Canicross Story: Ray and her rescue pack (Episode 181)

In this episode, Michelle and Louise chat with Ray, a canicross enthusiast with a pack of rescue dogs. Ray shares her journey from returning to the UK after seven years abroad, feeling isolated and looking for a way to connect socially and physically. She found the sport of canicross through her local club (Tees Valley Canicross), which offered both community and motivation.   She gives a warm, honest account of the challenges of running with Cloud, who is a mixed‑breed street dog rescue from China. She also shares how she is building up a new puppy‑rescue, Nomad from Cyprus, to join the team.   Ray covers the realities of canine health, the importance of harness and gear fit, inclusive club culture, and advice for people with reactive dogs. She encourages anyone who thinks “I’m not a runner” to still give canicross a try, highlighting that the real reward is the bond with the dog and the community around it.     Timings 00:00 – 02:00 ­ Introduction & Ray’s background 02:00 – 05:00 ­ Meet Ray’s dogs: Cloud, Nomad, older dogs 05:00 – 08:00 ­ Training and challenges with Nomad (harness anxiety, grass obsession) 08:00 – 11:00 ­ First races, social aspect of the club 11:00 – 14:00 ­ Why Ray doesn’t consider herself a “runner” & what changed post‑COVID 14:00 – 18:00 ­ Dog health story (dehydration, vertigo) and hydration lesson 18:00 – 22:00 ­ Season goals, 10K aim, Cloud’s future, balancing veteran dog 22:00 – 27:00 ­ Advice for new canicrossers: non‑runners, reactive dogs, using muzzles, equipment tips 27:00 – 30:00 ­ Harness The Expert: How to strengthen Achilles in pain from a pulling dog 30:00 – 31:00 ­ Final reflections & how to follow Ray (Instagram Fluffy Multipack)