The Rainbow Runners: a sled dog adventure

By Kristen M. Snyder and Martin Wagenius

The Rainbow Runners is a true story of a sled dog adventure told by Alaskan Husky, Nija JaJa, the youngest member of the team, who along with her uncle-buncles and brother set out to follow a dream to participate in a long-distance race through the Swedish mountains. With fewer dogs in the team than is common for such a race, the team begins their journey with an uphill battle. During preparations they experience what it means to build team, and not just a functioning team, but a team that is flexible and adaptable to changing conditions; a team that is built on recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths in each team member; and a team that keeps sight on their own dream, even when others doubt their ability.

The story culminates in the 250 kilometers long distance race during which they get caught in a white-out on a mountain top. For more than five hours they struggle to keep themselves safe in the storm and eventually navigate their way off the mountain top down to the final checkpoint. With 89 kilometers left in the race and only a few hours before the race officially closes, the team leaves the last checkpoint at 4 a.m. and does what it takes to cross the finish line demonstrating the power of persistence, the importance of listening to your heart, working together, and believing in yourself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Books on Demand
• Release date: Apr 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9789180073721

Kristen M. Snyder

Kristen Snyder and Martin Wagenius live with their huskies in Sweden. Professionally, they spend their days working in education and leadership, and by night and on weekends they spend endless hours consumed in nature with their furry friends. They are inspired by their dogs to understand the deeper dimensions in communication, teaming and leadership that are often not found in textbooks. As former educators, they have found that sharing stories about dogs helps children, youth and adults learn about themselves, how to communicate, how to work with others in a team, and how to celebrate their own strengths and uniqueness. Kristen is Professor in Leadership and Quality Management and Associated Professor in Education. She uses storytelling as a tool to develop quality work cultures in organizations and promote health and well-being among individuals. She is also an artist and musician and loves to explore life through different artistic mediums.

Book preview

dream.

CHAPTER ONE

THE DREAM

We sat there on the porch one beautiful evening in July watching the sun set gently behind the mountain that lay far off in the distance. The white capped mountain top glistened as the midnight sun began to move toward the moon. Even in the heat of the summer, the mountains reminded us of what was to come that winter. That was when my two-legged friend Krispy turned to me and said,

Nija JaJa, do you see that mountain?

You mean that mountain that’s forever far away?

Yeah, that mountain, Nija. We’re gonna climb it this winter.

What? Climb that mountain? How are we gonna do that? I’m just a young dog.

We’re going to gather your Uncle Buncles and put together a sled dog team.

I was in awe of her calmness and her sense of self-assurance. It didn’t take long before I found myself dreaming away, lost in the mountains of my mind. I envisioned us running like the wind up and down the slopes of the snow-covered terrain. And then it hit me:

That’s a big mountain, I said and it’s really far away. Have you ever climbed something so big before?

A couple of years ago, your Uncle Buncles Mohkki, Zetor, Kellarak, Chenoa, Ajano and I climbed a part of it. It was tough, but magical.

But what if you get caught in a big snowstorm and don’t make it? Or you meet a big moose?"

The mountain is always a challenge, Nija, and you have to show respect and be prepared. The weather can change in an instant. So, you have to know how to take care of yourself in a snow storm; how to stay warm and dry; how to keep your energy going; how to know where you are; and how to build a camp if the winds get too strong.

Why would you want to do all that when you can stay at home safe and sound?

I could hear the depths of her lungs bellow as she breathed in memories from earlier journeys. Because, she said, it is a most incredible experience to be out in nature together, and to climb that mountain. Each part challenges and at the same time fills your soul with the beauty and magic of nature. It’s a big adventure, Nija JaJa, and you were born for it.

Wow Krispy, all nine of us dogs out on a big adventure.

Well Nija, all nine of you can’t make the trip. Only six of you have the strength to make it. Your three oldest Uncle Buncles are a little too old to go the distance and speed.

But Krispy, who will lead the team if the Divine Uncle Buncle Kellarak won’t be in front with Buncle Braggi?

Nija JaJa, since you were a little puppy, you showed the world that you were born to run and you were born to lead. You inspire the whole team with happiness and zest for running, you are focused, and you know all the commands. You have what it takes to lead the team.

You mean Braggi and I are going to lead the team this year?

Yes. This fall your Uncle Buncles Kellarak and Braggi will train you how to be the best lead dog ever. Kellarak might not be able to make the distance to the mountains, but he would love to train you to be a super lead dog.

Wow. I was bursting with energy. And before you knew it I was flying off the porch.

CHAPTER TWO

ROUNDUP

I ran as fast as I could and called everyone to a round-up. Uncle Buncle Buri and my brother Benjji jumped up on the pillars right away, while Uncle Buncles Kellarak, Braggi, Ajano, Chenoa, Mohkki, and Zetor gathered around. They were so excited about our winter plans to climb Borgafjällen (that means Borga Mountain in Swedish), and even more excited that we would start from our home village. We would run a total of 250 kilometers, and we had one and a half days to complete the