Saturday, May 31, 2014

Right Where I Want to Be


" There are no victories except the joy you are living while dancing your run; you are not running for some future reward, the real reward is now!"-Fred Rohe Author "The Zen of Running"

I was starting to get a little nervous about racing at PATCO in Dallas. It's not unusual for me to get nervous before a race. This is the Pan American Championship and my first time racing as an elite paratriathlete.

I ended up not having to go through medical classification. There was not enough classification appointments, so I was given provisional permission to compete. My next opportunity will come in Chicago next month.

To prepare mentally this week I have been reading the book "Running Within" by Jerry Lynch and Warren Scott.

In the book they talk about how race nerves can cause performance issues and errors. A little bit of anxiety can help an athlete perform well, too much can have a negative effect. The more nervous you are the more chance there is to make mistakes and the bigger the chance is for your performance as an athlete to be affected.  Being too tense can also take away the fun of doing a triathlon and sprint races can be a lot of fun. Just long enough to be a challenge, but not physically draining.

One thing that helped me is I realized that I chose to do this race. No one is making me do this. I circled this race on my calender months ago. I applied and was accepted to race for the U.S. Team. There are six categories for paratriathlon including a category for neuromuscular conditions.  I will be the only U.S. member in my category,racing against several very talented athletes that are much faster and about 20 years younger. The group includes the reigning world champion.

One of the stories the authors tell is about scholar Joesph Campbell.  In 1920 he was an elite half miler on the Columbia track team. In one of the few races he lost he explained it was because he cared too much about winning rather than running the race like the champion he was.

Like Campbell I have had to let go of winning or getting a certain time. My goal is to run well, have fun and be mistake free. That will be my success. I want to run the best race possible for me. I want to keep learning and improving as an athlete. I will be so proud to represent my country.

I realize I am well trained and have everything I need to meet my goal for the race. I will race well. I have worked so hard this off season. I have not missed one workout.  This experience is not about winning or losing. It is about the achieving the goal of competing on this level. Just the process of getting ready for a race like this has changed me as an athlete.  I am eating healthy, I've trained both my body and mind for success.  So how I finish is not as important as the person I've become and the changes I have made. I have joy and excitement in my racing. All of that is more important than any podium finish.

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

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. And was eligible to compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.  She chose instead to represent the U.S. at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in DallasTexas.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6


Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 150 members in 29 states. We also have members inAustraliaCanadaVietnamTurkeyFinland and Iran. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org


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.

Additional Link
Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Keywords: Running, Running and CMT, triathlon, triathlon and CMT, athlete and CMT, cycling and CMT, paratriathlon, challenged athlete, Team CMT, Running for My Life-Winning for CMT. Hereditary Neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth.

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Sole Sister's-Book Review


According to Philly based authors Jennifer Lin and Susan Warner the running boom for women is 11 million strong. That is a lot of potential "Sole Sisters" to read this book.  It is worth a read because it tells some amazing stories of some amazing running groups and individual runners, women they call "Sole Sisters."

Imagine being banned from your high school running track or not being able to buy running clothes because so few women ran. Chery Treworgy does not have to remember. The stand out runner started running in High School where she was banned from the track and went on to run for the University of Indiana. She made it to the 1984 Olympic trails. She would later see daughter Shalane Flanagan compete in the Olympics.
One of the great women's running groups featured is the running Jane's. A group of mom's with young kids that meet every morning at 5 am before they get the kids off to school.  The group started as a fundraising prize. One woman called begging to be in the group and became an elite local runner. Other moms were helped by group members through cancer and divorce. It is inspiring to read about the bond formed and the way they supported each other.

Individual runners are profiled as well, like Marion the "Flying Nun" encouraged by her niece to take up running.  She started running as an adult and competed at the 1984 Marathon Olympic trails.

Grete Waitz is profiled with the story of her first New York Marathon win. It was here first marathon and she had never won that far. She was not even sure how far she was on the course since she did not know the conversion from miles to meters. Even though in-experienced she won.  She was so mad at her husband for making her enter the race, she threw a shoe and him and vowed never to run the distance again. She ran countless marathons after that, becoming one of the greatest women's distance runners of all time.

True sister's Catherine and Anastasia  Ndereba ran to school and back each day and home and back to school for lunch. Twelve miles every day, five days a week. If you recognize the name, it is because Kenyan Catherine Ndereba  is a Boston Marathon champ and one of the best runners in the world.  The sisters are close and Catherine is helping Anastasia to take her place on the world running stage as well. Catherine lives in the U.S to train, far away from her husband and child. It is one of the sacrifices she has made to excel in running.

Lots of great stories to inspire in this book. I finished most of it on the plane from Milwaukee to Dallas.
I hope you enjoy it and are as inspired by it as I was.

******************
Author at National Duathlon Championship 2013 Tucson Az

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

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. And was eligible to compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in PontevedreSpain.  She chose instead to represent the U.S. at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in DallasTexas.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6


Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 150 members in 29 states. We also have members inAustraliaCanadaVietnamTurkeyFinland and Iran. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org


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.

Additional Link
Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Keywords: Running, Running and CMT, triathlon, triathlon and CMT, athlete and CMT, cycling and CMT, paratriathlon, challenged athlete, Team CMT, Running for My Life-Winning for CMT. Hereditary Neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth.

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Soup Sunday- Zuppa Toscana


Today was soup Sunday again thanks to my niece Courtney and my nephew Dan. Courtney and I are visiting our Texas relatives and Courtney decided Dan should learn to cook. Last night it was grilled zucchini and potatoes to go with our steaks.  Lesson #2 was this soup which is served at Olive Garden. Dan did most of it under his cousins direction. My job was to get ingredients and do the dishes.  We paired this with a green salad and had a great dinner.

1 pound Italian Sausage ( we used a mixture of mild and hot)
1 1/4 teaspoons red pepper flakes
4 slices bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large onion sliced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
5 cans chicken broth ( 13. 75 ounce)
6 medium potatoes sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 bunch fresh Kale, tough stems removed

Brown sausage in stock pot.  Drain and set aside. Brown bacon until crisp. Drain leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft.  Pour the chicken broth over this mixture. Bring to a boil over high heat and add the potatoes. Cook for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender. Add sausage and cream to the mixture and heat through. Add the kale  into the soup just before serving.

Makes 6 servings

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

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

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. And was eligible to compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in PontevedreSpain.  She chose instead to represent the U.S. at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in DallasTexas.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6


Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 150 members in 29 states. We also have members inAustraliaCanadaVietnamTurkeyFinland and Iran. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org


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.

Additional Link
Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Keywords: Running, Running and CMT, triathlon, triathlon and CMT, athlete and CMT, cycling and CMT, paratriathlon, challenged athlete, Team CMT, Running for My Life-Winning for CMT. Hereditary Neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth.

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Super Food Saturday Beet Raspberry Smoothie

Beet Raspberry Smoothie 
Eating beets may give you an advantage in competition. A study at Loyola University in 2012 found subjects eating 1 ½ cup of beets 75 minutes before a running test were able to move faster with less perceived exertion. 
It is thought the nitrates in beets help to widen the blood vessels to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to work the muscles.  To get an advantage consume beets for several day before a competition. You can take capsules with beet extract or drink beet juice. 
Beets are high in anti-oxidants and the nitrates also help lower blood pressure. 
1 ½ cups coconut water 
2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt ½ can (15 oz) sliced beets 5 pitted dates ½ cup almonds or walnuts ¼ cup fresh mint 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons minced ginger 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries  Place ingredients in the blender in the order listed. Blend for 1 minute. Serves 2

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

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. And was eligible to compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in PontevedreSpain.  She chose instead to represent the U.S. at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in DallasTexas.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6


Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 150 members in 29 states. We also have members inAustraliaCanadaVietnamTurkeyFinland and Iran. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org


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.

Additional Link
Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Keywords: Running, Running and CMT, triathlon, triathlon and CMT, athlete and CMT, cycling and CMT, paratriathlon, challenged athlete, Team CMT, Running for My Life-Winning for CMT. Hereditary Neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth.

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT

Thursday, May 22, 2014

I didn't Want it to End This Way

My Saturn Post Accident


The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trails.- Chinese Proverb

I thought when I got back from the Boston Marathon life would be less hectic. I kept reminding myself of all the items on my “To Do” list I would tackle after I got back.  Training for a marathon can be time intensive and I was looking forward to more free time.
Shortly after I got back I got an email from the International Triathlon Union (ITU) outlining a series of required tests. The tests had to be completed by June 1st by all paratriathletes that wanted to compete in an ITU race.  Since I was leaving for Dallas on May 23rd, that meant I had to have my testing done before I left.
The tests consisted of a 100M and 400 M swim, strength test (push up, pull ups, sit ups); Cooper Test (12 minute run) 1 K bike time trail and a 1000 M and 400 M run.  My coach conducted the tests over four different nights.
So in addition to workouts, clinics, work, house hold chores, doctor appointments,  and getting new orthotics made, I had to get in this testing.  I  also had to pack for my trip to Dallas, which means taking my racing pack in for a tune-up and packing.
Monday night I felt the full force of all those commitments. I started work at 6 am. After work I drove 45 minutes to meet my coach for my swim and strength tests. Then it was off to the bike shop to pick up my bike. A quick dinner then it was off to a ski patrol meeting.  As I drove home I glanced at my car clock and saw it was 8:50, which meant I would not be home in time to get 8 hours sleep. I thought about all the prep I had to do to be ready for the next day.
It was dark and raining hard so visibility was not good. Suddenly I noticed a red sports car stopped on street right in front of me. I pressed on the breaks and was able to stop, but as soon as I stopped, I heard the sickening sound of glass breaking and crashing medal. I looked into the rearview mirror and saw the vehicle pushing my SUV. As I was pushed I thought I was going to be seriously hurt. Fortunately I did not hit anyone or anything. The car that caused the whole thing sped off. I actually thought both cars took off.
Immediately a witness was at my car door asking if I was ok.  They pried open the door so I could get out.  They dialed 911 and handed me the phone. The dispatcher said since no one was hurt they would not send a police officer.  I called my brother to come and get me. I could see my SUV was totaled and would not be drivable.
As I was exchanging information with the other driver who had stayed, a police officer on patrol stopped and did an accident report.   The other driver was lobbying hard that it was my fault. I spoke to the officer later and said I had stopped safely and the officer said after thinking things over he believed I was not at fault.  Based on the damage done to my vehicle I think the other driver was following too close and going too fast.  About that same time I noticed I was getting a headache, back and neck pain.
When the tow driver arrived he declared the car would be totaled. I knew that based on the age of the car (10 Years) and mileage (152,000) that would have happened even if the damage was not extensive.
I loved my car and was not planning on replacing it any time soon.  I can certainly afford a new one, but this one had been so great. I spent almost nothing on it except for routine maintenance. It was great in snow and always started even in the coldest weather.   It was my favorite color emerald green. Even the one time the shift cable broke, it happened right as I cruised into my work parking lot. Now that is a great car.
When I bought a new one I was hoping to give this car to a friend or relative to use. I thought I would still be able to see it and drive it occasionally.  It had been such a great car, I did not want to see it a mangled mess.  That car and I had been on a lot of adventures together; skiing, kayaking, camping and road trips to triathlons. All good times and all made possible by my reliable friend. 
I know you should not feel a personal connection to a thing, but I did. This car was like a loyal friend I could always count on.  I almost cried when I cleaned all my belongings out of it at the body shop.  It looked so sad and lost, mangled the way it was. It deserved a better ending.
So when I get back from Dallas it will be time to car shop. I am just not sure it is going to be the same. If I could buy another Saturn just like this one I would, but the company went out of business. So goodbye Saturn. I will miss you!


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



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

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. And was eligible to compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.  She chose instead to represent the U.S. at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6


Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 150 members in 29 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org


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.

Additional Link
Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Keywords: Running, Running and CMT, triathlon, triathlon and CMT, athlete and CMT, cycling and CMT, paratriathlon, challenged athlete, Team CMT, Running for My Life-Winning for CMT. Hereditary Neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Salad Sunday- Greek Village Salad



The first time I had a Greek Village salad was when my friend Cathy came back from an extended trip to Europe.  She brought the salad to a dinner party. I have been a fan every since. It is a great way to use produce from the garden.

I got to sample this salad on my own trip to Greece. I took my nephew Brandon on a trip as a gift for his high school graduation. Greece was his choice and we spent two weeks in the Islands sampling lots of great food.  Santorini was one of the four islands we visited.

Overlooking the Caldera in Santorini

Greece has everything you would want in a trip; history, gorgeous scenery, friendly people and incredible food.  I think of that trip each time I make this salad. Mine is modified a bit from he Greek version. I leave the peels on my cucumbers because it is more healthy.  The salad is often served on a bed of iceberg lettuce. There is not much nutrition in lettuce so this week I am going to serve my version on top of organic baby spinach.  This salad is simple and fast to make.  I love it for lunch during the week.

6 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 large cucumbers, cut in rough large pieces
1 medium white onion chopped
1 large can of black olives, drained.
1 8 oz carton of feta cheese crumbles.
1 bottle Greek Vinaigrette dressing ( can also use an oil and vinegar vinaigrette with oregano and garlic added)

Mix everything except the dressing in a bowl. Add the dressing and toss. Chill and then serve.
Makes 8 servings

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


Cheryl Monnat and Chris Wodke at 2013 Boston Marathon

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

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team.and was eligible to compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.  She chose instead to represent the U.S. at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6


Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 150 members in 29 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org


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.

Additional Link
Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Keywords: Running, Running and CMT, triathlon, triathlon and CMT, athlete and CMT, cycling and CMT, paratriathlon, challenged athlete, Team CMT, Running for My Life-Winning for CMT. Hereditary Neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT



Saturday, May 17, 2014

2014 Race Schedule- Every Race Counts


Chris Wodke and Cheryl Monnat after the 2014 Boston Marathon

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to lead a life which he has imagined, he will meet success unexpected in uncommon hours." -Henry  David Thoreau

I've got a tentative race schedule for this race season.  This schedule was set after a lot of thought and discussion with my coach.

2014 Race Schedule
April 21                Boston Marathon, Boston, MA
June 2                  PATCO, Sprint Triathlon, Dallas
June 29                ITU Sprint Paratriathlon, Chicago
July 13                 Pewaukee Sprint Triathlon- Senior Olympics State Championship
July 19                 Paraduathlon National Championship, St. Paul
August 10            USAT AG National Sprint Championship, Milwaukee
August 17            Mid-east Regional Championship, Indiana
August 24            Chicago Para-triathlon Sprint
Sept 21                Paratriathlon National Championship, Tempe, AZ

For those who have been following my blog, you may notice the Age Group Duathlon World Championship in Spain is absent.  I struggled to get the planning done for the Spain trip. Planning a trip is second nature to me.  

It sounded cool to make the U.S. team and would have made for great stories and pictures. The trip had become a bit about ego and is not really in line with my goals. Originally the National Championship was going to be Memorial weekend and I was going to fly to Spain from Dallas mid week for the race in Spain on Sunday. It also seemed like lots of expense and energy expended for a race that would not get me closer to my goal.  I figured it would cost about $4000 to do this race and there has been enough money out of my finances going to triathlon.  An overseas race to start the season was also probably not a good idea.  In Spain I had a chance of maybe finishing in the top half in my group. In Dallas I have a chance for a podium finish.

I knew PATCO, the Pan American Triathlon Championship was going to be in Dallas the same day as the Duathlon World Championship. If I raced there I would be racing as a paratriathlete, much more in line with my long term goals.  So I gave up an opportunity to race for Team USA as an age group athlete for a chance to race as a paratritathlete in Dallas.

I had to present a performance resume and apply for a spot.  I was accepted and if I clear the medical classification I will be a member of Team USA.  The new classification system will be used for the first time in the U.S. at this event. I am hopeful that this time my CMT will be accepted as an impairment. A manager for the U.S. team will be coming with me to the classification appointment.  If I am not accepted there will be no women representing our country in our category.  So all my fingers are crossed. If I do not classify in then I will compete in the Physically Challenged Open Division.  This division is now also eligible for World Championships.

Every race selected is to help me get just a bit closer to my goal of competing at the World Championship for para-duathlon and para-triathlon  All my race times go onto my performance resume.  To participate in any ITU World Championship, U.S. Nationals or even the Paralympic team in 2016, I will have to apply and present a solid record of performance. As my coach said to me this week, "Every race counts."

These races also prepare me for the U.S. Paratriathlon Sprint Championship in September. That is my A race for the season.  My coach and I will be working all summer to be ready. She has her work cut out for her turning a long distance runner into a true sprint triathlete. She tells me she sees potential and lots of up side. I hope she's right.

The one race that is the exception is the Pewaukee Sprint Triathlon, it is an non USAT race, but it is the Wisconsin State Championship for the Senior Olympics. I hope to advance to the National Games next year in St. Paul.  I am doing it to keep Team CMT member Louise Gerhardt company.  She particpated in past games in tennis. It would be great to see her there since I may not do the Boston Marathon next year. That is the one time of year I get to see her.  So even my fun races have a purpose.

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


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

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. and was eligible to compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.  She chose instead to represent the U.S. at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6


Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 150 members in 28 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org


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.



Sunday, May 11, 2014

Salad Sunday- Orange Almond Salad


It was 81 F in Milwaukee today. Time to put away the soup pot until the weather gets cold again.  Summer weather means summer food and salads are great for summer.
This recipe is really easy and takes just minutes to put together. I usually use canned mandarin oranges, but today I used fresh ones.  You can change up the dressing to change the taste. This is also good with Asian Orange ginger dressing.  Change up the dressing to give the dish a different taste. This salad is great for pot luck lunches. Every time I bring this dish I get raves.  Enjoy this taste of summer.  This is what I am going to be eating for lunch this week. I can't wait.

Orange Almond Salad

1 Package broccoli coleslaw
1 small head green cabbage
3 oranges
½ cup Kraft raspberry vinaigrette
¼ teaspoon orange extract or orange oil
¼ cup almonds crushed

Grate cabbage and add to broccoli coleslaw in a bowl.  Section the oranges, Cut into small pieces.  Add orange extract to dressing and then toss with salad.  Add almonds to the top of the salad right before serving.


8 servings dinner size.  16 side serving size

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

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

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. She will compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6


Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 149 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; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org


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.

Additional Link
Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

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