North Pole Championship Eve

So today I was making the final preparations for the North Pole Championship Sled Dog Race – getting sponsor banners, arranging the trailer from Goldstream Sports (A big heated trailer with electricity!), and general running around.  It was a seriously crazy day.  I thought the world was running away and I needed to catch up.

Tomorrow is day 1 of the North Pole Championships.  Last year I won the event in a very tight finish.  This year the field is much larger and while last year’s competition was stiff, this year there are quadruple the number of teams and some very tough competition.  But, I drew the best draw out of the field.  I should not have to pass anyone, I hope.

Clara is doing very well in lead, and I am very proud of her.  Jolene has been an incredible teacher – patient, gentle and supportive.  Maybe I am reading too much emotion into my dogs, but they really do help each other out. Sparky, my big guy, he is doing super in wheel.  I purchased him as a ‘plug-in’ dog, which is basically taking a dog from a top competitive team and not having to do too much in order to have it perform.  Of course he gets the same attention and love as the other dogs, and he enjoys that, but he also really enjoys his job.

The team this week in training was spritley, eager and focused.  They felt comfortable and strong.  I am very pleased with my little guys and proud as punch with their performance this year.  We have had some setbacks, but the dogs have adjusted and bounced back as if nothing happened.

Katrina and Jolene in lead.

I will take some photos tomorrow, or have someone take some for me.  If you want to see some fun sled dog racing action come out to Chena Lakes at 11am to see the races start!

I will make a point of blogging tomorrow and Sunday.  Last weekend we had a great race but I was so exhausted that I just had not energy.  I also wanted to spend time with my very good friend Joe before he went in for heart surgery.

More to come from the races tomorrow.  Before I sign-off though I want to thank Goldstream Sports and Regency Fairbanks Hotel for their continued sponsorship.

I want to also thanks all of the amazing North Pole businesses who helped make our purse $5000!!!