Sunday, August 30, 2015

Salad Sunday- Italian Green Bean Salad




 Today's salad is my own creation. I like going to the farmers market and picking what appeals to me and then create recipe out of the ingredients. This recipe features some of the things I picked up on a recent visit to the Madison Farmer's market on Capitol Square.

I served this with orange pepper coated grilled pork chops and mac and cheese.



Italian Green Bean Salad

½ lb fresh green beans
½ pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 bunch green onions
6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese

Pesto Dressing
1 cup olive oil
½ cup white wine balsamic vinegar
1 cup fresh basil leaves
½ cup fresh oregano leaves, stems removed

Trim ends from green beans, wash and cut into bit size pieces.
Bring water to a boil. While waiting for water, slice onions and place in a salad bowl.
Add tomatoes.  When water boils add green beans and blanch for 2 minutes.
Strain and run cold water over the beans to stop the cooking. Add to the salad bowl.
Prepare dressing by placing oil and vinegar into blender.  Add basil and oregano.
Blend on high for 30 seconds.  Pour over the vegetables to coat. Cut the cheese into small pieces. Add to the salad and mix until covered with the dressing.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.


4 servings

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

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.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship. She has qualified to represent Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015.  

 In 2014 she represented  the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

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 165 members in 32 states. We also have members in Australia, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, England 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, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing


Friday, August 28, 2015

Fair Friday-Natural Beauty Products

Raw Skin Ceuticals Body Lotion

In May I attended the Dallas Women’s Expo.  There were lots of vendors for skin care products, but the one I’m reviewing today really stood out because they offer both skin care products and cosmetics that are 100 % natural and vegan.

Owner and founder of Raw Skin Ceuticals, Sarah Johnson is a cancer survivor and was passionate about finding healthier products.  She founded the company with her husband Dane.

Their mission as stated in their literature is to bridge the gap between perception of mainstream skin care and cosmetics and the reality of true skin nutrition. Their goal is to provide nutritionally balanced skin care treatments to combat common skin problems including acne, rosacea, eczema, aging skin, dehydration, oily skin and much more from infants to seniors, including pets. 
Bringing together skin solutions found in traditional “herbal apothecaries” combined with the appeal and demand for “Mainstream skin care and cosmetics” to provide the most pure and balanced nutrition for your skin. Each RawSkinCeutical formula is a balance of triple infused raw herbs, raw unrefined oils and butters in propriety herb and aloe tea blends.

I got to meet Sarah and test several of the products at the show.  I have been using the blush and foundation since May and the products are great.  Sarah helped me pick out two cream blushes that were good for my coloring. She can work from pictures and will send samples for you to try before you purchase.

I also purchased two body lotions; Calming (vanilla) and Energizing (lemon grass) which I have been using since May.  Both easily absorb into the skin and are wonderful products. They are priced at $15.00

I have been making many of my own skin care products in an effort to be as mindful about what goes on my body as I am about what I put in my body.
The company’s products are:
·        Gluten free
·        Cruelty free
·        Vegan
·        Fair trade certified.
The 100 % raw vegan line is comprised of a complex blend of raw oils, herbs and butters that are not prepared above 140 degrees to preserve the integrity and nutrition to achieve balance for your skin.
They have and outdoor line that includes sunblock’s of SPF 45 and bug spray that I want to try.  Their line of pet products includes shampoo, bug spray and bug ointment for pets.

If you are an athlete, they have a line of products such as:
·        Sport breakout and bacteria control lotion
·        Cooling aloe spritz
·        Sport face and body scrub
·        Sport intense hydration body salve
·        Sport renew and soothe body lotion
·        Sport sore muscle relief
They have a full line of products for men and babies as well.  There is fall sale right now and first time members can sign up and get 20% off. Sarah promised me not to fill up my mail box with spam. I can say that is true because I think I have only gotten one e-mail from them.

I make my own soap and lotions, but it is nice to have a site for cosmetics. I also like having the option to buy rather than make my own skin care products. Give their site a try; I’ve been very happy with the quality and cost of RawSkinCeuticals products.

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

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.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship. She has qualified to represent Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015.  

 In 2014 she represented  the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

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 165 members in 32 states. We also have members in Australia, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, England 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, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Salad Sunday- Summer Coleslaw



I love guacamole, but the corn chips that go with it are high in fat and calories. Avocado's have healthy fat. Since I love them so much I am trying to work them into my diet.  I had my first tomatoes out of the garden this week so it seemed like a good time to come up with a salad recipe that had both.

Summer Coleslaw
½ small head of cabbage shredded
3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 stalks of celery, diced
½ bunch of green onions sliced
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped cilantro
Dressing
½ cup miracle whip
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 Pesto Pasta seasoning (Milwaukee Spice House)


Combine all the vegetables in a large salad bowl.  Prepare the dressing by combining all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisking together. Add the dressing to the salad mixture.  Refrigerate for 2 hours and serve.  Makes 6 servings.

*************************
  
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.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship. She has qualified to represent Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015.  

 In 2014 she represented  the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

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 165 members in 32 states. We also have members in Australia, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, England 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, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Week 17, USAT Age Group Sprint Triathlon National Championship





Joy is an attitude:
it is the presence of love-
for self and others. It comes from a feeling 
of inner peace, the ability to give and receive,
and appreciation of the self and others.
It is a state of gratitude and compassion,
a feeling of connection to your higher self.”
-Unknown


8/9    Sunday,  USAT Sprint Triathlon National Championship, 1:44:45
8/10  Monday, Swim 45 minutes
8/11, Tuesday, Yoga 60 minutes, swim 55 minutes
8/12, Wednesday, Run 45 min, weights 30 minutes
8/13, Thursday, Bike 90 minutes, run 20 minutes
8/14, Friday, off
8/15, Saturday, Swim 60 minutes, weights 30 minutes

Sunday was the highlight of my week.  I raced in the Age Group USA Triathlon Sprint Triathlon National Championship.  It is really exciting to have athletes from all around the country come to my home town. There were 7000 athletes competing over the two days of races.  The course is beautiful with a swim in Lake Michigan, a bike ride over the Hoan Bridge and a run on a fast flat course along Lake Michigan.  So here is a quick race re-cap.

Swim
I needed to do a quick warm-up before the swim. The announced temperature was 63 F. I was shocked when I jumped it. I thought it would be too cold for me to do the 20 minute swim.  It was too late to turn back. So I lined up with all the age 55 and over ladies. I am guessing there were about 100 athletes.  Because athletes are competing for a chance to go to the World Championship, things get pretty aggressive on the swim. I do this race because it is great practice for the Aquathlon World Championship race in Chicago in September. This race was a great dress rehearsal. Because I am not the strongest swimmer, I lined last in line on the dock with a wider line on the buoys. I was trying to avoid the crowd. I always assess how I feel at the swim start and I felt great. Usually I don't sleep at all the night before a race and the night before this race I actually slept a little. I was not nervous about the race at all, since this was the third time.
With an air horn we were off.  I felt strong the whole swim and passed many in my wave. The men's wave did not catch me until about the last 200 yards.  The swim exit is up a slippery metal ramp. There were volunteers there to help us but I still slipped. My swim time was off a bit which surprised me.

Bike
My bike last year was terrible, almost an hour which is really slow for me. After the race I noticed my front brake was rubbing and my tires were a bit under inflated. I also think my bike fit was bad. So I had that re-done late last year and my race times have improved. So I was looking for some redemption in this race.  I bike as hard as I could and I felt strong and fast. My bike time was around 43 minutes,  Not as good as too years ago, but way better than the 58 minutes I did last year.

Run
The swim is always a little nerve racking.  I always worry about a flat tire on the bike course. When I get to the run, I know I am going to finish the race.  This year I have been struggling a bit on the run due to tendinitis in my right ankle. I had to drastically cut back on my running. Still I pushed it on the run and finished in about 31 minutes. Not a great day, but better than some races lately.

This race is also fun because to draws so many local athlete. I belong to a local training group called Peak Performance Professionals. We had a tent in the village where many of the athletes would hang out.  There are a lot of really talented athletes in this group.  A couple of the guys were comparing their placement in their age group. They each were about 75th.  I got to say I was 47th. Of course I didn't tell them that was out of about 60 athletes.

I just have a really good time at this race, it helps me to remember how blessed I am to be a triathlete and have the coaching and support.  It is a feeling I am hoping to repeat in September as I compete in the Aquathlon World Championship and the ITU Physically Challenged Triathlon later in the week.  Until then I'll keep practicing and preparing.

Swim 21:58
Bike:  44:05
Run: 31:06

Total: 1:44:45
**********************************


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.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship. She has qualified to represent Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015.  

 In 2014 she represented  the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

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 165 members in 32 states. We also have members in Australia, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, England 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, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing


Sunday, August 16, 2015

Salad Sunday, Tropical Coleslaw


Summer is such a great time for salads. There seems to be an endless supply of fruits and vegetables to combine to go with food fresh off the grill.

I paired this week's salad with marinated grilled chicken and grilled potatoes.  I'll enclose all three recipes.

Tropical Coleslaw

1/2 head of small green cabbage shredded
1 large mango
1 kiwi
2 stalks celery chopped
1 bunch green onions sliced.
1 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing
Juice of 1 lime
3 tablespoons light olive oil
1 tablespoon honey

Combine all of the vegetables. Add the nuts.  Combine the dressing ingredients and whisk to combine.  Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to mix well.

Lime Grilled Chicken
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon minced ginger
salt and pepper

Place 4 chicken thighs in a plastic bad and add the marinade.  Marinade for at least one hour. Grill over hot coals for 45 minutes.

Grilled Potatoes
Cut 2 yellow potatoes into bite sized pieces.  Place on large square of aluminum olive.  Sprinkle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano.  Wrap tightly in foil. Place over hottest coals for 45 minutes.

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

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.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship. She has qualified to represent Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015.  

 In 2014 she represented  the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

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 165 members in 32 states. We also have members in Australia, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, England 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, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Super Food Saturday, Oatmeal Yogurt Breakfast Parfait




I am been lax about publishing recipes the last few weeks.  Summer is triathlon season so I have been keeping busy training, traveling and racing. When I am home there always seems to be a house or garden project that needs attention. When I get my work done there are lots of fun things to do in Milwaukee that keep me from writing.  Today I decide to make up for it with a great summer breakfast recipe.

These have to be made up the night before. I like them because they are great for transporting to where. I start work at 6 am to 6:30 meaning most mornings I eat breakfast at my desk.

1 pint fresh blueberries
1/4 cup old fashioned oatmeal
1 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
2 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup pecan pieces
2 glass pint canning jars with lids

In a bowl mix the yogurt, oatmeal, chia seeds and honey.  Put layer of blueberries in the bottom of each jar. Use about a third of the blueberries. Sprinkle a third of the nuts on top.  Add about a quarter of the yogurt to each jar. Repeat with the blueberries, nuts and yogurt. Finish with blueberries and nuts on the top. Do not worry if the ratios are off a bit.  Cover each jar and refrigerate over night. It will be ready for breakfast in the morning.

Superfoods: blueberries, chia seeds, Greek yogurt

******************************
Author at USAT National Championship Sprint Triathlon


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.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship. She has qualified to represent Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015.  

 In 2014 she represented  the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

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 165 members in 32 states. We also have members in Australia, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, England 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, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing



Monday, August 10, 2015

World Championship Prep Week 15 & 16

Wisconsin Women's Cycling Ride, Newburg Wisconsin

"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body".  Yagyu Munenori

7/26     Sun     Women's Bike Ride 34 miles
7/27     Mon    Open Water Swim, 60 minutes
7/28     Tue     Yoga 60, bike 45 minutes
7/29     Wed    Bike 40 minutes, run 20 minutes
7/30     Thur    Run 50 minutes, Swim 65 minutes
7/31     Fri       Off
8/1       Sat       Swim 45 minutes, bike 90 min

8/2     Mon     Open water swim 60 min
8/3     Tue      Yoga 60 minutes, bike 75 minutes, run 10 minutes
8/4     Wed     Run 45 minutes
8/5     Thur     Swim 40 minutes
8/6     Fri         Rest
8/7     Sat        Run 15 minutes, bike 30 minutes

All my training this season is aiming toward my A races.  You cannot treat every race with the same intensity. An athletes body will not handle it. So some races are more important races or A races, Those are the races for which you train the hardest and give your maximum effort.

 Surprisingly the ITU World Championship is not an A race.  I know I cannot be competitive with Age group athletes. It is a privilege just to be there and be a member of Team USA.  My A race comes later in the week as part of the ITU World Championship week. It is the PC Open race.
I will be representing Team CMT at that race on a course in Chicago that will be lined with thousands of spectators.

It is impossible to work on all three triathlon disciplines of swim, bike and run in any season. Last year I had a swim and run focus. The run focus was due to running the Boston Marathon. I decided to stop running Boston to focus on triathlon. The spring marathon was right at the start of triathlon season and my coach was worried I was not recovering well for the start of the season.

So this season my focus has been on the bike. I have done a number of long weekend rides like the Wisconsin Women's Cycling ride in Newburg Wisconsin. I won entry to the event as part of a cycling clinic on racing skills.

I had done a ride in this same area only a few weeks ago.  Just like that ride this one was hilly in Wisconsin farm country. My camera batteries went dead, so I have no pictures of cows and barns to share.  I did wear my Team CMT kit and used the ride, like my races to raise awareness of CMT.


I always get asked about CMT when I wear my Team CMT gear.   There were many first time event riders because it was a women's only ride. It was great to meet the ladies.  One of the fun things about this ride is we were all given a cow bell as the finish and asked to ring our bell as the other ladies finished. It was so cool to come into the finish and be greeted by all the bells.

The ride was a fun way to build my endurance for races coming up later in the year after the World Championships.First I had a goal to make the World Championships. I set it as a goal. I always thought it would be as a para triathlete. That path has been closed to me, so I took the tougher route to go as an age group athlete. Now I'm doing the tough part of getting my mind and body ready for my A races.

 In October I will be racing with Team CMT member Joyce Kelly at the Aquathlon National Championships and in November I will be racing in Dallas at the Long Course Duathlon Championship.  After that my off season and some rest begins. Until then I'll keep swimming, riding and running.

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

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.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship. She has qualified to represent Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015.  

 In 2014 she represented  the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

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 165 members in 32 states. We also have members in Australia, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, England 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, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing


Sunday, August 2, 2015

Panasonic New York Triathlon Not Para-Athlete Friendly


"You have to be brave with your life, so others can be brave with theirs." -Katherine Center

I participated in the Panasonic New York Triathlon.  I was able to go because I received a $1000 grant from the Challenged Athlete Foundation (CAF). I was surprised I got it because I had a pretty contentious discussion about the race with representative Travis Ricks.  Prize money was being offered for the medically classified division. Since I am not classified I would not be eligible. But I was promised awards 1st - 3rd would be offered in the PC Open division in addition to the grant.

I had told Travis the CAF has not been much help to those of us with neuromuscular conditions. I told him the CAF prides it self on inclusion, but they actually do not serve the whole para triathlete community.

So I was surprised I was given a grant. I knew the sponsors and the CAF really wanted to help grow the para part of the race so I was happy to go and help. The grant was nice but New York is expensive and it did not cover all my expenses. The race entry was $300 and this would be my first Olympic Distance race.

I also want to thank Accenture, they put on a very nice athlete breakfast and a nice breakfast at the finish on race day.

First here is a short review of the race itself.

Transition
Transition was along the West Side Highway. There was no easy vehicle access. That meant a 1 1/2 mile walk to transition in 90 degree heat.    There was a bus on race day, but still a pretty long walk. After the race I had the same long back in the heat carrying all my tri stuff.
As usual the para athletes were in a section by themselves with plenty of room.

Swim
It was a one mile walk to the swim.  There were two waves, yellow and red. Yellow was mostly women and red mostly men. We were the first group in the 2nd wave. The swim was with the current in the Hudson River, so it was fast and easy. The problem was not enough time was left until the next wave started. I am not the slowest swimmer and I was literally run over by a man in the next wave.
I hope that did not happen to any of the other para-athletes. I would not want to see anyone hurt.
That is just really poor planning to have a men's wave start too soon after the para wave.  The later start also meant we were out there later and in a hotter part of the day then we should have been. Every para race I have done we are one of the first waves of the day.

The run to the swim was 800 meters over very sharp asphalt. I know it really hurt my feet.  How about some carpet. Other races lay down carpet for sections like this.  Transition was on a baseball diamond and the ground was very uneven. That made me worry about turning an ankle.  I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for the other para-athletes.

Bike
The bike course was closed on the West Side Highway. The road was in great shape.  The problem was we were again sharing the course with male age group athletes.  They are faster and stronger and competitive. It would have been much better to be out there in the earlier wave with the women.

Run
The run finished in Central Park. Really cool to do a race there. It was hilly and really hot.   The problem was it now an even longer walk back to transition. There were supposed to be pedicabs to take us back. How about a few buses? It took me over a week to recover from this race and I would say it was due to all the walking in the heat. It was painful.
Not sure what my $300 paid for because the post race food was nothing out of the ordinary.

The race medal was OK, but nothing special.

The race was OK, but nothing really special, I was expecting more from New York especially considering the amount of the entry.

My real issue was because of the way I was treated by the Para race director who also happened to be the USAT Northeast Regional Director.

I requested a handler to help with stripping my wetsuit.  I was told by email one had been assigned. I was copied on an email where my handler said it was not the volunteer assignment she wanted. A few minutes later she changed her mind. Volunteers are guaranteed entry to next year's race.  I sent her the link to my web site.

There was a handler meeting where we were supposed to meet.  Justin Model the race director said at the meeting it was not his job.  How about saying everyone that hasn't met your handler raise your hand or come up here. I never did meet my handler. I got a text when I got back to the hotel saying she would see me in transition. I told her never mind since there would be suit strippers at the dock.

After the race briefing I went up to the race director and asked to see the start list for the PC Open since it was so big. He had showed the race entrants for each group.  I said I just wanted to see who was racing and how many so I had an idea of if I could place in the top three.  He slammed the cover closed on the lap top and said there are no awards. I said I knew I was not eligible for money, but I had been promised by the CAF and the race director a week before the race that there would be trophies.

At the race meeting the race director said if we needed anything at all before the race to contact him.
He said to be sure to get our race bag from the Accenture booth with our tee shirt. I asked the volunteers if the tee shirt was in the goodie bag and they said yes.

So I did that and tested my timing chip. It was a 30 minute walk back to my hotel.  I found out both my tee shirt and my strap for my timing strap was missing. The clear bag I need to get my stuff into transition was also missing. I contacted Justin and he said he would bring it race morning. Then he said I had dismissed my handler and when I told him why he said I should get my timing strap on race day.

He would not help with the missing tee shirt or bag.

Lucky for me a nice volunteer got me a clear bag when I got to transition. He could not help me with a timing strap. I contacted the overall race director and he volunteered to send me one in the mail.

I did not know if there would be a timing strap on race day. I could not race without it. So I got to transition at 4 am so that I could get to the swim start early. I was relieved they had one. Justine the race director would not even talk to me.  I did nothing to deserve that treatment.

When I got back to my hotel later, there were emails from him, he insisted I had to take a handler and that my handler was the only one that could strip my wetsuit. I asked other athletes about it post race and they also had the same understanding that I did.

A few days after the race, one of the sponsors sent out pictures of the award ceremony. Every group but the PC Open athletes got awards. We were the biggest group with 18 athletes. If the 21 in the other categories, half got money awards ranging from $1250 to $250.

Nothing like rubbing in that we were left out. I was treated with total dis-respect and the awards was just a sign.  I contacted one of the sponsors and she passed my comments on to Justin Model. I got a very angry e-mail asking what my problem was. He said there were volunteers handing out medals and why did I not get one.  He said they were trying to make a race for the para-triathletes and they have never given medals in 10 years in the PC Open. 

Lots of classified athletes start in the PC Open, I guess we don't count.  After the way I was treated I turned over the matter to the Para triathlon Manager at USAT.  Under USAT at the grassroots level I am allowed to compete in my category without medical classification and if competing as a PC Open am eligible for awards.

I do not know what set off the race director. Maybe he thinks I am a scammar.  He assumes because I don't look impaired that I have no challenges.  There were other athletes with non visible impairments in the PC Open.  I felt they were shown no respect. I hope by complaining that the race organizers will make some improvements, especially in how they treat athletes in the PC Open division.

It isn't about the medal. Know there were no awards changed the race for me. What was a race became a training run.  This was an issue of respect. Respect for those of us with conditions that are not visible. Respect for athletes that may just be trying the sport. I am way past the point where I am happy just to be at a para-race. I want full and equal particpation for those of us with neuro-muscular conditions. We deserve it, we earn it every day.  We deserve it for the communities we represent.

*******************
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.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship. She has qualified to represent Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015.  

 In 2014 she represented  the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

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 165 members in 32 states. We also have members in Australia, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, England 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, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing