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. Timings0.20 – introducing Mick, Rodney, Amber and Betsy1.04 – Mick’s running background and returning to running after school2.01 – starting canicross with Amber and discovering she did not love it3.12 – learning about proper canicross kit4.17 – Mick’s first canicross race experience and realising the kit was not right5.14 – upgrading to waist belts, bungee leads and better harnesses7.12 – Rodney’s harness journey and finding what works8.12 – standard poodles, muscle tone and Rodney’s enthusiasm for racing9.11 – Mick’s first proper canicross race with Murphy10.14 – vet-supported canicross after injury and building strength safely10.55 – hydrotherapy, older dogs and keeping them supple11.40 – running two dogs together12.43 – how dogs motivate and compete with each other13.21 – Mick’s ultra experiences with Rodney14.57 – preparing better for a second ultra16.10 – gradually building distance17.10 – strength training, core work and consistency19.00 – Louise’s advice on squats, lunges, calf raises and getting professional guidance20.19 – why strength work matters as runners get older22.11 – Mick’s goal for his next ultra22.40 – switching from Rodney to Betsy for longer-distance plans24.08 – Betsy’s first half marathon25.08 – gundog training, disc dogs and other activities27.01 – future races with Sporting Paws and local events28.04 – adjusting expectations as dogs get older29.49 – where to follow Mick online30.21 – why Mick prefers running with dogs Resources mentionedSporting PawsWild Deer Half MarathonLoggerheads, WalesBrecon ultraPreston Disc DogsK9 Toss and FetchLinks mentionedInstagram: Chorley Canicrosser