Canicross Conversations

Cani-Sports Spotlight: DR4 Rig Class - Ash and the Hounds (Episode 50)

In this episode, Louise and Michelle learn about another type of cani-sport as they chat to Ash and the hounds, who race in the DR4 rig class. Ash talks us through what the sport entails, her training, and her future hopes for the sport.
 
You can follow Ash and the Hounds on Instagram
 
This episode is sponsored by the Get Stronger, Run a Faster 5k course. You can save £21 until midnight on 11th February if you sign up with the code earlybirdfeb23 at the following link: https://studio44pilates.com/product/get-stronger-for-a-faster-5k/
 
 

Canicross Story: That Spotty Dog Runs (Episode 49)

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to YouTube sensation That Spotty Dog Runs (well, his owner, Duncan!). Dizzy is a Dalmatian who loves to run, and his owner Duncan talks us through their training for upcoming races, as well as the eqipment they use to film their videos.
 
Half-marathon update ... Dizzy smashed it - 1st Dog by 18 minutes! 
 
Here is a list of links to videos referenced in the podcast.
 
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@thatspottydogruns
Half-marathon: https://youtu.be/AmtDu83nvos
Interval training: https://youtu.be/VlAWfP7fI1Y
Hills: https://youtu.be/a4kCMBxQrK0
 
You can also follow @dizzy_thedot on Instagram
 

Canine Hydrotherapy - Emily Thomas (Episode 48)

Louise and Michelle chat to Emily Thomas, co-director of Canactive Hydrotherapy Centre, and underwater treadmill used for both rehabilitation of injuries, and fitness and conditioning, to future-proof our pups!

Why our canicross dogs should be strength training (Episode 47)

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Pickle's physio: registered veterinary nurse, and animal physiotherapist Sophie Sparrow about common canicross injuries, and how best to condition our dogs to help prevent these.
Sophie talks us through how to recognise injuries in our dogs (who are very good at hiding weaknesses from us!) and how we can best treat these.
We also talk about the kind of strength training our dogs should be doing. Top tip - walk VERY VERY slowly!
Sophie refers to two canicross specific papers in this episode which make for fascinating reading:
Internet-based survey evaluating the impact of ground substrate on injury and performance in canine agility athletes. 2022. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.1025331/full
PERFORMANCE CHANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF ADULT ONE DOG TEAM CANICROSS RUNNERS. Ashlyn Jendro 2018. https://commons.nmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1575&context=theses
The Jena study (2011) analysed locomotion of 32 different dog breeds.
Jena study
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAvOPCp6Itk
Book - Dogs in Motion Fischer and Lilje (2016)

Happy New Year! Setting Goals, and Getting Stronger for a Faster 5k

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat about their goals for the coming year, and launch the exciting news about their upcoming course - Get Stronger for a Faster 5k.
 
Here is the link to register your interest in the course:
https://mailchi.mp/e806ed7536de/run-a-faster-5k
 

Canicross Story: Susan Fraser - from hobby canicrosser to Team GB (Episode 45)

In this episode, our canicross stories feature returns, as Louise and Michelle chat to Susan Fraser, who has recently returned from the 2022 European Championships in Germany, representing team GB. A great insight into how canicross as a hobby can take you into international competition.

What trail shoes should I buy? (Episode 44)

What trail shoes should I buy? It's a common question, and the answer is ... a very individual one. In this episode, Georgie Lambert, owner of Alton Sports, talks us through what we should be looking for in a trail shoe depending on the terrain we're running on, and whether we're racing or running for fun. She also explains about different lacing options, and what to look for in a good sock! Don't miss this one.
 
www.altonsports.co.uk

Running through the menopause (Episode 43)

Continuing the theme this season of healthier humans (because we are, after all, often the weakest link in the human/dog team) Louise and Michelle chat to former GP, keen runner and author, Dr Juliet McGrattan about how the menopause can affect our running, and how we can experience symptoms of perimenopause as early as ten years before we reach menopause itself.
 
Juliet gives some really practical advice in this podcast - ask the men in your lives to listen too!! 
 
You can access Juliet's course, read her informative blogs about all things running health, and find out about her books on her website here: drjulietmcgrattan.com

Why protein is important for runners recovery (Episode 42)

In this episode, Michelle and Louise chat to Protein Rebel founder Tim Boote all about why our bodies need protein, particularly when we exercise. 
 
Protein Rebel have offered Canicross Conversations a special discount to followers. Use canicross15 at the checkout to save 15% off all their products at www.proteinrebel.com

Chocolate for energy and recovery with 80 Noir Ultra (Episode 41)

This episode is another one all about human recovery, as Louise and Michelle chat to Carole Armitage, founder of hot chocolate company 80 Noir Ultra. Find out about the mental and physical benefits of dark chocolate in a fascinating chat with Carole.
 
You can save 20% off your first order with the discount code: 80NULhumphrey
 
https://www.80noirultra.com/