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March 11, 2014 by

Thank you all for your touching and heartfelt comments and messages. Aliy will see them in the next couple of days.

I don’t really know what to say. Honestly, I’m sitting here thinking how I can possibly describe what happened here tonight. I wanted to avoid the words “roller coaster” but there is nothing else that I can think of to describe our emotions over the last 12 hours. Everything including hope, joy, worry, pride and relief all in very quick succession and over and over.

Mother Nature was brutal out there and we are so happy Aliy, Quito, Nacho, Willie, Waylon, Clyde, Pud, Olivia, Boondocks, Mac and Sissy are now safe and well in Nome and all of them sleeping comfortably.

Chica was left in Safety and she will be nicely tucked up and sleeping there with the vets and volunteers. She will complete her journey to Nome once the weather settles a bit and she can get transportation along the trail. Aliy thought she tweaked her shoulder and she didn’t want her to continue.

The news agencies will write their stories overnight and I’ll link you to them tomorrow. We’re spent so we’re going to catch a couple hours of rest before heading back to the dog yard. And don’t worry – there are plenty of volunteers at the dog yard keeping watch over our best friends. Don’t tell anyone but Waylon is sleeping in bed with Meghan. Aliy apparently promised him if he made it to Nome he could sleep in the bed.

It was such a frantic and fast moving finish that I didn’t get very much in the way of video or pictures. I’ll go through what we have and get something to you tomorrow. Until then: thank you for staying up/getting up to support Aliy and her Red Team to the finish. Thank you.

– Moira

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88 Responses

  • Hurray Aliy…. First I'm glad you and team are safe. 2nd I'm glad you made it to Nome in one piece. I have cheered you and followed this race with high hopes and will cheer you again next year too. You are my girl on the trail, an icon for every female out there who competes in a man's world. I know your disappointed, as are we, but you are still the best and the winner in my heart.

  • Sleep well ALL of you. It was an amazing job that you did keeping us updated throughout the race, right to the end and now beyond. You really made us feel like part of the team. I have to say, having met Aliy, Allen, Doug and Mickey in Anchorage—they are some of the nicest people we have ever met. So warm, so welcoming. Truly and inspiration for how to LIVE life and treat people. Thank you again to ALL of you. Sweet dreams.

    Charlene & Lisa
    Erie, PA
    (yes, Brenda's friends)

  • Aw Moira,
    You have all done such a fantastic job.

    Thank You for allowing us to feel like part of such an amazing historic race. Aliy and her team, and by that I mean the entire crew, not just those fuzzy cuties, are phenomenal.
    Enjoy each other's company and get some well deserved rest.

  • Such a test of endurance, strength and perseverance! A Big Congratulations to Aliy and the Red Team !! Thank you Dog Log for helping us get a glimpse of the action along the way!
    I will continue to look forward to posts about Allen and the Black Team as they continue on their journey!

  • Thank you for all of your wonderful updates. The race was well run. Lots of obstacles to work around. They should be proud of the race they ran! Rest well, knowing the race was well run. Sending virtual scratches behind the ears for the furry athletes! Congratulations to all!

  • What an exciting night of GPS tracking! Aliy completed an amazing race, and I am sure she is exhausted. I am exhausted from just following the GPS all night from Texas. Congrats on the finish and taking such good care of your children!! Can't wait to watch you again next year!

  • Thanks for being a wonderful NH role model for accepting a challenge, working hard to attain goals and for the loving care you give your dogs. We admire and are proud of you.

  • So very proud to have been cheering you on during this challenging race. You ALL put in a great race and althoughnI am sure you are disappointed, I am glad you made it safely and in such good time and with such good dog care.
    Get some good rest now.
    You are a champion to me Aliy.

  • Aliy, congratulations on such an incredibly tough race well run. It must have been hard to finish second, but we are all so proud of you and the dogs, and you were obviously trying to put their safety first. What tough athletes you all are. Best wishes from an expatriate Alaskan in Connecticut – I'll be rooting for you again next year.

  • So inspiring and amazing and wonderful! Congratulations to Aliy and her teammates and everyone at the SP Kennel. Truly awesome!

  • Thanks for this last Red Team Race update…..was wondering who was left in Safety. At least Chica doesn't have far to travel to get back with her pack! It certainly has been a whirlwind! This will be one heck of a Trail Journal to read once Aliy puts pen to paper….wow…an amazing feat just surviving this one! Enjoy some rest and relaxation…you all deserve it.

  • Thanks so much for this report – you are the very, very best!!!

    Moira, don't beat yourself up on the video issue. It all happened in a blur of 2 minutes!!! And actually, splicing in stills, if you can, might be even more effective – can't wait to find out what music you'll use (some Wagner – Ride of the Valkyries, perhaps?).

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V92OBNsQgxU

    The finishing pictures I've seen so far show Aliy looking like the winner!!!

    Which, of course,she is. Can't wait for stories from the trail!!!

  • Thank you Aliy and team for these most interesting days. I´m glad, to see you all safe and on second place. Your time will come.

    Good rest and be happy about your place!

    Best wishes from Germany to Alaska
    Christian

  • Almost speechless over the events of he past night. I expected a second place finish but o King and not Dallas. To have King scratch so close to the end and Dallas blaze through Safety are nothing short of unreal. The stories that have yet tobe told by all 3 competitors….

    Aliy and Red Team dogs: your fans believed in you to the end. Your dogs are absolutely amazing. Your season'srace results attest to this. Aliy, even though I would have loved to have seen you win, I am proud of your second place finish. Three years in a row says you are a great competitor and that your dogs are fantastic. So while I know there is a measure of disappointment, be proud of your accomplishment.

    A faithful fan of SPK….

  • Wow Moira – I'll bet you are all exhausted. Get some well deserved rest. Was up most of the night checking on Aliy so feeling a bit beat myself but nothing compared to you guys. So glad Aliy is ok!!!! She did an AMAZING
    job!!!!!!

  • Thank you so much for such great updates throughout the whole race! Now we just have to get Allen and his team in!

  • Aliy, you and your team ran an incredible race in less than optimum conditions. Your team mates and you are first class athletes, and YOU are a real class act.

    Now, I turn my attention to Allen and the Black a Team out on the trail. I wish them a safe journey and lots of good lessons and experiences as they traverse the trail.

    Last but not least, a huge thank you to the SP kennel handlers, bloggers and everyone else connected to your kennel who made it possible for us who love the Iditarod the chance to follow it.

    My interest will follow SP Kennels, you and Allen as you continue to follow your passions. I feel certain that your name will be emblazoned next to Libby Riddles' and Susan Butcher's in Iditarod history. Congratulations for a race well run!

  • Aliy and her red team are awesome! You did a fantastic race! 🙂 You are winners in our minds! Get so e much deserved rest!

  • Absolutely Grand Achievement for Aliy, the four-foots,
    and all the SP Kennel Team.
    Too bad about the cherry on top, but the banana split is epic!

  • This was the first time we really tracked the race from start to finish and it was AMAZING… we were rooting for Aliy the entire way. Enjoyed all the updates and stories from SP Kennel team. We even got up super early today for the finish, and we were not disappointed at all. You are an inspiring woman Aliy and we wish you and your team a wonderful and well-deserved rest!!
    Fans in Pittsburgh, PA

  • Still shocked by the finish. Congrats on running a true champion's race every step of the way.

    Glad everyone is safe.

    Barb and the agility Papillons, Samurai and 2011 AKC Preferred National Agility Champion, Taylor

  • You did a wonderful job throught the whole race! Always the best to you and I will always support you!

    Hugs~~~Barb

  • Fantastic job Red Team !!!!!!

    Please post a picture of Waylon sleeping with Meghan. That would be priceless.

  • SP Kennel Crew (4 and 2 legged);

    This is the first year my wife and I have sponsored SPK in any way. All I can say is "thank you" for letting us into your world to experience this incredible sport. The dogs are such tremendous competitors and the mushers are fantastic athletes.

    Some reflections; a human runs a 26.2 mile marathon and collapses. The triathlon is a total of 140.6 miles (112 on a bike). These dogs and mushers run the equivalent of 7.1 triathlons in about 9 days over every terrain you can imagine.

    Special shoutouts;

    While all the dogs are fantastic, 3 have struck me;

    Pud – not striking appearance wise and not a leader but such a solid player who just does his job.

    Quito – not much to say that hasn't been said but that picture of her leaving White Mtn. Both my wife and I commented on the determination showing on her face.

    Boondocks – in both the YK and the Iditarod to see this small dog race with the "big dogs" was great, she has a heart the size of Alaska.

    Allen, Aliy and the SPK crew; You all show your love of the dogs and are good folks. We are proud to have supported you and look forward to the future!

  • Wow! Congrats to Aliy and team, and SP Kennel for news. What a nail-biting finish. When I woke I thought Jeff beat her by two minutes; then read the news and was stunned. Best wishes to Jeff and doggies.
    We love Aliy!
    Jettie

  • Hip Hip Hip Hooray! Aliy and the Red Team have made it to Nome in a championship manner with some exemplified examples of how to run the race but even more so how to respect and take care of the dogs. So very prod of you all, I have been watching glued to the screen all the way through from the beginning in Anchorage to Nome. So glad everyone is safe and that you all finished the race that was set in front of you. This will be a memorable experience for me for times to come, Thank You. You all have a very special place in my heart forever. Welcome to Nome Aliy and Red Team, congratulations! Thank You!

  • Fantastic race Aliy. You are the best musher, always putting the dogs first. Super exciting race, with a great plan. Considering the conditions 2 min behind is such a great feat. All of us are a little disappointed, that it was not first. However you have a fantastic support group — fans, crew, handler's, family that continues to support & cheer you on. And Allen is the second best musher. Safe travels Allen & team into Nome. Hope Waylon enjoys his sleep in the bed with Meghan. Thanks SPK for such great videos, pictures, updating, and posts. You are the best. Fantastic job by all.

  • WOW!!! Amazing race this year! Thanks to the wonderful family of SP Kennels! You guys are a great team! I appreciate all the update and fantastic coverage u all do! It's obvious that this is not just a job. Take time to rest and get geared up for Allen and the Black Team's arrival! Job well done!!!!

  • Aliy, you are the VERY BEST MUSHER in the whole world!!!!
    The dogs are BEYOND PERFECT!!!!!
    I have no words to express how much I admire and love everybody at SP KENNEL!!!!!
    Moira, Meghan, Mac, Kaz, Bridgett, Aliy's Mom and Dad, and anyone else I might accidentally forget have accomplished a fabulous TEAM effort!

    Looking forward to see Allen and the young pups cross the finish line happy and well!!!

  • It is difficult to describe how unbelievably proud I am of you Aliy and the amazing race you ran this year. In a few weeks, months, years when someone looks at the list of first place finishers, they will never understand what a truly great competitor you were during this race. You won this race on so many levels beyond being at the top of the leader board and are amazing, inspiring and a fantastic role model for human kind. I will continue to be an avid supporter of SP Kennel and I know you will win multiple Iditarod's over your mushing career.

    You are a winner in my book and I know you have won over the hearts of so many kids, men and women all over the world including myself with your amazing display of courage, strength, effort and love for your dogs and family. Congratulations on the most fantastic race! Big hugs to you and the entire team. Rest well and I will see you again next year! This time I will be in Nome too!

  • I didn't sleep at all last night in Rochester, NY! I have made all my students, family, and friends HUGE Aliy fans. So glad you made it to Nome safe and sound. You are my inspiration and a true role model for my two daughters. One day, I hope to watch you run in person!
    Rest and recover,
    Margi L.
    Rochester, NY

  • Aliy,

    You and your pups ROCK! Congratulations on a race well run. It was awesome and exciting and we are so proud of you. Your Connecituct contingecy has been cheering you on, praying hard and busy growing your fan base. You are an inspiration to us all. We're thankful you're safe, thrilled you finished so well and totally bummed all at the same time! Have a good rest. Hug your dogs for us (and your mom and dad and sister, too).

    Lots of love, Heather (Kelley), Dan, Ethan, Emma and Brendan

  • To Aliy and her wonderful dogs, a sincere well done on your achievements. OK second, that must hurt the 3rd year running. There is always next year. But on the plus side, it was a fabulously run race by you and Dallas. Leaving Chica behind must have taken up time. You did the best for your dogs.
    I have been watching from the UK for years and I love the Iditarod.
    Have done dog sledging myself, so I know how hard it is,to look after the dogs and yourself, in any condition the trail throws at you. Which sounds, as if it was the worst of the lot.
    Recover and be proud and thank you for being you.
    Best wishes
    Anna

  • So thankful that Aliy and the Red Team have made it safe and sound! What a race! And thank you to the SP kennel crew for keeping the fans involved and updated all through the race, you guys are the best!

  • Aliy, i am so proud of you,your dogs,especially NACHO,your team,SPK and your entire way you and Allen approach Dog sled racing. I am in AWE of your can do attitude and good nature,competetiveness,stamina,fortitude and toughness.God Bless and Congratulations on one heck of a FAST race!Rock ON!!!!

  • Aliy, you are simply amazing! You ran an incredible race and you are a heroine and inspiration to all of your fans! You and the Red Team are our champions!

  • Thanks for the update Moira, everyone your way deserves a big rest after the relentless work and drive. It certainly was another nail biting event. Twists and turns of an event that unfolds in such a surprising way. We had been pulling for Aliy and she is still the winner to us!!

    Best, Trish McAleer

  • Dear Aliy, You made us so happy to support you all! It was a roller coaster, and I cant imagine what it was like out there. You have a few records you made this yr. Still on one of the fastest time to Nome list; Has anyone else been 2nd three yrs in a row?! Amazing stamina for You and the doggies. SPK consistent winners! So happy you got there happy and safe!
    ditto to all what was said above- Support team is the BEST!
    Padee- Santa Rosa

  • WE were on that roller coaster with you. I can't write what we were saying! I wanted everyone safe, but man, I wanted Dallas to lose the trail or something!

    You ALL have made us feel a part of your family, it's so easy to follow, cheer & cry at the same time. I started following you folks 3 years ago when I knew nothing about mushing. I was tracking Dallas that year, and there you were Aliy, pushing into my eyesight. Before the end of the race, I was screaming for you. I have not stopped!

    SP Kennels is the very definition of true sportsmanship and I am proud to say I follow your team. Thank YOU for sharing as much with us as you do.

    Safe travels to Allen and his team now.

  • Wow. What a week. My admiration for Aily and the whole SP family just grew even more that I thought possible. Aliy, you are such a fabulous role model and tonight you showed that more than ever. You made a difficult choice that showed that no matter what is on the line, you will take care of those amazing animals as they are counting on you. Thanks for the wild ride and congratulations on a fabulous race. You are a true champion.

  • We were cheering for Aliy all the way to Nome. She is an inspiration to women everywhere. So strong and so positive. We will be in Alaska for the race next year (from California). We hope to watch her win in person when we are standing next to the burled arch.

  • part of the kansas contingent checking in to express my admiration for Aliy and the Red Team. not only for an amazing race under such incredible conditions, but for the grace and honor and sportsmanship Aliy showed throughout. It's not just her (and the dogs) athleticism that is so inspiring, but her integrity and spirit. thanks so much for a fantastic and inspiring race.

  • Aily, you are the personification of stamina, smarts and grace. My hat's off to you for a race well run in more than difficult conditions. Your 4-legged team certainly gave it their all when you asked it of them. I know you are proud of them. Thanks to the bloggers and support staff for keeping us in the loop.

  • And let's hear it for Sissy and Pud who have never come this far before and certainly not in such conditions! I'm proud of them all and especially of those two.

  • Hoping to see more of the Black Team now the the "race" part (for first place) is over.

    IIRC, place one to #30 gets a prize – awesome for the Black Team if they can do this on a training run for the youngsters!!!

    Go Beemer, Vroooom!!!

    –Margaret

  • You and your team are absolutely a winner, no matter a few minutes on the race clock. Thanks for being such an inspiration, such an amazingly strong woman, and such a gracious human being! To all of the SP family, congratulations and thank you.

  • Thanks Aily for an amazing race. It was exciting to check where you were at and to see the pictures. (Even saw you mentioned last week in a Mass. newspaper.)

    Well done to you & your pups!

  • Aily….I was really pulling for you, what a great race and you've had an absolutely fantastic run these last 3 years. Looking forward to seeing you next year and I'll be pulling for you once again. Thanks!!

  • Aliy you and your amazing team helped turn this California girl into a cant wait to mush again person. Tons of love and respect to all of you!

  • So proud of you for wisely making your welfare and that of your dogs the priority. You ran a fantastic race and are a true winner, Aily.

  • Brooksville Elementary School third and fourth graders in Maine adore Aliy, Allen and your amazing teams. We've been following you both for years and cheered you on this year. We think you're all winners. Good job!

  • Ditto to what Dawn E said! After pouring over your blog three years ago during the Iditarod, we fell in live with SP Kennel and all involved; both human and canines! Love the promise Aliy made to Waylon! Thanks again for all you do with the Dog Log to make us all feel like we are right there with you all.

  • Aliy and team:

    We stand by you! Congrats on a great race. Here's to a safe arrival by Allen and the Black Team. You guys are so great at what you do.

    Steve, Karen, Annaleigh, Kate and William Laine
    Kennesaw, GA

  • You are such a big hero to so many people! I've never followed or really cared about the race, but when the name 'Zirkle' showed up in online news a few days ago, several of us Zirkles here in NH had to check it out! I've learned so much and look forward to following you at some other races or even next year at this time. Congratulations x10x10! diane zirkle, durham, nh

  • Sebastian mentioned SPK handlers who battled the elements in Safety. Said one lost the windshield. Would love to hear that story too when you get a chance.

  • So proud of SP Kennel, Aliy, and her awesome team of athletes Quito, Nacho, Willie, Waylon, Clyde, Pud, Olivia, Boondocks, Mac and Sissy. Via my smart phone, IPad or laptop, I was connected to the Iditarod 24/7. Our granddaughter, Annie, is the official sponsor of fire pup Commando. Hubby and I are the financial backer! Needless to say, we kept an eye on Big "O" and Nacho. Aily, I couldn't pick a better role model for teenage girls like Annie than YOU. A strategist. An athlete. But most of all, a warm, caring and compassionate woman who LOVES her dogs. We're coming to Fairbanks in early August when I hope to personally thank you for providing us with the ride of our lives.
    Blessings to all at SP Kennel.

  • Ally: I want to echo ALL of the sentiments that have been posted. You are an amazing musher and your love and care for your dogs is an inspiration to us all.

    I first saw you last summer when you jumped aboard the Princess Train to speak to us about The Iditarod. I immediately started following you on FB and enjoying the SPK page.

    It has been such fun following the Iditarod for the first time this year and I will be back in the years to come–cheering you (and Allen) on every step of the way. And I can't say enough about your wonderful, hard working dogs. Very impressed with them but most of all impressed with the love and care shown to them every day by everyone at SPK.

    Keep working hard and we will be with you always. Congratulations on a great year!

  • Just want to thank all of you at SP for such a great job with the dog log all race and all season! Aliy hold your head high you put the dogs first and that why everyone loves you!

  • Thank you Aliy and Allen for showing us what true courage and care for animals is. For allowing us to see what awesome dogs the Alaskan Husky's are. We admire You and Allen and cry when we think about the marvelous dogs that get to show their true potential. You and your dogs are always winners.

    Sandra & Julie

  • Dear Aliy, Quito, Waylon, Willie, Nacho, Boondocks, Mac, Olivia, Sissy, Clyde & Pud, and Biscuit, Scout, Scruggs, Schmoe, & Chica, Handlers….basically the entire Red Team.

    WOW!! From afar, in Spruce Pine, NC, we stand in utter, humble, Awe, Admiration and Amazement over all you accomplished and overcame in THIS race! I'm sure all will agree that this 42nd Iditarod will go down in history as one of, if not the most challenging, demanding, grueling, butt-kicking races of all time. I know you're hurting over that 2 minutes & 20 seconds and probably running the "if only's" through your mind and my heart truly breaks for you in that regard. **BIG, BIG HUG** But know this dear, sweet Aliy, your extraordinary spirit, INSANE ability & stamina, genuine self-sacrificing love, loyalty and dedication to your dogs, positive never-give-up attitude, always showing kindness and gentleness to complete strangers and your beautiful mega-watt smile……YOU inspire US to be better! To dig deeper. To press on. To keep going, not just when the going gets tough……but when the going is near impossible! We LOVE you and so appreciate the example you are to millions of folks all around the world…..even in this tiny little mountain town in western NC. I leave you with this:
    2 Timothy 4:7
    "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

    Hugs and kisses for all the pups too! =D

    Your loving, die-hard fans in Spruce Pine, NC
    Debbi & David Robinson

  • Thank you for taking excellent care of your dogs and putting their health first. This last week has been exciting and you have picked up plenty of new fans.

  • Aliy Zirkle. My hero. What an inspiration, what a tremendous sportswoman, what a great leader, what an amazing human being! Congratulations on your great race! You and your team have made us all proud!

  • Greetings from Maryland! Aliy, I have been following you daily and cheering you on. All my Facebook friends have gotten daily updates on your status and position. What a thrilling race it has been! Of course I am disappointed that you didn't come in first, but honestly, I am so grateful that you and the dogs are ok in that harrowing last night. You inspire us all to persevere, to never give up, to give it 110%, and to smile through it all. You are a class act and an awesome musher. Thank you for a fabulous two weeks. And thank you to your team for posting the videos, the photos, and the updates. You are loved across the country!

  • Aliy…This is one more in a long string of thanks and pride and encouragement to you and your team. I've said it all week and I'll say it for years to come…you are an incredible woman and deserving of high praise. You did the right thing in Safety for you and for your dogs. I'm sure it stings now, but you will come out the other end wiser and stronger.

    What an insane race it was this year. The few pictures we've seen of the Gorge and the Burn are ridiculous. So many ended up hurt of had sleds destroyed… YOU made it through to the end which is an incredible feat in itself. I will always be rooting for you girl. You are a rare gem. Rest well sister….and giant hugs to those great dogs of yours. I can tell they love you very much! 🙂

  • There's no "quit" in Quito and there's no "i" in Team. You are rock stars – every single one of you. Congratulations and thank you for taking us along with you on this amazing ride xo

    Karla, AUS

  • Aliy, I am proud to know you…and I know I'm not the only one that feels that way. Hearing your harrowing story on the video astounded me. You are truly amazing. You always praise the dogs but I want to say: Those dogs are lucky to be loved and cared for by an incredible woman such as you!

  • Congratulations Aliy to you and your team of superb athletes- From a Siberian Husky owner in Richmond,VA. It's been an inspirational thriller to follow your quest over the last week via the Iditarod app. and the Dog Log. What a run of strength, heart and courage!

  • Still so stunned, this is the fourth time I've tried to write a comment today amidst my tears.

    I'm sure you're disappointed and terribly tired. But you and your team did a fantastic job.

    PROUD!

  • Aliy, It was such a pleasure meeting you in Anchorage at the Ceremonial start… I have been watching you on the trail ever since.. What a wild and crazy ride..and you did it with determination and style. I am glad you and the pups arrived safely in Nome!
    Your love for your 'team' shines through in every interview.
    I could not be more proud to be a fan!!!
    Enjoy your rest : )

  • Congratulations, Aliy! We are all so proud of you and all the dogs. What a team!!

  • Aliy and team, First…glad you are safe and thankful for answered prayers. Second…I flew in from Texas to watch the start of the race. Wish I could have been at the finish but could not take that much time off of work. You have alot of people cheering for you in Texas. About 10 years ago, I saw someone with a shirt that said, "Alaska where men are men and women win the Iditarod." I didnt even know what the Iditarod was but I was intrigued enough to do some research that resulted in me falling in love with the sport and the men and women who compete in it. I have wanted to make a trip to watch the start for about 10 years. With all of the variables, I knew this was the year that I would be going and cheering for my favorite Musher. I am not only an Aliy fan but a loud Aliy fan and my enthusiasm and the fact that I made the trip got the people in my life excited about the race. You had so many people here in Texas cheering for you, including the police officers that I work with. So many people would ask me how you were doing in the race and I would tell them which sites to go to so that they could follow you. I know you know this..but going to say it anyway, "You may not have taken first but you are a Champion." I will be back next year and cant wait to watch you and your babies/teammates win. Be Safe and God Bless

  • Belated congratulations to the SPK crew! Still watching Allen and waiting for a safe arrival in Nome. Good job all. Fun for us, tough work for you. I know y'all have fun, too. Already counting the days until Iditarod 43! Aliy: Thank you for the autograph you gave a friend of mine in White Mountain! I look forward to receiving it!

  • The more I read about the race the year, the better I understand just what a survival situation it became for so many of you.

    Thanks for running smart, taking care of yourself and your dawgs.

    p.s. Your youtube video is about to go viral.

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