We are entering into our second full month of sled dog training here at SP Kennel. October will be a month of consistent and reliable training. We expect to have the dogs well adjusted to longer, steady miles. By the end of the month, we will be well into hill training and speed intervals.
Our current weather is ideal for this time of year. The nights are cool with temperatures into the 20's. Daytime temperatures are in the upper 30's and occasionally into the 40's. Ice has formed on the puddles and ponds. The small puddles are as hard as ice skating rinks, but the larger, deep puddles break open as the dogs trot through - offering them a well deserved drink. There is a small amount of snow on the ground, especially in the hills.
We have defined several of our racing goals for the season:
- The Sheep Mountain 150 is scheduled for the second weekend in December. This is a stage race with three 50 mile legs. The route is in the heart of the Alaska Range Mountains. The fitness of the musher, as well as the dogs, is important in this race. SP Kennel took 2nd place last year.
- The Copper Basin Sled Dog Race will once again start the second Saturday in January. The challenging 300 mile race has been won by either Lance Mackey or, our own, Allen Moore, for the last 5 years. We expect to have a fantastic team in the event.
- The Denali Doubles Sled Dog Race will be a new 265 mile event established by Jeff King. It is very intriguing since it requires that two mushers participate with each dog team. This race is scheduled for the second week in February. What a combo: a husband/wife SP Kennel team!
The Alaska Dog Mushers Association hosts their annual Sled Dog Symposium in early October. Aliy has been asked to speak about “Caring for the Health of your Dogs’ Feet”, whereas Allen will be speaking to the audience about his success in Mid Distance races.
I hope that you all continue to monitor the Dog Log (www.SPKDogLog.com). I plan to answer the many questions that I have received from some of you very soon - I am working on audio post responses to them all.
Some of you have asked for more videos on the Dog Log. Trust me - the reorder is working! Macgellan, our video expert and Dog Log creator, hopes to return to SP Kennel before winter. His skill of being able to share the passion and energy of the SP Kennel dog family last season was priceless. We are excited that with his help, SP Kennel will offer the most educational and entertaining internet source on sled dog sports.
We are on to a new month and new adventures!
Aliy
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