Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Anne-Marie Davidson, of Newark, hopes to get people exploring through canicross coaching group




A woman who competes in national canicross competitions has started a group to teach people skills she wishes she had known when starting out.

Anne-Marie Davidson, of Newark, started canicross running around eight years ago as a way of getting fit with her dogs.

Anne-Marie, who works full-time as a teacher, enjoyed the sport so much that she started competing in local and national races and recently competed in the national championships.

(55943475)
(55943475)

She later decided to set up a canicross group as a way of teaching other runners.

“It’s a really good, growing, popular activity. There are lot of people in and around the Newark area that are starting to get active with their dogs more,” said Anne-Marie.

“The main reason for setting up the group was really to tell people all the things I wish I’d known when I started. All of those quick wins and the things that can really set you up in good stead.

(55943477)
(55943477)

“I wish I knew at the start what I know now and that, to me, is the whole purpose of it.”

Anne-Marie also set up her coaching group, which works around Sherwood, Southwell, Newark, Stapleford and Thorpe-on-the-Hill, to help people socialise dogs bought in lockdown.

She said: “I started the business because there are lots of groups who are offering social runs and various things like that, but for many dogs that have gone through the lockdown purchase process, they’ve not really had as much socialisation.

“What we try to do is to get people out exploring the trails with their dogs, get them in the right equipment so that they’re not going to injure themselves or their dogs and then train them up and teach them the skills they need to be able to go out and run safely and have fun with their dogs.

“When you do go along to a group, it can feel as though you are out of your depth. You might be a new runner and you maybe can’t run the three miles that they are going to cover. I set up a coaching group to effectively bridge that gap.”

Anne-Marie is currently ranked fifth in the UK for women’s dry land canicross and hopes to compete in the world championships in April for Team GB.

She believes one of the main benefits of taking part in the sport is the bond that can be built between people and their dogs.

Anne-Marie also listed mental health benefits as another reason why people should take up the sport.

She said: “From a well-being point of view, which is obviously a huge thing that everyone’s focusing on, you are running in beautiful scenery and it’s that moment when you’re completely at peace.

“Mentally, it’s your own space. There’s no one there to drop a weight really loudly on the floor at the gym or run faster than you on a treadmill, it’s just you with your dog. For me, it’s my therapy.”

She has a regular group of around 25 people for sessions, but says she is always open to new members.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More