Friday, December 30, 2016

Fair Friday- Peppermint Whipped Body Butter



1/2 coconut Oil
1/2 cup cocoa butter
1/2 cup shea butter
1/2 cup sweet almond oil
1 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil

Using a double boiler melt the coconut oil, cocoa butter and shea butter together. Transfer the mixture to a glass bowl. Add the sweet almond oil, vitamin E and peppermint oil. Mix well with an electric stick blender for about 5 minutes. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes and whisk again until soft and creamy. Store in air tight containers, away from the sunlight or in the refrigerator.

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

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 and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and will represent the US at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon.

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 207 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran and Sweden. 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, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA


Friday, December 23, 2016

Fair Friday- Chocolate Mint Moisturizer



1/2 cup jojoba oil
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup mango butter
1/2 cup cocoa butter
1 teaspoons peppermint oil
2 T cocoa powder

Melt oils and butter in a bowl over boiling water.  Remove the bowl and place in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.  Add cocoa and peppermint oil and whip. Store in jars in the refrigerator.


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

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 and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and will represent the US at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon.

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 207 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran and Sweden. 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, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

2016 Racing Season-Nothing but Fun




World Championship Race Finisher Meal and Numbers

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face...do the thing you think you cannot do." Elanor Roosevelt

I grew up in a family of seven kids. We always had food on the table and a roof over our heads, but there was not much money left over for extras.  All the time growing up we had used bikes that we shared.

I got my first bike that was all mine when I graduated from college. My oldest brother bought me a  used Fuji. It was my transportation for two years when I didn't own a car.  I rode that bike for years even after it was in an accident.

About 5 years ago I bought my first brand new bike. It was a Felt entry level road bike. It was a beautiful lavender color.  I now own 5 bikes and I still have this bike.  It has become my beater training bike. When I bought this bike I remember the salesman was a triathlete. He told me how much fun it was and how I should try it.  I told him there was no way I could do the swim. I was really afraid of swimming in a crowd.  I finally decided that running was getting difficult so I decided to do a triathlon.

My first few triathlon swims lived up to all my swim fears.   The first few races were really brutal.

Every once in awhile in rough water I can still feel a bit...well OK sometimes allot of anxiety.  Still there I was this November on the shores of a lake in Miami ready to do a 1.2 mile swim without a bit of fear.

My swim has really come a long way.  One of the highlights this year was the two swims I did in Cozumel.  Both swims were without a wetsuit, which was a big step for me. One that had me a bit nervous going into the race.  I placed 2nd in the PC Open division in the Age Group Open race and did well in the World Championship race. Both were really fun and the swim was much easier than I expected. I felt confident and strong in the water.

2016 Series Awards

To get ready for Cozumel I did a Aquathlon Series here in Wisconsin. It was a series of three races with points for each race. I am proud to say I took 1st place for the series for my age group.

This year I cut back on my travel to races and did only one National Championship. I did three races of the Wisconsin Triathlon series and I finished 3rd overall for my age group.

I re-discovered running races again when I did the Firecracker four mile race on the 4th of July.  I did two races in the local Beer Garden 5K and finished 4th in my age group in one race and 3rd in another. Both really unexpected results since I did not really train for these races and both came in weeks with other races.
Senior Olympics Wisconsin State Championships

I also won the State Championship for my age group for the Senior Olympics 10 K road race. It was a great race on a beautiful course around Lake Michigan. I had not done a road race since my last Boston Marathon. It felt great to be out there again since running is where I got my start as an athlete.  I also was the Wisconsin State Champion in all four of the cycling events for the senior olympics.
Aquabike National Championship Jersey

Finally  I finished my season with the Aquabike National Championship in Miami.  I did not have a great race, but won the PC Open division.  I once again qualified for the Team USA and the World Championship in Penticton, Canada.  I've won the PC Open division several times in National Championships but this is my first championship jersey. I cannot even explain what it means for me as someone with CMT to win this.  Growing up a clumsy kid in gym I never would have expected this to happen. I am so glad I conquered my fear in the swim. That step helped me to this accomplishment.

This season was all the sweeter because I put no pressure on myself. After 4 years of trying to break into the ranks of paratriathlon I decided to step back.  I decided to stay close to home and just have fun. I can honestly say this was my best season of racing. I was relaxed, had fun and some really good results.

I cannot wait until next year and I am already picking out races. It will again be lots of local races, some running and a few test events. I like to stretch myself and try new sports. Look for me to enter at least one National Championship.

It has been a great year for Team CMT as well. The team has grown to almost 200 members. I got to meet several of our members at the HNF patient summit in October in New York. I was part of a panel discussion on exercise and nutrition with members Jenny Decker, Kris Tun, and Estelle Lugo.

The very best thing about this season was I was selected to take part in the Pharnex drug trial for CMT. I am so hopeful this will be a treatment for those of us with type 1A CMT. I have been on the drug since October and already have much more energy. I hope that helps with training as I get ready for next year.  I think 2017 is going to be the best year yet.

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

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 and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and will represent the US at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon.

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 207 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran and Sweden. 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, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA


Sunday, December 18, 2016

Soup Sunday- Beef Soup with Mushrooms & Barley




There is nothing like having a pot of soup cooking on the stove in the winter. We had a foot of snow since Friday afternoon and it was 2 F this morning.  I made the broth for this recipe starting with beef shanks and meaty soup bones.  I browned the bones in the oven and then cooked them overnight in the slow cooker. I used the meat from the bones in this soup. If you make your own broth you might want to enhance the flavor with a product called "Better than Broth.

You can use beef broth and left over beef  from say a roast.

1/2 white onion chopped
1 stick butter
8 ounces button mushrooms sliced
12 ounces baby bella mushrooms sliced
6 cups beef broth
3 cups cooked beef, cut into bite size pieces
1/2 cup red wine
1 teaspoon garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup pearl barley

Melt the butter in the bottom of a heavy stock pot or Dutch oven.  Add the onion and cook for a few minutes until the onions soften. Add the mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms are soft and release their juices.  Add the beef broth, beef, wine and garlic salt.  Add the barley and cover. Bring to a simmer and cook until the barley is done. This will be about 15 minutes.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 6

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


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 and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and will represent the US at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon.

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 207 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran and Sweden. 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, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA


Saturday, December 17, 2016

Super Food Saturday- Grainless Granola


I got this recipe from my sister-in-law Cindy on my recent visit to Dallas. Like me she is working to eat healthy. I loved this when I tried it and made it when I got home. It takes great mixed with yogurt or with plain Kefir, which is what I have pictured.  I changed up her recipe a bit. Her's had 1 1/2 teaspoons of Stevia. I did not think I needed it. I also increased the cinnamon because I liked a stronger cinnamon flavor.  I also added the raisins to my recipe which may be why I did not need the stevia.  You can add any dried fruit you like. Just be sure to add it after the granola comes out of the oven.

 2 cups nuts ( any combination of walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts etc.)
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup shredded coconut unsweetened
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon grated ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 egg white
3/4 cup golden raisins
3/4 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 300 F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.  Melt coconut oil over low heat. Take off of heat and stir in spices and vanilla.  Chop the nuts in a blender or food processor. Add pumpkin seeds to the nut mixture. Stir in the coconut oil and blend well. Whisk the egg white and add to the nut mixture. Mix with a spoon until everything is well coated.  Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet, spreading the mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Remove from the oven and add the raisins.

Super Foods Featured: Coconut oil, coconut, ginger, cinnamon

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

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 represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and will represent the US at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.

 In 2014 she represented  the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon.

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 196 members in 37 states. We also have members in Australia, England,Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland 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, December 14, 2016

Aqua Bike National Championship Race Report



"Know what you want to do, hold through firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer to your goal." - Elbert Hubbard

 It was a long season. I did my first triathlon at the end of February and my last race was the Miami Man Aqua Bike National Championship in Miami on November 13th.

I cut back on my away races this year. The Miami race would be my only national championship.  I set a goal this year to win a national championship. I picked the Miami race with this goal in mind.  I am not the fastest athlete, but I am good at picking races.

This would be my third aqua bike race of the season. By doing two USAT sanctioned races I would have a chance to be nationally ranked.  Aqua bike is a swim followed by a bike leg.  I have been fighting tendinitis on both my ankles. I am afraid my running days may be numbered, so I have started looking for races without running.  I'll be ready someday if my CMT progresses to the point where I can't run.

The Miami race would be a 1.2 mile swim and a 56 mile bike. I had done the distance earlier in the year at the Toughman Wisconsin event.  I felt so good after the event, that I did not need any recovery.

I check race results for most of the national championship races. I noticed in the past few years that there were very few athletes for this event in my age group.  Most of the athletes complete in the Long distance triathlon which is held at the same event.  The long distance triathlon is a qualifying event for Team USA and the World Championship. That has not been the case for Aqua bike.

I signed up for the Aqua bike race thinking since it was not a qualifying race and there were few athletes in the past, that I would have a good shot at a podium finish and maybe a championship.

I signed up for the race and every few days I would check the participant list. For months I was the only one in the age group. One day one other woman had signed up.  I knew I would still have a shot at the top three.

Then a month before the race the USAT announced the Aqua bike race would be a qualifier for the World Championship in Penticton Canada.  The top 18 in each age group would be eligible for Team USA. Suddenly there were 11 athletes in my age group. At least I would have another chance to be on the US team.

By the time I got to the end of September I have to honestly say I started to get tired of biking. It seemed every weekend I had to do a long ride. Those rides got tough in October and November when the temperature was in the low 40s.  Every weekend was a 4 to 5 hour bike ride. I wanted my life back. I was sorry I had signed up for the race and was not looking forward to traveling. I was just ready for the season to be done.

As much as I did not want to go to the race and as burned out as I was feeling, I had a really great time in Miami.

I met a bunch of other female athletes at the hotel breakfast buffet. We just had an instant bond.
The topic of conversation was the aggressive cut-off time for the bike course.  All of us were in the 50+ group which was in the last swim wave.  If you were not finished with the 2nd loop of the three loop bike course by 10:12, you would be pulled from the course and given a DNF (Did Not Finish).

I would be on an entry level tri bike and was worried about making the cut-off.  There was an option to be put in the first wave. That meant giving up any age group awards and I thought a slot on the US team.

With the large group of athletes in my age group I decided to race in the first wave and switch to the Physically Challenged Open Division. I would be able to finish the race and not worry about my time.

Pre-Race
As usual I arrived almost as soon as transition opened at 4 ish. I would have been earlier except for a few wrong turns getting to the race venue. The race was on Miami Zoo grounds and the address I used for my GPS took me to the front gate, not the park which was the race venue.

This was the morning of the super moon. It was a giant orange ball over the lake where the swim would take place. I wish my camera would have captured it. The swim venue was glassy calm.

I got set up and chatted with all my new tri friends from the hotel. Then I got out of transition and made my way to the swim start to relax.  As soon as race officials gave us permission, I went out and did my swim warm up. I was ready and chilled out by talking to other athletes.

I talked with a women doing the 1/2 iron distance without a wet suit. It was her very first triathlon and she had only gone to the pool a couple of times. She figured she could just tough out the swim. I hope she did alright.

Swim
The swim was two laps.   We had to get out of the water at the end of the first lap, go through the timing mat and get back in the water. There was also an Olympic distance triathlon going on. They did one lap.  This was not a great swim.  There were 2000 athletes and this is the most crowded swim I have ever done.  The water was pretty churned up with all the swimmers. Athletes were constantly trying to crawl over me. I am glad I have enough experience that does not bother me any more.  Still I felt strong and I was out of the water in 53:42.

Bike
My rented bike was not a great bike. Bringing a bike can be a hassle and I decided to rent from a local shop.  When I picked up the bike they looked at me funny when I asked if they were going to fit the bike. They agreed to adjust the seat.

Well the bike was not at all comfortable.  I rented a tri bike since I had used one in Cozumel without a problem.  Every time I tried to get in the aero position, my back and neck hurt a lot. After a short time I pretty much gave up on the aero position for the race.

The center of gravity was a bit different than my road bike. The first time I reached for my water bottle, I ran right off the road.  I rode it out and slowed down enough to get the bike under control and stop. Because I was so slow it was discouraging to see all the other bikes zoom past me.

The course was really kind of boring. Really flat farm land that kind of all looked the same. The course was well staffed and clearly marked. It got really windy on the last loop. It was hot and humid and I was starting to run out of gas at about mile 50.  Still I kept at it. I figured the only way to get back to transition was to ride.

My ride went better than some of the athletes. I heard someone put tacks on the road that caused flats for about 20 athletes. I talked with a woman at my hotel that said she dropped to 5th after getting a flat from one on the tacks.  My ride was over in 3 hr 34 minutes for an average of 15.1 mph.  On my own road bike I probably would have averaged about 18 mph.

Some races give awards for the PC Open division, some  do not. It just depends on the race director. Some are really great, others not so much. I had a couple of bad experiences last year.  I actually did not race PC all year due to the bad experiences last year.

I was eating lunch when the awards for the Olympic division were given out and the PC athlete did get an award.  I decided to wait around for the awards.

I had to wait about three hours for the awards but it was worth the wait. Not only did I get a 1st place award for the PC Open Division, but I was handed a National Champion jersey. In the past these have not been give to winners in the PC division. It is something I asked USAT to do and I am glad to see they are recognizing us as well as the age group winners.

I did not have a great race, but I had lots of fun and did win that National Championship that had been my goal at the start of the season.  It was an unexpected result, which made it all that much sweeter.  I think I am going to frame my jersey since I may not ever win another one.

I thought by racing in the PC Open division that I would not be given a slot of Team USA.  A few weeks after the race I got my invitation to join Team USA for the Aqua Bike World Championship In Penticton B.C. next August.  It may be due to the two other races I did.

More than likely I will not be going to Canada.  I have other races and travel plans so may decide to pass on the World Championship this year.  Still it was a another nice surprise and I did reserve a spot in case I change my mind.

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


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 and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and will represent the US at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon.

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 207 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran and Sweden. 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, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Super Food Saturday Pumpkin Chi Pudding




I know white sugar is bad for me and I have worked on really cutting back on it.  Sometimes though I just need something sweet, especially after dinner.  I have been looking for recipes that can satisfy my sweet tooth and still be healthy.

This recipe goes together really quick. I hope you enjoy it.

Pumpkin Chia Pudding
1/4 Chia seeds
1 cup coconut milk
1 can pumpkin
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup maple syrup ( add a bit more if you want it sweeter)

Put chia seeds in the coconut milk and let sit the night in the refrigerator. The next day take out of the refrigerator and combine the rest of the ingredients.  Chill and serve with a little whipped cream on top.

Serves 4

Super Foods Featured: coconut milk, pumpkin, chia seeds.


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

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 and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and will represent the US at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon.

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 207 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran and Sweden. 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, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA







Friday, December 9, 2016

Fair Friday-Bath Fizzies

Homemade Bath Fizzies


Today's project is one that is quick and easy. It is one of many that I did over Thanksgiving weekend.  I have always wanted to try making these and decided to give it a go when I found a recipe by Martha Stewart.

You use bath fizzies by popping one in the bath tub while running the water. They make a wonderful fragrance.  Sometimes they are called bath bombs and can be quite pricey to buy.

I used a vintage muffin tin I have had for ages. It was great for forming the fizzies into a pretty shape. You can use any muffin tin.  Some of them may crack when they dry. That is OK, they are still good to use.

I packed mine up in cellophane gift bags for friends where I work.  I got all of the ingredients on Amazon.com as I do for most of my projects.  This project takes a bit of mixing and a little patience, but the results are worth it.

1 3/4 cup baking soda
2 cups cornstarch
1 cup citric acid
small spray bottle filled with distilled water
10 drops essential oils ( I used a citrus blend for one batch and lavender and rose for another.)


  1. Sift the baking soda, citric acid and cornstarch through a sieve to remove chunks.
  2. Place 1 cup of this mixture into a glass bowl.
  3. Lightly spritz with the water, stirring after each spraying. Add slowly to avoid fizzing.
  4. Check the consistency of the mixture with your fingers. Stop spraying when it can be packed or shaped.  Be patient as it can take a bit of time to get to this point.
  5. Add the essential oil and mix well.
  6. Firmly pack the mixture into molds. Mine were 1/4 cup each.
  7. Allow the mixture to sit for 2 hours, then pop out of the molds onto wax paper.  Let the molded fizzies dry out for 24 hours before packing into bags.
  8. Repeat with the remaining powder.
To use for a bath, just add on fizzie to the bath water.

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


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 and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and will represent the US at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon.

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 207 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran and Sweden. 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, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Pharnext PXT 3003 Clinical Trial



This spring the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF) and Pharnext made an announcement that many of us in the CMT have been waiting for.

They announced the start of Phase 3 trials of PXT 3003 for CMT 1A,  This drug is a blend of baclofen, naltrexone and sorbitol. It has been used to treat MS. There was a successful phase 2 trial of 80 CMT patients and the drug was well tolerated.

The phase three trials will be conducted with 300 patients at 27 sites in the United States and Europe.

I volunteered for the study at the University of Minnesota lead by Dr. Walk.

I emailed the contact on the HNF site that listed all the study locations.

I was contacted by the site study coordinator Valarie Ferment.  I was worried that I would not be accepted because I am mildly affected and so active.  I shared this with Valarie.  I was asked a number of screening questions about my age, plans for surgery and whether I had CMT 1A confirmed by a genetic test.

I was sent an application and asked to provide a copy of my genetic test and diagnosis.

I was told there would be no compensation for participating in the study but that travel expenses would be paid. That was good news for me because I live in Milwaukee, a six hour drive from the study site.  The team working on the project reviews each application.

I got  meet  Dr. Walk at the HNF patient conference in New York city this October. He was on one of the panels and was sitting at my table. There was poster by Pharnext at the conference that said the rejection rate for the study was 25%. When I him about it, he said one of the qualifiers was foot drop and weakness in the foot.  Since we were on break he did a quick check of my feet and said I would meet that criteria.  He said my acceptance would depend on the whole screening process, but that he remembered discussing my case. They were interested because of my mild case and athletic activity.

I shared with Dr. Walk that because I was so active one of my doctors at MDA clinic in Milwaukee paid for my genetic test. She felt there may be something in my DNA that might be different than someone more severely affected with CMT. Dr. Walk shared with me that there was a study in Florida collecting DNA from patients like me to study. He asked if I would agree to submit a blood sample to the study when I was in Minneapolis for my study screening appointment. I eagerly agreed. Even if  I was not accepted for the Pharnext study, I would be able to help another research project.

On October 17th I had my initial screening appointment. It was like the normal neurological exam we get every year. I had to do the nerve conduction test which I hate.

Plus I had an EKG, I am guessing to be sure I was healthy enough. Blood was also drawn and lots of questions about if I had any plans for surgery or had any surgery.  You cannot have had surgery in the last 2 years or plan to have surgery. You could not be on high dosage of vitamin C in the last two months. It had to be less than 750 milligrams a day. I added up all my supplements and I was just under.

There were disclaimers and waivers to sign.

I also was enrolled in the Florida study so that mean waivers and another blood draw.

 The first assessment took about 4 hours and I was told I was accepted to the study.

The following week there were more tests. I did a test of grip and foot strength, a test were I did a timed walk and where I had to put 9 pegs in a hole.

After all the testing was done, Valarie went to draw my sample. There are two different doses and a placebo. It is a double blind study that will last 15 months.

I was given a 3 month supply of an oral  solution that I have to take twice a day. The medicine has to be kept refrigerated which will put a crimp in my traveling. I take it in the morning and in the evening right after eating.

It does not taste very good, but I am getting used to it.  It is delivered in a syringe, so I put the medicine as far back in my mouth as I can.   I am asked to save all the bottles and return them when I go back in three months.  I was given a card to carry in my wallet saying I was taking the drug and to contact Dr. Walk if I am treated for any medical emergency. I have to get permission to take any new drug or supplement.  I am allowed to leave the study at any time.

So far I have had absolutely no side affects. I have noticed that I have much more energy. Fatigue has been one of my biggest problems.  I am encouraged because it is so early in the study. I am really hopeful by the results so far. I also noticed that I have more energy at night, so it has been harder to get to sleep. The good news is I have really good energy during the day despite that. It is a good energy, not jittery at all. I feel much more normal and able to function.

I will go back every three months just for a short assessment and to pick up another 3 month supply of medicine. At 12 months and 15 months I will be assessed with the same tests I had at the first two appointments. Those tests include:


  • Nerve Conduction velocity
  • Sensory Nerve Potential Amplitude
  • Nine hole peg test
  • Compound Muscle Amplitude Potential
  • Hand Grip and foot dorsiflexion
  • CMT neuropathy score
  • Disability measured by change in overall neuropathy limitation scale
I am sure I may have missed something, but you get the idea of what is being screened and the process. The study will be expanded if all goes well and I would encourage anyone with CMT 1A to participate. There still may be room at some of the study site.  Sites include:

  • California, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
  • Connecticut, Charles H. Kamen Neurosmuscular Center
  • Florida, University of Florida Health and University of Miami
  • Kansas, University of Kansas Medical Center
  • Massachusetts, Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Michigan, University of Michigan
  • Minnesota, University of Minnesota Health
  • Missouri, St. Louis Medical Center
  • New Jersey, Hckensack University Medical Center
  • New York City, Columbia University
  • Washington, St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute Spokane
To join, send an email to the site coordinator. Some of the sites are full, but check in case there are openings.

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


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 and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and will represent the US at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon.

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 207 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran and Sweden. 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, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA