Nov 2006 Training.

We are moving along with training, short runs of 6 miles still with 18 dogs pulling my old quad. Although I am really anxious to move the mileage up a bit, we are not ready for that just yet. The dogs are coming back from these short runs in good spirits and so far no injuries to speak of. They are motivated more now by the -20c temperatures and seem to want to just lope whenever they get the chance. It is really hard to hold them back as it is such an amazing feeling to be pulled along on this heavy machine at such a rapid pace. However, the idea here is not to go fast, but to get their muscles in shape and keep a happy attitude with no injuries.

Maui (One of the kinvig canines and mother to 6 of my main team at present) is still leading well at 11 years old, whether she will make the Quest 300 or not is still to be seen. If I do have to pull out of the yard without her for this race, it will be one of the hardest things I will have to do as she is such a trusted dog and gifted leader. Her daughter Sarah, is moving right up there with her as a good solid command leader as is her Sister Bria. I will keep switching leaders as the season progresses to give as many of them as possible exposure to leading and also a break from the responsibility.

I will probably move them up to a 10 mile run this weekend in preperation for the Copper Haul Twister race the following weekend.