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Update 1
 Anchorage, Alaska

February 28, 2002

Everyone knows that the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race starts Saturday, March 2, 2002.  Right??  

Not really.

It has always seemed to me that the race really started way back around the first of September, with the early training runs.  There is so much to do every day, that each evening it's like getting into a new checkpoint. 

Dr Turner Lewis, getting ready to listen to Chip's heart, at the pre-race vet check.

We've come a long way the last two days.  On Wednesday the teams met at the Iditarod Headquarters for the "vet check".  This is where the dogs get their pre-race physical examinations.  Everything gets checked from teeth to tail...tips of ears to toenails.  Fortunately for our teams (Mitch's and Jim's) all the dogs passed with flying colors.  

Today all the mushers attended their mandatory pre-race meeting.  They hear about the trail, and the checkpoints.  They get input from the chief veterinarian. They autograph the mail they will carry to Nome, which commemorates the important place in history occupied by the Iditarod Trail-the highway for the mail, the gold and the supplies that were key to the early settlers.  They hear from the major race sponsors.  And they get a few goodies, like a nice fleece vest and some glove/mitts from Cabela's, and a complementary first aid kit from the Providence Medical Center in Anchorage. 

Tonight is the pre-race banquet.  This is a gala, festive affair, with lots of camaraderie in the air.  And it's where the mushers learn their starting positions.  This is an important issue for many mushers, who generally prefer to be among the first to go down the trail.   This is because after 50, or 40, or even 20 other teams go over the same trail in a short period, it can wear down and become more difficult to negotiate.  It seems easier for the dogs, the sleds, and the mushers to run over a fresh trail.  Hence, all those mushers who sign up on the first possible day...way back in June...are guaranteed that they will be in the front of the pack. Both Jim and Mitch are in this group.   But still...the very first musher to sign up might still be the thirtieth team to go out, since every one in that first group has equal chance at the first spot. 

Tomorrow is a day without any official scheduled activities.  Some mushers will take a short training run. Others, especially the rookies, will be scrambling around doing last minute errands. Some of the veterans will primarily focus on getting lots of rest.  Hopefully, Jim and Mitch will be able to rest up.   

Tomorrow I'll write about some other aspects of the race that people have been asking me about:  what is the make up of the field of mushers? who are the favorites?  There are lots of colorful characters in this race, and we'll start introducing you to them.  

From the Millenium Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska; for Ultimate Iditarod,  Bill Gallea

© 2002 Ultimate Iditarod, Snowcrest Racing Sled Dogs, Seavey's Iditarod Racing Team
Reproduction or distribution in any way or by any means prohibited without permission.
Ultimate Iditarod http://www.ultimateiditarod.com  email: dogboy@ultimateiditarod.com