Today I worked on speed. We had a bit of fresh snow so it was good to go a little faster because it was soft. It was a good trail to run on because the trails on Iditarod are like that, slightly wind blown with a little bit of fresh powder.
Mongoose stood out to me on this run in particular. This was the first run I’ve been able to run with him in lead on a long run and have him rise to the challenge. Normally, he loses focus but tonight he was on his a-game. It made me happy because he’s a great athlete to have up front. Plus he’s young and spunky.
There was a team out on the trail behind us at one point trying to pass us, I don’t know who it was, but I called the dogs up and we left them in the dust. Doing things like that is a real confidence builder not only for me but also for the dogs.
As usual, the dogs ate well on the trail. My face got cold with the fresh snow and I keep telling myself I need goggles but I never seem to remember. I guess it will make me tougher.
I liked running on the wind blown trail with fresh snow. It was warm so the breeze helped keep the dogs cooler. It’s good running when it’s a little warm so the dogs get used to it. We teach them to roll around in the snow when we stop and that sort of thing so they don’t get too hot.
Justin was driving my b-team and I really enjoyed the fact that they kept up so nicely. Each run, I think my confidence and the dogs confidence in themselves grows because we just conquer everything.
I love the dynamic of my team and how they love to travel fast.
I’d like to thank Tom M. for sponsoring me for a third year in a row. I met Tom during one of my tours and he’s been a huge supporter. Having people like that cheer me on in racing and training always makes each run that much sweeter.
Happy Trails,
TB
