As I’m sure you all have seen, Dallas left White Mountain 63 minutes ahead of Aliy. That means the Red Team has a big — huge, maybe insurmountable — challenge to catch him. They will have to average almost a minute a mile faster to do it. That would be an enormous accomplishment!

But you just never know what might happen in the Iditarod. Remember when Aliy broke her sled at White Mountain and had to limp to Nome on one runner? Anything is possible in this race!

Also very stressful for all of us — and certainly for Aliy, too — is that Ramey Smyth has also just left White Mountain, less than an hour after her. Ramey is well known for very fast finishing speeds, so we’ll all have to hang on tight and hope the Red Team can stave him off!

I expect none of us will get anything done today besides clicking refresh buttons and checking our blood pressure!

23 Responses

  • I agree Mac. But no matter what happens or where she finishes, Aliy and the SPK dogs have given us the race of a lifetime. First woman to win the spirit award, first woman to the coast since 1989 and a (God willing) personal best Iditarod finish! Couldn't be more proud of all of them.

  • I'm holding out for her… current GPS Dallas, 4.8 mph, at 863;
    Aliy, 5.9mph, at 856, Smyth 6.8 mph
    (arghh) at 852… Go Aliy and dogs!! Someone can do the math, so is roughly and hour behind Dallas, and Ramey, can he cover ground to catch her at just 4 miles back? Yes, anything CAN happen, not wishing anyone ill, but Aliy has had such a great race, she's finishing as a champ, champ, champ! What a treat to watch her. Julie and Frita

  • Aliy, you are one incredible racer with an equally incredible team. I am so proud to be one your many sponsors and supporter.

  • Aliy, you are one incredible racer with an equally incredible team. I am so proud to be one of your many sponsors and supporters.

  • Hi, we checked the blogg (again)and I laughed and laughed. Got Valium ! is right. So many people, so proud and nervous.

    Pretty sure those dogs just love it. That's the amazing thing, just loving their gal. Congratulations !

  • All I keep thinking about today is how your old friend Skunk from your days in Bettles must be looking down from doggie heaven with a big proud smile on his face saying "Go momma go!" I agree. Go Aily go!

    –Daryl

  • aliy & the dogs have done a great job regarding run times, strategies, & recoveries.

    she & her team are as strong as the ones in front & behind her. she could keep a great position through the whole race.

    this all is such a great accomplishment for itself & shows her & the dogs' "qualities".

  • I can't get anything done today, I had to take the day off!!! Cheering really hard from Miami!!

  • This is so exciting! I believe one of the best races ever! Thank you so much for your continued blogging, the Aliy Cam and everything! Just plain wonderful! If wishes come true then Aliy will win today. Here's hoping!!!!

  • Go Go Go! Virginia Special Olympics athletes are cheering and smiling ear to ear for SPKennel and a fabulous race for both Aliy and Rayne (and the crews)

  • UGH! I have been hitting refresh and getting no where! Sitting north of Pittsburgh in 60+ degree weather cheering you on with my girls! Go Aliy!

  • Aliy and the team have given all of us one hell of a ride – whatever the result the dogs, Aliy, and all you guys at SP are awesome.

    GO ALIY GO!!!

  • I SO AGREE WITH Anonymous I'v been watching her from the very beginning she is doing awsome she should be very proud !!!! i picked two(2)women in the start and she was one of them .the other was dee dee jonrowe go ladys !!

  • It's about an hour to go 'til someone enters Nome, but Aliy has entered our hearts and is the champ in my book; she is one classy lady who loves her dogs! What a race, I am so proud to be one of her fans!

  • Nothing that could ever happen in any race would change the fact that Aliy, Allen, Z & M family members, handlers and the rest of the SP Kennel support system are the ABSOLUTE BEST! Everything they do makes it easy to be a very proud fan. A FANTASTIC group of folks.

    Go Dogs! Go Aliy! Go Ryne!

  • Alright Ryne, movin' on up!
    SP rocks!
    Go Aliy, coffee's waitin, beer, whatever you want, grrlfriend…

  • We are so proud of Aliy and her stellar team of dogs and what they are accomplishing in this year's Iditarod! You are an example to all. And thank you to all of you who have helped the rest of us be a part of this amazing experience!

    Go Aliy, Go Red Team!! You'll be home soon!

    We are proud to be sponsors and supporters of yours.

    Bob and Shirley McConnell
    Jim and Diane McConnell

  • Go Aliy Go red Team Go!!!!
    Go Ryne Go !!!!!!
    was out all day, couldn't wait to get back to my computer. So fantastic how team Aliy and team Ryne are doing. Go Girls Go.
    Maureen W

  • Amazing job. Aliy your a super example. Proud of the work you have done and what you have accomplished on this race.
    FINISH STRONG!!!!!

  • I'm so proud of Aliy and her team! Congrats for an awesome race! Cheering for you from Seattle

  • Congratulations, Aliy, on a well run race. You are an inspira tion to young girls and boys everywhere. Thanks for an exciting 9+ days. Sending Stella howls your way.
    LR

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