There has been some great media coverage of the Yukon Quest and a couple of articles about Allen in particular (click on red links to take you to the articles)
“In Cold Pursuit” by Amy Nordrum from “Fairbanksalaska.com”
“Seconds Matter” by Jeff Richardson from the Fairbanks Newsminer
We’re going to do our own “interview” with Allen during the weekend and we’re wondering if there are any particular questions you would like us to ask him? We’ll keep it short and ask just 5 or 6 questions so put your question in the comments and we’ll do our best to get it answered for you!
1. It is noted that the musher's conditioning is important – and we all know how humans measure "being in condition." How do you compare that to a racing dog being in condition to run the 1000 miles of the Yukon Quest or Iditarod?
2. How "old" is an 8 year old Alaska Husky in human terms?
3. Do the two long races differ in style?
4. If they do, do some dogs do better in one thatn the other because of their particular talents or capabilities?
Have you been training the dogs for Eagle Summit?
This question is for both Allen and Aliy: What can we, your loyal dog sponsors and followers, do to help even if we can't be there?
Last year's Quest finish was on Hugh Neff's home turf. Does this year's finish from Two Rivers to Fairbanks give SP Kennel a 60-second advantage?
First congratulations on the winning season, I an looking forward to the Quest.
1. I have read recently that you lost 25 lbs. during a race. I know the dogs must loose some weight and that you work hard so they don't. How much weight will a average dog loose after a 1000 mile race? What is the cut off of weight loss that you have to consider dropping a dog.
2. Most races have GPS tracking to watch the racers out on the trail. Are racers allowed personal GPS devices? Do you any other technology whil racing?
Ann in Ohio
How has the weather affected the trail and the resulting checkpoint plans this year – less snow and widely varying temperatures.
1) What do you think the average speed of a competitive team trains at?
2) Do you use a GPS to track your speed – when you are training and when you are racing?
3) I know you go out with a race plan. Is it common for you to change your plan based on what you see happening with the competitors or weather or trail conditions?
4) What are the things you like to do to stay awake on the trail, and do you train for the lack of sleep?
5) Do you listen to an ipod when you race?
6) If you are camping on the trail, what do you do to make sure that you don't oversleep?
7) Do you feel that the dogs are at the same level of fitness as last year? And do you plan it so that the dogs peak during the race?