The story was buried in the AP news on Yahoo. Susan Butcher, the four-time winner of Alaska's legendary Iditarod race, died Saturday after a long bout with leukemia. She was 51.

The Iditarod dog sled race stretches more than 1,150 miles from Anchorage to Nome and challenges its participants with rough terrain, harsh elements, and endurance as well as skill. I still remember when Butcher won her first race in 1986. I was beyond impressed by that accomplishment. Though I'm a girly girl, I secretly admire women who push themselves under extreme conditions and who dare to dream and to compete against men and do so with grace.

The Iditarod tests a person's mental strength as well as their physical toughness. Butcher earned the respect of her competitors through her skill at dog training and  racing, her courage, and her relentless determination. I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been for her and those who loved her to see her lose her final race--the one against cancer.

She leaves behind her husband, two young daughters, and  her inspirational legacy. You can read more about Susan here.