2013 Beargrease

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I knew coming into this race my team was weak since they were barely over the virus we had picked up at the Ely race. Sure enough we had a very slow first leg, but it gave me plenty of opportunity to drink water and enjoy the scenery! It was the first time I had seen that trail all in the daylight which was really nice! It was pretty warm and the trail was soft and slow from the wet +4 inches of snow the night before. They did not rest well at all at Two Harbors, guess we were going so slow who was tired? lol:) They wanted to play with each other or just stood there but I still gave them 3 hours. They were much stronger and faster on the second leg. Unfortunately had two dogs develop shoulder/wrist injuries so dropped them in Finland. Dogs rested better at Finland but still didn't seem all that tired. Left Finland with six dogs in about 8th place but somehow missed a sore dog and after thinking it over I made the difficult decision to turn around several miles out and scratch. As much as I wanted to finish the race most importantly I want to do what is in the best interests of my dogs and I feel good knowing I did that. I would love to someday have clean runs at Beargrease so hopefully next year things will go better!!!
... Talon-2006 (M) (L)
Pedigree
It was my fault for making the mistake of putting the females in point right behind Talon and that was just too close for him to focus. It was too late to make a big change so just moved him out of lead instead. Wish I had put him in lead for the second leg as he was on fire but he was in lead for the 3rd leg and was doing awesome until we had to turn around and scratch. Always a dog that gets stronger and faster the farther you go and with little rest. One of my main powerhouses!
... Sparrow-2004 (F) (L)
Pedigree
Sparrow is such an awesome dog, she just goes and goes!!! Put her up front not far into the race and she led all the way to Finland. Slower conditions were probably better for her being that she has slowed down a tad at almost 9 yrs. old. I am really glad I got to race her one last time though she was dropped in Finland due to a sore shoulder and wrist. She is a great dog!! Thanks Sparrow for leading on your last Beargrease!!
... Haley-2006 (F) (L)
Pedigree
Haley ran point the first two legs then was in lead with Talon for the last leg and was doing great. Sad we couldn't have finished but it just wasn't our year. Haley has been a tough and reliable little leader for me and though she prefers faster conditions where she can really fly she did great!
... Hawk-2009 (M) (L)
Pedigree
Hawk ran lead most the race (1st and 2nd legs) and did awesome!!!! Very excited about this super young dog!!! I was upset with myself for missing his injury upon leaving the Finland checkpoint, didn't want to worsen it so made the decision to turn around.
... Swift-2009 (M)
Pedigree
Always one of my best dogs, Swift was very skinny after losing a lot of weight (and some muscle tone) when he picked up the bug and had bad diarrhea but he still did awesome!!! Tireless hard worker, just an incredible dog!!!
... Lark-2009 (F)
Pedigree
Lark is a dog that grabs everyone's eye as she has a beautiful lean racy build and is loaded with endless energy always jumping to go. She ran a flawless race as always, just a super dog!!!!
... Venture-2011 (M) (L)
Pedigree
Venture did excellent, was trying to pick up the pace, look for him to be leading my team in the future! A huge asset, so glad I raced him as I loved having his power!!! He did outstanding and can't wait to race him next year!!