sportsjabber.net

Yes I am talking about the Iditarod.

Why? I actually tutored a girl about ten years ago that trained for this event and have a little knowledge of what is involved.

I have gone to a few area trials and was just amazed.

I love dogs.

I am talking about a race that has over 1150 miles of the roughest, most beautiful terrain Mother Nature has to offer. She throws jagged mountain ranges, frozen river, dense forest, desolate tundra and miles of windswept coast at the mushers and their dog teams.

Add to that temperatures far below zero, winds that can cause a complete loss of visibility, the hazards of overflow, long hours of darkness and treacherous climbs and side hills, and you have the Iditarod.

From Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, each team of 12 to 16 dogs and their musher cover over 1150 miles in 10 to 17 days.

The Iditarod is more than a race in a lot of ways. If you have ever seen the movie, “Balto”, you know that back in the 1920′s these dogs carried serum to treat diptheria victims.

Mushers have different tactics. There are certain pieces of equipment each team must have — an arctic parka, a heavy sleeping bag, an ax, snowshoes, musher food, dog food and boots for each dog’s feet to protect against cutting ice and hard packed snow injuries.

Today 71 dog teams have taken off on their quest. And I will be following some of it. Why? Because it’s man and beast against the elements. It’s about willpower and it’s about bravery.

HERE IS THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

It has full race info, templates and charts you can print off and teaching materials.
WEATHER TRACKER

And a MUSHER LISTING

It may be fun to check and see if there is anyone from your
state racing and make it more personal thing….

I will try and post as many pictures and updates as I can so
hopefully you will follow along with me….