Canicross Story: Mick, Rodney, Amber and Betsy (Episode 209)

Michelle and Louise are joined by Mick for another real-life canicross story, this time with his three dogs: Rodney, Amber and Betsy. Mick shares how he came back to running after years away from it, starting with a muddy dog challenge and gradually finding his way into proper canicross kit, races and longer-distance adventures.

 

Listeners will hear how each of Mick’s dogs has a completely different approach to running. Rodney, a standard poodle, is the powerful, enthusiastic runner who has taken on ultras; Amber prefers a steadier pace and has needed a more thoughtful approach; and Betsy, the working cocker spaniel, is stepping into longer distances with plenty of spaniel energy.

 

The conversation covers beginner mistakes, choosing the right harness and bungee setup, the value of learning from other canicrossers, and how different dogs may need different kit, distances and expectations. Mick also talks about running ultras in Wales, preparing for future events, and making decisions as dogs get older or come back from injury.

 

Michelle and Louise also offer practical advice on strength training, core work and consistency, especially for runners taking on trail and ultra distances.

 

This episode is full of relatable moments for anyone who started canicross without knowing everything, learned along the way, and now runs because their dog makes it fun.

 

0.20 – introducing Mick, Rodney, Amber and Betsy
1.04 – Mick’s running background and returning to running after school
2.01 – starting canicross with Amber and discovering she did not love it
3.12 – learning about proper canicross kit
4.17 – Mick’s first canicross race experience and realising the kit was not right
5.14 – upgrading to waist belts, bungee leads and better harnesses
7.12 – Rodney’s harness journey and finding what works
8.12 – standard poodles, muscle tone and Rodney’s enthusiasm for racing
9.11 – Mick’s first proper canicross race with Murphy
10.14 – vet-supported canicross after injury and building strength safely
10.55 – hydrotherapy, older dogs and keeping them supple
11.40 – running two dogs together
12.43 – how dogs motivate and compete with each other
13.21 – Mick’s ultra experiences with Rodney
14.57 – preparing better for a second ultra
16.10 – gradually building distance
17.10 – strength training, core work and consistency
19.00 – Louise’s advice on squats, lunges, calf raises and getting professional guidance
20.19 – why strength work matters as runners get older
22.11 – Mick’s goal for his next ultra
22.40 – switching from Rodney to Betsy for longer-distance plans
24.08 – Betsy’s first half marathon
25.08 – gundog training, disc dogs and other activities
27.01 – future races with Sporting Paws and local events
28.04 – adjusting expectations as dogs get older
29.49 – where to follow Mick online
30.21 – why Mick prefers running with dogs

 

Sporting Paws
Wild Deer Half Marathon
Loggerheads, Wales
Brecon ultra
Preston Disc Dogs
K9 Toss and Fetch

Instagram: Chorley Canicrosser