To all of you who have supported our journey to Iditarod 2010, unfortunately, I am unable to participate in the race. A training injury last week left me with a badly pulled hamstring muscle that just isn't healing fast enough. My leg is still painful and weak and I feel I would be taking a huge risk to attempt the race at this point. The dogs will, however, be going to Nome. While our first choice was Martin's handler, Magnus, who has raised and help train these dogs for two years and is qualified for Iditarod 2011, the Iditarod Trail committee, would not allow Magnus to substitute for me. Another friend, Art Church, who is an Iditarod veteran, is, at Martin's request, going to fill in. This certainly isn't ideal. He has only a few days to get to know these dogs. He is, however, a good dog driver and will get to know the dogs quickly. I'm thrilled that the dogs are getting to experience the trail. That's been the goal all along. However, it sure is a bitter pill to swallow to watch someone else take off with this amazing group of dogs. Not quite the way I envisioned my iditarod career ending, but....so be it. I guess this 50 year old body is trying to tell me something.
Thank you all so much for your support, not just this year, but for all my Iditarods. Every minute training, racing other races and running Iditarod, has been either been true character building or pure joy!
Time to move on.....so....Happy Trails!
Sue
Hi Sue,
So sorry to hear about your hamstring condition. I use the Microsoft Flight Simulator software and fly for a virtual airline (VA); Alaskan Winds Virtual Airlines, operating throughout Alaska and western Canada. We fly missions for the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod Sled Dog Races. This will by my second year of doing so. This year I have chosen you as my musher to follow. Now that you are out of the race, I will be following your dogs all the way to Nome with Art. I told the other pilots that I would be waiting for them in Nome. Good luck to you and your team under the direction of Art.
silverfox
I'm sorry about your injury. Our 5th grade class in Bethlehem, GA has been following the Iditarod. I selected you as my musher. I will now follow ART CHURCH and your dogs. Good Luck.
Mary