This is the first year out of three years that I’m not chasing the Iditarod Sled Dog race! It’s a mix of emotions because part of me is enjoying the break from it all, another part of me is really missing being part of it.
We had a blast at the ceremonial start of the Iditarod sled dog race! It was total chaos downtown, and I think most people felt the same way… There wasn’t one volunteer of Iditarod that didn’t look like they were split fifty different ways! There is much beauty in total chaos though and for better or worse everyone’s heart is behind making this all happen.
Sure I saw familiar faces - but - one would probably say it’s impossible to recognize a dogs face in a crowd of thousands! Yes, I had several sentimental moments seeing familiar dogs returning to the race with the same go enthusiasm!
One amazing thing happened to me while interviewing my good friend during Rick Holt. A moment of clarity struck me! What I REALLY was going to miss about covering Iditarod for 2008 is the people, the dogs, and great and engaging conversations out on the trail that never make it to print, tv, or online video.
So I decided to scrap my plans of talking race strategy, stats, and season training and gear it all to real conversation. I believe there is much more value in this… but I could be wrong.
In my opinion - I can’t help feel media professionals (generally speaking) are stuck in a cut and paste mode! In regards to Iditarod the stories are the same year-in and year-out in just different variations. Supporting that thought - If I think back to a conversation I had with 2007 Iditarod champion Lance Mackey in Unalakleet - He said: “Sometimes I wonder how many shots they can take of the same thing?” - He’s more than right, he’s dead on!
I digress…
I will miss the faces of mushing, which make this sport a celebrated part of Alaska culture. There are few sports or events in Alaska that can bring us all together as a celebrated community in a very unique corner of the world - Iditarod is one of them.
We can’t stop change though, and I understand the Iditarod is becoming the Indianapolis 500 of sled dog racing. However, we can still make this sport more about the the people and communities that made it what it used to be.
In sum: It took being removed from mushing this year to gain a new fresh perspective in how I can share this race.
See you at Iditarod 2009!
On with Alaska Podshow!
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:03 pm
I could remember my seventh grade social studies teacher being so passionate about following the sled race. He would assign us projects to follow the race and grade us on it. I have one problem with this though … I am deaf and unable to follow what you all are saying in the clip. I am surprised you didn’t put captions or something on videos you did. Maybe it’s something you could work on and encourage more deaf people to read articles and watch videos on each adventure you are involved with. There are countless pieces of fact and informations you could share with various people. Alaska is a beautiful state and more people should understand and appreciate the beauty of it. =)
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Laura -
Iditarod is still key in the classroom! I know quite a few teachers whom build lesson plans around this whole event. In regards to closed captioning - We actually have the technology to make shows closed captioned, however we just don’t have the budget to afford someone to do this for us. It’s all part of growing pains as an independent production running nearly on a zero budget.
I’ll keep you and others posted when captioning becomes available.
Thanks for watching and the comments!!
Cheers,
Scott
March 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Scott
This is thte first year not going out!
I only was there for the first, race it sas a blast that was over 30 years ago. Then sam stationed me everywhere but there. I keep telling people here in middle Ga. that I left my heart there in the cold. Keep up the good work as you are mine and everybody who lives around the world
THANK YOU
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Do you have a clip you could share of the “Running of the Reindeer”? We were out of state and missed it, thanks,
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Phyllis - It’s live on the front page of our website, second video down on the list. Just posted it up there for you
We actually have a special Rondy page accessible via a graphic on the right side of the homepage - but seems to have confused some people where to get the videos.
Have a good one!
Cheers,
Scott
March 4th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
It was great to see you on Saturday, Scott, and nice to have a few minutes to finally check out your current podcasts… WOW - you’ve been a busy guy! Very cool! I see a whole bunch of new shows to catch up on!
I really like your quote from Lance. I’ll link to that from my blog.
March 5th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I have been gone from Alaska for 12 years now and one of the things I miss most besides my family is to be able to participate in the outdoor events. I want to say thanks to Scott for helping me to feel connected to all the great things that are in Alaska and the Iditarod pod cast was great! Thanks for all the adventures Scott and keep up the great work.
your cousin in the desert, Skyler Arney
March 12th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Hi Scott! I am a 6th Grade classroom teacher in Ohio following the Iditarod with my students. I wanted to say thanks for the before race podshow you produced. It was my personal favorite!! I think your thinking is right on about covering the race from a more human point of view. I would love to share that side of the race with my students. I did a bit through the blog entries but for this age group video really captures!! Thanks again for providing an awesome class resource!!
Melissa
April 21st, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I love the Iditarod! I’m so happy that PETA hasn’t found this and said that it was cruelty cuz it’s NOT!
June 7th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
it is so nice to tune in and escape to Alaska. I am so happy I found this podcast. I will make it up that way someday. what a beautiful place.
Thank you,
Barbara
Houston Texas