In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle welcome rising star Matt Powell, a 16-year-old who is already a British, European, and World Champion in canicross. As if that weren’t impressive enough, Matt has Key takeaways Matt discovered canicross at 12 and quickly rose to the top of junior ranks. He runs with two dogs and adapts training for each one's ability. Bikejoring adds variety and pace to his training regime. Mentorship has been crucial to his development and now he m...
Jun 27, 2025•37 min•Ep. 169
In this episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Michelle and Louise chat to guest Ryan McKee about the world of bikejor. Ryan shares how he was first an ultra‑endurance mountain biker, taking a break from the sport due to burnout. His love for mountain biking reignited after adopting Rhubarb, their enthusiastic Hungarian Vizsla. What started as a behavioural solution evolved into competitive fun as the pair discovered canicross and then bikejor. Ryan describes his first bikejor race in Chepsto...
Jun 20, 2025•58 min•Ep. 168
Louise and Michelle catch up with BSSF Vice-President Howard Clark once again, to see how last season went, and what the future holds for canicross in the UK. Listen to our last chat with Howard in Episode 85
Jun 13, 2025•34 min•Ep. 167
Dog selfies? Instagram and TikTok stars Fredrick and Royston, Golden Retriever brothers, are experts at them. We chat to their owner Hannah all about her Goldie social media stars.
Jun 06, 2025•50 min•Ep. 166
In today's episode we're joined by Belle from Canicross Midlands, who talks us through the rewards of marshalling at canicross races
May 30, 2025•41 min•Ep. 165
In this deeply insightful episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Louise Humphrey and Michelle Mortimer are joined once again by canicrosser and endurance athlete Tamara Beach to shine a spotlight on RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). Returning after her first appearance in Episode 133 , Tamara shares her personal journey through recognising, and recovering from, RED-S. The conversation is open, informative, and immensely relatable, breaking down medical jargon into real-life experie...
May 23, 2025•41 min•Ep. 164
In this special episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Louise and Michelle welcome back two popular guests: Georgie Lambert from Nonstop Dogwear and Katie Kirkup, founder of Trail Dog Events. Together, they unveil an exciting new venture: "Connect and Paws"—a human and dog wellness weekend set against the breath-taking backdrop of Druridge Bay, Northumberland from 4–6 July 2025. Born from Katie's vision, and shaped into reality with Georgie’s support, this event invites the canicross and wide...
May 16, 2025•33 min•Ep. 163
Louise and Michelle chat to journalists Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson about their new book Ultra Women
May 09, 2025•50 min•Ep. 162
Sarah Stokes shares her first experience of racing with Louise and Michelle in this episode
May 02, 2025•39 min•Ep. 161
Louise and Michelle chat to Gabby, one of the co-founders of Bournemouth Canicross about how their community has grown over the last four years since the group was first formed. It’s an uplifting, positive episode about the power of community.
Apr 11, 2025•51 min•Ep. 160
In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Morag, a trustee of Lincs Dobermann Rescue about her experience of rehoming Dobies, and her 'failed foster' with tri-paw Trooper. We hear all about Trooper's amputation and rehabilitation, proof that amputation is not the end, and can often be the start of a new life for many dogs like Trooper. https://dobiefest.co.uk/
Apr 04, 2025•37 min•Ep. 159
Louise and Michelle chat to Gemma Knott at RAD Assistance Dogs. RAD provides specialised assistance dog training to UK clients living with Mental Health Disabilities and/or Autism to become qualified handlers of their own assistance dogs. In this episode we chat to Gemma about what makes a good assistance dog, and also the disability laws the public should be aware of with regard to assistance dogs. https://www.radassistancedogs.org.uk/...
Mar 28, 2025•48 min•Ep. 158
Louise and Michelle chat to vet Hannah Capon about certain breeds' predisposition to canine arthritis, how we can prevent it, how to diagnose it and treatments.
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 157
In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Emily Thomas about her new book Canicross for Fitness and Fun
Mar 14, 2025•38 min•Ep. 156
In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Fran Hannemann about how canicross fits into her home boarding and dog walking business, and her adventures with her three dogs.
Mar 07, 2025•40 min•Ep. 155
In this episode we catch up with previous guest Elli, who was halfway through hiking the entire length of Britain with her dog Otto when we chatted to her in episode 68 . We find out how the rest of her epic hike went, and chat to her about her recent attempt to complete the Spine Race Challenger South, a 108 mile challenge where she faced knee deep snow and extreme sleep deprivation. You can find Elli's videos on her YouTube channel...
Feb 28, 2025•45 min•Ep. 154
Banjo was a rescue dog who was adopted by a (non-running) family, but when he escaped on his first day in his new home, fate intervened to introduce him to the canicross community, where he became a very well-loved character. We chat to his family and friends about their favourite memories of him.
Feb 21, 2025•35 min•Ep. 153
In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Joe Swiffen from Mynydd Sled Dog Adventures about the challenges of setting up her husky sled dog adventure trails business in Wales during COVID. Joe is also doing great work with her Junior Sled Dog Sports Academy. We also learn A LOT about husky breeds. https://mynyddsleddogadventures.com/
Feb 14, 2025•46 min•Ep. 152
We love bringing you canicross stories from our community, and in this episode Louise and Michelle chat to Sara McCarthy about how her second canicross season with her 'rocket dog' spaniel Logan is going. Sara has thrown herself into many cani-sports so far, to keep her working cocker spaniel Logan engaged and well exercised. We chat about their first experience of dog triathlon at Tri Dog, as well as their training for their upcoming (first) ultra marathon. Sara embodies the spirit of feeling t...
Feb 07, 2025•36 min•Ep. 151
In this episode, Louise and Michelle quiz podiatrist Kate Hammond about all those things you've always wanted to ask about looking after your feet, but have been too embarrassed or squeamish to ask. We cover: What size shoes to buy Does gait analysis matter? Socks Blister prevention and treatment Athlete's foot Losing a toenail Plantar fasciitis It's a fascinating episode, and we certainly learned loads!...
Jan 31, 2025•51 min•Ep. 150
In this episode, Louise and Michelle catch up with Duncan and Dizzy the Dalmatian about what they've been up to since we last spoke 2 years ago! There's also a new greyster, Peggy, in the family! YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@thatspottydogruns Instagram: @thatspottydogruns You can listen to the previous episode with Duncan here: https://www.canicrossconversations.co.uk/e/canicross-story-that-spotty-dog-runs-episode-49/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Jan 24, 2025•44 min•Ep. 149
In today's special episode, we're diving back into an insightful chat we had with Karen Weir, an expert in menopause and strength and conditioning. This clip, recorded in March 2023 explores how the natural changes in our bodies during menopause affect our running. Karen breaks down the physical shifts we experience and offers advice on the way we train and eat. You can listen to the full episode (55) here: https://www.canicrossconversations.co.uk/e/why-is-strength-training-so-important-to-runne...
Jan 17, 2025•12 min•Ep. 148
In this weeks episode we chat to Georgie Lambert from Non-Stop Dogwear about dog coats when and why we should use them. From snow, rain and racing we chat which coats work and why.
Jan 10, 2025•38 min•Ep. 147
In a new canicross story, Michelle and Louise chat to guest Beckey about running, racing and wild swimming with her lab Agatha
Jan 03, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 146
In the final episode of 2024, Louise and Michelle take a look back at some of their favourite canicross stories of the podcast. What's yours?
Dec 27, 2024•27 min•Ep. 145
In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Lisa from Mantrailing Global all about this exciting and accessible canine activity. Mantrailing is a sport teaching dogs to find people by following their unique scent trail. All dog's have a natural ability to hunt and mantrailing provides them with an outlet to do this in a safe, controlled and constructive way. Lisa explains how this can have a very positive impact in other areas of a dog's life too. One of the many amazing things about this sport...
Dec 20, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 144
In this Christmas-themed episode, Louise and Michelle tackle the challenges of keeping dogs safe and happy during the festive season, and chat about two important episodes they recorded last year: Episode 91: Ask the Vet – Christmas Food Dangers for Dogs Vet Nick discusses the biggest food-related hazards for dogs at Christmas. From toxic foods like chocolate, raisins, and onions to tummy-troubling treats like fatty meats and rich desserts, Nick highlights common dangers lurking in holiday celeb...
Dec 13, 2024•18 min•Ep. 143
The festive season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a collection of inspiring reads? 🎄📚 In Episode 142 of Canicross Conversations, we’re revisiting some of the most memorable books featured on the podcast. From captivating memoirs and training guides, to cookbooks and stories of resilience, these books offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for inspiration or the perfect gift for a loved one. We share highlights from: Susie Chan (Trails and Tribulations) Allie ...
Dec 06, 2024•30 min•Ep. 142
In today's fascinating episode, Louise and Michelle chat to writer Paul Besley all about his experiences of finding and training his Mountain Rescue Search Dog, Scout. It's a fascinating episode full of insights into training a working dog, and the human-dog bond. Paul's book, The Search: The life of a mountain rescue search dog team is out now
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 141
Those regular listeners amongst you will know the running joke that Michelle has never participated in a canicross race with her dog Poppy. She has finally found a brand new event close to her, and on this episode quizzes Trail Blazing Events Director Richard McQuilton-Morgan all about the race. It will be the first canicross event Richard has hosted too, so it makes for an interesting episode. We learn more about the challenges of putting on a canicross race, and how he’s planning to make the e...
Nov 22, 2024•45 min•Ep. 140
