Canicross Story: Mick, Rodney, Amber and Betsy (Episode 209)

The Dog Jog with Dr Janey Lowes of WECare Worldwide

Louise and Michelle are joined by Dr Janey Lowes — a vet from the North East of England who, at 26, packed up her life and moved to Sri Lanka to help street dogs. What started as a year-long volunteering trip has become a decade-long mission, a team of 70, and Sri Lanka's only emergency hospital for street dogs.   Janey shares the story of how WECare Worldwide grew from just her, a friend, and a tuk-tuk driver, to treating over 35,000 animals in the south of Sri Lanka. We talk about rabies, neutering programmes, rehoming, the economic crisis, and why putting dogs back on the street is often the kindest thing to do.   And then there's the big one — The Dog Jog. Starting 12th October, Janey is running 600km from the top of Sri Lanka to the bottom, over 20–25 days, to raise over £1 million for a brand new hospital and vet nursing training centre.   She's never run a half marathon. She's training in 37-degree heat and 94% humidity. And she is absolutely doing it anyway.     Timings: 01:21 How a surf holiday in Sri Lanka changed everything — and why Janey never came home 03:48 The scale of the problem — 3 million street dogs, 1 for every 8 people 07:28 From 14 dogs in her house to Sri Lanka's only emergency hospital for street dogs 09:56 How WECare grew from 3 people and a tuk-tuk to a team of 70 13:47 Why street dogs don't always need a sofa — and why that took Janey a while to accept 20:50 The fundraising reality — nearly £1 million a year, and how they raise it 29:02 The Dog Jog — 600km, 25 days, starting 12th October 31:37 Training in 37°C heat, 94% humidity, and stopping every 100m to say hi to dogs 36:56 The mental challenge — and why having community support matters so much 44:59 Where to follow Janey and support the cause   Find Janey:  Instagram: @JaneyTheVet [https://www.instagram.com/janeythevet/] Website: wecareworldwide.org.uk [https://wecareworldwide.org.uk/]   Want to support the Dog Jog or get involved? Get in touch and we'll figure something out together, especially if you fancy joining virtually in October!

Canicross Story: Mick, Rodney, Amber and Betsy (Episode 209)

Michelle and Louise are joined by Mick for another real-life canicross story, this time with his three dogs: Rodney, Amber and Betsy. Mick shares how he came back to running after years away from it, starting with a muddy dog challenge and gradually finding his way into proper canicross kit, races and longer-distance adventures.   Listeners will hear how each of Mick’s dogs has a completely different approach to running. Rodney, a standard poodle, is the powerful, enthusiastic runner who has taken on ultras; Amber prefers a steadier pace and has needed a more thoughtful approach; and Betsy, the working cocker spaniel, is stepping into longer distances with plenty of spaniel energy.   The conversation covers beginner mistakes, choosing the right harness and bungee setup, the value of learning from other canicrossers, and how different dogs may need different kit, distances and expectations. Mick also talks about running ultras in Wales, preparing for future events, and making decisions as dogs get older or come back from injury.   Michelle and Louise also offer practical advice on strength training, core work and consistency, especially for runners taking on trail and ultra distances.   This episode is full of relatable moments for anyone who started canicross without knowing everything, learned along the way, and now runs because their dog makes it fun.   Timings 0.20 – introducing Mick, Rodney, Amber and Betsy 1.04 – Mick’s running background and returning to running after school 2.01 – starting canicross with Amber and discovering she did not love it 3.12 – learning about proper canicross kit 4.17 – Mick’s first canicross race experience and realising the kit was not right 5.14 – upgrading to waist belts, bungee leads and better harnesses 7.12 – Rodney’s harness journey and finding what works 8.12 – standard poodles, muscle tone and Rodney’s enthusiasm for racing 9.11 – Mick’s first proper canicross race with Murphy 10.14 – vet-supported canicross after injury and building strength safely 10.55 – hydrotherapy, older dogs and keeping them supple 11.40 – running two dogs together 12.43 – how dogs motivate and compete with each other 13.21 – Mick’s ultra experiences with Rodney 14.57 – preparing better for a second ultra 16.10 – gradually building distance 17.10 – strength training, core work and consistency 19.00 – Louise’s advice on squats, lunges, calf raises and getting professional guidance 20.19 – why strength work matters as runners get older 22.11 – Mick’s goal for his next ultra 22.40 – switching from Rodney to Betsy for longer-distance plans 24.08 – Betsy’s first half marathon 25.08 – gundog training, disc dogs and other activities 27.01 – future races with Sporting Paws and local events 28.04 – adjusting expectations as dogs get older 29.49 – where to follow Mick online 30.21 – why Mick prefers running with dogs   Resources mentioned Sporting Paws Wild Deer Half Marathon Loggerheads, Wales Brecon ultra Preston Disc Dogs K9 Toss and Fetch Links mentioned Instagram: Chorley Canicrosser

Running with Endometriosis: Lyndsy and Indy (Episode 208)

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 [https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/what-we-do/campaigns/just-a-period/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/gynaegeek?igsh=MThmemdia3U5cWFxeg==]   https://www.instagram.com/drnighatarif?igsh=MTEzd3V2eXd3ejdjYw== [https://www.instagram.com/drnighatarif?igsh=MTEzd3V2eXd3ejdjYw==]   For details about what endometriosis is and to find sources of support - https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/ [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 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/56276626]   And this one about endometriosis and running -https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/a43464680/endometriosis-and-exercise/ [https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/health/a43464680/endometriosis-and-exercise/]

What Canicross With a Rescue Dog Can Teach Us: Clare and Loki (Episode 207)

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 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Keeps-Score-Transformation-Trauma/dp/0141978619/ref=asc_df_0141978619?mcid=e31d04db861c320fb9c5c6043cadb8fa&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696492026299&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15307768541634256&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9209572&hvtargid=pla-452579060347&psc=1&hvocijid=15307768541634256-0141978619-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=4] When the Body Says No [https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Body-Says-No-Hidden/dp/178504222X/ref=asc_df_178504222X?mcid=da1bf8f226cf3d15b9aa750da701c5f3&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697287344587&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16601597337666019919&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9209572&hvtargid=pla-579976941970&psc=1&hvocijid=16601597337666019919-178504222X-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1] Canicross Midlands [https://www.canicrossmidlands.co.uk/] Canix [https://www.canix.co.uk/] BSSF [https://thebssf.org.uk/] Cani-Fit [https://cani-fit.com/] Louise’s strength training blog after the London Marathon [https://studio44pilates.com/category/louises-blog/] Previous episode with Lindsay from Cani-Fit [https://www.canicrossconversations.co.uk/e/canicross-training-tips-with-lindsay-from-cani-fit/]

Canicross Story: Lucy J Morgan and Tedi Bêr(Episode 206)

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 [https://www.redwarrior.co.uk/] Cani Trail [https://www.canitrailevents.co.uk/] Podcast episode 2 on running dogs in the heat [https://www.canicrossconversations.co.uk/e/heatstroke-in-dogs/] Podcast episode 162 with the authors of Ultra Women [https://www.canicrossconversations.co.uk/e/ultra-women-lily-canter-and-emma-wilkinson/] JustGiving page for Lucy’s mountain rescue fundraiser [https://www.justgiving.com/page/lucy-j-morgan-7?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL] Lucy's Big Walk Promo Video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcdrunEdnXI] Dexy's Midnight Runners [https://dexysofficial.com/]