Team CMT member qualifies for Boston

"The finish line isn't given it's earned"-unknown

Today was a big day for Team CMT. Richard Cook completed the Richmond Marathon in  5hr:57 minutes. Fast enough to qualify him for the mobility impaired divison of the Boston Marathon in 2013.  Richard I look forward to cheering you on. Ruth Cook also completed the half marathon.

Their coach Katie Ayala also a Team CMT member ran with Richard.  Katie will be working on an event next year in Richmond to raise awareness and funds for Team CMT.    Richard has CMT and I known how hard he worked for this one. Ruth had been training for the marathon until she was in a car accident, so she did well finishing the half. I got to meet Richard and Ruth last month when I was in D.C. for the Marine Corp Marathon. I am so proud of both of you and glad you are on our team.

This was a great day to raise awareness for CMT.  There wre expected to be 17,000 runners in the three races run today.  There were racers from 48 states and 14 countries. Imagine how many spectators saw our Team CMT singlets! 

In addition to  our Team CMT members, Kim Fallon of the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation was running to raise money for CMT research. Her sister Allison Moore is founder of the HNF and organized a cheer section for the CMT runners and a post race party.  HNF has asked Team CMT to partner with them to raise money for CMT research. Look for more details in the near future.

Chris Wodke
Founder & Manager Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have almost 100 members in 17 states. If you wish to join us visit our web site.

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.

Running, triathlons, impaired athlete, paratriathlon, USAT, running and CMT