Canicross Conversations

In this episode, Mary Pearson, Race Director at Race Harborough tells us all about how she and Louise have set up a new canicross event, as they prepare for its second edition in February. Mary shares the story of how a canicross‑only race came to life in Leicestershire, inspired by the loss of canicross‑friendly parkruns, and a desire to create an inclusive, fun and sustainable race experience for beginners to canicross.   With practical tips on rolling starts, chip timing, ways to handle public parks and working with volunteers, Mary explains what she’s learned both from the inaugural event and from her extensive experience organising regular trail races and parkruns.   The conversation also explores what makes the race beginner‑friendly, the support available on the day — including kit fittings and advice — and how the event fosters community and inclusivity without feeling elitist. Mary and Louise discuss real participant feedback, route terrain, and what to expect at the 2026 race, taking place on Sunday 8 February at Irchester Country Park. This episode is perfect for anyone thinking about entering a canicross race, organising their own event or simply curious about the behind‑the‑scenes work that makes a race day successful.   Link for the race - https://raceharborough.co.uk/canicross/     Timings 1.00 – episode intro and overview 3.00 – why Mary started a canicross‑only event 6.20 – designing a dog‑friendly course 9.40 – the importance of rolling starts 12.00 – beginner support and equipment stands 15.30 – participant feedback from the 2025 race 18.00 – how public park logistics are managed 21.30 – what’s new for the 2026 event 24.40 – date, distance and entries info 26.30 – trophies, medals and event extras 28.00 – final thoughts on inclusivity and community

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle are joined by Ed Warner, former chair of UK Athletics, passionate sports advocate, and now an enthusiastic canicross convert. Ed shares the story of how a desire to stay fit for a family skiing trip led him into the world of running, and eventually to trail adventures with his energetic standard poodle, Trixie.   Ed shares with us his entertaining take on learning to canicross: from the early days of training with Trixie, to racing experiences full of surprises, and even some kit confessions.    "You think poodles are just fluffy? Mine runs like the wind."   Topics and timings   1.10 – how Ed started running (hint: it began with skiing) 3.30 – marathons, ultras, and getting hooked on running 6.00 – Ed's journey into canicross and his first experiences 10.40 – the surprising athleticism of standard poodles 15.00 – training Trixie and early racing stories 18.45 – getting to grips with Canicross commands 21.30 – kit choices and why your waist belt matters 26.00 – building a stronger bond through Canicross 28.40 – training volume and respecting your dog’s limits 32.10 – racing plans, ambition, and the fun of chasing goals   Resources mentioned CX Run Club Race Calendar: https://www.cxruncalendar.com DogFit harnesses: https://dogfit.co.uk Episode 20 on parkrun changes to rules for dogs Canicross Midlands: https://www.canicrossmidlands.co.uk British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF): https://www.thebssf.org.uk

Today, Louise chats to Kerry Burridge about how she got into canicross with her two lurchers, Willow and Hazel, and how they reacted when there was a new pup introduced to the pack who isn't a Lurcher. @thelazylurchers

In this episode, Michelle and Louise chat to Sarah about discovering the joy of canicross with her rescue dog Jasper. This is a feel-good episode that reminds us why we love the sport and the community so much. Follow @adventuredog.jasper on Instagram

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Michelle and Louise chat to Jo from Dorwest, a leading natural pet supplement company with a deep history in herbal care. Jo shares the Dorwest journey, how their products support active dogs, and offers practical, evidence-based advice on keeping your canicross companion healthy. Listeners will gain insights into physical demands on dogs, early signs of stress or overuse, and what to do when your dog needs recovery support especially in peak mileage seasons. From mobility to calming aids, and even how to manage gut issues during race days, Jo’s expertise offers a holistic look at dog welfare in sport. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how Dorwest sources ingredients, works with vets, and develops products based on real-world feedback from working and sporting dogs. Whether you’re new to canicross or training at a high level, this conversation is packed with useful tips to help your dog thrive on and off the trails. 1.10 – the Dorwest story and Jo’s background 5.50 – what canicross dogs need: joints, gut, stress & more 11.40 – key products for active dogs: mobility, recovery, calming 19.05 – common problems at races and how to support your dog 26.15 – inside Dorwest: sourcing, safety, vet testing 31.30 – Jo’s top 3 tips for dog wellbeing @dorwestherbs on Instagram & Facebook For 10% off at dorwest.com use code CANICROSS10

In this episode, Michelle and Louse chat to Jamie Stevenson, with a focus on the ICF World Championships last month, and his role in the BSSF as monosports rep.  Listen for behind‑the‑scenes insight into how the International Canicross Federation (ICF) World Championships work — from selection via the British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF), to the challenges of visas, travel, and dog‑friendly logistics across Europe. Jamie reflects on the highs and challenges of international competition — including the rush of a mass‑start, the thrill of representing Britain, and the necessary balance between competitive drive, dog welfare, and everyday life. We also hear live interviews with other British athletes gathered at the ICF World Championships by the BSSF. NB: Please note that Jamie refers to Seb Coe heading up British Orienteering, when he meant to say Steve Cram   Links:   ICF - https://canicross.international/ BSSF - https://thebssf.org.uk/  

In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle welcome Tony Leonard of Shoes to talk about the brand’s growing connection with the canicross community.   Tony shares his journey from competitive running to sports‑industry marketing and shoe development, explaining how VJ evolved from orienteering and fell shoes, into making models that canicrossers are now choosing. The discussion covers the technical details behind their designs — from studs and heel‑profiles to materials like butyl rubber and Schoeller Keprotec® uppers — and how this connects with the demands of running with dogs across muddy, mixed terrain.   Tony helps differentiate between the current line‑up (the MAXx 2, Ultra 3 and IRock 4) and previews a new “home to hill” model coming soon. He touches on sizing guidance, gender/fit considerations, how they are entering the canicross market, and how input from the community is shaping future development. Listeners are encouraged to try shoes with local retailers and feed back their experiences, as VJ hopes to eventually make a specific canicross‑shoe.   It's clear that for canicross runners — navigating slippery fields, wet rock and dog‑pull dynamics — the right footwear matters. Whether you’re seasoned or new to canicross, this is a welcome deep‑dive into how one brand is listening to the sport and adapting. Expect practical advice, product insight and a strong nod to community feedback.   Key take‑aways VJ Sports has moved from orienteering into trail/fell and now canicross‑relevant shoes by focusing on terrain‑specific grip (e.g., butyl rubber outsoles, variable stud lengths). Fit matters: multiple lasts (foot shapes) plus stud‑length differences (3 mm → 9 mm) mean choosing the right shoe for terrain and individual foot shape is important. Two contrasting models: a firmer, lower‑profile “race/technical” shoe (e.g., Max) vs a softer, higher‑cushion “longer run” shoe (e.g., Ultra) — both relevant, depending on run style. Canicrossers often face muddy, mixed‑terrain conditions with a pulling dog, so shoe demands differ from road running; community feedback is driving a bespoke “monster truck” future model for this niche. Try‑before‑you‑buy remains important, especially with trail/canicross shoes. Online reviews help but foot shape / terrain matter. Shoe care counts: wash with hot soapy water and air dry (avoid radiators/dryers) to extend lifespan of technical outsoles. Sizing guidance: VJ is “true to UK size” except one model (MAXx 2) which comes up a half‑size larger — always check empirically. Timings 1.04 – Introduction: Tony’s background & running history 2.00 – Transition into sports industry & VJ entry 3.30 – Why VJ is resonating in the canicross / off‑road world 4.20 – Grip, studs and terrain: key shoe features 6.00 – Material innovation: butyl rubber, uppers, durability 7.30 – Sizing, fit and foot shape concerns 9.10 – Fit guidance: road/trail crossover, cushioning vs studs 11.00 – Canicross entry and why VJ decided to engage the sport 13.00 – Current best‑selling models for canicrossers: iRock 4 etc 15.10 – Sponsoring the British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF) series and community feedback 17.00 – Practical shoe care advice and do’s/don’ts 18.30 – Potential for future dedicated canicross shoe & how listeners can input 20.00 – Final summary & how to contact VJ Sports / locate retailers     Links  VJ  Shoes Website @vjsportsshoes on Instagram BSSF race series

In this episode, Louise and Michelle are joined by Leasa, who tells us about her two whippets, Barley and Biscuit, as they have discovered the world of canicross over the last 18 months.   Leasa used to avoid sport altogether, but a simple Instagram reel introduced her into the warm‑hearted fold of a local canicross club, where encouragement and community helped her to grow not just as a runner, but also as a team with her dogs.   Leasa’s story shows that you don’t need to be an athlete to take part; with the right support, a few steps of kit, and a desire to just get out, it’s possible to join in and enjoy the ride.   If you’ve ever wondered whether canicross is for you or your dog, this episode is a warm invitation to try something new at your own pace.   Timings 00:01:24 – 00:02:03 – Lisa introduces herself, her dogs Barley (3) and Biscuit (2), and how the journey began. 00:02:03 – 00:03:03 – Lisa talking about her mental rut, the Instagram reel, and joining a local canicross club. 00:03:03 – 00:04:08 – Early struggles with Couch‐to‑5K, joining social runs, and how the club helped. 00:04:08 – 00:05:01 – The welcome, supportive culture of the club; no one gets left behind. 00:05:01 – 00:07:00 – How the dogs got into it: Barley’s progression, Biscuit’s natural pull, the feeling of working as a team. 00:07:00 – 00:10:30 – Race stories: first event experience, the joy of finishing, the difference between a “race” and “an event you enjoy”. 00:10:30 – 00:12:11 – Dog behaviours: reactivity, start‑line nerves, and how events accommodate that. 00:12:11 – 00:16:10 – Running with dogs vs running solo: the difference, the benefit of solo sessions, the concept of “easy runs”. 00:16:10 – 00:20:05 – Goals: signed up for 10 K, training together, accepting your pace, moving more and more. 00:20:05 – 00:25:00 – Motivation, how to start: tip to “just do it”, find a local club, support matters.     Lisa’s Instagram: @run_with_biscuit_and_barley

Michelle and Louise are joined by Brigid, a relatively new canicross enthusiast based in Ireland, who shares her journey with her Border Collie, Corvo.   Brigid adopted Corvo - her first dog - during lockdown, and soon discovered the demands of a high‑energy collie. She found her way into the canicross community, but then tragedy struck ....   Corvo was involved in a serious accident, where his leg was fractured. Brigid and Corvo are currently adapting to rehab and recovery, but they have big goals for when Corvo is recovered. A great lesson in patience, and hope.   Timings: 1.10 – introduction to Brigid & Corvo 2.34 – adjusting to life with a high‑energy Border Collie 4.20 – discovering canicross and joining the club 7.30 – starting running habit with dog, kit early stage 10.33 – first race experience and commitment 12.08 – the accident: how it happened 14.00 – immediate response, vet care and concerns 16.30 – specialist hospital and rehab plan 20.23 – building muscle, controlled rehab with the physio 24.00 – keeping Corvo mentally engaged during limited physical activity 27.45 – why core strength and strength training matter for dog sport 31.05 – habit formation, goal‑setting, moving forward 34.43 – Harness the Expert: building core strength 37.15 – how Pilates / short sessions fit into busy life 41.00 – closing thoughts & how to follow Brigid's journey   Useful links Instagram account: @RunningWithCrows Canicross Ireland Stop Walking Your Dog book Podcast episode 108 (March 2024) with Niki French Membership: Pilates / strength training membership offered by Louise Humphrey

In this episode, Louise and Michelle are joined by Anna Pollard of The Dog House Canine Spa in Leicestershire to explore how best to care for your dog’s coat, especially when you’re into canicross and other active dog sports. Anna shares her insights from years of grooming experience, explaining why proper maintenance of the coat and skin isn't just cosmetic but a key part of your dog’s wellbeing and performance. The conversation covers coat types (single vs double coat), grooming routines for active dogs, the role of brushing and bathing, pad and nail care, seasonal changes, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned canicrosser or just beginning to run with your dog, this episode offers practical tips to help your canine companion feel and perform at their best — and maybe convert a non‑groomer into a regular brusher! Expect to learn how coat condition affects temperature regulation, how friction from harnesses can lead to matting, and how pad health and nails tie into overall musculoskeletal wellbeing. Timings 0:00 – Introduction  1:40 – Why grooming is important for active/canicross dogs 3:15 – How a coat works: insulation, heat regulation 5:45 – Brushing vs clipping: which to choose? 7:50 – Harness friction and matting danger zones 10:00 – Coats types: single vs double vs hybrid 12:30 – What is hand‑stripping and when to consider it 16:15 – How often should you brush and bathe? 20:20 – Choosing shampoos & avoiding human products 22:50 – After muddy runs: rinse or bathe? 24:30 – Nail length, pad health & impact on joints/gait 28:10 – Seasonal coat length and shedding challenges 31:00 – Heating, fleas and indoor environment effects 33:40 – Harness the expert: starting canicross: gear, pace, where to train 37:10 – Closing discussion & guest contact info 40:00 – Outro and call for reviews Links The Dog House Canine Spa website thedoghouseleicester.co.uk Instagram: @thedoghouse_spa Facebook: The Dog House Canine Spa