Canicross Conversations

Want to stay active over summer while keeping your dog safe in the heat? Peter Howse of Devon Howlers has just the challenge for you, with his Newnham Bark Sprint Challenge. Tune in for all the details and join the Newnham Bark Sprint Challenge Facebook page here

In today's episode, Michelle and Louise chat to Merili Freear about how she went from lockdown runner to ultra marathoner in the space of just a few years, and how running with her schnauzer Jack brings her lots of joy.
Merili's book, Just Run, is out on 2nd July
Follow Merili on Instagram 

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Ben Skinner who is the 7th generation of his family to work in the business, and Nutrition Officer Zoe Russell, who gives us the lowdown on the Skinner's Get Out and Go! range. A family-run dog food business based in Suffolk, we learn all about Skinner's ethos, and history of feeding working dogs. A fascinating episode about what goes into dog food.
 
Poppy and Pickle certainly love their energy and recovery bars for fuel during and after a run!!
 
https://www.skinners.co.uk/

Have you found the perfect dog friendly cottage to take your dog away on holiday in?
In this episode we chat to Rachel Spencer about what makes the perfect dog friendly cottage, and hear about how she has created on in Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire.
Sunnyside cottage: https://baytownholidaycottages.co.uk/our-cottages/property?s=sunnyside-cottage-robin-hoodsDog owner’s guide to the cottage and RHB: https://thepawpost.co.uk/travel/dog-owners-guide-robin-hoods-bay/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnysidecottagerhbOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnysidecottagerhbhttps://rachelspencer.co.uk/

Michelle and Louise chat to James Maiden about his love of running ultra marathons with his Siberian Husky, Gunnar

From a body builder and weightlifter who had never run until lockdown, to adopting a rescue dog and discovering canicross, Michelle chats to Helen Milton who tells us about her Egyptian rescue spaniel Riley. 

Louise and Michelle chat to Sue Round about canicrossing in her fifties

Louise and Michelle chat to BBC newsreader and runner Sophie Raworth about her first canicross race with her cavapoo Luna.
Sophie's reveals how running with Luna has added a new dimension to her life, blending her love for running with the joy of being active with her dog, Luna. 
For Sophie, running with Luna has become a part of her daily routine, fitting seamlessly into her busy life and marathon training. “I run with the dog,” she explained. “I’m in charge of walking the dog in the morning, so I run with the dog. I got up this morning at 6 to go to the gym at 6:30, so I did that first thing. I’m running home tonight... I’ve got to run 10K today, and I’ve forgotten to do that. So I will run home.”  
Sophie's first canicross race with Luna was a memorable experience. They participated in a 10K race, which took place in Dorking, on a day marked by torrential rain. Luna, who had been freshly groomed, ended up covered in mud, but that didn’t dampen their spirits. Sophie initially worried about whether Luna should wear a coat during the race, but ultimately decided to remove it just before the start. Despite these concerns, both Sophie and Luna enjoyed the race immensely. Luna kept Sophie motivated, pulling her along the muddy course, and they successfully completed the race together. To top it off, Luna even received her own medal.
She tells us how rewarding this simple act of running with her dog is: “It’s one of the most rewarding things that I’ve done in my life. I love it. I absolutely love it. And I love that. I’m so glad I discovered it, even though it was later in life.” Sophie’s story is a testament to how canicross can inspire people, regardless of age, to start something new and discover the unexpected joys that come with it.

Louise and Michelle interview Reece Maltby about canicrossing with a Jack Russell

Chloe discovered canicross by accident when she was competing in agility at a dog show and was asked to take part in a canicross taster session - she soon discovered a talent for racing and a love of mud and is currently ranked 4th in Great Britain. Louise and Michelle chat to Chloe about her training, and her goals for the future.