Saturday, November 26, 2011

First Tour

So yesterday marks the first, and earliest tour we've had.  Going into the third season feels like we've come a long way from when we started.  The dogs are more fit than any season. They know mostly every trail we've run.  Trial and error have been key components to success.  I guess with almost anything nothing comes easy. The dogs are stronger than any other season before.  I have been applying more of my running workouts, and recovery with the dogs. I find that our physiology are similar in a lot of ways.  I recover them the same way I would after a hard 15 miler.  One of the most effective workouts the dogs run is a classic "Fartlek".  Running at varied speeds to work the aerobic threshold.  For example: one morning we'll go out for a 2 mile warm up, then 1 mile "on" (speed increases) , followed by 10 min easy trot, then 1 mile "on"  .  OR  we will go out  for a hilly run and just have them run hard for up to 40 min max.  The hills force both the dogs and I to go and naturally put the harder threshold "run" in.  Boaz, the chocolate lab, is adapting really well to the tours, training, and having an awesome time with everything! He's definitely got the lead dog potential.  I am really pleased on how well he is handling the running and how well the other dogs help him and are patient with the learning process.  til next time!

 

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Goof

Goof the malamute came to us as an abused pup named, Aspen..  When I rescued him, he's managed to have several broken bones already.  Who would do that?? People that need to be shot? Maybe.  Let's just say it hasn't been an easy run with the mal.  Since Aspen had come into the pack he was able to adapt well. He ran well with the pack. Seemed to feel at home with everything around him.  Only problem was, he wouldn't let me get anywhere near him.  I tried to pet him and even hand feed him.  He wouldn't have anything to do with it. He growled at me.  He even bit me a few times.  Nothing hard just little bites to let me know he wanted his space. Little by little after working with him for long periods of time. He's somewhat getting there.  He's an amazing runner.  Given his physiology you wouldn't think he would be able to run like he does.  Where most large dogs fade during their run, Aspen manages to maintain his speed and strength.  Where the alaskan huskies seem to lack strength, Aspen has got it covered.  Also, because he's so big, he runs with a goofy stride.  Running as if his paws were a couple of sizes bigger than they should be.  His tongue slaps his face as he cuts through the trail. His ears, which seems to be three sizes to big for his head, are locked, pointed back toward me.  He's focused. He's Goofy looking.  Over time we figured the name Goofy suited him better than, Aspen. Other nick names: Vamos el Senor, Goo!  I am crazy pleased with his turnout.  He has honestly come a LONG way from the day we picked him up.  Every dog runner (musher) from time to time, will re-home dogs. Either for retirement, or in hope that the dog will run better for another team.  Goof will be the main dogs that stays with me forever. 

Friday, November 4, 2011

Call of the wild

Crazy wind coming our way.  The clouds are grey, and a crisp smell in the air.  Hopefully some snow will fall.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Boaz the lab

Boaz came to our family as the hyper one.  Now that some time has passed he's calmed a little....sorta. He started his fall training, and is looking promising. I was a little reluctant of getting a lab as sled dog at first, but my first sled dog ever was a yellow lab, named "Yellow". I thought eventually it would be awesome to have a whole team of labs! Mya single lead, Boaz, and Goof wheel.  Small team today. I want to slowly bring Boaz into the picture.