Canicross & Labrador huskies Running was a survival skill. For me anyway. Never in a million variations of our world would I have ever thought I would ever be a runner. Here we are. Our world has changed with the pandemic and we too must change and evolve with it. Sometimes that change can be difficult and somewhat destructive. Others, a smooth and pleasant journey. For me, it was very difficult. But after all those changes, trials & tribulations I emerged with a new opportunity, a new career path and it has been and continues to be wonderous. Teaching, coaching and racing canicross has turned into a fantastic experience. I meet people from all over the United States, Canada and throughout Europe. I meet a lot of dogs (which is always a major perk) but one thing I’m learning is that though many students prefer to have one-on-one coaching - they all say the same….the physical activity with their dogs is much easier to both motivate themselves to do and much easier to enjoy the exercise in perfect company. My two are seniors. Closing on 12 years of age. The first two Labrador huskies to achieve any titles in Canicross. They ran their first registered miles in Canicross through North American Canicross (NACC) on October 19 2023 and achieved their 1500 miles (2400 kilometres) Canicross titles during January of 2025. They won ‘Rookies of the year’ in their first race and had a podium standing of second place. I retired them from officially tracking miles of racing but they still run Canicross. Labrador huskies are a truly wonderful breed. Not for everyone of course. Lucy and Cretos are descended from bloodlines of Hopedale, Labrador and are consistent reliable runners. Through the encouragement and teamwork of myself and my dogs we have become the NACC Ambassadors for Newfoundland and wear it proudly as well as Eastern Canada Region Director with ISDRA. Those who have Labrador huskies know just how big their hearts are. How loving the breed can be. Just as content on the couch with you as they are in a harness.

So for our followers - after week one of racing Canicross our team Bib169RogueOnes has first place standing amongst canicrossers from Canada, the United States and teams from New Zealand as well! Waiting for the week two rankings to be posted and will update you then! In the meantime, we are in the midst of week three and have a little video for you to enjoy!

Whew boy oh boy. Winter trailrunning and in this case Canicross can be a challenge. Between dressing properly for conditions, selecting terrain you can handle, being aware of what’s beneath the snow, ensuring someone knows where you are, that you have first aid supplies on trail for both yourself and your dog….oi vey. I work alone. I spend five professional days a week in the wilderness with just the company of dogs. I have to ensure I am organized, prepared and ready for each trip. There’s a lot to consider. Now with much of North America in the embrace of winter season, it’s time that we consider what we can do to keep ourselves safe. But before I post an article with tips and tricks , I’d like to get some feedback from group members here as to what personal tricks you’ve learned over the years?

Community members!! Please consider subscribing to the paid tiers for $13.99 per month to help small businesses grow and keep afloat! Greetings greetings greetings!! Starting on January 01 2026 - OutsidersNL will be providing a magazine available only to community members! I am closing free memberships for new members! Once the paid memberships begin, private coaching, tips, tricks, gear and personal motivation will all be provided to you by an experienced, knowledgeable, professional and friendly Canicross coach! Private or group! Magazine will be emailed out each term to our paid subscribers as well as access to private consults! Let’s build this Canicross community and make it the first and most active in Canada!! Let’s do it! Monthly subscriptions are $13.99 per month! Includes: : Private hands on gear reviews : Private consults : Personal base camp for solo travellers - report your location, time of departure, expected time back and we will watch, monitor and record your safety ensuring you touch base with us here to confirm your safe arrival. If we don’t hear from you, we contact your listed emergency contact and get you home safe! (Distance from me is irrelevant). : Distance & mileage tracking for you! : Quarterly magazines and updates on your dogs performance (You report your distance to me, I record and analyse patterns in performance and training) : Access to partnered harness sports professionals across North America AND MORE!!!!

This is just Tazzy third time in harness with me. Technically fourth but the first session didn’t involve much work. Just forming familiarity. This video was taken yesterday, his start is a little wild and high energy but that’s perfectly acceptable! Have you tried harnessing up your dog yet? No? What are you waiting for?