…begins with a single step. ~Lao-tzu
At the start of the 2012 Iditarod. Thanks to Joseph Campbell & Shan Chandler for the photo..
And Ladies and Gentlemen for Dew Claw kennel and others like us preparing for a journey of a thousand miles that fist step is planning & preparation. We are not taking this first step alone, Friends, Family, and once again Usibelli Coal Mine, have already joined us. Long before you even think about putting down a few thousand dollars and sign your name on the entry form there are many steps to be taken. If anyone thinks the task of running a dog team 1000 miles is daunting, let me tell you; the effort it takes to get them to the start line is mind boggling. Most days you do not let yourself think about all of it all at once. (your head might explode!) Instead you focus on smaller goals that you can really get a handle on, see action and progress, the steps. Of course other days you need to really focus on the bigger picture & master planning, the entire journey. But never before coffee and not on a Monday. The importance of making sure all those little steps line up and take you on the journey you want can not be underestimated.
This can be looked at in the grandest of scales. Technically the first step is taken when puppies are born and the seed of a dream is planted. But for the purposes of this post we will be considering the annual journey. Each spring we begin to evaluate last years races and begin to asses our options for next year; deciding what we need to do in order to get us where we want to go. By summer we have already working hard at getting there. Step One: Start raising the necessary funds, securing the sponsorships to make next winter’s race goals a reality.
Already on the run ~ future race dog.
Yeah I know, no body is really thinking about next winter yet, except dog crazy mushing addicts who are already looking to see what races are the best fit for their kennel, and making sure they will have the ability to fund those races. Knowing all the while, the more they can accomplish now; be it building new gear, securing dog food for the winter, or working with your team, the more time they will have once the snow flies for running dogs. Our efforts now are an investment that will pay off when we can focus on what we truly love doing this winter.
Next winters fire wood already split, stacked, and ready to go.
SO yes I am so happy to announce that we are hard at work on Step One (along with a slew of projects designed to help us get organized for winter. Not to mention the constant job of caring for the kids). Our families have already come forward with their continued love, support, & encouragement. Plans are being made, a new website is in the works (but don’t worry I am keeping the blog), dogs are free running or command training when it is cool enough, and a very generous donation from Mamie Brundige “for the health and welfare of you and your dogs” will be used to cover regular summer kennel health costs: worming and vaccinations. Thank you! But wait it gets better…
As I mentioned earlier, we are Very Pleased to report that just yesterday I received great news from our friends at Usibelli letting us know that they are, once again, going to be a member of Team Dew Claw! Thank You Usibelli! When I got the email I was so happy. It is like being the host of a party and the first really cool guests shows up, and you are like, “sweet, let’s get this party started!” Which is probably why the Black Eyed Peas tune, “Let’s Get it Started” was stuck in my head all afternoon. Those of you who regularly read this blog already know I tend to have an interesting, ongoing, soundtrack to my life playing in my head, but I digress.
Usibelli has been a key supporter of Dew Claw since my fist Iditarod, but we are a small part of Usibelli’s community involvement. The Usibelli Foundation provides grants to non-profits in our community. In addition they provides scholarships to honors students each year at Healy area Tri-Valley School, graduating sons and daughters of Usibelli employees receive scholarships as well. Usibelli is also a long time supporter of the Yukon Quest, read more in my earlier blog post. Please join Dew Claw in thanking Usibelli~
You can even Thank Usibelli in person at the Run of the Mine in Healy July 1. More info can be found at the Running Club North Events Calendar, or at the Facebook page for the Event: Run of the Mine. This event is a fundraiser for the Tri-Valley Volunteer Fire Department. (see what I mean about how involved Usibelli is in the community, very cool)
And a great time was had by all ~ Finishers of the 2011 Run of the Mine.
Look how happy everyone is, and this photo is taken after the 10K run. Further proof that running/jogging/walking is good fun and good for you. So please get out there this summer and enjoy!
And remember, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
Take That Step…
And then the next,
and the next, and the next, and the next, and the next, and the next, and the next, and the next, and the next,
you get the idea.
