Iditarod racer Karen Land shared the secrets of her success with a group of children earlier this week (March 29th 2010).

The musher, who has competed in the Last Great Race three times, dropped in to the Roanoke Main Library in the US, according to the Roanoke Times.

She explained how she keeps her sled dogs running throughout the 1,000-mile course, which involves giving them a dog food diet rich in calories, along with regular snacks.

The animals also munch on raw meat three times every day.

Land told the news provider she hopes the session with the youngsters will inspire them to compete in the Last Great Race.

"When I told my parents I wanted to do the Iditarod, they thought I was crazy," she revealed.

Land did not take part in this year’s Iditarod, which was won by Fairbanks veteran Lance Mackey.

Of the 71 mushers who started the race, 55 crossed the finish line, while many racers at the top of the field, such as Mackey and King, broke course records.