Iditarod JargonThe specialized or technical language (vocabulary) of a trade, profession, or similar group.

MusherPerson who mans the dog sled team

PerseveranceThe act of persistence; activity maintained in spite of difficulties

FatigueA loss of strength that is caused by hard work or mental effort

AthabascanA tribe of Northern Canadian and Alaskan natives

VeteranA person who is experienced at their work

RookieA person who has just joined a group and has no experience.

What does it take to be a musher?

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/snow-sports/5-iditarod-videos3.htm

Siberian HuskyMedium sized Northern breed of dog

MalamuteA large husky type dog

BootiesA type of sock that is made to protect the dog’s feet from small cuts and sores.

Video on dog types:

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/snow-sports/5-iditarod-videos1.htm

GeeUsed to direct dogs or other animals to the RIGHT

Haw

Use to direct animals to the LEFT

Video on commands

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/snow-sports/5-iditarod-videos.htm

RunnersThe long narrow parts on which a sled or an ice skate glides

Pedaling

Pushing the sled with one foot while the other remains on the runner.

RiggingLines of a racing sled like chains, rope, or wire

Gang Line

Main rope that runs forward from the sled

Tether A rope or chain used to fasten a horse, donkey, or other animal- to keep it confined within limits

Toggles A pin, bolt, or rod put through the eye of a rope or link of chain to prevent slipping, to secure, or attach

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/snow-sports/5-iditarod-videos2.htm

Video in sleds:

Tough journey for the dogs?

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/snow-sports/5-iditarod-videos4.htm

Aurora

Bands of flashing/moving lights that can be seen in the night sky mainly in the region of the North Pole

Video Clip of Northern Lights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfuqG_DQCaA