Lance Mackey: You can do it!

Lance Mackey, the 2007-2010 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race champion, is at it again as teams set off from Anchorage March 2. Though he has struggled this winter, Mackey, 42, a cancer survivor, says, “As far as my determination and love for the sport, it hasn’t changed.”

Mackey, whose father co-founded the race, has a close relationship with his dogs. “We live in a barn together and hang out,” he says. “They are my best friends.” He doesn’t pick his team for speed or strength; he covets a good attitude, a willing appetite, and cooperation.