Thursday, February 3, 2011

Hei Fra Norge

halo all,
I'm off to race tomorrow!
My stay in Norway has been fantastic, especially since I've recovered from the jet lag. My new dog team is so strong and enthusiastic, 400k should be easy for them. We've only done 3 real training runs but these guys are so much like mine plus there are only 8 of them so I've had no problem bonding with them.
The people have been fun to work with. Ketil, who owns the dogs I'm working with has been successfully running a sled dog tour operation/ racing kennel with his wife, Anguyak, for over 20 years. He has strong, fast happy dogs, really good handlers and a crazy training/ tour trail.
Anyway, we've spent the past few days preparing for four teams. Ketil and Nicolai, from Russia, started the 12 dog, 600k today. I got to spend some time exploring Røros, with the other handlers, this afternoon. Jon and I start the 400k tomorrow afternoon but we have to be there early so I anticipate a long morning followed by a fast weekend. Ketil wants us resting a lot so I'm not sure how we'll end up in the standings.
Wish us luck! I'll be done Monday!
Rachael
p.s. the website is http://www.femundlopet.no/