Canicross Conversations

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

Links mentioned
Instagram: Chorley Canicrosser

Michelle and Louise are joined by Lyndsy for an honest conversation about canicross, chronic illness and redefining what it means to be a runner.
 
Lyndsy shares how she went from a love-hate relationship with running to finding a completely new sense of enjoyment through canicross with her Bernedoodle Indy. After years of feeling pressure around pace, personal bests and being at the back of the pack, running with Indy helped her discover a more supportive and joyful way to move. Their partnership has taken them from first-session nerves and downhill tumbles to weekly social runs and races.
 
The episode also explores Lyndsy's experience of living with endometriosis, including the long road to diagnosis, the symptoms that were dismissed or mistaken for other conditions, and how chronic pain can affect exercise, confidence and everyday life. Lyndsy explains why movement can help, but also why listening to your body and adapting your plans matters.

 
This is a powerful episode for anyone who has ever felt they are “not a runner”, anyone managing a chronic condition, or anyone who needs reminding that canicross is not just about speed, distance or results.
 
Lyndsy forgot to mention in the episode that one thing that's been really important for her has been finding a Canicross belt that she's comfortable with. Obviously a lot of the pain caused by endometriosis is focused around the stomach and with the bloating and soreness that comes with it sometimes even the waistband of your clothes can be painful. So she would advise anyone with endometriosis to try a few different styles of belt to find one that works for them. 

 
Timings
 
0.00 – introducing Lyndsy and Indy
0.34 – meeting Indy the Bernedoodle
2.20 – Lyndsy's relationship with running
3.40 – discovering canicross through Sporting Paws
4.36 – first canicross session and falling in love with it
5.37 – becoming “a runner”
6.35 – why canicross feels different from traditional running
7.49 – hills, confidence and running with a big dog
9.10 – Lyndsy's endometriosis diagnosis journey
10.39 – what endometriosis is
13.20 – symptoms, A&E visits and being misdiagnosed
15.27 – how endometriosis affects running
16.18 – adapting canicross on difficult days
17.30 – how dogs help motivation with chronic illness
18.30 – surgery, treatment and symptom management
20.09 – research and potential improvements in diagnosis
21.30 – symptoms to look out for
22.10 – symptom checkers and GP conversations
23.06 – how to advocate for yourself at the doctor
26.59 – the wellbeing benefits of canicross
28.26 – why you do not have to be fast to belong
33.12 – what Lindsay wishes she had known earlier
35.47 – why open conversations matter
36.08 – canicross as hope, movement and fun
 
Resources mentioned
Period symptom checker

Lyndsy recommends the following Instagram accounts for general information on a range of menstrual health conditions and how to approach conversations with your doctor:
https://www.instagram.com/gynaegeek?igsh=MThmemdia3U5cWFxeg==
 
https://www.instagram.com/drnighatarif?igsh=MTEzd3V2eXd3ejdjYw==
 
For details about what endometriosis is and to find sources of support - https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/
 
Finally, after our chat, Lyndsy looked for any information about endometriosis and women's sport and found this article which touches on some of what we discussed - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/56276626
 
And this one about endometriosis and running -https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/a43464680/endometriosis-and-exercise/

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 Loki
0.56 – how Clare found canicross after ultra running
2.52 – finding Loki in rescue and taking a chance on a high-energy dog
4.01 – building Loki up slowly and starting with short course races
5.29 – how Loki copes with the race environment
6.23 – overtaking, focus and confidence around other dogs
8.43 – not rushing rescue dogs into more than they are ready for
9.21 – moving from ultra running to fast 5k canicross
13.53 – Clare and Loki’s national result
15.02 – putting in an expression of interest for Poland
15.42 – working with different dogs and different levels of drive
18.17 – Clare’s background as a sports therapist
19.28 – why strength training matters for canicross runners
20.52 – squats, deadlifts, single-leg work and upper body strength
22.25 – core work and loaded carries
23.38 – balancing running and strength sessions
25.00 – helping injured runners take responsibility for rehab
28.38 – snack exercises and fitting strength into everyday life
31.14 – pain, discomfort and the brain’s role in injury
36.38 – books on the body, stress and pain
37.27 – international inspiration and watching canicross abroad
38.27 – canicross as friendship, fresh air and mental wellbeing
40.24 – canicross for dogs who cannot be off lead
43.00 – Loki’s progress and getting stronger for next season
 
Resources mentioned
The Body Keeps the Score
When the Body Says No
Canicross Midlands
Canix
BSSF
Cani-Fit
Louise’s strength training blog after the London Marathon
Previous 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 canicross
2.17 – Tedi Bêr's longest training run of 33 miles
2.45 – Meet Tedi Bêr, the New Zealand Huntaway
4.26 – Starting out with a lead, waist belt and harness
5.30 – Lucy’s teal canicross kit setup
6.18 – Why a canicross-specific belt can help with a strong dog
8.35 – Tedi Bêr’s size and power at 40kg
9.19 – Running early in the Welsh mountains
10.12 – Trying a first event to see how Tedi coped
10.48 – Red Warrior Margam and choosing the 20k distance
11.43 – Lucy and Tedi’s first race experience
12.12 – Learning canicross race etiquette
14.13 – Feeling safer running with a dog
15.09 – How Tedi helped Lucy through a tough ultra training day
17.15 – Long runs, water and Tedi's endurance
17.50 – Canicross ultras and longer-distance options
18.23 – Lucy and Tedi winning their first women’s canicross race
19.10 – Tedi’s interest in sheep and future training plans
21.10 – Understanding the canicross season
21.45 – Why dogs should not run in the heat
22.38 – Summer alternatives, cani-hiking and cooling down
23.31 – Finding races through the canicross calendar
24.10 – Why longer distances may suit Lucy and Tedi
25.23 – Lucy’s ultra running background
26.30 – Women, endurance and the book Ultra women
27.32 – Lucy’s memorial walk project in Wales
29.31 – Raising money for Western Beacons Mountain Rescue
31.27 – Lucy’s life as a professional musician
33.40 – Touring with Dexy's Midnight Runners
34.30 – Lucy’s questions about handler etiquette
35.17 – How to pass safely in canicross events
36.20 – Commands, focus and working with distractions
37.13 – Downhill control and using a “behind” command
38.25 – Where to find Lucy online
 
Links mentioned
Red Warrior Margam
Cani Trail
Podcast episode 2 on running dogs in the heat
Podcast episode 162 with the authors of Ultra Women
JustGiving page for Lucy’s mountain rescue fundraiser
Lucy's Big Walk Promo Video
Dexy'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 Crufts
0.36 – Stuart’s early canicross experience and running with his dogs
1.42 – From school cross-country to rugby league and returning to running
3.08 – Getting peer-pressured into his first triathlon
4.14 – Representing GB in duathlon and triathlon events
5.05 – Why coaching and being open to learning matters
6.10 – Moving away from triathlon and towards family dog sports
7.36 – Using running to help keep the dogs fit for flyball
8.51 – What flyball is and how Stuart first discovered it
10.56 – Setting up a flyball team and competing at Crufts
12.27 – How travelling for flyball changed Stuart’s view of canicross events
14.12 – Maverick’s breeding, drive and introduction to sport
15.58 – Why canicross is not “just running with your dog”
19.01 – Commands, passing dogs and the crossover with flyball focus
20.40 – Why Stuart was most proud of Maverick’s control around walkers and loose dogs
21.24 – Stuart and Maverick’s first canicross race with Trail Dog Events
22.50 – The start-line harness chewing incident
24.19 – Flyball season, canicross season and fitting it all in
24.59 – Discovering the speed of canicross with a strong dog
26.17 – Stuart’s goals for the next canicross season
27.03 – Building Maverick’s distance and endurance gradually
28.08 – Strength and conditioning for injury prevention
28.22 – Paw care, nail care and learning what Maverick needs
30.07 – Imposter syndrome at races and comparing dogs, kit and speed
31.11 – Understanding the power of purpose-bred canicross dogs
33.41 – Why the human needs to train too
34.04 – Will Maverick choose flyball or canicross?
34.56 – Giving Maverick the right opportunities
35.20 – Where to follow Stuart and Maverick online
35.57 – Future duathlon plans and whether a triathlon could happen
37.01 – 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: @stunuttall
Maverick on Instagram: @negativeghostrider31