Training is going great this year! Weather has been cooperating nicely, with temps. in the low 40's almost every morning and not too much rain, so less mud training. We've been able to hit a high of 16 miles so far-further than we've ever gone during dry land fall training. This is our first season doing most of our training motor assisted (off the truck) and it seems to be improving speed and performance. Some of the training has been using a four wheeler, without the motor running, as we have had trouble getting it to run reliably, but running a bigger team (16) with it, they're not pulling nearly so much as in past seasons with a golf cart. We have also changed our feeding this year, starting last spring, and are feeding no kibble. They've been getting a combination of Eureka Race Mix, which is a blend of beef, kidney, chicken, fat, fish, eggs, bone meal, oil, and vitamins/minerals, and chicken and venison. Looking to add extra beef fat when necessary. We add a little cooked, steamed rolled oats as well, for a bit of bulk. This new feeding regime has added energy and enthusiasm, as well as cut way back on waste (poo) and improved coats, too.
Looking forward to winter and sleds, as with our improved training we will be able to start out with much longer runs on snow than we have ever been able to, and have scouted some new routes that should make the longer distances easy to achieve and a lot of fun, with camping being one of the new things we should be able to accomplish.
Jeremy's race plans are looking pretty good, getting a couple sponsors/supporters that are helping along the way and its great to see the main dogs doing so well, especially the young dogs and yearlings. Hopefully they prove themselves even more once the snows on the ground, and we can finish respectfully during their first full season. The main goal, of course, is that everyone stays healthy, happy and complete this season strong and willing.
