emwcee wrote:Martin, thanks so much for agreeing to be on this forum. It means so much to us fans! I've really appreciated your sense of humor and positive attitude in everything you do. I still have a picture of you doing the hula after a particularly grueling run a few years back. The picture reminds me to keep a good sense of humor, no matter what. And your "flying GPS" story is legendary around our house. Here are my questions:
1. What is your secret to keeping a good attitude and sense of humor, no matter what?
2. I loved your comment during the Quest about missing Eagle Summit. What was your impression of Eagle Summit? What surprised you the most about the Quest?
3. Looking back over this years' Iditarod, what would you do differently and what would you do the same?
4. You mentioned that you are hoping to take part in some different races in the future. What are some races you are considering? Any in the lower 48? Can you post your schedule on your website ahead of time so some of us lower-48-ers can come cheer you on?
5. Kathy, what did you learn and/or what did you find most surprising about the Iditarod during your tour this year? I loved your blog updates and photos.
Thanks so much.
Marcia (emwcee)
My attitude on this year's race was a little crabby and I know it shouldn't have been. I apologize to anyone in the checkpoints for my behavior. I usually work to see the big picture of life, the glass being half full and I know it affects my dogs' attitude. I try not to take myself too seriously. My wife called me Pollyanna when we first met.
Eagle Summit - steeper than it looked with no trail, no footing for the dogs, soft deep snow. Loaded down with a huge load to go from Circle to Two Rivers.
What surprised me the most about the Quest was that people cook for the mushers at the checkpoints and even in between the checkpoints. Delicious steaks, soups, breakfasts, etc.
Looking back - I would train differently. Clearly this was not the year to hang back because of the deteriorating trail conditions. It worked pretty well in 08 but every race is different. The thing I would do the same is to put the dogs first and focus on them rather than the competitors.
We haven't decided on any races yet. None on the horizon right now but my wife and I were good traveling partners so it may come to pass someday and we would post it on our website.
Most surprising for me(Kathy) was how hard it is to stand up in the wind in Kaltag, how cold your face gets when it's 20 below and windy in Unalakleet, and how amazing the dogs really are. It's not just a cliche.