"ANOTHER WILD & CRAZY WEEK HERE IN THE NORTHERN FOREST!"
Yes, this week was another adventure between running dogs and handling the flu.
First the good news, running the dogs. We were able to get out running the 12 dog racing team three times this week. We are running 10 mile in a rather hilly area with the first 11/2 to 2 miles climbing a small mountain followed by a rolling/winding terrain through a forested area with a tight loop at the half way. On each successive run the dogs cut their running time from 351/2 minutes to 34 minutes on the last run. I was very impressed with their performance and this was without any prompting, just letting them run at their desired speed. Of coarse training is training and in a race situation things can certainly change with a new trail, the commotion of the pre-race, spectators ( very different for dogs raised in the bush) and of coarse other teams & head-on passing. However, the important thing is I am very happy with their performance and I am having lots of fun.
The run on Saturday was extremely tense as I was still suffering from the effects of a wicked flu. I was weak & light headed. But, I kept telling myself , I only needed to concentrate for 40 minutes. It turned out to be 34 minutes. The loop was particularly exciting as the sled and I are being whipped around there at 19mph. I kept telling myself, I just have to hold on and go with the flow of the sled for only a few seconds. It was a great relief after the loop and rather relaxing run back home. However, at these speeds you are always concentrating on your dogs. It was a great feeling of accomplishment when the run was over. All the dogs are happy and enjoying themselves, that is what is important.
To all those naysayers: " Stop bitching about life and get out and start living it!"
Now as for the flu. It settled in on Wednesday night and still exists today in a mild form. I feel it has finally broken, but what a miserable experience. I am not use to being sick as here I am normally isolated from numbers of people and all the current viruses. But, this year I caught up. Thank goodness for Kara being here to look after the dogs and allowing me to get the bed rest required. She did a great job!
This coming week, we will be preparing for what will be our first race of the season.
Until next week........
First the good news, running the dogs. We were able to get out running the 12 dog racing team three times this week. We are running 10 mile in a rather hilly area with the first 11/2 to 2 miles climbing a small mountain followed by a rolling/winding terrain through a forested area with a tight loop at the half way. On each successive run the dogs cut their running time from 351/2 minutes to 34 minutes on the last run. I was very impressed with their performance and this was without any prompting, just letting them run at their desired speed. Of coarse training is training and in a race situation things can certainly change with a new trail, the commotion of the pre-race, spectators ( very different for dogs raised in the bush) and of coarse other teams & head-on passing. However, the important thing is I am very happy with their performance and I am having lots of fun.
The run on Saturday was extremely tense as I was still suffering from the effects of a wicked flu. I was weak & light headed. But, I kept telling myself , I only needed to concentrate for 40 minutes. It turned out to be 34 minutes. The loop was particularly exciting as the sled and I are being whipped around there at 19mph. I kept telling myself, I just have to hold on and go with the flow of the sled for only a few seconds. It was a great relief after the loop and rather relaxing run back home. However, at these speeds you are always concentrating on your dogs. It was a great feeling of accomplishment when the run was over. All the dogs are happy and enjoying themselves, that is what is important.
To all those naysayers: " Stop bitching about life and get out and start living it!"
Now as for the flu. It settled in on Wednesday night and still exists today in a mild form. I feel it has finally broken, but what a miserable experience. I am not use to being sick as here I am normally isolated from numbers of people and all the current viruses. But, this year I caught up. Thank goodness for Kara being here to look after the dogs and allowing me to get the bed rest required. She did a great job!
This coming week, we will be preparing for what will be our first race of the season.
Until next week........
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