Dogsledding Changed My Life Tags: dog sledding, dog sled, mushing, mush, alaska, alaskan husky, husky, dog, canine, wolf, adventure, fun, journey, steps, goals, dreams, steps, process, determination, achieve, achievement Campaign: Sports Changed My Life   127 Reviews Added: 4/10/2008 1:29 PM PT Last Modified: 4/10/2008 1:51 PM PT	Auto Post to Websites
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Sports has changed my life forever. Since I was 7, it has been my dream to run a dog sled team and complete the Iditarod. I have stuck with that goal through the years and was lucky enough to start training and racing my own sled dog team when I was 13. I have run sled dogs for over 8 years now and wouldn't trade it for the world. I ran the Junior Iditarod in 2004, winning the Humanitarian award for best dog care (which was chosen by the vets of the race) and plan to run the BIG Iditarod after I complete college in a few years. I only had one chance to run the Junior Iditarod, because there is an age restriction (14-17), so I planned my entire High School education around being able to take half a school semester off to go up to Alaska to run the Junior Iditarod. I took summer classes to get ahead and trained every day after school. It wasn't easy, but it was totally worth it.

I am so lucky to be able to be part of a team of the most fantastic athletes, that not only are my best friends, but they absolutely love to run. I have learned so many valuable life lessons that I feel have made me into the person I am today. Things such as responsibility, trust, companionship, hard-work, determination, the list could go on forever. I also feel that I need to bring this message of reaching goals to people all around me, so I have done many school presentations talking to kids about how I accomplished my goals and have set dreams for myself and it really is possible to reach them! I am living proof.

Me and my lead dogs, Flame (L-he's kissing me) and Redwood (R)


My team and I during the Junior Iditarod 2004. Photo courtesy of Troy Wayrynen.

Goals and Dreams Tags: goal, dream, fun, girl, women, woman, advice, stars, quotes, allow, good times Campaign: The Gift of Giving   432 Reviews Added: 4/9/2008 11:49 AM PT Last Modified: 4/10/2008 1:50 PM PT	Auto Post to Websites
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So I think the best advice I can give another women is to have dreams and goals, and meet them. Determine what you are capable of and don't let anyone stand in your way. You can do anything you want, it's your life. I had a dream since I was 7 to run a dog sled team and run in the Iditarod. And guess what, I am still working towards that, but accomplished another goal along the way of, running a dog sled team and completeing the Junior Iditarod! I won the Humanitarian award for best dog care, which was chosen by the vets of the race. I only had one chance to run the Junior Iditarod, because there is an age restriction (14-17), so I planned my entire High School education around being able to take half a school semester off to go up to Alaska to run the Junior Iditarod. I took summer classes to get ahead and trained every day after school. It wasn't easy, but it was totally worth it. I think girls really need to keep themselves motivated and focused on their own goals and doing the best they can for their future. This is the most healthy way to go about life and ensure a healthy, wonderful future!