Canicross Training Tips with Lindsay from Cani-Fit

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.

 

0.00 – Introduction to Lindsay, founder of Cani-Fit and four-time British champion
1.09 – How Lindsay first got into canicross through sled dog sports
3.13 – What the early days of canicross looked like in Scotland
5.00 – Why she started Cani-Fit and what the first version of the business looked like
8.39 – Did she ever imagine Cani-Fit would grow this much?
10.35 – Building credibility in a sport with no clear governing pathway
13.47 – How Lindsay trains dogs for canicross and keeps them fit through the year
18.39 – How intervals can work effectively with dogs
21.06 – Why repeated hill reps do not make sense for most dogs
22.47 – Training leaders and seeing canicross grow internationally
23.47 – The biggest mistakes beginners make
27.25 – Advice for people brand new to canicross and racing
29.40 – Why many people do canicross without ever wanting to race
31.03 – What Lindsay does differently now compared with when she started
34.28 – Supporting her son as he gets into the sport
38.19 – Why fun, friendships, and enjoyment matter for junior athletes
40.42 – Thoughts on one-day versus two-day events and the future of race accessibility
42.37 – Where canicross is heading in the next few years
46.06 – Quick fire questions
47.52 – Where to find Lindsay and Cani-Fit