Boy, this blog post is a bit of a blast from the past for me. Winterdance, Into the Wild, Hobo Jim, a musty used book store in Fairbanks (Gullivers?). And you reminded me of how when I was at the Frontiersman newspaper now Tim Mowry covered one of the first (maybe the first) Iditabike. Because of all the snow just before and during the race, he called it the Iditapush in a headline. And then there were the snowshoers (few in number and now no longer - unless absolutely necessary) who would do the "shorter" race versions doing the Skwenta Shuffle. As I recall, they had to wear the damn things the whole may, no matter the trail conditions. Ah, memories!
As a Minnesotan I'm excited to see what Leah and Faye can do. They're both great people and incredible athletes and we're all rooting for them. We've got a solid winter ultra community here in MN and so dot watching our friends has become a huge pastime every year. I'm just hoping all of our unusually warm weather isn't going to throw them for a loop when they get up to AK and have some real winter!
You are such a inspiration Jill. And love the comment about Into the Wild- I agree, but can't deny the passion! Your own path and passion is equally amazing. And that husband of yours....an animal. You both are so strong and love your humanity as well. Thanks for sharing!
Boy, this blog post is a bit of a blast from the past for me. Winterdance, Into the Wild, Hobo Jim, a musty used book store in Fairbanks (Gullivers?). And you reminded me of how when I was at the Frontiersman newspaper now Tim Mowry covered one of the first (maybe the first) Iditabike. Because of all the snow just before and during the race, he called it the Iditapush in a headline. And then there were the snowshoers (few in number and now no longer - unless absolutely necessary) who would do the "shorter" race versions doing the Skwenta Shuffle. As I recall, they had to wear the damn things the whole may, no matter the trail conditions. Ah, memories!
I didn't know all the history behind the event, and have enjoyed learning more and more about it (mostly from you!). Thanks for this post!
As a Minnesotan I'm excited to see what Leah and Faye can do. They're both great people and incredible athletes and we're all rooting for them. We've got a solid winter ultra community here in MN and so dot watching our friends has become a huge pastime every year. I'm just hoping all of our unusually warm weather isn't going to throw them for a loop when they get up to AK and have some real winter!
You are such a inspiration Jill. And love the comment about Into the Wild- I agree, but can't deny the passion! Your own path and passion is equally amazing. And that husband of yours....an animal. You both are so strong and love your humanity as well. Thanks for sharing!