In a weeks’ time I will be on my way down to south wales to take on my second ultra with Goose. Who would have thought that in less than a year since joining BRC that I would be doing my second ultra!

I took on the first ultra in March 2023 and I somehow managed to get round in 6hr and 58 mins. I didn’t know anyone else doing the run and in typical Helen style, just threw myself in feet first. When I entered the first time the longest I had ever ran was 13 miles and here I was giving myself three months to train for 30 Miles.

The training wasn’t the best, I wasn’t consistent, I hated to even think about running without Goose and he cost me a small fortune in a new harness and physio visits, yes, I know he’s pampered!! But we did it we got round, and I didn’t die! So of course, when the entries opened in April for the second canicross only ultra that entry just so happened fall into my basket!

Training for a canicross ultra in the summer is like a juggling two training plans, becoming obsessed with the weather and dealing with a training partner who is wearing a woolly jumper but always wanting to run but doesn’t understand that the humidity and sun is making it hotter than the sun! Looking back at the last few months of training I can see that I am more prepared, my volume has been better, and I have focused more on myself as a runner away from Goose. Working on my strength by hitting the gym and ensuring my hypermobility doesn’t cause me issues by regularly attending physio sessions, and most importantly hitting those miles alone. I will always say that without my wingman I’m not a strong runner, I am slowly coming around to the fact that I am not that bad. I have pushed myself mentally to get out on tired legs, learnt how to run with poles (thanks for lesson Barry), got another pair of trainers, brought myself a lovely new raincoat and still the list of things I ‘could’ need is being added to! One thing I do need is a shewee, I mean have you tried to have a wee up a mountain in a canicross belt with a spaniel that is not impressed you have stopped! Talk about getting caught with your pants down.

I wont lie by saying those anxious thoughts aren’t creeping in. I know the route; I know where the big climbs are, and I remember where it started to hurt last time. I feel even though my weekly mileage has been steady and consistent, the fact due to life, work, and the weather (told you I was obsessed!) we haven’t been able to get out and do a good long 20+ mile run, I feel like I can’t do it. But like last time I know I will get round and I will cross that finish line all down to one thing, Goose. Goose, for a 15kg working cocker his love for running is what makes me get out in the rain and go out with him, as soon as he sees his harness he is spinning and squeaking. I doubt any of us get that excited when we put on our trainers? Running with Goose is a feeling like you can take on the world, miles just pass on by and with ease and when I’m struggling and losing the motivation seeing his face and eagerness to keep going just makes me power on. He has allowed me to achieve things that without him I doubt I would have done so soon after joining the club. Crossing finish lines with him makes me so proud of us and him, and I just can’t help but smile.

That being said, this club is full of people who believe in you and your capabilities a lot more than you do yourself. Knowing that on the 7th there will be friends dot watching us, sending messages of good luck, being on the end of stupid voice notes when the hills are killing you off is what makes this club special. Where a crazy breed of people who pay good money to go out running for a very long time, in all kinds of weather.

So with seven days to go I will end with this, currently the weather is looking dry, but this Wales and I expect to be wearing my coat at some point, but I can’t wait to fly the Billinge flag again at the second canicross only ultra in the UK.

We did all dot watch Helen and Goose.

Words by Helen Seddon

Running with Dogs