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  • Running with Endometriosis: Lyndsy and Indy (Episode 208)

    Running with Endometriosis: Lyndsy and Indy (Episode 208)
    2026/05/22
    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/
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    42 分
  • What Canicross With a Rescue Dog Can Teach Us: Clare and Loki (Episode 207)

    What Canicross With a Rescue Dog Can Teach Us: Clare and Loki (Episode 207)
    2026/05/15
    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
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    48 分
  • Canicross Story: Lucy J Morgan and Tedi Bêr(Episode 206)

    Canicross Story: Lucy J Morgan and Tedi Bêr(Episode 206)
    2026/05/08
    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
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    43 分
  • Canicross Story: Stuart and Mav. From triathlon to cani-sports (Episode 205)

    Canicross Story: Stuart and Mav. From triathlon to cani-sports (Episode 205)
    2026/05/01
    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
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    42 分
  • Canicross Training Tips with Lindsay from Cani-Fit (Episode 204)

    Canicross Training Tips with Lindsay from Cani-Fit (Episode 204)
    2026/04/24
    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 champion 1.09 – How Lindsay first got into canicross through sled dog sports 3.13 – What the early days of canicross looked like in Scotland 5.00 – Why she started Cani-Fit and what the first version of the business looked like 8.39 – Did she ever imagine Cani-Fit would grow this much? 10.35 – Building credibility in a sport with no clear governing pathway 13.47 – How Lindsay trains dogs for canicross and keeps them fit through the year 18.39 – How intervals can work effectively with dogs 21.06 – Why repeated hill reps do not make sense for most dogs 22.47 – Training leaders and seeing canicross grow internationally 23.47 – The biggest mistakes beginners make 27.25 – Advice for people brand new to canicross and racing 29.40 – Why many people do canicross without ever wanting to race 31.03 – What Lindsay does differently now compared with when she started 34.28 – Supporting her son as he gets into the sport 38.19 – Why fun, friendships, and enjoyment matter for junior athletes 40.42 – Thoughts on one-day versus two-day events and the future of race accessibility 42.37 – Where canicross is heading in the next few years 46.06 – Quick fire questions 47.52 – Where to find Lindsay and Cani-Fit Links mentioned in the conversation
    • Instagram: @lindsay_canifit
    • Cani-Fit website
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    52 分
  • Event Series: Building community races with Sporting Paws (Episode 203)

    Event Series: Building community races with Sporting Paws (Episode 203)
    2026/04/17
    Michelle and Louise chat to Ebony from Sporting Paws, a dog trainer, behaviourist, and passionate canicross advocate who has recently organised her very first race in Lancashire. Ebony shares her personal journey into canicross, which began not through competition, but through a desire to reconnect with her dog during a difficult period. What started as simple runs together quickly became something much more powerful, helping both her and her dog rebuild confidence, trust, and enjoyment together. Ebony has built Sporting Paws from the ground up, focusing on making dog sports more accessible, especially for younger people. She offers a refreshing perspective on canicross as a tool for wellbeing, behaviour, and connection, rather than just performance. Ebony talks openly about the challenges of securing permissions for her first race, designing a course, managing logistics, and creating an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere for all abilities. Her first event at Beacon Country Park highlights what canicross is all about: community, encouragement, and shared enjoyment with your dog. This episode is full of inspiration for anyone new to canicross, thinking about entering their first race, or even considering organising an event in their own area. Timings 0.00 – Introduction to Ebony from Sporting Paws 1.05 – How Ebony discovered canicross and rebuilt her bond with her dog 3.30 – Early barriers to racing and accessibility challenges 6.00 – Becoming a dog trainer and founding Sporting Paws 7.30 – Mission to make dog sports accessible for younger people 10.00 – Growth of the Sporting Paws canicross community 11.30 – Organising the first race at Beacon Country Park 14.30 – The realities of race planning and permissions 16.30 – Designing a fun and technical course 18.30 – Feedback from the first event 19.00 – Supporting beginner racers 21.00 – Beach races and upcoming events 23.30 – Expanding races across the North West 24.30 – Lessons learned and future improvements 27.30 – Advice for first-time racers Links
    • Sporting Paws
    • Crosby Beach race
    • Rivington Pike race
    • Pennington Flash event
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    34 分
  • Ask the Expert: Dr Juliet McGrattan on running through menopause (Episode 202)

    Ask the Expert: Dr Juliet McGrattan on running through menopause (Episode 202)
    2026/04/10
    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 background 2.00 – Why the book was written 4.00 – What menopause actually means (peri, post, timeline) 7.30 – When symptoms can start and why many miss them 10.00 – Misinformation and the menopause “industry” 12.00 – Early signs in running: fatigue, slower pace, loss of motivation 16.00 – Mental health, anxiety, and confidence changes 20.00 – How menopause affects performance and recovery 24.30 – Practical training advice and slowing down 28.00 – Endurance vs speed and why sprint work still matters 33.00 – Injury risk, balance, and coordination 36.00 – Managing hot flushes and temperature when running 41.00 – Benefits of running during menopause 44.00 – Strength training and why it’s essential 48.00 – Nutrition, fuelling, and avoiding under-eating 53.00 – Hormone replacement therapy explained 58.00 – Positives of running through menopause 1:00.00 – 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
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Canicross with a nervous dog: Emily and Max (Episode 201)

    Canicross with a nervous dog: Emily and Max (Episode 201)
    2026/04/03
    Emily shares the story of Max, her timid and easily spooked Weimaraner who initially struggled with wearing a harness or coping with everyday noises such as wind. As a behaviourist, Emily offers valuable insight into working with nervous dogs, including how to approach training without pressure, why progress isn’t always linear, and how small wins can lead to big breakthroughs. The conversation explores practical techniques such as using positive reinforcement, tracking progress through video, and introducing confidence-building experiences in a safe and supportive way. Listeners will also hear how unexpected moments - like running with another dog or entering a first race - can unlock a dog’s potential. Max’s transformation from a fearful dog to a confident canicross racer, even achieving a fourth-place finish, highlights that success doesn’t require a “perfect” dog. This episode is packed with reassurance, actionable advice, and encouragement for anyone navigating life with a sensitive or reactive dog, showing that with the right approach, canicross can be accessible to all. Timings 0.00 – Introduction to Max’s transformation 1.05 – Max’s early behaviour and harness aversion 3.10 – First steps into canicross and early challenges 5.19 – Ruling out pain and understanding behaviour 8.44 – Measuring progress and staying motivated 11.23 – Breakthrough moments in training 12.50 – First race expectations vs reality 14.53 – Emotional finish and confidence growth 18.44 – Running with two dogs and building a team 22.00 – Equipment setup and race strategy 24.52 – Advice for owners of nervous dogs 25.21 – Handling setbacks and real-life challenges 32.20 – Managing reactivity during runs 34.27 – Goals and future plans 36.30 – Favourite race experience Links Episode 17 – Harness aversion Canix UK races Beat the Black Dog Canitrail event Perfect Dog Training (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
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    44 分