Kim Darst: Determination!
by Valerie Orner, Educational Journalist, New York
Heading into the 2010 Iditarod, Rookie Musher Kim Darst is feeling many of the same feelings she had last year. Kim was a rookie musher in the 2009 Iditarod and is still considered a rookie for the 2010 race. Even though things didn’t work out exactly the way Kim had wanted last year, she’s not letting that get in the way of realizing her dream. Kim is one determined individual. Some people might be a bit gun shy to try it again, but not Kim.
Entering this year’s race Kim is still intent on finishing the race and to be the first person from New Jersey to do so.
Kim wants to make sure that she has a very happy and healthy team at the finish line and of course to have fun doing so. Kim is preparing for this year’s race a bit differently than last years. Instead of training in the Midwest, she will begin her training in New Jersey then head to Alaska when the snow flies. Not only will the training benefit the dogs by being in Alaska, but Kim told me that she will have an easier time with the dropped bags and getting to the meetings.
Even though Kim does have some sponsors, she is using her determination to raise the $50,000 she anticipates it will cost her to train and enter this year’s Iditarod. She has been holding fundraisers in which she sells hats and t-shirts. If you would like to donate or sponsor Kim and her team, her website is called Husky Haven Race Team (huskyhavenraceteam.com).
Image: Kim Darst on left and Valerie Orner standing in front of the Millenium Hotel, Anchorage. March 1, 2009.
