Canicross Conversations

Michelle Mortimer and Louise Humphrey
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The leading podcast for all things canicross and cani-sports. Canicross instructors Louise and Michelle chat to various guests and experts, who love to run or compete with their dogs, about how to keep both dog and human happy and healthy.

  1. 6D AGO

    Trailbreeze (Episode 193)

    Michelle and Louise sit down with Pauline, founder of Scottish trail‑inspired running brand Trailbreeze, to explore how a love of running in the Scottish hills sparked a business born on the trails.   In August 2024, Pauline left her long‑term job in care to focus on family life and pursue something that nurtured her spirit, running the trails around her home with her spaniel, Joey. What began as a simple idea for headwear soon blossomed into a full range of trail gear, embraced by runners, dog lovers and the canicross community alike.   Pauline shares her journey from that first beanie, to events, sponsorship and future plans. She explains why trails have kept her inspired, motivated and balanced. Throughout, she speaks honestly about running, business, community and simply enjoying the outdoors.     Timings   0.00 – welcome & introduction to Pauline 0.30 – Pauline's story: leaving work, family life & running 1.30 – how Trailbreeze began: headwear idea to brand name 3.00 – Joey the spaniel  4.00 – thoughts on canicross  5.30 – quitting her job & Trailbreeze launch 7.00 – running background: road vs trail experiences 8.40 – Glencoe marathon & the joy of trails 10.00 – weekly training & ultras 12.00 – next race: GB Ultra 50 miler 13.30 – Trailbreeze product beginnings: beanies & tops 15.00 – retail stockists & early success 16.15 – events, brand awareness & BSSF sponsorship 17.00 – feedback from canicross community 18.30 – technical kit details & product quality 20.00 – garments: shorts, hoodies, headbands, gloves 22.00 – clubs & custom gear offerings 23.30 – audience ideas & new products coming soon 25.00 – quickfire questions 26.00 – upcoming events   “Running on the trails isn’t about pace — it’s about enjoying where you are.”   Links Trail Breeze website — https://trailbreeze.co.uk Trail Breeze UK on Instagram — @trailbreezeuk

    34 min

  2. JAN 30

    Track and Trail Canine Outfitters (Episode 192)

    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 Max 04:40 – 10:15 – Max’s progress and impact of running on behaviour 10:15 – 17:00 – the incident that sparked the idea for a shop 17:00 – 22:00 – research into strength‑tested brands and gear advice 22:00 – 28:00 – what to look for when choosing dog equipment 28:00 – 33:00 – business journey, community and online growth 33:00 – 37:00 – rewarding moments, private sessions and helping owners 37:00 – 42:30 – exciting plans: expanding shop space and workshops     https://trackandtrailcanine.co.uk

    43 min

  3. JAN 23

    Events Series: Race Harborough and Irchy Park Canicross (Episode 191)

    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

    29 min

  4. JAN 16

    Canicross Story: Ed Warner and Trixie (Episode 190)

    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

    39 min

  5. JAN 9

    Canicross Story: The Lazy Lurchers (Episode 189)

    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

    35 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    Canicross Story: Sarah and Jasper (Episode 188)

    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

    28 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    Keeping your dog in peak condition with Dorwest (Episode 187)

    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

    47 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    ICF World Championships 2025: Jamie Stevenson (Episode 186)

    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/

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The leading podcast for all things canicross and cani-sports. Canicross instructors Louise and Michelle chat to various guests and experts, who love to run or compete with their dogs, about how to keep both dog and human happy and healthy.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Mortimer and Louise Humphrey
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    193
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Canicross Conversations

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