Mitch versus Aliy

In about 7 hours, two well rested Teams will begin the 77 mile race into Nome to claim the 1st place position in this Last Great Race on Earth. Mitch will take off about 13 minutes ahead of Aily.....that's nothing. Mitch has got to be feeling the pressure....and Aliy has been in 2nd before, she is hungry for the win. They often say the 77 mile run into Nome is a victory lap for the winner.....but not this time. It will be the ultimate race. Both Teams will be rested.....they both had come into White Mt with 10 dogs....some dogs may be dropped. I'm sure both Mushers are keenly aware of their Team mates right now. If there is a sore shoulder, or a strained wrist, and it doesn't improve in the next 8 hours that dog will be left behind. Or perhaps even if it did get better, a Musher may not want to take the chance of any flare ups in this last stretch of the race. Everyone has to be in top notch condition....and that includes the 2 legged Team member too. At this stage sleep deprivation is strong....but who could sleep at this juncture? But rest is important.....there is one steep hill to climb and then a lot of beach. Aliy trained for this.....she has to help her Team. Dallas Seavey is definitely up to the challenge, but his father Mitch is the one who must do the work this time. Is Mitch up to the task? We will have to wait and see. Normally the run from White Mt to Nome can take anywhere from 7 to 11 hours, depending upon trail conditions. That's a lot of time to be running and ski polling! So many scenarios to run.....I can't wait till they start!! It's ironic Aliy is faced with back to back Seavey challenges.....it would be nice if she can claim at least one win out of the two races!!