Beginners Guide #3. – Pacing Perfect: How to Match Your Dog’s Canicross Speed (They’re the Engine, You’re the Steering Wheel!)

You’ve got the kit, you’re hitting the trails, and your dog is, well, pulling. But are you truly running in harmony? One of the biggest ‘aha!’ moments in canicross comes when you realise you’re not just running with a dog; you’re running behind a dog, and they’re the ones setting the pace. Trying to force your dog’s powerful pull to match your desired speed is a recipe for frustration (and probably some strained shouting). For truly awesome canicross, it’s all about syncing your pace with your dog’s natural rhythm and pulling power. This isn’t just about being nice; it’s about getting the best, safest, and most enjoyable run for both of you.

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Beginners Guide #2. – Building Endurance: Canicross Training Plans (No Longer Just a Jaunt!)

Alright, so you and your four-legged speed demon have nailed those shorter canicross outings. You’re thinking, “This is brilliant! What if we went… further?” Welcome to the next level: endurance training! Imagine covering more ground, exploring new trails, and feeling that incredible, sustained pull. Extending your distances, from a comfortable 5K to a glorious 10K or even a cheeky half-marathon, is the next thrilling chapter. But hold your horses (or your hounds!); building endurance in canicross is an art, not a mad dash. It requires a proper plan that prioritises your dog’s unique needs, because let’s face it, they’re the engine!

Not quite what I had in mind!
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Beginners Guide #1. – Getting Started: Your First Canicross Steps (Without Face-planting!)

So, you’ve seen those magnificent dog-and-human teams flying through the woods, looking utterly majestic (and possibly a bit mad). You’re thinking, “My pooch has energy to burn, and so do I… mostly!” Welcome to the wonderfully wild world of canicross! It’s like regular running, but with built-in doggy propulsion. And yes, it’s as brilliant as it sounds. But before you both go full Usain Bolt (or perhaps more accurately, full Wile E. Coyote chasing the Road Runner), let’s talk about how to start safely – and ideally, without any dramatic tumbles.

Night Runs while exhilarating are not for the feint hearted!
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Beginners Guide #0. – Calling All Dog Lovers! Ready to Unleash Your Inner Trail Blazers? Welcome to Our 5-Week Canicross Adventure!

Ever watched those magnificent dog-and-human duos flying through the British countryside, looking utterly chuffed and totally in sync? That, my friends, is canicross – the ultimate team sport where you and your dog become a powerhouse unit, tackling trails with boundless energy and a whole lot of tail-wagging enthusiasm. It’s more than just a walk in the park; it’s a proper workout, a brilliant bonding experience, and let’s be honest, an excuse to buy some snazzy new kit!

Here in the UK, canicross is absolutely booming, and for good reason. It’s fantastic for getting fit, for both you and your furry friend, burning off that endless canine energy, and exploring some truly cracking trails. But if you’re like most folks, you might be thinking, “Where on earth do I start? Do I just clip them on and hope for the best? Will I end up in a ditch?” (Probably!) Fear not, intrepid adventurers!

Canicross you Say?
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04. Maverick Exposure Lights Dark Surrey 2022 – Race Report

Only seems like yesterday we were last in the Surrey Hills with Maverick Races for part of their night series at the end of the pandemic lockdowns in 2021 as life slowly started getting back to a new normal. Having moved this year to a new location it was with anticipation we arrived in the lovely village of Chilworth ready to take on the middle distance (11km).

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