Run 4 CMT

Monday, August 17, 2026

Age Group National Championship Milwaukee

"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

The USA Triathlon (USAT) age group national championships were held in Milwaukee from August 7th to the 9th. It was also the paratriathlon national championship.

I have mixed feelings about doing this race. When I first started racing as a para-triathlete, there was a separate category for athletes with neuromuscular conditions. We had a time standard just as wheelchair, visually impaired, and athletes with limb impairments had. I could always make the time standard, which would have been tough for most athletes with CMT or any other neuromuscular condition.

A few years ago, the neuromuscular category was combined with the single-limb impairment category. All four of my limbs are affected. I would be competing against athletes with one impairment. The current time standard is around 1 hr 30. There is no way I can do that as a 68-year-old athlete. It is the toughest time standard of all the categories.

If you cannot make the time standard, you can not go through medical classification that determines the correct category and whether you are impaired enough. I haven't been able to pass this obstacle.

So a system that should include me has always excluded me. I was placed in the Physically Challenged (PC) Open division, where I often competed against athletes with less impairment or raced in a tandem.

Now, anyone not classified into the para-triathlon system races as an adaptive athlete. They split those groups into ATD1, ATD2, ATD3, ATD4, and ATTMI.

I am now in ATD3, which is a catch-all. The group includes medically verified conditions such as Traumatic Brain Injury, PTSD, chronic diseases, congenital conditions, or neurological conditions.

It is a step forward. But the classified athletes are eligible for prize money and yearly USAT support.

They get spots on the world team. At my age, I likely would not be competitive. But I would like to compete as an adaptive athlete at an age-group world championship. When I do make Team USA, I cannot compete as an adaptive athlete.

The para-triathlon championship in Milwaukee reminds me how hard I have worked to be accepted by the system. They continue to keep out those of us with neurological conditions. I know of no one who can make the time standard. When I did meet the standard, I was told I was too strong.

USAT and the International Triathlon Union (ITU) need to do better. I still compete at World Championships in age-group races. It is not too late for me. Please reform the system.

So now on to the actual race.

Swim

I arrived to set up in transition at 4:30 am, knowing my swim start wasn't until 9:12 a.m. The adaptive athlete wave was the very last wave in the entire race. Last year I fought for and was granted a wave right after the championship waves. That last wave is full of Team Triumph boats. That group helps people with disabilities race by pulling a boat in the swim and giving the participant a ride for the rest of the race. I support their mission; I just hate dodging boats during the swim.

At the dock I met a woman who told me she was ATD 3. That was news to me. I thought I was the only one in the category. Well, I would have competition.

As the swim started, the boats must have found faster swimmers. They outpaced us after about 100 yards. My competition was right beside me. She was swimming with a coach directing her the entire way. I wish I had that kind of help. I wouldn't have to check the swim course. The swim is very easy. I decided to swim in lava pants because the water temperature was 74.5 F. I was worried I would be cold, but it was the perfect choice. A little buoyancy without overheating. The swim is pretty easy because it is in a protected lagoon.

My competition and her coach were out of the water just ahead of me.

The transition was a long run. Due to my foot drop, I caught my big toe on my left foot. I heard it snap. I thought that was going to leave a mark.

I will have to think about how to avoid this happening again.

My competition was out of transition just ahead of me. I finished the 750-meter swim in about 22minutes. Not great, but I have been so busy on home improvement projects this Summer that my swim workouts have suffered.

Bike

The bike course goes along Lake Michigan, up a long gradual hill, then over the Hoan Bridge and back, which is another long gradual climb.

I caught up to my competition and her coach, much to my surprise. She looked college-aged, and I thought there was no way I would catch her. I caught her because she was riding a mountain bike.

As I passed, I told her she had a nice swim. Then my thought was, I was going to put as much distance between us as I could. I wanted to make it impossible to catch me.

Rain had been predicted for late morning. I think everyone was watching the weather after last year's flooding and race cancellation.

It started raining as I got on the Hoan Bridge. As long as it was just drizzle, that would be ok. I finished the 20K bike in about 54 minutes. I need to improve that for next year.

Run

The weather was looking more threatening as I started the run. I could hear thunder. When storms get too close, races will be suspended or shut down.

I finished the 5K run in about 38 minutes. My race time was 2 hr 4 minutes. Not great, but 6 minutes faster than the last time I raced the course.

It was a really long walk back to transition. The wind kept getting worse. I could tell a storm was coming. Everything was being closed down. I guess the racers behind me weren't allowed to finish. The award ceremony was canceled. I had to beg a volunteer to let me into transition to get my race equipment. They were closing it down due to the incoming storm.

I wasn't quite back to my car when the clouds opened up. I was drenched, but at least I finished the race. I was first in the female ATD3 category for another national championship.

I have lots to work on for next year. I did make Team USA at an event in May for Standard Duathlon. I have some training to do before I'm ready.

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

Chris Wodke
Founder, Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete, Nordic skier, and long-distance runner. She has participated in the Boston Marathon three times. 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 in the Paratriathlon Open Division.

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aquathlon, Duathlon, aquabike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

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

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

She has won state championships as an age-group athlete in cycling and triathlon. She has represented America as an age-group athlete at world championships in Chicago, Denmark, Cozumel, and Norway. She earned a bronze medal at the 2023 Winter Duathlon World Championship in Norway.

In 2020, she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book “Running for My Life,” which details her experience as a CMT-affected athlete, and “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating.”

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

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 find a cure for CMT. We currently have 257 athletes in 43 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland, and Sweden! If you wish to join us, visit our website: 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. Hand atrophy causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

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

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

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

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

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Saturday, June 27, 2026

Fox Lake Triathlon- Just What I Needed

Fox Lake Triathlon June 7, 2026

"Once you choose hope, anything is possible." Actor Christopher Reeve and activist

I had just one goal with this race. I needed a sprint triathlon to qualify for the National Senior Games in Tulsa next year. Wisconsin does not have a triathlon event in our State Games. So to qualify, I just needed to complete a sprint triathlon this year.

I cannot remember the last time I did a road-based sprint triathlon. I skipped the National Senior Games last year due to broken ribs. I was saving myself for the Para-National Championships in Milwaukee, but they were canceled due to massive flooding. Many of my races now have been off-road races.

I would be happy to race a sprint. That is how I got started in the sport. I went into this race, being so happy for the chance to race. I realize every race is a victory for someone with CMT. Racing is a privilege when so many with CMT struggle to even walk and do simple daily tasks.

Venue
The race was held in Fox Lake Park, in Fox Lake, Illinois. It is just a 50-minute drive from home. No hotel stay was needed. The park and the surrounding area were so beautiful. The surrounding area is very similar to the lake counties in my State. The park and lake were beautiful. Packet pickup was easy the morning before the race. It gave me a chance to figure out parking.

Swim
The air temperature on race morning was around 60F. The water on race morning was 78F. What a change from the 55-degree temperature at the National Multisport Championship in May in South Haven. I decided to do the swim in neoprene capri pants. That gives a bit of buoyancy. They keep the body level without overheating while wearing a full wetsuit. It turned out to be the perfect choice. The water felt warm during the swim warm-up. was ready. I lined up in the very last wave. I do this because I hate being run over by other swimmers.
I am used to that wave because that is where I usually start as a para-athlete.

Since this was a small race, I decided to compete as an age-group athlete rather than a para-athlete. I wanted to save the race directors a medal. That is an extra expense for a small race. This race had about 150 athletes in 2025. Plus, sometimes I just want to be a face in the crowd and not answer lots of questions about my impairment. I did not expect to place in my age group, even in a small race.

The swim was beautiful, but a little choppy. No problem for me. I have come so far since my early racing days, when I had to wear a wetsuit for the swim. I finished in 19:38, which was a good swim for me.

Bike
I took forever in transition, trying to get into a jacket. It was 61°F, just a bit cold for a bike ride when you are wet. There is some room for improvement there. The 20 K bike course had a giant, and I mean giant, hill right after a sharp turn, after transition. There was no chance to gain any speed. I ended up walking. The rest of the course was gentle rolling hills. It was well-marked and well-staffed with volunteers. My bike time was around 55 minutes. Lots of room for improvement there.

Run
Then it was time for the 5K run. I was tired and wanted to walk. But I counted steps. I alternated 100 faster-paced steps with 100 slower steps. Again, the course was well marked with no chance of taking a wrong turn. I appreciate all the effort it took to make that happen. I finished in around 39 minutes. Better than the 42-minute stand-alone 5K I had last year. I've lost about 7 pounds, and that has helped.

It was a good day, made even better by winning 3rd place in my age group. I had not pushed the pace at all because I was just hoping to finish. I am now qualified for the National Senior Games next year in Tulsa.

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

World Championship in Cozumel, Mexico

Chris Wodke
Founder Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete, Nordic skier, and long-distance runner. She is a three-time participant in 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.

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aquathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

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

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

In 2020, she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book “Running for My Life,” which details her experience as a CMT-affected athlete, and of “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating.”

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

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

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.

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Saturday, June 6, 2026

Multi-Sport National Champsionships-Not the Week I Planned

"The key is to keep company only with people who will uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best. " Epictetus, Ancient Greek Philosopher

I had planned a big week at the May National Multi-Sport Championships in South Haven, Michigan. It is only a 3-hour drive from home. The race was scheduled for May 13-17th.

I had signed up to race:

SS Duathlon
SS Trithlon
StandardAquabike
Aquathlon
Standard Duathlon
DL Duathlon
DL Sprint Aqua bike

May is early for racing in the Midwest. We had a cold and rainy spring. I had been watching the water temperature of the venue lake for weeks.

The day I arrived, the water temperature was 60 degrees, and the wind was 20 mph. The Open Water Swim race was canceled.

To make a long story short, the water temperature dropped to 58.5 the next day and held for the race I had scheduled.

I've had problems with racing in cold water twice. The first time I got cold water shock at a race in Chicago. I was actually hanging off of the fire rescue boat, wheezing. They should have pulled me, but urged me on. I would have dropped out if I had been getting enough oxygen to process what was happening. I could not catch my breath the entire race.

The second time it happened was at a local race in June. The same cold water and the same reaction. I dropped out halfway through the swim.

So I scratched all the races with swimming. I also ended up dropping out of the DL duathlon. The World Championship is in Hamburg, and I have been to Germany. Thunderstorms were also expected, and I did not want to race through that.

That left me two races. The first was the SS Time Trial Duathlon and the Standard Duathlon.

SS Time Trial Duathlon

It was 45 F race morning. I had to bundle up with long pants and a jacket. I love the SS because the distances are all short. The format is:

2.5 K run
10 K bike
2.5 K run

It is a great warm-up race. I would have company in this race. There was a young para-athlete and her handler in the race. Our category takes off last. That usually means racing alone for me. I was looking forward to having some company.

The race started, and I soon outpaced the other athlete. It was a cold but uneventful race for me. I secured another National Championship.

Standard Duathlon.
When I raced in Irving, Texas, I had lots of other para-athletes competing in the short-distance events. I decided that if I wanted to win, I had to go longer. That was actually a good plan. The shorter-distance races did not have para-athletes this year, but there were many age-group athletes. My para times are placed together with age-group athletes to determine spots on Team USA. The top 18 are selected, with the number rolling down to 30 if someone does not want their spot. This year, all the non-duathlon events had more than 18 women in my age group. With the World Championship in Edmonton next year, most of the women will go. My chances of getting a spot were not strong.

This race consisted of
10 K run
40 K bike
5 K run

I had run all winter, so I was ready to run. But biking in Milwaukee in the winter is a challenge. I got out several times a week on my fat tire bike. But not the kind of distance I would cover in this race.

The best part about triathlon is that it is such a positive environment. I was in the last wave for both races. This gives me lots of time to visit with other athletes. At the race start, I got to visit with both the race director and USAT Chief Operating Officer Tim Yount.

The race was off. I was very much in the back of the pack. It was an out-and-back course, so at least I could see runners coming back. I just ran at a comfortable pace. I distracted myself by picking up trash along the road and dropping it at the aid stations.

The only excitement was a rottweiler that came out on the course. We were running in the country, and it belonged to one of the homes. I did my best to scare it off until the owner came. These dogs are very protective of their homes, and we were trespassers.

I got back to transition, and it was time for the bike. It had warmed up to 61F, and I was able to ditch my jacket. The course was two loops. I did have some company as the faster athletes passed me. I even passed a couple of athletes. I just pedaled at a steady pace, and I was fine.

Last was the 5 K run. I liked the running courses because part of it was on dirt roads in the park, and it went past the lake.

I finished in 4:05 on my watch, and I started it when the wave before me left. The official time on the race results was 4:28, which was incorrect. But it really does not matter. It would not have affected my placement in my age group. There were only 11 of us in the age group, so I made Team USA for Edmonton in 2027.

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

Chris Wodke
Founder Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com

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

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aquathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

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

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

In 2020, she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book “Running for My Life,” which details her experience as a CMT-affected athlete, and of “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating.”

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

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

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.

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, #kneedeepinwo

When I had coaches, they always told me duathlons were much harder on your body than triathlons. I was pretty wrecked after this race, since I was a bit undertrained. But it was my last race, and I could rest and recover.

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

Friday, March 27, 2026

Soup Sunday -Mexican Shrimp Bisque

I make soup for many weeks in the Winter. I have not tried out a new recipe for a bit. I was happy to discover this recipe in the Taste of Home Ultimate Soup book.

Mexican Shrimp Bisque

1 small onion, chopped
1 Thsp avocado oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken bone broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp taco seasoning
12 ounces uncooked shrimp
1/2 cup sour cream
guacamole for garnish

In a small saucepan, saute the onion in the oil until tender. Add the garlic and cook for a minute. Stir in the flour until blended. Stir in the chicken broth, cream, and seasoning.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the shrimp to the soup. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the shrimp are pink.
Whisk in the sour cream.
Top with guacamole.

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

Chris Wodke
Founder Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com

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

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

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

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

In 2020, she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book “Running for My Life,” which details her experience as a CMT-affected athlete, and the book “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating”.

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

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

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.

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, #kneedeepinwo

Super Food Saturday Keto Chocolate Pound Cake

Keto Chocolate Pound Cake

I gave up eating sugar about a year ago, but I still sometimes like a sweet treat. At a lunch this week, one of my friends told me about a wonderful webpage with lots of keto recipes. It is called All Day I Dream About Food. That is where I got this recipe. I have a weakness for pound cake. I had taken some store-bought pound cake to a dinner this week, and it killed me not to have any. So this was my reward, and it was really good. I made a couple of minor modifications due to the ingredients I had on hand.

2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/3 cup chocolate whey protein powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp coffee extract
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/4 cup brown sugar substitute ( I used Swerve)
2/3 cup sour cream
4 large eggs at room temperature
1/4 cup heavy cream

Chocolate Ganache
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp allulose
2 ounces sugar-free chocolate chips

Insturcitons

Preheat the oven to 325 F and grease a 9 x 5 metal loaf pan. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, whey protein, and baking powder
In another bowl, beat the butter with the sweetener until well combined and fluffy. Add the sour cream and extract. Beat until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Scrape down the beaters and the sides of the bowl.
Add the almond flour mixture and beat until well combined. Add the cream.
Spread the batter in the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes until the top is risen and firm to the touch. Do not over-bake.
Remove and let cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Loosen the edges with a knife and lift from the pan. Let cool completely.

Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream and allulose. Bring to a simmer.
Add the chocolate chips and let them sit for a few minutes to melt. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled pound cake.

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

Chris Wodke
Founder Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com

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

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aquathon, Duathlon, Aquabike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

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

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

In 2020, she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book “Running for My Life,” which details her experience as a CMT-affected athlete, and of “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating.”

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

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

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 a slowly progressive condition, 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 cold temperatures; many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

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

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, #kneedeepinwo

Saturday, February 7, 2026

New Years Resolutions

"Effort is the measure of the man."- William Jones.

I am on the email list for the Chicago Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) chapter. The moderator asked what everyone's resolutions were.

The surprise was that no one had any resolutions. I do resolutions every year. I think they're a good way to change bad habits and build new habits. So here are the resolutions I made for this year.

Sit Less- I spend way too much time sitting at my computer. My vow is to get up and move around more. My goal is 10,000 steps a day. I am also walking a bit after meals.
Drink More Water- I was given a National Parks water bottle for Christmas. My goal is drink two bottles every day.
Eat in the kitchen. I got into the bad habit of eating in front of my computer.
More Fiber- I want to eat more fiber from oats, beans, and legumes to lower my cholesterol.
Limit processed food- in addition, limit sugar and alcohol
Buy a new fruit or vegetable every time I grovery shop. I read recently that you should try to eat a combination of 30 different fruits and vegetables each week. This weeks purchase was a pomegranate. I also bought a parsnip to put in my beef stew next week. That is why I have a picture of a bowl of pomegranate seeds at the start of this post.

Those are pretty simple, and so far I am sticking to my resolutions. I will let you know how I do as the year unfolds.

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

Chris Wodke
Founder Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com

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

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

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

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

In 2020, she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book “Running for My Life,” which details her experience as a CMT-affected athlete, and the book “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating”.

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

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

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.

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Friday, January 23, 2026

Voting with My Feet

"He who wants to lead the orchestra, must turn his back to the crowd."- James Crook, business coach.

Early in my career, I was at a professional society dinner. During the meeting, a question was asked about the location for the national meeting. Someone asked why the national meeting was never scheduled in Milwaukee.

The President said attendees vote with their feet, meaning they attend in locations that are attractive to them. Milwaukee was not seen as a magnet location.

As an athlete, I have the same "vote-with-my-feet" mentality. When I decide to go to a race, a large part of the decision is about the location. I like to combine racing with seeing a new place.

I qualified for the Winter Triathlon World Championship by racing last year in Breckenridge. I had been there before, but the race venue is beautiful, and travel to get there is easy and reasonably priced. The International Triathlon Union (ITU) selects the race location.

So I was disappointed when Pagola, Italy, was announced as the race location. To get there, I would have to fly into Venice and rent a car or take a train and then a bus to get to the location. I have been to Italy. I have been to Venice. I know many people love Italy. I found it crowded and expensive. I remember paying $300 for a night in a fairly dirty hotel. Our sheets were not even clean. A trip to the race likely meant a stay in Venice after getting off an overnight flight. I did not want to drive since the race venue is in the Dolomites. That means driving hairpin turns in the Winter by myself.

The location last year was very similar, a small mountain town near Turin. I understand most venues do not want to put on this race because the ITU puts so many monetary demands on the race organizers. Many venues in America have hosted National Championships. I know because I raced in St. Paul, Breckinridge, and Anchorage, Alaska. All were easy to get to. They do not need two days of travel. The sites were easy distance from the airport, or there was a shuttle available.

All of these sites had beautiful chalets to stay warm before the race. In Norway, there was nothing. We had to stand out in the cold. There are also other race organizers in America putting on local races. So they have the experience and the facilities to put on a good race. ITU claims to want to grow the sport. When I went to Norway to race in the World Championship, the American group was the biggest contingent. ITU needs to consider races that will attract participants and not just venues to line their pockets.

Despite the drawbacks of traveling to Italy, I had decided to put up with the two days of travel until I went to the USAT site to register.

In order to register for the two races (duathlon and triathlon), I had to pay a spot fee of $122 for each race for a total of $244. That is not race fees. It is just a tax from USA Triathlon (USAT). USAT sends no support. They hold a couple of Zoom calls for the team and send the race roster to the ITU. The team arranged for its own uniforms. The spot fee was more than the $175 being charged by ITU to participate in both events.

When questioned about these charges, I was told the charge is to help pay for USAT salaries and overhead. So it is indeed a tax on the athletes. I spent a lot of money to participate in the National Championship, and now they want a spot fee? They provide no support with arranging a hotel and transportation. The links they provided do not work. So the athletes get little money. I also feel USAT has not pushed to get a World Championship in America.

So I've decided not to go to the World Championship. USAT told me they got several complaints.

I posted my views on the venue and spot fees on the official USAT multi-sport Facebook page. I was banned from posting.

I was told by a USAT staff member that they would reconsider the fee. I have seen USAT make changes based on feedback.

The last two years, the multi-sport championship was in Omaha. There were all kinds of extra fees, such as $30 a day to park a car at the park venue. I had done a regional race there, and the parking was free. USAT booked all the campsites and was charging $100 a night for a tent site. When I raced the same event in Dallas, there was no tent to get out of the sun, and post-race food was fairly scant. If you wanted shade, you had to pay for space in the foundation tent. The Sunday of that race was cold and rainy. Many of us were hiding out in the registration tent. I helped a woman who was hypothermic due to the cold, wind, and rain. USAT needs to provide a space for athletes to get out of the heat and cold.

I did not race in Omaha and also gave feedback about the reasons for my decision.

I noticed this year there were no upcharges for the race, which will be held in Grand Haven.

I have signed up for this race.

So, USAT, stop using your athletes as a cost center. ITU picks better venues and thinks of the athletes instead of yourselves if you want to grow the sport.

If USAT is going to charge a spot fee of $122 for every race at a World Championship, it will, at the very least, limit my participation. If I am not going to race at the World Championships, then I question the time and money needed to race at National Championship events.

I raced in Cleveland last year for the Masters World Games. The race fee was reasonable, with none of the hassles I have outlined. I was even able to race as a physically challenged athlete. This is something I am not allowed to do at the age group ITU World Championships.

So I will continue to vote with my feet. There are other World Championships available. Hope ITU and USAT are listening!

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

Chris Wodke

Founder Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

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

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

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

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

In 2020, she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book “Running for My Life,” which details her experience as a CMT-affected athlete, and the book “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating”.

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

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

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.

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