Red Bean Chili with Cheese and Bacon

1 lb. ground turkey
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cans (15 oz.) Red chili beans
2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with jalapenos
1 (15 oz.) tomato sauce
2 cups chicken bone broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
8 ounces of cream cheese chopped into cubes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices of bacon
sour cream or yogurt

Brown the turkey and onions in a large soup pot.  Add the chili beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, tomato paste, and spices.  Bring to a boil. Turn to a simmer and cook for one hour.  Stir in the cream cheese.  Stir to blend in the cheese.  Add the cheddar cheese.

Ladle into bowls. Top with a slice of bacon, a bit of yogurt, and some additional shredded cheese.

Serves 6

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

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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon 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 Para triathlete 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 Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 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 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

 

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 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.

 

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.

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

 

 

 

Winter Duathlon National Championship 2025 Breckingridge Colorado- Not the Race I Wanted

 

               "My troubles are two, the brain in my head, the heart in my breast." -A.E. Housman.

The USA Triathlon (USAT) Winter Duathlon and National Triathlon National Champsionship races returned again this year to Breckinridge, Colorado.

I decided again this year not to go to the World Champsionship. Once again the race organizers were really late announcing the dates and location in Italy.  They also made a big show of announceing there would be a para-athlete category in the Age Group race.  Even with USAT help they would not allow me to race in the category.  I do race with a para-licence here in the U.S. So it was a personal protest of sorts to not attend.

Breckingridge is a great ski town. It has a lovely village with four alpine resorts in Summit country and two nordic centers.  There is a free shuttle that runs everywhere.  It is easy to fly into Denver and take a shuttle. No need for a rental car.

There are two problems with the location, lodging is expensive and I have been there four times in the last five years. I like traveling to new places. Breckinridge has become a bit two familar with me.

The elevation is also close to 10,000 feet. This makes racing  challenge for a Midwesterner like myself.

Last year when I did the race on this course I could not breath well enough to run. I had to walk most of the run portion.

This year I was ready with a high altitude perscription.  I have to admit my head and heart were just not in the race.  

The medication had some side effects. My hands tingled when they got cold. It felt like I was standing on a vibrating plate. One of the other athletes told me this was a known side effect of the medication.

So I was not in a great mood going into the first day of racing. The duathlon was 4 K of running followed by 6K of nordic skiing.  

As the race started I was able to run slowly.  The course had about 3 inches of fresh snow. It was like running in sand. I was able to run everything except a couple of hills. Because I am slower and older I line up in the back at the run start. That meant the course was really churned up by the other runners.

I tried to get around this by running near the edge of the groomed course.  I got too close to the edge.  My foot hit the snow on the edge and got sucked in. I found myself in waist deep snow. Too athletes had to pull me out.

I got back to trasnition without incident. Then it was the ski. The course did not seem to be groomed. I saw places without classic tracks.  I am not used to skiing in deep snow. We seem to only have icy trails in the Midwest.  I struggle the entire race to get a skate rythmn.  The snow also seemed sticky.

I finished and because I was the only para-athlete I was once again a National Champion.  There were four or 5 other athletes behind me.

Here I am at the award ceremony.  I am smiling because I was so happy to be done.

One of my friends also racing really wanted me to do the Triathlon race the next day.  Mentally and physically I was just not feeling it. I was tired and my hips were really sore.  I made an effort by laying out my uniform and race equipment in my room. I even had an offer for a ride. On race morning I could just not do it. I was satisfied with one National Championship.  It was enough for me.  I went skiing instead at the other nordic center. I was tired and sore and fell several times. So it was probably a good decision to not race.

I qualified for the World Champsionshp next year. USAT is going to make a bid.  I like Breckinridge, the organizer does a great race. I would really love if it came to St. Paul. That is driving distance for me.  If it is an international decision, I hope it is that is somewhere easy to get to. That has not been the case the last couple of years.

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

 

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon 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 Para triathlete 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 Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 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 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

 

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 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.

Soup Sunday-Cheesy Chili with Chili Beans

 

Spicy Chili with Cheese and Chili Beans

1 ½ lbs. ground beef
1 medium yellow onion chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cans (15 oz.) chili beans
1 can chopped green chilies
2 (14 ounce) cans chopped tomatoes with green chilies
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
4 cups chicken broth
1 package taco seasoning
8 ounces cream cheese cut in small pieces
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
Additional Cheese and bacon for garnish.

Brown the ground beef in a large stockpot with the onions and garlic. When the meat is browned drain off the grease. Add to a crockpot and all of the other ingredients up to but not including the cream cheese. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.  Turn off the crockpot. Add the cheeses and bacon. Top each bowl with additional cheese and bacon. Makes 8 servings.

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

 

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon 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 Para triathlete 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 Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 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 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

 

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 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.

 

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.

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

 

 

 

Dirty Mitten- Gravel Triathlon National Championship Middleville, Michigan

 

"Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one."- Bruce Lee.

I cut back quite a bit on racing this year for several reasons. I think I am starting to get a bit burned out on racing and traveling for races. So the lighter schedule has been helpful. 

When I choose an event, there is always a goal and a reason for the choice.  I picked the Gravel Triathlon National Championship race for several reasons.

I have not done many of these races, so the events seem fresh. It is a new challenge which I always love.  The races are fun and low key with a fun vibe.  I like the bike portion on forest roads and the venue gives me a chance to use my very neglected mountain bike. My focus has shifted as well to a focus on winter triathlon.  I feel the trail running and off road bike portions help to prepare me for these winter races that are also off-road.

I did a gravel race in July in Michigan and started training on trails late this Summer.  A problem with the trail run emerged.  Because of my CMT, I have little forward flex in my lower legs. On uneven surfaces like trails, my ankle has to flex due to the terrain. That means the ankle collapses to the side which causes falls. My foot drop, also a side effect of my CMT causes me to trip over roots and rocks.  I have had problems in the past in races that happened during training runs.

There isn't much help for an athlete with CMT.  Most in the CMT are not active and are not racing at the national level or international level. I am pretty much left to analyze problems and solutions on my own. I decided the solution to my issues on the run may be to brace the ankle causing most of my problems and to use trekking poles.

As a physically challenged athlete, I am allowed to use adaptive equipment and to ask for other needed accommodations.  I never want to ask for something that gives me a competitive advantage. This accommodation I felt would prevent me from being hurt. So I asked and was granted permission to use trekking poles by USA Triathlon.  I am thankful for this support from USAT. They have been great to me over my racing career.

I only got to practice twice running with the poles  Although I have used them often to hike, running was new with them.  It felt a bit awkward and I was undecided about using them in the race. I was also worried about my poles getting in the way of other runners on narrow parts of the trail.

I set up in transition and talked to the race official to be sure he knew I had permission to use the poles. He was copied on my communication to USAT. 

For some reason, I have no race nerves with gravel races. The vibe is very low-key and friendly. I normally don't hang out in transition because many athletes are stressed. I hate being around that. But everyone else was so laid back, I hung out and chatted with other athletes.

The race had both sprint and Olympic distances. I would be doing the Sprint triathlon along with 236 other athletes. The race would include a 750 meter swim, 14 mile bike, and 5K run.

Another change I made this year in my training was to train in two disciplines (swim, bike, run) every day. I also used to take a rest day every week. My training has gone so well, that I seldom take a day off of training.  I kept most of my training low-intensity. I did not follow a training plan. I did whatever felt good.  I usually did 45 to 60 minute workouts. It all felt easy, fun, and low-pressure.

So lining up for a National Championship race was no stress due to my training approach.
The swim was really easy since the lake was glass calm and a warm 74 F. I think the pool where I do my swim workouts is colder. I lined up at the very end of the swim wave and took it easy on the swim.  I finished the swim at 17:27.  The event was supposed to be 750 meters but was about 600M. My foot drop surfaced on the run up a paved hill. My big toe got caught. It is all black and blue and swollen.

The bike on wooded gravel roads had lots of moderate rolling hills. I could get enough momentum on the downhill to get up over the next hill.  Most athletes use a gravel bike for these races. I use a mountain bike because it rides over soft sand and washboard. We had some of both on this course. On part of the route, there were about two dozen water bottles on the ground. The washboard shook the bottles out of cages on athlete's bikes.

The 14-mile course was straight out and back. It was well marked. As someone who has taken wrong turns on courses, I appreciate the efforts of the race directions.

I had seen an athlete getting first aid near the field of fallen water bottles on the way out. On the return trip, there were two ambulances in the same area. It is a reminder that racing has some risks. When racing gravel I have to pay close attention to the road to navigate hazards due to course conditions.

I finished the bike at 1:14:04.  It was not fast, but I was one of the few athletes on a mountain bike. Right now I have no plans to change that.

It was on to the run course. I slipped on my ankle brace and grabbed my trekking poles.  The course was mostly on grass fields. There were not many roots, rocks, or steep climbs. I did pay attention to other runners to make sure my poles did not get in anyone's way. I did get a comment about why I had poles. I gave a quick explanation as I passed by the athlete. Since I was racing along in the physically challenged category, my having poles did not affect anyone. They provide balance and protection from falling. They do not give me any speed. Although the poles did not work perfectly I am happy I had them. The poles would not stay fully open. They kept collapsing making a clapping sound. I must have sounded like a house coming down the course. I will need to get a new pair.  I finished the run at 44:05 for a race time of around 2:23.  I had a goal time of 2 hr. 30 so I was happy with my effort. If I had been racing as an age group athlete I would have finished second.

My efforts earned me a National Gravel Championship and some nice hardware.

I had a safe and fun two days of racing!  I am looking forward now to my winter season after a bit of rest to heal up my injuries.  I often wish I did not have CMT. My life especially as an athlete would be so much easier. I just hope I can keep finding solutions to the problems CMT throws at me to keep racing and living life.

Thank you to Tris4Heath for a great race and the well-marked course. I am looking forward to racing with you again next year.

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

 

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon 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 Para triathlete 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 Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 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 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

 

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 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.

 

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.

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

 

 

 

Dirty Mitten Gravel Bike Race- Never Be a Victim

 

                           "Above all be the heroine of your own life, not the victim." - Nora Ephron

September is CMT awareness month. The community posts memes on social media and does other activities to raise awareness of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) a genetic neuromuscular condition I share with about 150,000 Americans.

My awareness month was quieter in past years for reasons I will address in a future blog.  But I did two days of racing on September 21 and 22nd. Doing athletic events and writing about them for the last 12 years have been the main focus of my work.

I chose this route because unlike many in the CMT community, I am still physically active.  I felt it was a gift I could use to give a voice to those with CMT. They are almost forgotten because when you have a rare disease like CMT you can feel invisible to even the medical community. CMT like many conditions does not overtly manifest itself. Its ravages and struggles can be invisible to the rest of the world.

It can be easy when you have a condition like CMT to feel like a victim.  It might be easy to wallow in a why me? mindset. When I first became aware of the larger CMT community, the attitude was common. Many were angry. I took a different route. I decided to do the best I could with the ability I have.  I hoped to show others you can live a full life and have big goals.

The race, The Dirty Mitten was part of two days of gravel racing. The first day was a gravel bike race. The second was a National Championship race for gravel triathlon and duathlon.

I would be doing the 10 mile race. There was a 28-mile and a 50-mile distance as well. Since I was also racing on Sunday, I chose the 10 mile race. The race would give me a preview of the course and check out the road conditions.  Sometimes I take a run turn when racing. My plan was to learn the course so all went well on race day and check road conditions.  Plus by doing both days of racing I was eligible for extra swag.

Gravel racing is a much tamer version of mountain biking.  I am not a great mountain biker. I gave up on it when I dislocated an elbow in my first and only off-road triathlon.  Gravel is run on wide dirt forest roads. It has the beauty of the woods from mountain biking with all the technical challenges.

Gravel still requires good bike handling skills. There are discipline-specific gravel bikes, but I use my mountain bike. I already had a mountain bike. Since I have 6 bikes I did not want to buy yet another bike. I lined up in the very pack of the pack lined up at the start.

I found lots of loose gravel and washboard sections as I rode.. It's been dry in the Midwest so the roads were also dusty. There were a few soft sections of sand. I had to be constantly aware to pick the best spots to ride.  Being on a mountain bike, I am a bit slower, bur my mountain bike rolls over most hazards and soft spots.

The course was fun with constant rolling hills. I was able to get good momentum on the downhills to get me over the next hill. The race was big enough I also always seemed to have company around me.

I pushed my pace a bit because the awards were in 10 year age groups. I had passed at least two women in my age group early in the race. I thought there were five of us and hoped to sneak into a podium spot. But there were 9 and I finished in 6th place with a time of 49:20. Not bad for riding a mountain bike.  I felt good the entire way. It was a good start to the weekend.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon 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 Para triathlete 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 Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 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 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

 

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 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.

 

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.

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

 

 

 

Superfood Saturday- Cheddar Chive Keto Muffins

 

Cheddar Chive Keto Muffins.

I made these on a Sunday morning before church. They looked so good when they came out of the oven,  Since I fast in the morning I had to wait until lunch to have one.  I had a bowl of homemade chicken soup and a green salad to make my meal.

Ingredients
2 large eggs at room temperature
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup avocado oil
1 ½ cup blanched almond flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoons chopped chives
1 tablespoon garlic powder
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Mix together the eggs, yogurt and oil in a bowl. Set aside.  In a separate bowl combine the dry ingredients.  Fold the egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fill a greased muffin tin with the batter. There will be enough for 8 muffins.  Bake at 400 F for 10 minutes

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon 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 Para triathlete 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 Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 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 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

 

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 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.

 

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.

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 -Pumpkin Walnut Cookies

 

Pumpkin Walnut Cookies

I have been trying to eat a healthier diet. That has meant cutting sugar. But sometimes I just need a sweet treat. This recipe has just a tiny bit of honey and sugar-free chocolate chips.  I store them in the refrigerator.

Ingredients
¾ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup coconut oil melted
5 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup coconut flour
1 ½ cup almond flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup sugar free chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  In a large bowl combine the pumpkin, oil, eggs, vanilla and honey.

In a separate bowl mix the flours, walnuts, chocolate chips, baking powder, and spices.

Add the wet ingredients to the wet ingredients.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop a 2 tablespoon size drop of dough onto the sheet.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until no longer wet and are starting to turn brown.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon 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 Para triathlete 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 Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 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 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

 

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 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.

 

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.

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