Great runs and Racing costs

Training is still progressing and the dogs are doing well. In fact, we took them out on a longer run, and they came in barking! Manny plans on keeping them at the same distance for another run or two, then up them again, as they are looking strong. We can't figure it out...last week, they came in looking wiped out (rough trail and all); this week, they are acting like they are still rarin' to go after a run, even though we upped their milage by 5 miles. It's very interesting and the only thing we can contribute it to is the dog food. We made the switch to Momentum a few weeks ago and the dogs are appearing to be running stronger and faster. That's the only change we've made.

Just is doing great in lead, and has been good about making sure Dusk learns the ropes of lead. If Dusk tries to stop to pee or goof off, Just simply yanks him back on the trail as if to say, "Hey buddy, it's work time!" It is really nice to see. Additionally, we are able to rotate through different leaders, which is allowing us to not only give Riley and Feather breaks now and then, but it's also allowing us to see just how many leaders we have. We went into the season thinking we really needed to get a good leader; now, we're discovering that we have them in the yard after all. Now, if we can just stay on our training schedule, we'll be fit and ready for our first race a month from now.

The B team is behind, but that's to be expected, as they are the youngsters, the oldsters and the sprint dogs who are working on making the transition to mid distance. Munchkin is doing great in lead with Dutchess, though I really need to swap other dogs out now and then to see what other leaders we have. However, the B team is just CRAZY during hookups! They are literally bonkers. I'm hoping that as we increase the miles, that they'll calm down a bit. It is actually a pain to hook them all up, as they go ballistic, leaping and bouncing around. Plus, it doesn't help that we are down a couple of harnesses due to chewing. Grrr!!

We're currently working on gaining sponsors to assist with race expenses for Manny's qualifiers this year and his Quest bid next year. If you or anyone you know can help out, please contact us.

Here's just a quick rundown of some expenses for races:
300-500 booties per race = $300-$450 (about $1 per booty, discounts for quantity)
2 bags of Momentum= $66
50# block of meat= $25
Snacks for the dogs= $20-$80 (depending on type; fish is less, lamb snacks for when it's cold
are more)
Dogcoats (if it's real cold)= $35 each
Harnesses (for spares and to replace chewed ones) = $22 each
Headlamp batteries = $20 for 2 lithium D cells; $11 for regular D batteries
Headlamp = $75-$125
Spare runner plastic = $30 a set

Those are just the basics. Of course, then you have to take other expenses into account, such as medical supplies, gas for the dogtruck, straw for the dogs, blankets for the dogs, trail dishes, Algyval (about $30 a bottle!) for sore muscles/tendons, foot ointment, and the list goes on, especially gear for the musher. So, any little bit of assistance will go a long way towards helping us achieve our goals. Sponsors will receive regular kennel updates, pictures, their name/logo will be added to our dogtruck and patches added to sled bags/parkas. Additionally, if you can make it to the kennel, we'll take you on a tour of our kennel and go out for a sledding demonstration. Plus, you'd know that you are helping a mushing family towards their goals and dreams of participating in the Yukon Quest!

Interested in sponsoring a dog, the kennel, or in helping with one of the items listed above? Please contact us at runswift@alaska.net, call at 907-488-4679 or send us some snail mail at PO Box 10436, Fairbanks, AK 99710. We'd love to hear from you today!

-Tammi