The Iditarod Sled Dog Race doesn't start until the first weekend in March, but training and conditioning starts as soon as temperatures go below 50 degrees. Luckily this happens early in Alaska. We don't have snow yet, but we can start training by hooking up to a four wheeler and running on dirt (well, mud) trails .

We're running all 18 of the dogs we currently have (this picture shows only 12). An 18 dog team stretches out over 70 feet and has enough power to drag the four-wheeler faster than I can run. This is a 600 pound machine in four wheel drive with cleated chains and brakes locked up. These are not your average couch-potato mutts! Even this early in training, they are nothing but muscle and desire- have you ever felt six pack abs on a dog?

As of mid-September were are doing 5-8 mile runs. We'll gradually work up to 50 mile runs by Christmas, and then race season will be upon us.

For more information and to meet the dogs, check out our website at http://www.blueonblackdogs.com/

Karin Hendrickson