I run with Lyca, she’s a Husky Cross that we rehomed at 5 months. She’s now just turned 2, and we’ve done a couple of events together now. We run 3 – 4 times per week, but we’re building to much longer distances with the plan of her joining me in mountain marathons and ultra distances. It’s a fantastic bonding experience, and adds a whole new experience to trail running. Navigating stiles, steep slopes and fields of sheep becomes much more of a challenge, especially with a husky! The benefit of running with a dog comes on the flat or uphill sections, however downhill can take more time to control. I am regularly overtaken by non-canicross runners on the downhill as I use all my core and quad strength to stabilise and stop myself being dragged over! Core strength is just as important as running speed with canicross, and my fitness has changed dramatically since I started my canicross journey.
Top tips for starting Canicross
- KIT – Get the right kit! Always run with your dog in a correctly fitted harness (never on their collar) with a bungee lead. To run hands free, wear a belt that spreads the impacts across the hips rather than back – especially if your dog pulls hard
- FITNESS! You wouldn’t jump from zero running to half marathon in one step, so why would you expect the same from your dog! Build up your dog’s fitness by follow a training plan and allow plenty of rest days. Always check with a vet before starting to run, and don’t start running with them too young.
- COMMANDS – Simple commands such as go, left, right are helpful, but the most useful are in the hills and working with your dog to pull on the uphill and not to pull you on the downhills (We’ve still not mastered this!) High value treats (such as cheese and ham) should help with this
- WEATHER – If its too hot and/or humid, don’t go out! During warmer days, head out early or later in the evening, and take plenty of water and rest stops.
Adventuring, hiking and running with dogs has become more popular over the last few years, with more events allowing dogs to take part. Below are some of the companies I have run with, or have friends who have run with that I know allow dogs at their events (please do check their website for a specific event before booking)
http://www.maverick-race.com/
https://trailevents.co/
https://www.redkitecanitrail.co.uk/
https://www.endurancelife.com/
