Interview with Jeff Dieter

What do you find the biggest challenge preparing for the Iditarod?
My biggest challenge in training was completing the Qualifiers. Each musher has to run a 200 and 300 mile qualifing race, and the 300 was very difficult. It was about 55 below zero and I dropped a lot of dogs in the first 200 miles. It was tough to complete the race, but after finishing I had a sense of accomplishment and learned a lot from the race.

What is the biggest challenge for you on the trail?

The Iditarod was actually a lot of fun, but the biggest challenge was getting myself to sleep in the checkpoints.

How do you keep yourself motivated when you're on the trail?

I keep myself motivated by listening to a lot of music and thinking about my future goal and not focusing to much on the current conditions (especially if it is going really slow). I love Nickelback, Yonder Mountain String Band, Eminem, and Linkin Park when I am driving dogs.

What inspired you to want to race in the Iditarod?

When I was 5, I moved to the village of Noorvik about a hundred miles above the Arctic Circle. This is where I first learned about dogs and dog racing. I then read a book by Gary Paulsen, at age ten, called "Winterdance." This is what got me hooked on the Iditarod.

In your opinion is the Iditarod more physically challenging or more of a mental challenge?

Definetly a mental challenge! Keeping up beat and happy is very important for the dogs.

What is the main key to completing the race?
Staying happy and upbeat is really crutial for completing the race. It is also important to give the dogs plenty of care and make sure they are getting adequate hydration and calories.

Fun info
Running dogs is an incredible experience and sled dogs are a completely unique lifestyle. I spend about 3 hours a day feeding, scooping and maintaining the dogs. During the winter, I spend about another 6 to 8 hours training the dogs and entertaining the puppies.