Canicross Conversations

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. Timings 0.00 – Introduction to Lindsay, founder of Cani-Fit and four-time British champion1.09 – How Lindsay first got into canicross through sled dog sports3.13 – What the early days of canicross looked like in Scotland5.00 – Why she started Cani-Fit and what the first version of the business looked like8.39 – Did she ever imagine Cani-Fit would grow this much?10.35 – Building credibility in a sport with no clear governing pathway13.47 – How Lindsay trains dogs for canicross and keeps them fit through the year18.39 – How intervals can work effectively with dogs21.06 – Why repeated hill reps do not make sense for most dogs22.47 – Training leaders and seeing canicross grow internationally23.47 – The biggest mistakes beginners make27.25 – Advice for people brand new to canicross and racing29.40 – Why many people do canicross without ever wanting to race31.03 – What Lindsay does differently now compared with when she started34.28 – Supporting her son as he gets into the sport38.19 – Why fun, friendships, and enjoyment matter for junior athletes40.42 – Thoughts on one-day versus two-day events and the future of race accessibility42.37 – Where canicross is heading in the next few years46.06 – Quick fire questions47.52 – Where to find Lindsay and Cani-Fit Links mentioned in the conversation Instagram: @lindsay_canifit Cani-Fit website

Dr Juliet McGrattan returns to share expert insight into one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: menopause and its impact on running. Drawing on her experience as a former GP, runner, and author of The Runner’s Guide to Menopause, Juliet brings both professional knowledge and lived experience to a conversation that is honest, reassuring, and highly practical. Listeners are guided through what menopause actually means - including the often-overlooked perimenopause phase - and why symptoms can start much earlier than expected. The episode explores how hormonal changes can affect performance, motivation, recovery, and overall enjoyment of running, while reinforcing that every woman’s experience is unique. Importantly, the conversation focuses on what can be done. From adjusting training expectations and embracing slower running, to the importance of strength training, nutrition, and recovery, Juliet offers realistic strategies to help women continue running in a way that supports their changing bodies. There is also a balanced discussion around hormone replacement therapy, helping listeners understand when it may be helpful and why it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. This episode is empowering, informative, and inclusive, reminding runners that while menopause may bring changes, it can also be an opportunity to reconnect with running in a more sustainable and enjoyable way. Key takeaways Menopause includes perimenopause and post-menopause, not just one moment in time Symptoms can begin in your 30s or early 40s, often without obvious signs Running may feel harder due to hormonal, physical, and mental changes Losing motivation and performance is common, and normal Slow, steady running (zone 2) supports recovery and endurance Strength training is essential for muscle, bone, and long-term health Nutrition should focus on fuelling, not restriction. Mobility, balance, and core strength are key for injury prevention HRT can be helpful but should be an individual decision Running can still improve mood, identity, and social connection during menopause Timings 0.00 – Introduction and Juliet’s background2.00 – Why the book was written4.00 – What menopause actually means (peri, post, timeline)7.30 – When symptoms can start and why many miss them10.00 – Misinformation and the menopause “industry”12.00 – Early signs in running: fatigue, slower pace, loss of motivation16.00 – Mental health, anxiety, and confidence changes20.00 – How menopause affects performance and recovery24.30 – Practical training advice and slowing down28.00 – Endurance vs speed and why sprint work still matters33.00 – Injury risk, balance, and coordination36.00 – Managing hot flushes and temperature when running41.00 – Benefits of running during menopause44.00 – Strength training and why it’s essential48.00 – Nutrition, fuelling, and avoiding under-eating53.00 – Hormone replacement therapy explained58.00 – Positives of running through menopause1:00.00 – Listener questions Resources mentioned The Runner’s Guide to Menopause – Dr Juliet McGrattan Our running podcast episode with Juliet McGrattan Our episode with Juliet on alcohol drjulietmcgrattan.com Juliet McGrattan Instagram 261 Fearless running groups Louise's blog about her menopause journey Photo credit: Endure Creative

Louise and Michelle are joined by Rhys Denham, digital growth manager at Non-stop Dogwear, who shares his journey from UK teacher to living an outdoor-focused life in Norway. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of a life shaped by dogs, adventure and bold decisions, as Rhys explains how he made the leap abroad and embraced a new lifestyle centred around nature and movement. The conversation explores how their Dalmatians, Django and Amber, played a pivotal role in this transformation, including Amber’s recovery from a rare condition and how it influenced their direction. Rhys also shares how photography, community and social media opened unexpected doors, eventually leading them to Norway. A key highlight of the episode is an introduction to skijoring – skiing with your dog – including what it feels like, how to get started and the realities of learning a new sport in a completely different environment. From snowy trails and peaceful landscapes to the challenges of cross-country skiing, this episode gives a refreshing and honest insight into trying something new. Whether you’re curious about skijoring, love canicross or dream of combining dogs with outdoor adventure, this episode is packed with relatable experiences, practical insights and plenty of inspiration. Timings 1.07 – introduction to Rhys and moving to Norway2.00 – leaving teaching and career change into digital marketing3.00 – meet the dogs: Django and Amber4.15 – Amber’s injury and recovery journey6.00 – photography, social media and new opportunities7.30 – discovering canicross and community events10.00 – the move to Norway and job opportunities14.00 – working in Norway and settling into a new lifestyle15.00 – travelling across Europe with dogs and cats18.30 – dogs adapting to snow and cold weather22.00 – winter kit, booties and paw care23.00 – introduction to skijoring25.00 – learning to cross-country ski31.00 – first skijoring experiences with the dogs33.00 – speeds, safety and downhill challenges36.00 – training dogs for skijoring39.00 – distances and building endurance41.00 – fitness benefits of skijoring43.30 – quick fire round Sophia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophutch Rhys’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denham_photos

Michelle chats to Seán and Louise from Canicross Ireland. www.canicross-ireland.com www.instagram.com/canicross_ireland https://www.tiktok.com/@canicross.ireland

Louise and Michelle chat with Leanne, founder of Bark & Beau, about a surprisingly common canicross problem: drying muddy, wriggly dogs without turning it into a full-body wrestling match. Recorded during a very rainy February, the conversation is instantly relatable for anyone dealing with soaked coats, filthy paws, and that lingering “damp dog towel” smell that never quite leaves the boot of the car. Leanne shares the story behind Bark & Beau, inspired by Darcy, her bonkers (and much-loved) German Shorthaired Pointer rescue from Benidorm. With a background as a horse trainer specialising in behavioural problems, Leanne brings a calm, practical approach to animal handling and product design. That experience led her to create a microfibre dog towel with hand pockets, allowing owners to hold and dry their dog more securely, with less stress and mess. Louise and Michelle dig into what makes these towels different from standard bath towels, why microfibre can dry faster and stay fresher, and how a simple addition like a washable carry bag can make life easier for races, walks, and travelling. They also explore the reality of launching a new dog business: starting small, learning from customer feedback (including requests for a bigger size), and building recognition in a saturated market through shows, collaborations, and community connections. Expect a friendly, practical episode with plenty of muddy-dog honesty, small business inspiration, and ideas for making post-run clean-up quicker, calmer, and a lot less grim. Timings 0.08 – welcome and why muddy dog towels are a February reality0.45 – meet Leanne and the Bark & Beau origin story in Cornwall1.19 – Darcy the German Shorthaired Pointer: energetic, rescued, and the reason the product exists1.44 – the “wrestling match” problem and why calm handling matters2.28 – why bath towels fail and how microfibre became the solution3.34 – how the hand pockets work (and everyone miming it!)5.22 – making the leap: from horse training to building a home-based business6.02 – Leanne’s “day job” at Josh’s Chocolate and transferable skills7.31 – the towel bag: keeping the car boot less grim8.17 – Louise’s real-world test at a race and feedback about towel sizing9.56 – launch timeline: prototype in August, launch in November10.36 – marketing so far: website, socials, dog shows, and plans for more events11.06 – Crufts visit, collabs (shampoo brands), and talking to people in person11.57 – how Darcy adapted: calmer routine, less stress for everyone13.27 – future products: practical only, and where towels fit alongside dog robes14.56 – biggest challenge: getting recognised and social media unpredictability16.40 – customer feedback and pet professionals using the towels (walkers + mobile dog wash)17.22 – canicross chat and Cornwall community shoutout (Little Gecko)18.14 – Darcy’s rescue story (Benidorm to Cornwall)20.16 – pricing, colours, and why grey was the starting point21.48 – why bath towels can hold smell and why microfibre dries faster23.03 – five-year hopes: bigger shows, recognition, and hearing “I’ve got one — it’s amazing”24.06 – where to buy + how to tag Bark & Beau and the podcast www.barkandbeau.co.uk Bark & Beau is also on Instagram and Facebook Mentioned event: Purple Gecko (Episode 86)

Michelle and Louise are joined by Sweden-based mother–daughter duo Annika and Felicia Thor, members of the Danish national team. From humble beginnings with a malamute mix to World Championship gold, this conversation tracks their remarkable journey through canicross and bikejoring. Annika shares her entry into dog-powered sports and how things ramped up when the family welcomed Scandinavian hounds into their lives. Felicia, now just 11 years old and the current ICF World Champion in her age category, reveals how she started running at 3, entered her first race at 7, and continues to train with help from mentor Martin Grimshaw of Team Hounds. The pair dive into what training looks like (spoiler: lots of swimming and technical trails), their bond with their dogs Helium and Tosse, and how the sport keeps the whole family active and connected. Felicia shares her wisdom and drive, from managing race-day pressure to offering encouragement for other young canicrossers. An episode full of motivation, laughter, family warmth and a global view on youth participation in dog sports. “Just keep going and never give up.” Timings 1.10 – Living in Sweden but racing for Denmark2.00 – How Annika and Felicia got started5.30 – From a malamute mix to world-level competition7.45 – Felicia’s first race at age 79.50 – The canicross scene in Denmark and Sweden11.30 – Meet the dogs: Helium and Tosse14.00 – Switching to bikejoring17.30 – Training routines for dogs and humans20.50 – Race-day warm-up and mental prep24.40 – Winning World Championship gold29.00 – Keeping motivation high post-race30.50 – Social media and inspiring others32.00 – Advice for new and young canicrossers Resources mentioned Felicia & Annika’s Instagram: @k9trailrun Team Hounds Episode 70 with Martin from Team Hounds

Hosts Louise and Michelle are joined by Amy, founder of Track and Trail Canine Outfitters, for an inspiring conversation about how one dog changed her life and led her into canicross, community‑building and launching a specialist canine gear shop. Amy shares her personal journey with Max, a rescue cocker spaniel with behavioural challenges and boundless energy, and how discovering canicross transformed both of them — from anxious walks filled with zig‑zags and reactivity to focused runs, confidence building and partnership. Rather than take on the cheapest gear she finds on the high street, Amy’s experiences with a lead breaking under stress inspired her to research strength testing and purposeful design. This leads to the creation of her shop — a place that prioritises tested quality, and supports owners with nervous or reactive dogs through private shopping sessions and accessible advice. Timings 00:00 – 04:40 – intro + how Amy first got into canicross with Max04:40 – 10:15 – Max’s progress and impact of running on behaviour10:15 – 17:00 – the incident that sparked the idea for a shop17:00 – 22:00 – research into strength‑tested brands and gear advice22:00 – 28:00 – what to look for when choosing dog equipment28:00 – 33:00 – business journey, community and online growth33:00 – 37:00 – rewarding moments, private sessions and helping owners37:00 – 42:30 – exciting plans: expanding shop space and workshops https://trackandtrailcanine.co.uk

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 running6.00 – Ed's journey into canicross and his first experiences10.40 – the surprising athleticism of standard poodles15.00 – training Trixie and early racing stories18.45 – getting to grips with Canicross commands21.30 – kit choices and why your waist belt matters26.00 – building a stronger bond through Canicross28.40 – training volume and respecting your dog’s limits32.10 – 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

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, 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, 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

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