The Kennel
February 11, 2021 by

 

A couple days ago, I wrote a letter to an old friend of mine. She thought it might be something I wanted to share with others. So here it is… my Retirement Letter: After I finish my 21st Iditarod in March 2021, I will retire from competitive sled dog racing.

 

February 8, 2021

Hey… how’s it going? I know you’ve been going through a lot.

Since I haven’t checked in with you for some time, I wanted to reach out now because I have some news. And FYI… this is a challenging letter for me to write.

Here it is: This spring, after I finish my 21st Iditarod, I will retire from competitive sled dog racing. Yup. It’s big news for me and I thought you should know.

It might sound strange but, when I’m out there on the Iditarod standing on my sled runners all by myself, in the unpaved Alaska wilderness where wolves howl, ice cracks under my boots and the Arctic wind pierces even my thickest parka, I have never truly been alone. Yes, of course, I’ve had my amazing dogs, but I’ve also had you. You have meant a lot to me. You and many others like you. I’m not sure you can imagine the strength that I have gained from over 20 years of interaction with enthusiastic fans and friends like yourself. Do you know how much you have inspired and empowered me? So, obviously, I needed to thank you.

I don’t want you to think that I’m just up and quitting. My retirement has not been a quick decision. In truth, I know what it takes to be ultra competitive. I have always raced the Iditarod to win. While the Last Great Race has been a spectacular adventure for me, it has also been physically and mentally demanding: every year, every winter, every day, every mile. And if I’m being honest, at times, I have been challenged to my very core. I know that in the not so distant future, I will not be able to give it my 100%. So, I am retiring before I have to retire.

What will I do with my Iditarod team of huskies? You needn’t worry. As you know, I began dog mushing because of my love for my dogs and my desire to spend endless days with them. I have done just that. Together, my dogs and I have raced over 30,000 miles. We have explored the winter wilderness of Alaska for decades together. Throughout my competitive life, I never gave up my values of deep love and respect for my dogs. These will be with me until my dying day. Dogs have been, and will always be, my life.

My post-Iditarod future is somewhat undecided. I love Alaska and will continue to explore our great state. Of course, my husband, Allen, and I will together decide what our next life adventure will be.

Will I miss it? I don’t know yet. But I do know that I will miss seeing you and the many individuals who have become part of my Iditarod life. The Last Great Race has brought me face-to-face with amazing and unique people across the state and from around the world.

Like you, wonderful people have reached out to me over the years. They have given me immense energy, passion and spirit that has driven me to always, always do my best. There are so many people to thank. I’ll never forget the woman who approached me, several years ago, as I was signing autographs in the middle of a big crowd gathered in downtown Anchorage for the start of the Iditarod. With all the dogs and people crowded into the middle of 4th Avenue, I could barely hear her over the barking and cheering. People kept asking me for selfies and autographs. But she didn’t ask me for either. She gripped my arm and said, “Aliy, I need you to win.” I laughed and answered, “Yeah, I’m going to try to do exactly that.” She held my arm even tighter and said, “No, I need you to win. My boyfriend is always putting me down, and he says women can’t do things men can. I need you to prove we can.” I’ve never forgotten these words. In fact, they travel with me, glowing brightly, everywhere I go.

I want you to know I will never forget you. But now, I need you to understand that while I hope I have proven to you that I can stand strong and tall and proud alongside any person, man or woman, you need to believe that you have the same power. I truly believe you have, inside yourself, everything you need to ride over the roughest trails in life, stand up in the worst storm, stare down any challenge and make it to your own finish line – wherever you decide to put that line.

Thank you for giving me so much support and riding along with me on my Iditarod adventures for the last 20 years. My Last Great Race starts in less than a month. I know you’ll be with me!

Always my best,

             

 

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42 Responses

  • You are retiring when it best for you. We will miss you greatly but respect the reasoning and the wisdom to know when. Please reach out, maybe annually to update us about your new life (yes retirement is a new life). Many of us would be interested in how you, Allen and the dogs are adjusting and your new adventures.

    • Aily and Allen, I have enjoyed meeting you, getting autographs, and I love Amber and Nacho. I will miss my cheer for SP Kennel. I’d yell out: “Lead on Aily, way to go, Nacho, Amber alert, here comes Aily!” Thanks for the memories, and the SP Kennel t shirt and beanie. Your positive and kind words have mentored me to do what I do, I’m in training to mush myself. I love dogs, seeing Alaska from a view that’s not from a highway. Always was nice to see you and Allen to get autographs and pictures, thanks for your time. I always say a dedication as I leave the starting area when I train. This year, I will say, “For Aily, Allen and team..O.K dogs, hike!” Thank you for the memories, best wishes for your future.

  • So many feelings, so many memories, so many evenings watching the tracker and cheering you on. It’s hard to admit that we are all getting older. But Wedgy and I will continue to cheer for Bridgett and Ryne and all the bright young ones coming along. And, of course, we will be cheering our hardest next month for you, Aliy.
    Thank you for the memories, the ANWR trip, and most especially thank you for Wedgy.

  • Aliy, you have been the reason we watch the Iditarod and we have cheered you and other mushers on. Thank you for introducing us to this incredible sport and your amazing huskies! Best of luck this year and in your future – we’ll be cheering you on!

    • Aliy, I and my grandkids have followed you for several years, and cheered you on to every finish. You have shown incredible grace, strength, and perseverance through many situations. You are such a credit to the sport of mushing, and what an example of sportsmanship you are! Thankyou for letting us have one more year to celebrate another Iditarod finish with you!

  • This makes me sad. After years of devoting countless hours to following you and your kennel via Facebook and tracker it seems like the end of an era. It’s almost like following you and your publicly shared passion has become a passion for me. Following SP Kennel-Aliy Zirkle & Allen Moore is almost an addition of sorts. Your retirement is undoubtedly going to leave a regrettable void. As a SPK fanatic I’ve poured over your every written word in posts, dog logs and trail notes. Following you, your dogs and your mushing lifestyle has been such an enjoyable and heartwarming pastime. I’m truly going to miss it. I feel like I’ve come to know each and every one of your dogs as much as possible from afar through your posts, doglogs, videos, and most recently Husky Homeroom. I sincerely hope that you continue your SP Kennel Facebook Page so that your fans can continue to follow the exploits of the SPK Crew we’ve grown to know & love! I hope from the bottom of my heart that you and Commando “ROCK” Iditarod 2021!! Godspeed to the finish line of your last great race but I hope that each of your current canine athletes get to travel many more miles of Alaska trails with you and Allen.
    All the best!!

    • Aliy- I am so bummed to hear you got hurt and we all have been praying for your quick recovery. I imagine you must be frustrated & disappointed being forced to not finish your last great race. We are all with you on that as truly believe you deserved to win and go out with that. However, the universe had different plans. Regardless, what you have done for this sport, your dogs & kennel and just by being true to you for inspiring women and girls all over the world is the biggest win! You, my friend are the definition of a Winner! And I am so proud of you!
      Sending hugs and well wishes! And although the sport and fans will miss you and the Zirkle smile, here’s to your next exciting chapter and enjoying an early retirement!
      Jenni White, NH

  • What a great adventure you have ahead of you… Like the 1000 mile trails you have raced, you still never know exactly what lies ahead… and yet you mush on. I remember meeting you the first time at my first CB300 race in 2018. You were so down to earth, amazing with your team (dogs and humans) and I could feel your energy. I will admit that I had never heard of you, or any other musher before that experience. But you and Alan made me want to learn more about the mushers behind the dogs. My first time as a volunteer Vet really threw me into me into a mushing world that I quickly learned to love. We talked for a bit at a couple checkpoints and at the banquets. And I was just in awe at how much dedication and compassion went into your dogs and the race. Every year you were so wonderful and positive with every interaction. In 2019, I remember watching you slide down some snow piles with kids, just having a great time, at the CB300 finish line. I just thought it was so great to see how those kids looked up to you too.
    Although I have only volunteered for 3 races, you (and Alan) gave me a tiny peak into the wonderful world as a sled dog vet. I sure missed it in 2021 (darn covid). But I hope to return in the years to come. I have no doubt that your legend will live on after retirement.
    I have a photo that I took of Alan leaving sourdough from 2019 (I think) that is one of my favorites, and it reminds me of how beautiful the whole experience has been for me. (I think your website used it during that race for some artile back then.).
    Good luck to you in your first 1000 miles of retirement (and beyond). I do hope to see you and Alan some other time.

  • Aliy, thank you for taking the time — and for caring enough — to write us a letter. Hearing your news reminded me of when Dee Dee decided it was time for her to retire. It is sad for us, with a deep feeling of loss. We come to expect and are excited to watch and cheer for the same wonderful mushers year after year. Many, like you, have become our favorites. You become “our friends”, even though we’ve never met. We carry such respect for all of you and your love and care of your dogs. We are in awe of what you do and the stamina to race in the Iditarod. We live vicariously thru you because we cannot do what you do. But …. life does happen, and there comes a time to choose to take the other fork in the road. Thank YOU for so many years of being such a down-to-earth, incredible woman, leader, and role model in the world of mushing. I wish you and Allen much happiness and joy as you navigate your next chapter together. But before that, enjoy your Last Great Race with the dogs. Best of Luck, and may The Force be with you. We’re rooting for you!!!

  • I don’t remember exactly how I stumbled on the Iditarod from the middle of the country, but from the moment I did, I was following your journeys along the trails – the great dogs and exciting races, but also the wit, thoughtfulness and warmth with which you went about racing. It’s been exciting and moving to watch you in action and hard to imagine following sledding without you. Thanks for the grace and style you’ve brought to all this and best in all your future endeavors. I am sure you will tackle them with these same great qualities. I hope there will be some way we can all continue to follow and cheer you on.

    • I’ve followed you since the day I discovered that little whipper snapper Dallas was racing you to the finish line. No doubt we will miss you BUT you have brought so many of us with you and taught us to love this sport, the people, the history, and even your competitors. I doubt you will fade from limelight Aliy. You would make an awesome spokesperson beyond the sled dogs and racing! Hint Hint there Matson and Verizon.
      Can’t wait for the race this year. Head up, heart in. We love you.

  • Aliy

    Thank you for all that you have shown us. You are so very talented and I have no doubt you will continue to show class and grace as you journey down your path. You have inspired me as I know you have countless others and for this I thank you ! Your communication skills are next level ,Aliy, and I always enjoy listening in on your thoughts and have always admired the way that you inject humor and humility into your dialogue.Thanks again and Gods speed to you and your team.

  • Aliy, I understand this decision you have made and wish you the very best. As we say in the horse driving world “Trot on”

  • Aliy,
    I know you will truly be missed by the Iditarod. Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Go on to the next adventure and continue to enjoy life. Thank you.

  • We love you and the entire SPK Crew and Dogs…through the years and beyond! Memories will be with us always…..watching the tracker in the middle of the night…setting alarms so we could wake up and see if you left a check point yet….worrying when we see you left with 1 less Team member and feeling relief at the next SPK Dog Log post telling us who it was and how the team member will be just fine with some TLC! This Iditarod will be emotional for us too…watching you do it for the last time….we applaud your retirement and look forward to being with you in spirit on this last race!

  • Thank you for sharing your journey with us over the years. Your competitive spirit and kind nature are a rare find in today’s world. We are all better for having been a small part of your world. Wishing you all the best! Always cheering from Erie, no matter what path you choose to take in the future!! ❤️

  • You have already won The Last Great Race in our book of records! Each time you race we get to feel enthralled from your driven spirit; we get to experience the raw adventure you expose us to with true grit; we are allowed to see firsthand what unconditional love looks like as you care for, protect and bring out the best of your dogs as they do you – that symbiotic relationship that defines the best that life has to give, and you lovingly share it with us. You are a true hero like no other! For all of us who have been graced by your presence – on the trail and off the trail, you leave an indelible impression in our hearts. You are the whole complete package of strength, wisdom, daring and kindness. Your effervescent smile tells the ‘tail’ of all you bring forth for others. We love you! The one true winner! See you in Rainy Pass where I will give you every ounce of winning energy I can. Run faster than the wind!!!

  • 💞🦄💞
    “Carved” you a Norwegian HouseGod – I was “seeing” you knock him (pretty hard) at your competitors heads – keeping everyone & everything at distance – & crossing The Burled Arch as what you guys truly are – WINNERS!

    Seeing Your Dogs & You entering the finishing line FIRST- would be like feeling the sun warming my back on Mjøsa today while skiing. Magical & healing💞.

    For some reason (an extendedly habit of procrastination …) The HouseGod is still watching me all day & all night😳 Close to finished…like he has done for almost 4 years….

    Go get them!!!!

  • It will be bitter/sweet following you one last time… but look at what a great ride you have had. I wish I had been following along the entire time. There is a lot to be said for retiring when you are healthy and able to move into your next life, your next adventure. We all have to come to terms with the fact that we can’t do what we used to, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have more to give in some other way. You have a lot of experience and wisdom to pass on to others. Thank you for your commitment to this blog which has allowed your fans to follow along on your dog sledding adventures and to get to know your awesome dogs with their unique personalities. I wish you the best in the days that follow the ID. Now, I’m ready to follow along one more time,

  • This is such bittersweet news to hear about your retirement, that letter brought a few tears to my eyes reading it. I will be cheering for you In your last Iditarod! 😊

  • Ally
    My wife and I wish you and your husband the best. We have followed you ever since we met you on the train in Alaska. We admire your competitiveness and yet at the same time your care and love for your dogs. You and your husband are shining lights of the Alaskan spirit. We will pray that the good Lord will lead you both to the place you can rest, enjoy and continue to shine. Blessings

  • I will miss seeing you race, Aliy. I always wanted to race in a competitive race with you someday when I eventually get to Alaska. I am almost 18 and will be going to college next year. Someday, after I graduate college, I plan to be in Alaska and have my own sled dog racing kennel, like you did.
    I hope you enjoy your last Iditarod and I will be cheering you on!!

  • Sad to hear this is your last Iditarod but on the other hand you have had such an amazing career. Always dogs first and a smile on your face. Thanks so much for allowing us fans to go on the ride with you and all the updates. You and Allen are the best!!!! Thanks to the SPK Crew for their hard work and support. Needless to say the fantastic four
    legged dogs will surely be missed and thought of fondly. Keep us posted and enjoy your retirement. Will be watching the Last Great Race For Aliy!

  • Somewhere, years ago, I read an article about you and that introduced us to the world of dog mushing. Your love for your dogs, your enthusiasm and joy for the Iditarod has made you such a wonderful ambassador for the sport. We will be cheering you on this year, with happiness for you and what lies ahead, and sadness for us. The Iditarod will never been the same.

    Thanks for the memories, the ANWR trip (please tell Allen that Larry still drinks warm orange Tang), and we will be excited to follow your next adventure.

  • Ten years of following SPK and all the wonderful ups and downs. There will be a hole in my heart when it is over for sure. I know all good things must end but I was so not ready. However I honor your choice to go out basically on top and enjoy another block of life. We all need to reinvent ourselves a time or two at least. You have always been my hero–both you and Allen–and I will never forget my visit in Aug 2014 when I got to pet Quito and Olivia and met the Surfivers when they were just a few weeks old. Go in peace and harmony into exciting new trails and find joy, adventure and hopefully more tales to share. Thank you for being who you are and all the sharing you have given to your friends and fans.

  • i did not read any of the replies..i give to you what i faced..my time to retire…not from sport..but from job..personal image….at the top of my personal game also..step back…decide..now what shall i be…it’s just change..change happens..and hopefully at our timing..if not..make what you can of it…peace to you..step forward ..boldly ..and loving your next step…peace

  • Although I have never met you in person, I have always admired your dedication to your dogs and the sport you LOVE. I have followed your journey since almost the beginning and have ALWAYS rooted for you. You are a true Sportsperson. I will miss following you after this season ends. Godspeed and the Divines blessings on all your and Allen’s future endeavors

  • Wow! So many thoughts, but none of them adequate. There will be time to gather the thoughts and feelings, but for now… thank you for all you share with us. Wishing you grace and love and joy in this final Iditarod, and in the trails that beckon.

  • Hi Aliy, this feels so sad to me, but I totally understand, and was thinking in just the last couple of weeks that it had to be coming in the next few years. I am so grateful that I was able to meet both you and Allen, at a Meet the Mushers in Anchorage in 2008. At that time, I had no idea that you were both contenders. I came back to Colorado, telling people that mushers are awesome down-to-earth people, and it was only after I got home that I realized that you’re really in the who’s who of mushing. Wish I had made it back for another live experience, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. And I wish I had been able to meet Quito, but I think 2008 was a little before her time. I have a large stuffed sled dog on my headboard that I got at the Iditarod headquarters when I was there (and that rode back to Colorado on my lap on the plane, as there was no other place to put her). I named it Quito many years ago, even though I never met her. She gets a big hug every time I dust the headboard, and she’ll get a huge one tonight, from you. I hope you’ll keep your Facebook page or blog, or something up, so that we’re all able to follow what you’re doing. Whatever it turns out to be, have a great retirement. And if you should ever travel to Colorado Springs, please look me up!

  • We will miss following you (and the race) as you end your Iditarod career, Aliy. What fun it’s been!! Meeting you at the mushers’ banquet a few years ago is a special, happy memory and we wish you well in whatever you decide to do in your next phase of life. You are a true champion in all the ways that count.

    P.S. If Clyde is still in your neighborhood, please give him a snuggle from me!

  • Aliy–

    Going out on one last Iditarod will, I suspect, like a victory parade. Everyone loves you and I expect this will be a wonderful experience to see the outpouring of love from all those you meet along the way this year.

    SP Kennel has become a part of me through all these years. Sponsoring Chena for her career was a blessing. Thank you for allowing me to do that. From the first (2003?) I knew I was a fan – you were from New England, you went to an Ivy League college, a sportswoman – I identified with you. And your husband is your greatest joy.

    With all my love, and best wishes for you future plans, your fan, Margaret.

  • Doesn’t seem that long ago that I was sitting in Whitehorse in 2000 watching you get that YQ trophy. Or sitting by the side of the trail with you resting our dogs in minus God Knows What temperature outside of Bettles. Or hearing about you having to chase Bison away with your axe! Or loving that you passed Jeff King by on the coast with Cha Cha in lead. So many great memories watching you and Allen and learning from you both. As you know, those winters in Alaska are treasured memories for me and I owe that all to you two. 2021 Iditarod will be the end of one era for you and the beginning of a great new chapter for you both. Congratulations on all you’ve done and all that you have meant to your legion of fans, and heartfelt thanks from me. D’Ann and I and Hank will be following you and thinking about you this year on this crazy 2021 route.

  • Hello from TEXAS, We wish you the best of luck in your final race. You will be missed and fondly thought of every year when I watch the standings from a far. You have been my favorite to watch and root for. May God bless you and keep you both in his hands.
    Thanks for the memories…. GOD SPEED and go win this one….

  • I will miss cheering you on from afar. I am retired and I was a recreational musher.
    Running dogs when you don’t have to train is so much more fun. Enjoy!

  • Welcome to retirement. You did well for the racing you did, and maybe its time for that breather. Time to do other things you might want to do and to rid the frustrations of getting each race done yearly for 21 years. I’ve been a fan for you for many races. Enjoy some of the new life in retirement. IF you get to bored, you could always race again.

  • I started to write this congratulatory message yesterday, but got distracted. This morning we read about your horrific crash and you being medevac’d to Anchorage. We are crying for you. But, we also heard you have been released from the hospital. We are hoping your injuries aren’t severe and your recovery swift. But, we are still crying and so sad for you. This was to be your joyous Victory Lap and a crowning cap to your achievements. But, your achievements are very many and you must be so very proud of them (as we are of you). We are two elderly ladies who live in Southern California. But, I am an Iditarod Insider and have followed you and Martin as my Favorites for very many years (and Dee Dee during her racing years). We wish you and Allen the very best and hope that, if we ever travel to the Fairbanks area, you and Allen would entertain a brief visit so that we could personally congratulate a wonderful woman athlete and person (Allen, too ).

  • Will miss you so very much, but it’s time for you to relax and enjoy Alaskan life with Allen and the dogs. Hope and pray your days and years will be just as you desire and envision. Thank you for all you have done for and with dog racing and Iditarod.

  • Aliy- I am so bummed to hear you got hurt and we all have been praying for your quick recovery. I imagine you must be frustrated & disappointed being forced to not finish your last great race. We are all with you on that as truly believe you deserved to win and go out with that. However, the universe had different plans. Regardless, what you have done for this sport, your dogs & kennel and just by being true to you for inspiring women and girls all over the world is the biggest win! You, my friend are the definition of a Winner! And I am so proud of you!
    Now for the next exciting chapter, enjoy retirement the future is bright! 👍

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