Alaska: Where men are men and women win the Iditarod.How many women do you know that have had a T-Shirt printed in their honor? Susan Butcher did.
(Picture from San Diego Union Tribune, Monday, August 7, 2006)
Susan Butcher's name will forever be linked to Alaska and the Iditarod. She won the 1,150 mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome four times, starting in 1986. She won the race in 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1990. In all, she ran 17 races, and was the first woman to finish in the top 10.
In order to train for this physically unbelievable challenge, this 5 foot 6 inch, 135 pound winner swam, skied, lifted weight, skied, ran and mushed her team of dogs every day of the year. She lived with her magnificent dogs, and raised them from birth. "When one is born, I immediately breathe into his nose, so that he knows I am part of his pack," she said.
Susan Butcher passed away at the age of 51 on August 5, 2006.
Despite conquering the blizzards of Alaska, she was unable to have her way with leukemia.
Butcher leaves behind a husband, two children, and many adoring fans. She was one of my true heroes. Because of her I strapped on snow shoes and trekked through the Colorado Rockies.
After three hours, I was exhausted, and was able to make it back to my SUV in one piece.
Well, at least she gave me the courage to try.
Susan made her own way through the blizzard. What was a time that you were able to get yourself through a challenge? (If sled dogs were involved, all the better).
