Limited North American Championships – day 3

This weekend was really a fun race.  We had 15 competitors, of which 9 were possible top 3 contenders.  Being the competitive person that I am, this meant that I needed to be on top of my game.  Seconds would count.  Every sideways glance would be a drop in time.  This was gonna be FUN!

On friday my team was feeling pretty good.  The leaders were strong, the wheel dogs were feeling confident, and the team dogs were going to keep everything in line.  But, being a three day race, we need to keep everything together for the whole 3 days.  A two day race is simply holding on for two days (well, it is more than that, but in perspective it is that).  A three day race, this is a whole other ball game.  This is a game of management, strategizing and, above all, dog care.  The rule says “The race is won by the dogs you leave behind”.  This makes me laugh.  All of my competitors have 20+ racing dogs.  I have 8.  So, I am pooling my entire racing contingent and pitting them against much stronger kennels (in terms of numbers anyway).  This means my dog care must be up to scratch, my nutrition and general health must be top notch.  Let’s just say that the only skimping that goes on in this kennel is on the musher.

With all of the dog care that I can possibly provide, we entered this race in the best shape we could.  I am a conservative musher.  No replacements, and the desire to keep my dogs for life and not just a season or two.  I race to be competitive, but also being realistic – I am single with one income and no help!  Everyone says they have it hard, everything is relative.

My race this weekend went well.  My goal was to be in the top 5.  Hopefully 4th or higher, but 5th would suffice.  I have been 5th the past two years.  But, with this competition I am happy to be that again!

The trail was as best as could be made under the circumstances.  I ran the dogs accordingly – slowing at the rough spots and being extra cautious.  On day 1 we had a pass right at the end.  It was a great pass which only slowed us a little.  Every pass for us is a training opportunity.  With Clara only being in lead for the past few races, we need all the training we can get.

Day two showed us no passes, but a very clean run.  The run felt way faster, but was in fact slower.  So goes it for a 3 day race – day 2 is where the wheels start to fall off.  My plan was to keep the spirits high.  We raced home after our event and I fed the dogs and then let them run around a bit to loosen up.  Frankie knows that if he throws his weights hard enough against my door that it will open.  Open it did!  Sparky found a ball inside and brought it out to play.  I ceased the opportunity to have some low stress fun with the dogs.  We went to the back dog yard and the dogs chased the tennis ball for about 40 minutes.  This was more for a muscle stretching, and mind relaxing exercise. After playing ball I hooked the dogs up, checked feet and heated up the dog barn.  These hard working doggies were going to sleep in total comfort, allowing their muscles to be relaxed.

Sunday morning – it was like herding cats getting the dogs to the truck!  They were full of sass and spunk.  Exactly how a team should look before a race!  This made me feel good.  The distance was increased by 2  miles – an advantage for my team who does better over a longer distance.

The race started and I consciously slowed the team to 21 mph for the first down hill.  I kept putting my foot down harder on the mat until my GPS registered 20.9.  We needed the extra umph at the end.  The team traveled along the trail without fault.  At the 10 mile turn I asked for a HAW! so the team would take the 12 mile trail instead.  Perfectly executed, and well received!  Being on a new trail is exciting, and though we have been around this 12 mile trail many times, this was the first time this year for the dogs.  I felt like the team went on to turbo charge!

We continued on turbo charge for the next few miles, we had our usual rest mile at the usual place.  The dogs drop to 18.9 mph, I let them, knowing that they are recharging their batteries for the charge home.

On the final 2 miles  home the dogs surged again.  I rounded a corner and saw a team shut down. This broke my heart.  My thoughts are if you are going to beat someone, let it be under good circumstances – like everyone having a great run and my dogs being just a little bit faster.  To see Trisha hooked down and loading a dog was not my idea of a fun win.  I felt terrible for her.  Though, being a race I asked my dogs to go straight past and they did.  After-all, it is racing!

We placed 5th overall.  With just 9 seconds to 4th place.  As I said – seconds count! I am very proud of my little dogs.  They are sweet, lovable, and totally honest.  We trust each other, and we make it around safe and sound – most of the time.  I missed Daria terribly today.  But, Nickie, and Miriam (The subarctic Kangaroo) did a fine job in point.

Thanks to John Schauer for taking awesome photos of my team today!  There are more than what is here, so I will make sure to post a few more updates!

Thanks also to Malinda Holmes for being my number one handler.  My doggies really love her.  I do too!  And to Ami Gjestson – who incidentally won her 6-dog class this weekend.  I am VERY pleased for her and her team.  They did an amazing job!

Thanks also to Goldstream Sports for being a great employer, and also a place for expert waxing advice.  AND to Regency Fairbanks Hotel for continued support!