Ask The Mushers
Darin Nelson

How do you select the dogs you use for your team?

I select dogs for my team over a year-long process from when they are weaned until they're yearlings, then the training intensifies to mix in with the A team, which is the race team.

Generally, a dog is at least 18 months to a prime age of 8-10 years old, that will be selected to train and race. Specifics such as gait, appetite, attitude, work ethic and the urge to simply run and pull are the top qualities of a long-distance sled dog. Things like size and weight, good feet, quality of coat and recovery time is also mixed in to help select the A-team dog. Get 16 of these and then train, train, train.

What is the toughest obstacle to overcome when racing the Iditarod?

I think the toughest obstacle to overcome in the Iditarod is probably sleep deprivation and the ability to make sound and quick decisions while sleepy and tired. The trail and terrain is such a wide range of obstacles, every day is like being on a different planet. Try adding bumps and bruises and sleepy and aching, then the care of sixteen hungry, tired huskies, every 6 hours for 9 to 14 days.

They say you are supposed to train harder than the race so the race is supposed to be easier. But remember, you aren't the only one out there since there will be 70 to 90 teams spread out hundreds of miles, doing the same thing, maybe slower, most likely faster if you're a rookie.

Alaska and the Iditarod are unmerciful and unapologetic, regardless if you're a man or woman, Eskimo or white, rookie or champion. The wind will blow, the snow will fall and hell will at least once fall upon you during the race. That's what makes the Iditarod so fierce and sought out, it's a life-changing experience I'm sure.

What do you find to be the most rewarding experience from the race?

The most rewarding experience I get from a race like the Iditarod is the ability to travel though the great state [of Alaska] and see stuff that make you think "Wow, why didn't I do this before and what took me so long to get here?"

The scenery is God-like and so beautiful that I can't imagine finishing on Front street in Nome and NOT wanting to do it again. Being a rookie and scratching 700 miles into the race I am only assuming the finish and the feeling of accomplishment, but yet I know I will soon enough get there. It is now in my blood and the want is there to conquer — being a Marine, I will overcome.

Also, being Inupiaq Eskimo I always look forward to meeting new people in the villages and checkpoints. I try to share my native foods with the natives and ask questions about their village and culture. Having the ability to just be a part of the Iditarod is an experience in itself. If it wasn't for the money part of it, it would be a lifestyle for the common person and local native musher with meager funds and support.

Today, a person has to have either a big sponsor or multiple sponsors and work in the off-season to afford running the Iditarod. Mushers who make it to the starting line in March easily spend $20,000 to $50,000, either out of their own pocket or from sponsors and such. Living here in Bush Alaska, away from the road system makes it even harder to get to the starting line. It's too bad money has to be the main factor to follow such a dream. I remember reading back 20 years ago, mushers ran the race to run the race, now most run to make a paycheck that most earn in a year. Money, what a bummer!

How long does it take to train the dogs for the amount of endurance required?

To train an Iditarod team today, one must train year-round. Summer is no longer off-season; when snow finally falls you must be able to run 4 to 6 hours easily. The typical scenario for most is to start training in August with short runs building up muscle and to remind the dogs of their duties and the journey ahead.

By freeze-up and snowfall, they are ready for a trip of 20 to 50 miles. By the time March rolls around and after a couple of shorter tune-up races, you should have at the least 2,000 training miles and be capable of traveling 100 miles a day. The dogs are then chiseled and ready to race.

What do you miss most while you're on the trail?

I think the thing I miss the most during the race is probably my family, my kids and the assurance that everything and everyone is alright. I carry pictures and sometimes I can call home, which helps. Also, the craving for a Pepsi and a cheeseburger crosses my mind too, I admit it with no ill thought.