Épisodes

  • Canicross Story: Lauren and Pip (Episode 179)

    Canicross Story: Lauren and Pip (Episode 179)
    Oct 17 2025
    In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Lauren. Lauren recounts how her 'failed' sheepdog Pip came into her life at 13 months old, having never truly bonded with farm work, and how the two forged an extraordinary connection in a family environment. From tentative first nights indoors, to running together in canicross, Lauren shares how this strong bond became a lifeline during a difficult season in her life. She opens up about losing her father to suicide, stepping back from her former high‑pressure work, and finding solace, purpose and community through running with Pip. Along the way, she discovered a new passion, launched Me and My Dog Running Club, creating personalised apparel. A heart-warming episode, showing that healing and connection can take unexpected and wonderful forms. We also chat about warm ups in our new feature Harness the Expert Timings
    • 0.00 – introduction & backstory: meeting Pip
    • 3.50 – Pip’s personality, calm indoors vs energetic outdoors
    • 5.20 – herding instinct & family dynamics on walks
    • 7.00 – settling into house life, first nights indoors
    • 9.00 – impact on child allergies & kids bonding with dog
    • 10.30 – discovering canicross & first parkrun experience
    • 13.00 – joining clubs, recce runs, community
    • 16.00 – learning about kit, harness choices
    • 18.00 – Pip’s running style, working as a team
    • 20.30 – running without Pip, ultra training decisions
    • 24.00 – doing the 50K ultra with Into Ultra support
    • 28.30 – goals together: longer distances, exploring events
    • 32.00 – how canicross changed Lauren’s life after loss
    • 36.00 – starting Me & My Dog Running Club and personalised apparel
    • 40.30 – Harness The Expert: How to warm up (you + dog) for a club run
    • 45.00 – closing, social handles & where to find Lauren online
    Links & social
    • Me and My Dog Running Club on Instagram
    • Me and My Dog Running Club on Facebook
    • Lauren’s personalised apparel website
    • Into Ultra
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    50 min
  • Canicross Story: Becky, Lexi and Bronson (Episode 177)

    Canicross Story: Becky, Lexi and Bronson (Episode 177)
    Oct 13 2025

    In today's canicross story, we chat to Becky about how she tried canicross after her working dogs didn't really enjoy gundog training, and now she's hooked!

    Becky chats to us about how she started out with free running, experimenting with gundog training tools (like whistle recall), and the moment she realised what canicross was all about.

    She reflects on how both her dogs — Lexi the cautious Vizsla and Bronson the bold GSP — have adapted differently, and shares insights on training, strength work, confidence building, and managing your body as you join the sport. This episode is ideal for anyone curious about stepping into canicross (or already doing it) who wants a relatable story, practical tips, and encouragement to take that first tethered run. Topics & timings
    • 00:00:35 – Becky introduces herself, Lexi & Bronson
    • 00:03:47 – complementing personalities of two working dogs
    • 00:04:24 – attempt at gundog training and use of whistle
    • 00:06:20 – Becky’s transition from CrossFit to biking to running
    • 00:07:57 – first real canicross experience at Connect & Paws
    • 00:09:10 – advice for beginners: take the first step
    • 00:14:53 – changes seen in Lexi and Bronson from canicross
    • 00:17:56 – recap of Becky’s recent Trail Dog 5K with obstacles
    • 00:22:45 – Becky’s race plans and strategy with Lexi/Bronson
    • 00:28:23 – preparing body: strength, stretching, cadence
    • 00:32:33 – longevity in canicross, dealing with niggles
    • 00:37:50 – balancing training vs resting days
    • 00:38:56 – Becky teases a new project

    Follow Becky's beautiful Instagram page @lexi_and_bronson
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    42 min
  • Ask The Expert: Rùn Dog Food and Dr Jacqueline Boyd (Episode 178)

    Ask The Expert: Rùn Dog Food and Dr Jacqueline Boyd (Episode 178)
    Oct 10 2025
    In this insightful episode of Canicross Conversations, hosts Michelle and Louise are joined by Lucy Millar, founder of Rùn Dog Food, and Dr Jacqueline Boyd, an animal scientist and canine nutrition consultant. Together, they delve into the world of performance nutrition for active dogs, demystifying cold-pressed food, fuelling strategies, and how to navigate the myths of pet nutrition. Lucy shares her journey from dog trainer to dog food entrepreneur, driven by her passion for transparency in the pet food industry. Dr Boyd brings her scientific expertise to explore what dogs really need to thrive in sports like canicross, agility and working gundog roles. They cover everything from how to do an energy audit for your dog, to how joint health and digestion change with age, and why not all dogs benefit from simply eating more food. You’ll come away with practical advice and a better understanding of how to support your dog’s performance and recovery. Whether you're feeding raw, kibble, or cold-pressed, this episode encourages a balanced, informed approach. Plus, Lucy shares exciting insights into what’s next for the Rùn brand. Topics and timings 1.10 – why Lucy started Rùn Dog Food 4.30 – cold-pressed vs traditional kibble 8.45 – Jacqueline’s journey into canine nutrition 12.30 – do dogs need snacks like energy bars? 18.00 – energy bars for performance and recovery 25.15 – tailoring food quantity to activity levels 32.00 – how age affects digestion and nutrition 40.20 – feeding routines and fuelling strategies 48.10 – coprophagia and scavenging explained 53.00 – supplements, probiotics and joint support 59.30 – what’s next for Rùn Dog Food Resources mentioned
    • Rùn Dog Food website: https://rundogfood.com Use CONVERSATIONS10 for 10% off
    • Instagram: @rundogfood
    • Dr Jacqueline Boyd: Facebook and @dogtorboyd on Instagram
    • CROWOOD10 provides 10% discount off Dr Boyd's books - Canine Nutrition and Feeding AND The Spaniel Survival Guide
    • Dr Boyd's Nutrition Consultancy booking form
    • Energy audit equations: basic ones are found on pages 54 and 55 of https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/ and this is also a hugely useful resource recommended by Dr Boyd.
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    1 h et 7 min
  • Canicross Story: Becky, Lexi and Bronson (Episode 177)

    Canicross Story: Becky, Lexi and Bronson (Episode 177)
    Oct 3 2025

    In today's canicross story, we chat to Becky about how she tried canicross after her working dogs didn't really enjoy gundog training, and now she's hooked!

    Becky chats to us about how she started out with free running, experimenting with gundog training tools (like whistle recall), and the moment she realised what canicross was all about.

    She reflects on how both her dogs — Lexi the cautious Vizsla and Bronson the bold GSP — have adapted differently, and shares insights on training, strength work, confidence building, and managing your body as you join the sport. This episode is ideal for anyone curious about stepping into canicross (or already doing it) who wants a relatable story, practical tips, and encouragement to take that first tethered run. Topics & timings
    • 00:00:35 – Becky introduces herself, Lexi & Bronson
    • 00:03:47 – complementing personalities of two working dogs
    • 00:04:24 – attempt at gundog training and use of whistle
    • 00:06:20 – Becky’s transition from CrossFit to biking to running
    • 00:07:57 – first real canicross experience at Connect & Paws
    • 00:09:10 – advice for beginners: take the first step
    • 00:14:53 – changes seen in Lexi and Bronson from canicross
    • 00:17:56 – recap of Becky’s recent Trail Dog 5K with obstacles
    • 00:22:45 – Becky’s race plans and strategy with Lexi/Bronson
    • 00:28:23 – preparing body: strength, stretching, cadence
    • 00:32:33 – longevity in canicross, dealing with niggles
    • 00:37:50 – balancing training vs resting days
    • 00:38:56 – Becky teases a new project

    Follow Becky's beautiful Instagram page @lexi_and_bronson
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    42 min
  • Canicross Story: Claire, Pip and Ivy (Episode 176)

    Canicross Story: Claire, Pip and Ivy (Episode 176)
    Sep 26 2025
    In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle are joined by Claire, better known as @theyorkshirewhippets on Instagram. Claire shares her upside-down journey into the world of canicross when a friend convinced her to enter a race with her whippet, Pip. From her early days of social running, to training for her first half marathon, Claire brings energy, honesty and giggles. Listeners will hear about Claire’s transition from casual runner to competitive canicrosser, how she manages training with two very different dogs, and the importance of cross-training and recovery. She opens up about the challenges of running in hot weather, how yoga and horse riding have helped her canicross performance, and how she balances full-time work with a very active lifestyle. The episode is packed with practical tips on kit, nutrition, and building confidence in younger dogs, especially for those working with breeds not traditionally seen as endurance runners. Claire also shares her reasons for fundraising for Stray Aid, and how this sport has become a meaningful part of her life. Tune in for a heart-warming and humorous chat that celebrates the bond between dogs and humans, the joys (and face-plants) of trail running, and the importance of listening to your body and your dog. Topics and timings 1.10 – Why dogs shouldn't run in the heat 4.30 – Claire's canicross journey begins 10.00 – Claire's first Trail Dogs experience 15.40 – Training and building fitness 22.00 – Whippets as endurance athletes 28.30 – Running kit upgrades 33.00 – Balancing life, work, and training 36.10 – Nutrition and fuelling for longer distances 41.50 – Funny stories and muddy mishaps 46.00 – Preparing Ivy for her first race 52.00 – Fundraising for Stray Aid Resources mentioned
    • Trail Dog events
    • Non-stop free motion harness & trail belt
    • Peak2Peak energy bars
    • Episode 2 with Ann Carter (heatstroke and dogs)
    • https://www.strayaid.org.uk/
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    42 min
  • Nicky Edwards: Running with Multiple Sclerosis (Episode 175)

    Nicky Edwards: Running with Multiple Sclerosis (Episode 175)
    Sep 19 2025

    In this episode, Louise and Michelle catch up again with physio and ultrarunner Nicky Edwards about her recent diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and how she's adapting her training to achieve her ultimate goal of UTMB
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    55 min
  • Ask The Expert (Holly Barker): Sport Dog Nutrition (Episode 174)

    Ask The Expert (Holly Barker): Sport Dog Nutrition (Episode 174)
    Sep 12 2025

    In this episode, Michelle and Louise chat to sports dog nutritionist Holly Barker for her no nonsense advice on feeding your dog.

    Holly shares her journey from serving as a medic in the RAF, through mental health nursing, to becoming an evidence-based practitioner focused on canine nutrition. She outlines how she educated herself in the absence of formal courses, experimented with diets in working and sport dogs, and gradually developed a full‑time practice.

    The conversation addresses what good evidence means in the canine nutrition world, the differences (and similarities) between human and dog nutrition, and how diet should adapt according to the dog's lifestyle, breed, work load and individual response. Holly also dives deep into specific topics like protein levels for active dogs, fuelling for longer runs, hydration, antioxidants, supplements (what works, what to watch out for), and practical tips like rehydrating dry food, or using hearts for taurine.

    You won't want to miss this!

    Holly's Facebook Group Sport Dog Nutrition

    Better Every Day Supplement
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    1 h et 23 min
  • Summer Break (Episode 173)

    Summer Break (Episode 173)
    Jul 25 2025
    In this special summer‑'paws' episode, hosts Louise Humphrey and Michelle Mortimer share a friendly, warm chat instead of their usual guest interview. They reflect on recent adventures (including Trail Dog UK’s dog & wellness festival and holiday escapades), explain why they’re taking a break over summer, and give a peek at what’s coming up when they return. Expect updates about upcoming races and new guests, plus an invitation for listeners to engage with them over the summer on Instagram and Facebook. Episode Highlights
    • Our summer pause is intentional: to recharge and plan next season, keeping safety and wellbeing at the front of our minds.
    • Festival highlights: Louise led Pilates sessions with dogs at Trail Dog UK’s first dog & wellness event—plus walks, reconnecting with old friends, and lots of joy.
    • Doggy adventures: Pickle swam strongly in Cornwall; Michelle’s dog Poppy is still warming to the water—advice encouraged for helping reluctant canine swimmers.
    • Looking ahead: Louise has some solo races in September; Michelle is planning ultra‑distance events next year. Pickle is stepping back from intensive racing due to age and needing physio; Betsy, her pup, might step up next season.
    • New podcast guests coming soon: a human nutritionist and dog nutritionist are lined up, along with coverage of other dog sports beyond canicross.
    • Listener involvement: questions invited for guests; opportunity to share listener stories or ideas; promotion of a new Facebook page and Instagram tagging encouraged.
    Canicross Conversations Facebook group & new Facebook page Instagram (get in touch with ideas and tag us to be featured)
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    13 min