By Joy Davis, Educational Journalist, Indiana
Aliy Zirkle of Two Rivers, Alaska is no stranger to the Iditarod. The 2010 Iditarod will be Aliy’s tenth. When asked how racing has changed in 10 years Aliy replied, “Definitely the dogs have changed. Sadly, Alaskan huskies don’t live as long as mushers, so some of my dogs from my first Iditarod are quite old and retired now. It is sad, but it is also neat to see their pups and grand pups on my team.”
SP Kennels is the family business. Aliy said, “We run the kennel and all of the operations including races, tours, and training as a business. Our business is funded by sponsors, our tour operations, race winnings, and presentations and talks.” Aliy maintains a kennel of 50 dogs. Taking care of the dogs helps to keep her in shape all year round. The dogs take June and July off as it is too hot to train. During this time Aliy and her husband, fellow musher Allen Moore, build cabins. She said, “In a normal year, we will buy a piece of land and build from June to September. We often sell them in August or September.” Also, during this time Aliy likes to canoe, fish, and see what ‘summer’ Alaska has to offer.
Training typically starts again in August. Occasionally the dogs train on a treadmill. During the racing season Aliy also bumps up her physical training. She has an onsite workout cabin with a Bowflex and a treadmill.
Motivation is easy to come by. Aliy loves to be with her dogs while exploring the outdoors. She said, “They would run all day every day, if it was up to them- I guess I just try to ‘keep up with them’.” In preparation for the Iditarod, Aliy plans to race in the Sheep Mountain 150, Copper Basin, Denali Doubles, and the Two Rivers Solstice 100/50.
In addition to her racing dogs, Aliy also has a Labrador retriever. I asked her if she has a favorite dog and she replied, “That’s like asking a mother who her favorite child is.” Some of her dogs have retired to become inside dogs at leisure.
Aliy summed up why she races. She said, “I have proud moments every year as I watch my dog team pull me across the finish line in Nome. These are dogs that I have raised, trained and conditioned. They trust me and have worked with me for 1000 miles. There is often a huge proud smile on my face watching these incredible buddies!”
Please visit Aliy’s websites at: www.aliyzirkle.com and www.naturalextremes.com.
(Photo submitted by Aliy)
* Joy Davis is an educator in Indiana. The Educational Journalists are teachers working with Iditarod’s Education Department to bring the stories behind the scenes to race fans of all ages