross or training at a high level, this conversation is packed with useful tips to help your dog thrive on and off the trails.
1.10 – the Dorwest story and Jo’s background5.50 – what canicross dogs need: joints, gut, stress & more11.40 – key products for active dogs: mobility, recovery, calming19.05 – common problems at races and how to support your dog26.15 – inside Dorwest: sourcing, safety, vet testing31.30 – Jo’s top 3 tips for dog wellbeing
@dorwestherbs on Instagram & Facebook
For 10% off at dorwest.com use code CANICROSS10

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 life.
We also hear live interviews with other British athletes gathered at the ICF World Championships by the BSSF.
NB: Please note that Jamie refers to Seb Coe heading up British Orienteering, when he meant to say Steve Cram
 
Links:
 
ICF - https://canicross.international/
BSSF - https://thebssf.org.uk/
 

 
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‑up (the MAXx 2, Ultra 3 and IRock 4) and previews a new “home to hill” model coming soon. He touches on sizing guidance, gender/fit considerations, how they are entering the canicross market, and how input from the community is shaping future development. Listeners are encouraged to try shoes with local retailers and feed back their experiences, as VJ hopes to eventually make a specific canicross‑shoe.
 
It's clear that for canicross runners — navigating slippery fields, wet rock and dog‑pull dynamics — the right footwear matters.
Whether you’re seasoned or new to canicross, this is a welcome deep‑dive into how one brand is listening to the sport and adapting.
Expect practical advice, product insight and a strong nod to community feedback.
 
Key take‑aways
VJ Sports has moved from orienteering into trail/fell and now canicross‑relevant shoes by focusing on terrain‑specific grip (e.g., butyl rubber outsoles, variable stud lengths).
Fit matters: multiple lasts (foot shapes) plus stud‑length differences (3 mm → 9 mm) mean choosing the right shoe for terrain and individual foot shape is important.
Two contrasting models: a firmer, lower‑profile “race/technical” shoe (e.g., Max) vs a softer, higher‑cushion “longer run” shoe (e.g., Ultra) — both relevant, depending on run style.
Canicrossers often face muddy, mixed‑terrain conditions with a pulling dog, so shoe demands differ from road running; community feedback is driving a bespoke “monster truck” future model for this niche.
Try‑before‑you‑buy remains important, especially with trail/canicross shoes. Online reviews help but foot shape / terrain matter.
Shoe care counts: wash with hot soapy water and air dry (avoid radiators/dryers) to extend lifespan of technical outsoles.
Sizing guidance: VJ is “true to UK size” except one model (MAXx 2) which comes up a half‑size larger — always check empirically.
Timings
1.04 – Introduction: Tony’s background & running history2.00 – Transition into sports industry & VJ entry3.30 – Why VJ is resonating in the canicross / off‑road world4.20 – Grip, studs and terrain: key shoe features6.00 – Material innovation: butyl rubber, uppers, durability7.30 – Sizing, fit and foot shape concerns9.10 – Fit guidance: road/trail crossover, cushioning vs studs11.00 – Canicross entry and why VJ decided to engage the sport13.00 – Current best‑selling models for canicrossers: iRock 4 etc15.10 – Sponsoring the British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF) series and community feedback17.00 – Practical shoe care advice and do’s/don’ts18.30 – Potential for future dedicated canicross shoe & how listeners can input20.00 – Final summary & how to contact VJ Sports / locate retailers
 
 
Links 
VJ  Shoes Website
@vjsportsshoes on Instagram
BSSF race series

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 desire to just get out, it’s possible to join in and enjoy the ride.
 
If you’ve ever wondered whether canicross is for you or your dog, this episode is a warm invitation to try something new at your own pace.
 
Timings
00:01:24 – 00:02:03 – Lisa introduces herself, her dogs Barley (3) and Biscuit (2), and how the journey began.
00:02:03 – 00:03:03 – Lisa talking about her mental rut, the Instagram reel, and joining a local canicross club.
00:03:03 – 00:04:08 – Early struggles with Couch‐to‑5K, joining social runs, and how the club helped.
00:04:08 – 00:05:01 – The welcome, supportive culture of the club; no one gets left behind.
00:05:01 – 00:07:00 – How the dogs got into it: Barley’s progression, Biscuit’s natural pull, the feeling of working as a team.
00:07:00 – 00:10:30 – Race stories: first event experience, the joy of finishing, the difference between a “race” and “an event you enjoy”.
00:10:30 – 00:12:11 – Dog behaviours: reactivity, start‑line nerves, and how events accommodate that.
00:12:11 – 00:16:10 – Running with dogs vs running solo: the difference, the benefit of solo sessions, the concept of “easy runs”.
00:16:10 – 00:20:05 – Goals: signed up for 10 K, training together, accepting your pace, moving more and more.
00:20:05 – 00:25:00 – Motivation, how to start: tip to “just do it”, find a local club, support matters.
 
 
Lisa’s Instagram: @run_with_biscuit_and_barley