Canicross Story: Lauren and Pip (Episode 179)

In this episode, Louise and Michelle chat to Lauren.   Lauren recounts how her 'failed' sheepdog Pip came into her life at 13 months old, having never truly bonded with farm work, and how the two forged an extraordinary connection in a family environment. From tentative first nights indoors, to running together in canicross, Lauren shares how this strong bond became a lifeline during a difficult season in her life. She opens up about losing her father to suicide, stepping back from her former high‑pressure work, and finding solace, purpose and community through running with Pip.   Along the way, she discovered a new passion, launched Me and My Dog Running Club, creating personalised apparel. A heart-warming episode, showing that healing and connection can take unexpected and wonderful forms.   We also chat about warm ups in our new feature Harness the Expert   Timings 0.00 – introduction & backstory: meeting Pip 3.50 – Pip’s personality, calm indoors vs energetic outdoors 5.20 – herding instinct & family dynamics on walks 7.00 – settling into house life, first nights indoors 9.00 – impact on child allergies & kids bonding with dog 10.30 – discovering canicross & first parkrun experience 13.00 – joining clubs, recce runs, community 16.00 – learning about kit, harness choices 18.00 – Pip’s running style, working as a team 20.30 – running without Pip, ultra training decisions 24.00 – doing the 50K ultra with Into Ultra support 28.30 – goals together: longer distances, exploring events 32.00 – how canicross changed Lauren’s life after loss 36.00 – starting Me & My Dog Running Club and personalised apparel 40.30 – Harness The Expert: How to warm up (you + dog) for a club run 45.00 – closing, social handles & where to find Lauren online Links & social Me and My Dog Running Club on Instagram Me and My Dog Running Club on Facebook Lauren’s personalised apparel website Into Ultra