Canicross Conversations

Michelle and Louise are joined by Clare Thompson and her rescue dog Loki, whose first season together has been full of surprises, progress and plenty of learning.
 
Clare moved from ultra running into canicross, first with her rescue dog Rex, and then with Loki, a young, high-energy pointer who arrived underweight, inexperienced and in need of confidence.
 
What began as a gentle, low-pressure introduction to racing soon became a standout season, with Clare and Loki finishing second nationally and putting in an expression of interest for Poland.
 
But this conversation is about much more than results. Clare talks openly about working with the dog in front of you, building trust, managing race environments, decompression after events and why canicross can be such a powerful outlet for rescue dogs.
 
As a sports therapist, Clare also brings valuable insight into the human side of the sport. The episode explores why strength training matters so much for canicross runners, especially when adding the extra force of a strong pulling dog. From squats and deadlifts to core work, upper body strength and “snack exercises”, Clare explains how small, consistent habits can help reduce injury risk and support better running.
 
There is also a fascinating discussion around pain, mindset, stress, confidence, comfort zones and why canicross can be just as important for mental wellbeing as it is for fitness. Whether you race competitively, run socially, have a rescue dog, or are just canicross-curious, this episode is full of encouragement, practical advice and honest reflections.
 
Timings
0.31 – introducing Clare and Loki0.56 – how Clare found canicross after ultra running2.52 – finding Loki in rescue and taking a chance on a high-energy dog4.01 – building Loki up slowly and starting with short course races5.29 – how Loki copes with the race environment6.23 – overtaking, focus and confidence around other dogs8.43 – not rushing rescue dogs into more than they are ready for9.21 – moving from ultra running to fast 5k canicross13.53 – Clare and Loki’s national result15.02 – putting in an expression of interest for Poland15.42 – working with different dogs and different levels of drive18.17 – Clare’s background as a sports therapist19.28 – why strength training matters for canicross runners20.52 – squats, deadlifts, single-leg work and upper body strength22.25 – core work and loaded carries23.38 – balancing running and strength sessions25.00 – helping injured runners take responsibility for rehab28.38 – snack exercises and fitting strength into everyday life31.14 – pain, discomfort and the brain’s role in injury36.38 – books on the body, stress and pain37.27 – international inspiration and watching canicross abroad38.27 – canicross as friendship, fresh air and mental wellbeing40.24 – canicross for dogs who cannot be off lead43.00 – Loki’s progress and getting stronger for next season
 
Resources mentioned
The Body Keeps the ScoreWhen the Body Says NoCanicross MidlandsCanixBSSFCani-FitLouise’s strength training blog after the London MarathonPrevious episode with Lindsay from Cani-Fit

Michelle and Louise are joined by Lucy J Morgan from Wales, a professional musician, ultra runner and member of Dexy's Midnight Runners, who has recently discovered the world of canicross with her dog Tedi Bêr. Although Lucy has been running with Tedi for years, including through mountain training for ultramarathons, she only recently realised that what they were doing had a name, a community and a whole sport behind it.
 
Lucy shares how Tedi Bêr, a 40kg New Zealand Huntaway, has become her loyal mountain-running partner, helping her feel safer, more motivated and more connected to the outdoors.
 
The episode also explores Tedi's first canicross race at Red Warrior Margam, where the pair chose the 20k distance and went on to win the women’s race.
 
Michelle and Louise offer supportive advice on belts, passing other runners, using commands and understanding the canicross season, especially when temperatures rise.
 
Lucy also shares the moving story behind her upcoming memorial walk on 25 May, following the footsteps of three boys who became lost in the Brecon Beacons in 1904. Through music, memory and mountain rescue fundraising, this episode brings together canicross, endurance, Welsh landscape, companionship and community.
 
Timings
1.02 – Lucy’s running background and discovering canicross2.17 – Tedi Bêr's longest training run of 33 miles2.45 – Meet Tedi Bêr, the New Zealand Huntaway4.26 – Starting out with a lead, waist belt and harness5.30 – Lucy’s teal canicross kit setup6.18 – Why a canicross-specific belt can help with a strong dog8.35 – Tedi Bêr’s size and power at 40kg9.19 – Running early in the Welsh mountains10.12 – Trying a first event to see how Tedi coped10.48 – Red Warrior Margam and choosing the 20k distance11.43 – Lucy and Tedi’s first race experience12.12 – Learning canicross race etiquette14.13 – Feeling safer running with a dog15.09 – How Tedi helped Lucy through a tough ultra training day17.15 – Long runs, water and Tedi's endurance17.50 – Canicross ultras and longer-distance options18.23 – Lucy and Tedi winning their first women’s canicross race19.10 – Tedi’s interest in sheep and future training plans21.10 – Understanding the canicross season21.45 – Why dogs should not run in the heat22.38 – Summer alternatives, cani-hiking and cooling down23.31 – Finding races through the canicross calendar24.10 – Why longer distances may suit Lucy and Tedi25.23 – Lucy’s ultra running background26.30 – Women, endurance and the book Ultra women27.32 – Lucy’s memorial walk project in Wales29.31 – Raising money for Western Beacons Mountain Rescue31.27 – Lucy’s life as a professional musician33.40 – Touring with Dexy's Midnight Runners34.30 – Lucy’s questions about handler etiquette35.17 – How to pass safely in canicross events36.20 – Commands, focus and working with distractions37.13 – Downhill control and using a “behind” command38.25 – Where to find Lucy online
 
Links mentioned
Red Warrior MargamCani TrailPodcast episode 2 on running dogs in the heatPodcast episode 162 with the authors of Ultra WomenJustGiving page for Lucy’s mountain rescue fundraiser
Lucy's Big Walk Promo VideoDexy's Midnight Runners
 

Louise and Michelle are joined by Stuart Nuttall, who shares his journey from school cross-country and triathlon into the world of flyball, canicross and bikejor. After years of endurance sport, including triathlon and Ironman training, Stuart found that dog sports offered a new way to stay active while spending more time with his family and dogs.
 
Stuart talks about meeting Louise at Crufts, getting into canicross through off-season fitness work for flyball, and how his young dog Maverick has opened up a whole new set of goals. The conversation explores the crossover between flyball and canicross, including focus, passing, drive, confidence, strength and conditioning, and the importance of building fitness gradually.
 
There are plenty of relatable moments, from buying “just one more” bit of kit, to Maverick chewing through his harness on the start line of his first race. Stuart reflects on imposter syndrome, learning from others, looking after paw health, and why he sees himself as the weaker part of the human-dog team.
 
This is a great episode for anyone curious about combining different dog sports, starting canicross with a young dog, or simply enjoying getting outside and being active with their dog.
 
Timings
0.00 – Introducing Stuart and how he met Louise at Crufts0.36 – Stuart’s early canicross experience and running with his dogs1.42 – From school cross-country to rugby league and returning to running3.08 – Getting peer-pressured into his first triathlon4.14 – Representing GB in duathlon and triathlon events5.05 – Why coaching and being open to learning matters6.10 – Moving away from triathlon and towards family dog sports7.36 – Using running to help keep the dogs fit for flyball8.51 – What flyball is and how Stuart first discovered it10.56 – Setting up a flyball team and competing at Crufts12.27 – How travelling for flyball changed Stuart’s view of canicross events14.12 – Maverick’s breeding, drive and introduction to sport15.58 – Why canicross is not “just running with your dog”19.01 – Commands, passing dogs and the crossover with flyball focus20.40 – Why Stuart was most proud of Maverick’s control around walkers and loose dogs21.24 – Stuart and Maverick’s first canicross race with Trail Dog Events22.50 – The start-line harness chewing incident24.19 – Flyball season, canicross season and fitting it all in24.59 – Discovering the speed of canicross with a strong dog26.17 – Stuart’s goals for the next canicross season27.03 – Building Maverick’s distance and endurance gradually28.08 – Strength and conditioning for injury prevention28.22 – Paw care, nail care and learning what Maverick needs30.07 – Imposter syndrome at races and comparing dogs, kit and speed31.11 – Understanding the power of purpose-bred canicross dogs33.41 – Why the human needs to train too34.04 – Will Maverick choose flyball or canicross?34.56 – Giving Maverick the right opportunities35.20 – Where to follow Stuart and Maverick online35.57 – Future duathlon plans and whether a triathlon could happen37.01 – Final thoughts: canicross can be whatever you want it to be
 
Links mentioned
Check out our episodes with Toby Lambert and Lindsay from Cani-Fit Stuart on Instagram: @stunuttallMaverick on Instagram: @negativeghostrider31

Michelle Mortimer and Louise Humphrey are joined by Lindsay, founder of Cani-Fit and a four-time British canicross champion.
 
We chat about how the sport has grown and what really matters when it comes to training dogs and humans well.
 
Lindsay shares how she found canicross in the early days, when there was very little support available in Scotland, and explains how that experience shaped the way she now coaches thousands of runners and dog owners through Cani-Fit. Lindsay talks openly about the early mistakes she made, what she has learned from working with all kinds of dogs, and why training should always be adapted to the individual dog in front of you. She also explains the difference between training recreationally and preparing for championship level competition, offering useful insights on intervals, hill work, race preparation, recovery, and why 'too much too soon' is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make.
 
The episode also explores the family side of the sport, as Lindsay shares how her 10-year-old son is beginning his own canicross journey in a way that keeps things fun, social, and age-appropriate. It is a lovely reminder that canicross is not only about racing, but also about teamwork and community. Whether you are completely new to running with dogs or already immersed in the sport, this episode is packed with thoughtful takeaways.
 
Timings
0.00 – Introduction to Lindsay, founder of Cani-Fit and four-time British champion1.09 – How Lindsay first got into canicross through sled dog sports3.13 – What the early days of canicross looked like in Scotland5.00 – Why she started Cani-Fit and what the first version of the business looked like8.39 – Did she ever imagine Cani-Fit would grow this much?10.35 – Building credibility in a sport with no clear governing pathway13.47 – How Lindsay trains dogs for canicross and keeps them fit through the year18.39 – How intervals can work effectively with dogs21.06 – Why repeated hill reps do not make sense for most dogs22.47 – Training leaders and seeing canicross grow internationally23.47 – The biggest mistakes beginners make27.25 – Advice for people brand new to canicross and racing29.40 – Why many people do canicross without ever wanting to race31.03 – What Lindsay does differently now compared with when she started34.28 – Supporting her son as he gets into the sport38.19 – Why fun, friendships, and enjoyment matter for junior athletes40.42 – Thoughts on one-day versus two-day events and the future of race accessibility42.37 – Where canicross is heading in the next few years46.06 – Quick fire questions47.52 – Where to find Lindsay and Cani-Fit
 
Links mentioned in the conversation
Instagram: @lindsay_canifit
Cani-Fit website

Michelle and Louise chat to Ebony from Sporting Paws, a dog trainer, behaviourist, and passionate canicross advocate who has recently organised her very first race in Lancashire. Ebony shares her personal journey into canicross, which began not through competition, but through a desire to reconnect with her dog during a difficult period. What started as simple runs together quickly became something much more powerful, helping both her and her dog rebuild confidence, trust, and enjoyment together.
 
Ebony has built Sporting Paws from the ground up, focusing on making dog sports more accessible, especially for younger people. She offers a refreshing perspective on canicross as a tool for wellbeing, behaviour, and connection, rather than just performance.
 
Ebony talks openly about the challenges of securing permissions for her first race, designing a course, managing logistics, and creating an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere for all abilities. Her first event at Beacon Country Park highlights what canicross is all about: community, encouragement, and shared enjoyment with your dog.
 
This episode is full of inspiration for anyone new to canicross, thinking about entering their first race, or even considering organising an event in their own area.
 
Timings
0.00 – Introduction to Ebony from Sporting Paws1.05 – How Ebony discovered canicross and rebuilt her bond with her dog3.30 – Early barriers to racing and accessibility challenges6.00 – Becoming a dog trainer and founding Sporting Paws7.30 – Mission to make dog sports accessible for younger people10.00 – Growth of the Sporting Paws canicross community11.30 – Organising the first race at Beacon Country Park14.30 – The realities of race planning and permissions16.30 – Designing a fun and technical course18.30 – Feedback from the first event19.00 – Supporting beginner racers21.00 – Beach races and upcoming events23.30 – Expanding races across the North West24.30 – Lessons learned and future improvements27.30 – Advice for first-time racers
 
 
Links
Sporting Paws
Crosby Beach race
Rivington Pike race
Pennington Flash event

Dr Juliet McGrattan returns to share expert insight into one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: menopause and its impact on running.
 
Drawing on her experience as a former GP, runner, and author of The Runner’s Guide to Menopause, Juliet brings both professional knowledge and lived experience to a conversation that is honest, reassuring, and highly practical.
 
Listeners are guided through what menopause actually means - including the often-overlooked perimenopause phase - and why symptoms can start much earlier than expected. The episode explores how hormonal changes can affect performance, motivation, recovery, and overall enjoyment of running, while reinforcing that every woman’s experience is unique.
 
Importantly, the conversation focuses on what can be done. From adjusting training expectations and embracing slower running, to the importance of strength training, nutrition, and recovery, Juliet offers realistic strategies to help women continue running in a way that supports their changing bodies. There is also a balanced discussion around hormone replacement therapy, helping listeners understand when it may be helpful and why it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
 
This episode is empowering, informative, and inclusive, reminding runners that while menopause may bring changes, it can also be an opportunity to reconnect with running in a more sustainable and enjoyable way.
 
Key takeaways
Menopause includes perimenopause and post-menopause, not just one moment in time
Symptoms can begin in your 30s or early 40s, often without obvious signs
Running may feel harder due to hormonal, physical, and mental changes
Losing motivation and performance is common, and normal
Slow, steady running (zone 2) supports recovery and endurance
Strength training is essential for muscle, bone, and long-term health
Nutrition should focus on fuelling, not restriction.
Mobility, balance, and core strength are key for injury prevention
HRT can be helpful but should be an individual decision
Running can still improve mood, identity, and social connection during menopause
Timings
0.00 – Introduction and Juliet’s background2.00 – Why the book was written4.00 – What menopause actually means (peri, post, timeline)7.30 – When symptoms can start and why many miss them10.00 – Misinformation and the menopause “industry”12.00 – Early signs in running: fatigue, slower pace, loss of motivation16.00 – Mental health, anxiety, and confidence changes20.00 – How menopause affects performance and recovery24.30 – Practical training advice and slowing down28.00 – Endurance vs speed and why sprint work still matters33.00 – Injury risk, balance, and coordination36.00 – Managing hot flushes and temperature when running41.00 – Benefits of running during menopause44.00 – Strength training and why it’s essential48.00 – Nutrition, fuelling, and avoiding under-eating53.00 – Hormone replacement therapy explained58.00 – Positives of running through menopause1:00.00 – Listener questions
 
Resources mentioned
The Runner’s Guide to Menopause – Dr Juliet McGrattan
Our running podcast episode with Juliet McGrattan
Our episode with Juliet on alcohol
drjulietmcgrattan.com
Juliet McGrattan Instagram
261 Fearless running groups
Louise's blog about her menopause journey
Photo credit: Endure Creative

Emily shares the story of Max, her timid and easily spooked Weimaraner who initially struggled with wearing a harness or coping with everyday noises such as wind. 
 
As a behaviourist, Emily offers valuable insight into working with nervous dogs, including how to approach training without pressure, why progress isn’t always linear, and how small wins can lead to big breakthroughs. The conversation explores practical techniques such as using positive reinforcement, tracking progress through video, and introducing confidence-building experiences in a safe and supportive way.
 
Listeners will also hear how unexpected moments - like running with another dog or entering a first race - can unlock a dog’s potential. Max’s transformation from a fearful dog to a confident canicross racer, even achieving a fourth-place finish, highlights that success doesn’t require a “perfect” dog.
 
This episode is packed with reassurance, actionable advice, and encouragement for anyone navigating life with a sensitive or reactive dog, showing that with the right approach, canicross can be accessible to all.
 
Timings
0.00 – Introduction to Max’s transformation1.05 – Max’s early behaviour and harness aversion3.10 – First steps into canicross and early challenges5.19 – Ruling out pain and understanding behaviour8.44 – Measuring progress and staying motivated11.23 – Breakthrough moments in training12.50 – First race expectations vs reality14.53 – Emotional finish and confidence growth18.44 – Running with two dogs and building a team22.00 – Equipment setup and race strategy24.52 – Advice for owners of nervous dogs25.21 – Handling setbacks and real-life challenges32.20 – Managing reactivity during runs34.27 – Goals and future plans36.30 – Favourite race experience
 
Links
 
Episode 17 – Harness aversion
Canix UK races
Beat the Black Dog Canitrail event
Perfect Dog Training (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
 

Louise and Michelle are joined by Rhys Denham, digital growth manager at Non-stop Dogwear, who shares his journey from UK teacher to living an outdoor-focused life in Norway. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of a life shaped by dogs, adventure and bold decisions, as Rhys explains how he made the leap abroad and embraced a new lifestyle centred around nature and movement.
 
The conversation explores how their Dalmatians, Django and Amber, played a pivotal role in this transformation, including Amber’s recovery from a rare condition and how it influenced their direction. Rhys also shares how photography, community and social media opened unexpected doors, eventually leading them to Norway.
 
A key highlight of the episode is an introduction to skijoring – skiing with your dog – including what it feels like, how to get started and the realities of learning a new sport in a completely different environment. From snowy trails and peaceful landscapes to the challenges of cross-country skiing, this episode gives a refreshing and honest insight into trying something new.
 
Whether you’re curious about skijoring, love canicross or dream of combining dogs with outdoor adventure, this episode is packed with relatable experiences, practical insights and plenty of inspiration.
 
Timings
1.07 – introduction to Rhys and moving to Norway2.00 – leaving teaching and career change into digital marketing3.00 – meet the dogs: Django and Amber4.15 – Amber’s injury and recovery journey6.00 – photography, social media and new opportunities7.30 – discovering canicross and community events10.00 – the move to Norway and job opportunities14.00 – working in Norway and settling into a new lifestyle15.00 – travelling across Europe with dogs and cats18.30 – dogs adapting to snow and cold weather22.00 – winter kit, booties and paw care23.00 – introduction to skijoring25.00 – learning to cross-country ski31.00 – first skijoring experiences with the dogs33.00 – speeds, safety and downhill challenges36.00 – training dogs for skijoring39.00 – distances and building endurance41.00 – fitness benefits of skijoring43.30 – quick fire round
 
 
Sophia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophutch
Rhys’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denham_photos

Louise and Michelle catch up after Louise’s busy few days at Crufts and share a behind-the-scenes look at what the event was really like, from the exhibition floor.
 
From long days on the stand and meeting listeners in person, to fitting first-time runners with canicross kit and chatting to dog lovers curious about the sport, this is a warm, honest and practical conversation about what makes canicross so appealing.
 
They reflect on just how much interest there is in canicross right now, especially from people who already run with their dogs but may not yet realise how much difference the right kit, knowledge and support can make.
 
The episode also explores some of the most common questions beginners ask, including how to get started safely, what equipment you actually need, whether you have to race, and how to build both your own fitness and your dog’s confidence over time.
 
Alongside Louise’s Crufts stories, Michelle shares her experience of coaching total beginners through taster sessions, with advice on stopping, starting, cue words and why going slowly in the early days matters so much. They also talk about finding local clubs, learning trail skills, and remembering that canicross should be fun, flexible and right for both dog and human.
 
To round things off, they share brilliant listener contributions about the things people wish they had known when they first started. Expect encouragement, useful beginner tips, plenty of relatable moments, and a reminder that canicross can be as social, supportive and addictive as you want it to be.
 
Timings
0.00 – Louise is back, Pickle is recovering, and the chat turns to Crufts
0.45 – Why this episode was inspired by conversations on the Crufts stand
2.22 – Best beginner episodes to go back and listen to first
3.04 – Behind the scenes at Crufts and Michelle’s social media role from home
5.00 – What Crufts is really like, from stand setup to five huge halls of dog-related shopping
7.29 – Who brings dogs to Crufts and the rise of dog influencers and ambassadors
9.42 – Louise meets service dogs, handlers and potential future podcast guests
10.04 – What a typical day on the stand looked like and the most popular kit
11.12 – The kinds of questions beginners were asking about canicross
13.02 – Why canicross is easier with some guidance and support
14.43 – Michelle’s top beginner tips from coaching taster sessions
16.03 – Why stop cues come before speed, and how to start introducing commands
17.42 – Why joining a club can make all the difference
18.31 – Teaching the “let’s go” cue and building enthusiasm
19.30 – You do not have to race to enjoy canicross
19.58 – Why getting kit fitted properly is so important
20.10 – Building your dog up slowly in harness, even if they already run
21.49 – Don’t forget your own running fitness and strength work
22.37 – Listener tips: what people wish they had known before starting canicross
24.39 – Wet feet, trail shoes and why mud comes with the territory
26.26 – Why trails are better than roads, and where trail beginners can start
27.06 – Unexpected speed boosts, prey drive and why canicross can become addictive
29.13 – More podcast resources for beginners and kit nerds
30.51 – Final encouragement for anyone thinking about giving canicross a go
32.19 – Louise reflects on meeting listeners at Crufts
33.22 – Final call for listener tips, guest suggestions and sharing the podcast
 
Links mentioned in the episode
Episode 37 – an early episode on starting out in canicross
Episode 130 – beginner Q&A with Tracey from No Fuss Fill
Episode 44 – trail shoes episode with Georgie
Episode 27 – Jason Pascoe on harnesses
Episode 94 – Jason Pascoe on dog coats
Episode 125 – Fredrik, founder of Non-stop, on the brand story
Episode 192 – Track and Trail Canine Outfitters on strength-tested harnesses
Ultra Women episode(s) with Lily Canter – mentioned as a useful related listen
List of canicross clubs around the country – to help listeners find a local club
Canicross Conversations Instagram reel – community tips on what people wish they had known
Goodwoof – upcoming event Louise mentions

Michelle chats to Seán and Louise from Canicross Ireland.
www.canicross-ireland.com
www.instagram.com/canicross_ireland
https://www.tiktok.com/@canicross.ireland