I have a natural interest in psychology, having studied it at university, and Canicross got me thinking about the bonds I am making with people (and their dogs!) I would not necessarily have made had it not been for this amazing sport.
Happy Canicrossers 🙂
As humans, we tend to prefer and trust things we consider to be ‘like’ us and this includes our preference in people. The principle of homophily describes how we tend to form relationships and communities with people who share our beliefs, values, education, gender and social status.
Yet I would question just how far this principle is applied to Canicross?
Is a simple love for our dogs and for exercise all it takes to feel part of a group connected through one activity?
I would even question whether you need to have a love for exercise. I have met plenty of people who claim to “hate” running but view Canicross very differently. Running with their dog is something they actually enjoy and is their incentive to get fit, knowing that they wouldn’t be quite so motivated if they had to go out for a run on their own.
The people I run with socially or have met at race events couldn’t be more diverse in terms of their occupation, social status, outside interests and the views they hold. That’s not important!
Whilst I have made some wonderful friendships through Canicross, when we are all running together with our best furry pals there is that closeness and bond that brings us all together through the love of our dogs, keeping fit and simple companionship.
Plus we have a lot of fun!
Something else that really stands out for me when I compare Canicross with regular running is the camaraderie and social aspect at race events. I’ve done plenty of dogless races over the years and whilst people are generally friendly there is definitely a more serious air about the place and less interaction.
When I turn up for a Canicross-friendly event I’m always excited about seeing other canicrossers – seeing those I know and meeting new people and their dogs. Canicrossers will make time to greet one another before and after the race. That’s not to take away from the competitive spirit amongst many canicrossers but it’s just different – better different!
There really is no tonic quite like Canicross!
When we are all together with our dogs, enjoying in my mind one of the most social, energising, fun and rewarding experiences you can get, we all feel connected for that brief moment – that one or two hours a week when everything else going on in our lives is momentarily put on pause and nothing else matters!
