Why you don’t need to get fit before starting canicross

“I’m really sorry, I wanted to be on week 5 of my couch to 5k before I came on the workshop but I’ve just not been able to get all my training in….”

So many newbies who want to try canicross tell me they’re worried about not being fit enough for their dog.

I won’t lie and tell you that it doesn’t hurt less if you have a decent base level of fitness, because it does help.

BUT if you are a super fit runner already, it’s going to be harder for you to work at your dog’s pace.

Canicross really is more than going for a run with your dog attached to a lead.

It’s about learning to work together as a team so when the running harness goes on, your dog understands their job is to get up front and put some effort in.

We teach teamwork in short focused bursts at first. Then we look at consistency, pacing and endurance.

If your sprint start is so fast the bungee is going slack, your dog isn’t going to understand the game!

I often find it’s easier to help the humans build up speed rather than run slower to match their dog.

Working in harness, and running at human speed is a new skill set for your dog, and it uses their muscles in different ways too.

So being unfit, out of condition, overweight, or whatever you want to call it isn’t a good enough reason to delay starting to canicross with your dog!

Even if you only run them in harness for part of each training session, and let your dog free run for the rest it’s a good start.

Want to get more active with your dog? Check out our new Yorkshire workshops:

**Solo Canicross Sessions** (suitable for reactive dogs, or anyone wanting 1:1 coaching on their technique) Saturday 22nd April (Shipton by Beningbrough)

Book Solo Canicross Session

**Introduction to Canicross** (group session) Saturday 22nd April (Shipton by Beningbrough)

Book Intro to Canicross (group)

**NEW** full day Canicross workshop Saturday April 7th April

• Morning: group running sessions working on pacing and consistency. Groups will split by running fitness so all welcome (Beningbrough Hall)

• Afternoon: warm-up/cool-down and stretching safely for canicross (Shipton by Beningbrough)

Dogs will be required to settle quietly crated in the hall OR your vehicle in the afternoon

BOOK HERE (max 8 places):

Canicross Smarter & Harder

Where you can find us racing:

• Skipton Running Riot Canicross race 15^th April  http://www.sueryder.org/get-involved/events/all-events/2018/april/running-riot-canicross-skipton
• All three Furnation races with CaniX (Pembrey, Cannock and Glamis) https://www.canix.co.uk/shop/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=2919

and I'm just waiting for confirmation on the next Dalby canicross dates!

Happy Running!

Morag

UltraCanicross runner & Firewalker

Well Connected Canine

PS  Save the date for Canicross Adventures, a full day workshop in the North York Moors on 19th May 2018 - booking will open soon!

PPS if you want to make sure you find out first about workshops, events and races in the North Yorks area, plus training tips please sign up to our new mailing list: Show form