Tell us a bit about you and your dog/s
I tried couch to 5K a few times over the last 5 years but never really stuck at it. Then lockdown hit and I decided after the first one that I wanted to lose weight and get fit as I knew I needed to be fit and well for my boys as we found out my husband’s cancer had become stage 4. I signed up for London Landmarks Half Marathon and discovered Jeffing (run walking). And that’s how my journey began! I completed London Landmarks Half Marathon on 1 August 2021 and loved it. I raised £4000 for make a wish – a charity my husband chose. 2 days later we found out his cancer treatment wasn’t working. He passed away on 18th October 2021 and the very next day I found out about my beautiful working cocker spaniel, Jet.
We had considered having a puppy before but it was too much for my husband but this time just felt right. The puppy was bred by my friend and we saw him when he was just 2 weeks old. He has always been destined to be my running buddy and he joined our family just when we needed him most. I knew I’d have to wait a year before I could run with my boy Jet so I decided to sign up to run London Landmarks Half Marathon again. I got a ballot place and started training with included Ashby 20. I decided to treat myself to a new pair of trainers and the person in the shop asked if I was training for London given I’d done Ashby- made me laugh! I ran London Landmarks Half Marathon on 3 April 2022 in memory of Simon and raised £1000 for Myton Hospice who cared for him in his last 2 weeks. And then came the question – what next? In a brave moment I thought I’m the fittest I’ve been and this is the year I should try and run the TCS London Marathon. I didn’t get a place in the ballot so I thought I’d apply to Bowel Research UK for a place and within 2 days I had one!
Fast forward to 2 October 2022 and I did it! It took me 6 1/2 hours and I Jeffed it all 30:30 but I can now say I am a marathon runner. I raised over £3000 for Bowel Research and both my boys came to London with me to watch me run it! I’ve proved to them if you dream and work at it you can do anything! I couldn’t wait to start running with Jet and now he’s turned one we have started!!!
Tell us a bit about your canicross experience so far…
I wanted to make sure I started correctly and had the right technique and equipment. I had been teaching some commands to Jet before we started. I signed up to a beginners canicross with Louise Forde in October 2022 just as Jet turned one. We have just completed it and loved it! I’ve realised I need to get faster for Jet so we are going to take the next year practicing and then start competing in 2023!
Tell us about how canicross has helped you and your dog/s and your biggest achievements
We are at the start of our journey but I’m so proud of our connection and how Jet and I work as a team. He pulls ahead when he needs to and stays behind me when we go down slopes. He loves running! I’m looking forward to our years ahead 🐾🖤🏃♀️
What are your goals and plans for the future?
I am taking this year to build up my speed and enjoy practicing canicross with Jet. Next year we will start our canicross competitions!
