Aliy is out again on the trail with all 12 dogs. She left out 3rd from Unalakleet at 1:01 pm after resting 5:30 hours. She is with in 2 miles of Dallas and Aaron. Off down the coast!
Iditarod 2012 has been an exciting one so far, especially for SP Kennel and the SPK friends. It has been nonstop excitement and nerves. Dog mushing is such an extraordinary sport and Aliy, Ryne and the SPK dogs have such a strong following. Not just in Alaska. Not just in the USA. All around the world. I don’t get a chance to answer ever comment on the blog, but I hope I am answering all the questions. Mac and Wes are have been manning Facebook and doing an excellent job there. Please keep posting all the interesting videos, interviews and reports as well. It is what is allowing us all to follow the race so closely.
Mushing is a unique sport, unlike any other I can think off. Men and women compete on equal ground with no consideration to gender or origin. Aliy often refers to the musher as the “coach” of the team. It all comes down to how well you can read your dogs and how well you can maximize their potential. I know we say it so often, but it really is all about the dogs.
In the last year, Aliy has taken on even more responsibility with the Iditarod. She has taken over as the Iditarod musher’s representative on the Iditarod’s Board of Directors, a position voted on by her fellow mushers. She has long been a highly respected musher.
What will happen here in the last 300 miles? We’ll soon find out.
Aliy is a champion in every way!
Aliy, this 69-year-old lady in Northern California is living vicariously through you. I can’t stay away from my computer and can’t sleep at night. You have done such a great job. Good luck and good
health for you and your dogs for the remainder of the race. Jean Phillips
I was wondering if she would deliberately hold off going out first .. which she apparently did. At this point, she is 4 miles behind Dallas and Aaron is gaining. If the team is fresh and she stays this close, Allen tells me she has the advantage on the hills into White Mountain and before Nome.
No matter – I am well content.
Whoa – I just noticed Ryne moved up to 35! Go Ryne!
As I write this, Aliy is 3 miles behind Dallas. There is still a lot of racing to do. In the dark as she is mushing alone with the dogs, I hope Aliy can feel the hopes and prayers of us all urging her and the dogs on. Go Aliy! Go Dawgs!
Fantastic race you & the pups have been having, Aliy! Congrats on winning the Gold Coast Award. Have a smooth run to Shak & on from there to Nome. It would be considerate of you to pull into White Mountain after dark so your fans could get a bit of sleep while you do your 8! We'll be watching regardless.
Who was the second dog Aliy dropped in Kaltag? I didn't see Bonita in wheel when Aliy pulled into Unk.
For a smile, reading the newest update on ITC, it is clear that Joe Runyan got the message that Aliy has a huge fan base.
Even those of us who only "know her" from the online presence can't help but be impressed by her as a person, an athlete and a musher. We're all cheering her on (and all of SPK).
Ryne has just come into Kaltag which is 2/3 or the race complete for her. She must have decided to try to chase down Lance Mackey!
Bonita is our educated guess. Unalakleet crew will let us know for sure.
What is th Facebook page you have? I would like to add/like it. Thanks
All of you SPK folks are really doing a fabulous job. With your information at hand, we are "riding" with the team…and formulating our strategies for winning this great adventure. We are certain that Aliy is running her own race and getting the best from, and for, her dog athletes. Sponsoring Olivia has made this especially involving and interesting for us. Go Aliy, go Ryne, go Oiivia … GO TEAMS !!!
Wish we were really there!
Herb and Tonia
Bonita- 🙁
Ryne- GO GIRL!! 🙂
I'm like the anonymous lady, though living vicariously through Ryne! This is so exciting and everytime I check the standings, read the blogs, and look at the pictures… I just tear up – can't help it. Keep up the good work everybody!!! Love you, Ryne and wishing the Kleindiensts could be up there to see you come in at the finish line. And, praying your mother will live through this!!
Woof, woof!!! Let'm tire themselves out fighting each other, hang close enough, and nip them at the burled arch – how's that for a plan?
Go Aliy!!!
Woof!!!
Going to sleep now back in Southwestern CT, but keeping our fingers crossed for all the best of race luck these last 300 miles for Aliy and the Red Team, all our best wishes for a safe and fast run to the end!!!
Everyone said before me. So great to get the Gold Coast Award. will be cheering you most of the night. GO ALIY GO RYNE GO DOGS GO!!!!!!!!
Maureen W from BC
In my next life I am going to do better planning so I can position myself to practice and work at becoming a musher too!! So exciting, I can not leave my computer and am hanging on for the latest info on your race Aliy! I am viewing the route and weather and wonder what your strategy will be I am glad the pups are still moving you along. Woooo Wooooo Woooo! Gooooooo Aliy Gooooooo!!
Best, Trish
Again this morning I check in to see how Alliy is doing. Hope she knows how we all love her spirit and wish the best for her in the race. I can't believe how she continues in the cold and for so long! I am in SD and love to follow the race.
Wow, Aliy! What a great run to Koyuk on this years not so easy trail you GAINED 1 1/2hs on Dallas. When Joe quotes you "trying hard" it diverts from your success and put the perspective away from your ability and position to win against a team with less rest and about the se speed with the speed of your dogs strong. In this marathon staying awake game you can tap on strength still deep down where you only need to reach in a tiny ment of self focus