Episodes

  • Canicross Story: Stuart and Mav. From triathlon to cani-sports (Episode 205)

    Canicross Story: Stuart and Mav. From triathlon to cani-sports (Episode 205)
    May 1 2026
    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 mins
  • Canicross Training Tips with Lindsay from Cani-Fit (Episode 204)

    Canicross Training Tips with Lindsay from Cani-Fit (Episode 204)
    Apr 24 2026
    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 mins
  • Event Series: Building community races with Sporting Paws (Episode 203)

    Event Series: Building community races with Sporting Paws (Episode 203)
    Apr 17 2026
    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 mins
  • Ask the Expert: Dr Juliet McGrattan on running through menopause (Episode 202)

    Ask the Expert: Dr Juliet McGrattan on running through menopause (Episode 202)
    Apr 10 2026
    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 hr and 1 min
  • Canicross with a nervous dog: Emily and Max (Episode 201)

    Canicross with a nervous dog: Emily and Max (Episode 201)
    Apr 3 2026
    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 mins
  • Canicross to skijoring: life in Norway with Rhys Denham (Episode 200)

    Canicross to skijoring: life in Norway with Rhys Denham (Episode 200)
    Mar 27 2026
    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 Norway 2.00 – leaving teaching and career change into digital marketing 3.00 – meet the dogs: Django and Amber 4.15 – Amber’s injury and recovery journey 6.00 – photography, social media and new opportunities 7.30 – discovering canicross and community events 10.00 – the move to Norway and job opportunities 14.00 – working in Norway and settling into a new lifestyle 15.00 – travelling across Europe with dogs and cats 18.30 – dogs adapting to snow and cold weather 22.00 – winter kit, booties and paw care 23.00 – introduction to skijoring 25.00 – learning to cross-country ski 31.00 – first skijoring experiences with the dogs 33.00 – speeds, safety and downhill challenges 36.00 – training dogs for skijoring 39.00 – distances and building endurance 41.00 – fitness benefits of skijoring 43.30 – quick fire round

    Sophia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophutch Rhys’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denham_photos
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    49 mins
  • Crufts & What Do You Wish You Had Known When Starting Canicross? (Episode 199)

    Crufts & What Do You Wish You Had Known When Starting Canicross? (Episode 199)
    Mar 20 2026
    Louise and Michelle catch up after Louise’s busy few days at Crufts and share a behind-the-scenes look at what the event was really like, from the exhibition floor. From long days on the stand and meeting listeners in person, to fitting first-time runners with canicross kit and chatting to dog lovers curious about the sport, this is a warm, honest and practical conversation about what makes canicross so appealing. They reflect on just how much interest there is in canicross right now, especially from people who already run with their dogs but may not yet realise how much difference the right kit, knowledge and support can make. The episode also explores some of the most common questions beginners ask, including how to get started safely, what equipment you actually need, whether you have to race, and how to build both your own fitness and your dog’s confidence over time. Alongside Louise’s Crufts stories, Michelle shares her experience of coaching total beginners through taster sessions, with advice on stopping, starting, cue words and why going slowly in the early days matters so much. They also talk about finding local clubs, learning trail skills, and remembering that canicross should be fun, flexible and right for both dog and human. To round things off, they share brilliant listener contributions about the things people wish they had known when they first started. Expect encouragement, useful beginner tips, plenty of relatable moments, and a reminder that canicross can be as social, supportive and addictive as you want it to be. Timings 0.00 – Louise is back, Pickle is recovering, and the chat turns to Crufts 0.45 – Why this episode was inspired by conversations on the Crufts stand 2.22 – Best beginner episodes to go back and listen to first 3.04 – Behind the scenes at Crufts and Michelle’s social media role from home 5.00 – What Crufts is really like, from stand setup to five huge halls of dog-related shopping 7.29 – Who brings dogs to Crufts and the rise of dog influencers and ambassadors 9.42 – Louise meets service dogs, handlers and potential future podcast guests 10.04 – What a typical day on the stand looked like and the most popular kit 11.12 – The kinds of questions beginners were asking about canicross 13.02 – Why canicross is easier with some guidance and support 14.43 – Michelle’s top beginner tips from coaching taster sessions 16.03 – Why stop cues come before speed, and how to start introducing commands 17.42 – Why joining a club can make all the difference 18.31 – Teaching the “let’s go” cue and building enthusiasm 19.30 – You do not have to race to enjoy canicross 19.58 – Why getting kit fitted properly is so important 20.10 – Building your dog up slowly in harness, even if they already run 21.49 – Don’t forget your own running fitness and strength work 22.37 – Listener tips: what people wish they had known before starting canicross 24.39 – Wet feet, trail shoes and why mud comes with the territory 26.26 – Why trails are better than roads, and where trail beginners can start 27.06 – Unexpected speed boosts, prey drive and why canicross can become addictive 29.13 – More podcast resources for beginners and kit nerds 30.51 – Final encouragement for anyone thinking about giving canicross a go 32.19 – Louise reflects on meeting listeners at Crufts 33.22 – Final call for listener tips, guest suggestions and sharing the podcast Links mentioned in the episode Episode 37 – an early episode on starting out in canicross Episode 130 – beginner Q&A with Tracey from No Fuss Fill Episode 44 – trail shoes episode with Georgie Episode 27 – Jason Pascoe on harnesses Episode 94 – Jason Pascoe on dog coats Episode 125 – Fredrik, founder of Non-stop, on the brand story Episode 192 – Track and Trail Canine Outfitters on strength-tested harnesses Ultra Women episode(s) with Lily Canter – mentioned as a useful related listen List of canicross clubs around the country – to help listeners find a local club Canicross Conversations Instagram reel – community tips on what people wish they had known Goodwoof – upcoming event Louise mentions
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    36 mins
  • Canicross Ireland (Episode 198)

    Canicross Ireland (Episode 198)
    Mar 13 2026

    Michelle chats to Seán and Louise from Canicross Ireland.

    www.canicross-ireland.com www.instagram.com/canicross_ireland https://www.tiktok.com/@canicross.ireland
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    36 mins