How I Spent My Weekend

Proof Copy

I am really more of a big picture person. I don't much like detail. This weekend I had to be detail oriented because I spent most of the weekend proofreading.

The picture shows the proof copy of my book. It is hard to believe I have actually written a book and it is only a few weeks from publication.

It seems kind of weird to be an author.  A couple of weeks ago I got an invite from my publishing house for a meet and greet with other authors. Other people write books. Well I used to think I would never run the Boston Marathon or compete at a National Championship, but I did that too! I guess I really am an author too!
 Sometimes I don't even recognized myself anymore.  I am just an ordinary person. I've lived a pretty average life. Sometimes when I read through the book the words seem like someone they were written by another person. Yet here I am looking back at two Boston runs and two National Championship competitions. It all seems like it happened to someone else.

I found a few things to fix in the book including a missing chapter. Added the asked for pictures and have the book all ready to hand back to my editor. As I read through the manuscript at times it seemed like it had been written by someone else. I never expected to have my picture on the cover of a book I had written. It just shows you what an average person can do when they find a mission and a purpose for their life.

I have not been writing much on my blog since my race in Austin last May.  Instead of writing my blog I have been working on the book you see pictured.  I have been putting it together since Boston actually.  I wrote all during both Boston runs and those writing formed the basis for the book. I knew running Boston and the events surrounding this last Boston gave me a perfect chance to tell the story of those affected by CMT.

Here is the dedication from the book, to give you a taste of what is to come and give you an idea of why I put this book together;

Dedication

“I run because I can, when I get tired I remember those who can’t run, what they would give to have this simple gift I take for grated and I run harder for them, I know they would do the same for me.”- unknown

This book is dedicated to the members of Team CMT especially those affected with CMT.

Thank you for your courage and determination to be athletes in spite of the challenges you face. You inspire me.  Thank you to those on the team who joined to support affected friends and family members. Your love and support mean more than you will ever know.

This book is also for the 155,000 Americans and 2.6 million people world wide affected by CMT. This book was written to give you a voice and to put a face to CMT.

Team CMT members, walk, swim, run, and cycle for those who can’t to raise awareness and to funds for research to find treatments and a cure.

Thank you to our partner the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation.  In HNF President Allison Moore, we found a supporter, friend and fellow athlete.

I am forever grateful to the HNF and our team members for their support and commitment to our mission to raise awareness of Charcot-Marie-Tooth and to educate the public on the challenges those affected by CMT face.

Just a taste of what will become the book in a few short weeks. Almost at the finish line now!

*********************

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 137 members in 27 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. 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.