Olympian 10 K State Championship

" A person who chases two rabbits, catches none." - Confucius

Interesting things seem to happen to me in races.  The Olympian race held in Racine on August 13th was no exception.

This was really a race within a race.  It was the first year for this and it was also the Wisconsin State Championship for the Wisconsin Senior Olympics or the Geezer Games as I like to call them. It is the qualifying event for the National Championship next year in Birmingham.

There were two events, a 5K and a 10 K. I thought there would be less competition in the 10 K so I signed up for that race.

The 10 K race would start first and follow the 5 K course for about 2 miles and then continue on.

About 40 of us lined up for the start of the10 K. It was sunny in the mid 80's and humid.
The race director went over the course directions and she lost me after about the 5th turn.

As the group took off, I said to the runner next to me...."They're going out too fast. I thought I would reel more than a few of them in during the last few miles.

I cruised along at an easy pace. I planned on doing the race as an easy run. I got to a turn and pointed to the right and a police officer motioned me to go left.

The course was beautiful, run mostly in parks along Lake Michigan. There was not another runner in site. That is unusual for me. I am a middle of the pack runner or a bit higher.

As I ran along I started passing walkers wearing t-shirts that said "Faith and Fitness". They must have been a church group out for a group event. I called greetings out to many of them. One told me I was in the lead. I told her there was a pack ahead of me.

A minute or so later, a police officer on a mountain bike cruised up beside me and spoke into his radio that he had the lead runner.

He would go on to tell me that most of the runners turned the wrong way on the course and did the 5K instead. So not only was I the lead female runner, I was the lead runner. I now had my own police escort.  It was nice to have company and since he had a radio I had the blow by blow on the race.

When I got to the 4 mile water stop I think the volunteers were glad to see me since I was their first customer of the day. I was carrying a water bottle and told them I wanted to fill it. They offered to do it and Mr. Police officer offered to bring it to me if I wanted to keep running.

I could get used to that kind of service. It was nice to have his company all the way to the finish.  The race director had the wrong turn runners, do the 5K course twice. When I was directed the wrong way in a triathlon this year, I was disqualified. I just can't seem to get the right end of these situations
I heard the combined total was only 5.8 K not the normal 6.2 K

I think my course was long since I finished in 1 hr 5 minutes. In any case I won my age group and finished 3rd among all the women.  My time was not good enough to qualify me for the National Games. There is now a pretty tight time standard.  I am the State Champ which is good enough.

I was a bit over-scheduled that weekend. I went to a Brewer's baseball game on Friday night. Did this race followed by a 20 mile bike ride. Saturday night I had a high school reunion and I had to do packet pickup and rack my bike for a Sunday triathlon.

I woke up Sunday morning and did not feel well. I had lost my voice and felt like I was getting a cold.  So I decided to skip the triathlon.  Just too much for one weekend.

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

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.

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 to find a cure for CMT. We have 198 members in 37 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

Fair Friday- Mature Skin Lotion

I have adapted another recipe from the latest issue of the magazine Willow and Sage.  I use it for fine lines around my eyes,  The beeswax makes it a pretty stiff product, I take a bit out of the jar and rub it between my hands to soften the mixture. I then apply to my laugh and smile lines at night before I go to bed.

2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
t tablespoons almond oil
1/2 tablespoon raw honey
2 tablespoon rose hip seed oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops vitamin C serum
3 drops rose oil
Glass jar ( 2 oz.)

Combine the beeswax and almond oil in a pint glass jar. Put into a saucepan filled with water. The water should be high enough to cover whatever mixture is in the jar. Beeswax is flammable so never heat it directly. Once the beeswax is melted, remove from the heat to cool a bit. Add the honey and continue to stir so the product does not seperate.  Add the oils. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to get thick. When it starts to turn white, pour into the jar. Store in a cool and dark place.

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

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.

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 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

Race Report- Double Header

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible." -St. Francis of Assisi

In early August I did two races in two days. My coaches would not have approved. Good thing I am self coached these days.

I didn't intend to over schedule myself.  I had so much fun doing one of the Beer Garden 5K's that I signed up for another one. This race series has been following the mobile beer garden around the Milwaukee County parks. I had forgotten how much fun it was to run a 5K race. There were at night too which was a bonus. No early morning wake-up call.  The only problem was I had forgotten I was scheduled to do the third race in a three race Aquathlon series.

Series points were on the line for the Aquathlon and I needed the open water practice in my run up to the ITU World Championship in Cozumel.  So I decided to do both events

First up was the Aquathlon on August 3rd. I had finished 3rd and 1st and I was hoping to finish 3rd overall for women in the 50-59 age group.

I planned on going easy on both the swim or run. The swim course is two loops. As I was coming around on the 2nd loop I noticed the kayak was following me.  There were swimmers just ahead of me including one woman in my age group.

As I exited the swim I asked if I was the last one out and I was told yes.  So I had to push on the run a bit to catch the woman just ahead of me. I actually moved ahead of four other athletes on the run.  Jeff Crosby sped up just as I passed him in the last half mile. I said " you just can't let a woman beat you can you"  So he said we should hold hands and finish together. They scored him ahead of me. I finished in 55:40 good enough for 3rd place in my age group.

It was still hot the evening of the Beer Garden run.  Race time temperature was  92 F.  I decided this 5 K would be a very easy run. The last run I pushed it and finished just 12 seconds out of third.  There were about 36 women in my age group so I was proud of that finish.  That plan turned out to be a good one. My hamstrings were a bit sore and I was a little tired after doing a 800 meter swim/5K run the day before.

I almost thought I had taken a wrong turn when I went through the finish line after about 20 minutes, then I realized everyone continued to run and it was just part of the course.

I crossed the finish line in 30:47, which was almost two minutes slower than the previous run.  I got my glass or root beer stretched and went home.  When I check the results when I got home I was surprised to see I had placed 3rd in my age group and I was not far out of 2nd.

So I had good races and a great time. I would not recommend doing a doubleheader.  I was not able to do really well in either race,

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

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.

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 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

Salad Sunday- Flavors of Fajita Quinoa Salad

I had bean tostadas for dinner several nights this week. I was trying to think of a more healthy way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican cooking. I came up with this salad that has lots of the same flavors of fajitas.  I sprinkled the chicken breast with fajita seasoning when I baked it.  I used a mixture of both red and white quinoa.  It turned out to be a really beautiful and tasty salad.

1 cup quinoa cooked
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 (2.5 ounce) can sliced olives
1 large mango chopped
3 Roma tomatoes, chopped
2 avocados, chopped
1/4 of large white onion chopped
2 cups of chopped roasted chicken (sprinkle with fajita seasonings)
2 cups prepared salsa
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon crushed red peppers

Put the cooked quinoa, beans, olives, mango, tomatoes, onions and avocado in a large salad bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.  To make the dressing for the salad, combine the olive oil, salsa, cilantro, and crushed red peppers. Pour over the quinoa mixture and mix to coat the entire mixture. Chill

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. 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.

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 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

Fair Friday-Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Health

Apple cider is great for your health and it has uses beyond cooking.   To get the greatest benefit, be sure to buy an unfiltered kind like Bragg's organic raw apple cider vinegar.  It is unpasteurized and unfiltered. Both add to the health benefits from the pro-biotics present which aid digestion. Other benefits include:

• Lower Cholesterol- A study where rats were fed apple cider vinegar had a significant reduction of the bad cholesterol LDL.  LDL has been linked to increased risk of heart attack.  There was also an increase in the good cholesterol HDL.
• Help with Diabetes-  apple cider vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics and reduce blood sugar levels.
• Leg Cramp Cure- Add two tablespoons of apple cinder vinegar to a glass. It works due to the high potassium content.
• Lower Blood Pressure- May reduce systolic blood pressure.

There are several options for using apple cider vinegar your health and beauty:

• Hair Rinse- Use apple cider vinegar as a conditioning rinse for hair.  Pour the vinegar over your hair after shampooing and rinse. It helps to clean off product build-up.
• Itching Skin- Apply to itching skin, rash or bug bites.
• Treat Hiccups- Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with the same amount of warm water and gargle. This will help to soothe a sore throat.

Fair Friday-Apple Cider Vinegar for Your Health

Apple cider is great for your health and it has uses beyond cooking.   To get the greatest benefit, be sure to buy an unfiltered kind like Bragg's organic raw apple cider vinegar.  It is unpasteurized and unfiltered. Both add to the health benefits from the pro-biotics present which aid digestion. Other benefits include:

• Lower Cholesterol- A study where rats were fed apple cider vinegar had a significant reduction of the bad cholesterol LDL.  LDL has been linked to increased risk of heart attack.  There was also an increase in the good cholesterol HDL.
• Help with Diabetes-  apple cider vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics and reduce blood sugar levels.
• Leg Cramp Cure- Add two tablespoons of apple cinder vinegar to a glass. It works due to the high potassium content.
• Lower Blood Pressure- May reduce systolic blood pressure.

There are several options for using apple cider vinegar your health and beauty:

• Hair Rinse- Use apple cider vinegar as a conditioning rinse for hair.  Pour the vinegar over your hair after shampooing and rinse. It helps to clean off product build-up.
• Itching Skin- Apply to itching skin, rash or bug bites.
• Treat Hiccups- Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with the same amount of warm water and gargle. This will help to soothe a sore throat.

Fair Friday-Healthy Glow Face Lotion

I have always had sensitive skin.  I started making my own melt and pour soap a few years ago because my skin would get like sandpaper in the winter.

So I have started to make my own lotions as well.  I adapted this recipe from a recent issue of the magazine "Willow and Sage".  Be sure to use fractionated coconut oil. It stays liquid and is more easily absorbed. I got mine on Amazon.  I modeled this after a produce I used to from DHC. I do not wear foundation because it always felt heavy to me. The DHC product looked and felt natural and just gave me a healthy glow. They stopped making it and now I make my own.

6 ounces 99% aloe vera
1 1/2 ounce fractionated coconut oil
20 drops vitamin C serum
5 drops rose hip essential oil.
5 drops essential oil (I used lavender)
1/8 teaspoon gold mica powder

Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.  Scoop the lotion into a plastic bag.  Cut off the corner and squeeze the mixture into a bottle.

I use this as a day time face moisturizer. It is nice and light. It gives me a nice healthy glow. If you want more of that affect add a little more of the powder. Pearl powder can also be used.


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

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.

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 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

Clinical Trial for CMT Type 1A

In this months MDA Quest Magazine, an article appeared announcing clinical trails accepting patients. I believe this is the Pharmex trail that the HNF announced recently.

Researchers are accepting 300 patients for the trial.  There will be 28 trial sites in the United States ( California, Conneticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New York and Washington) and Europe (France, Germany, United Kingdon, Spain, Netherlands and Belgium).

The trail will be examining if PXT 3003 is effective and well tolerated for those with CMT type 1A.
PXT 3003 is a blend of three different drugs whose aim is to reduce levels of the PMP 22 protein.

This is the protein that damages the nerve sheath.  It is hoped the trail will show it stops or slows progression of the diaese.

Participants may be male or female, 16 to 65 years old with a proven genetic diagnosis of CMT 1A.

To learn more about the trail and additional requirements, visit ClinicalTrails.gov and enter NCT02579759 into the search box.

This is the news we have been waiting for. We have waited for any hope of a treatment for CMT.


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

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.

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 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

Race Report-Two Steps Forward, One Step Back, Aquathlon #2

"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." -Dali Lama

 Triathlon is a three sport discipline; swim, bike and run.  The open water swim has always been the most challenging for me and where I have had the most things go wrong, sometimes horribly wrong.

I had a bit of anxiety in my first triathlon this season,but since then I have felt calm and confident in the water.

Every week I go to open water practice at Pewaukee Lake here in Wisconsin, sponsored by local training group Peak Performance Professionals. Many of the athletes are training for Ironman Wisconsin in September.

Many of the local triathletes show up for the practice. A 500 meter course is set up and open for 2 hours.  There are lifeguards and kayaks for safety. I had been swimming week after week and really enjoying not only the swim but hanging out with other triathletes.

Since we were in mid-July I decided to wear my shortie wet suit.  I have honestly gained a few pounds since I bought it four years ago and it has always been tight in the chest and neck.

I have often been short of breath when starting swim practice or a race. This night as I swam around the course, I could not catch my breath.  I did not feel anxious at all. I tried side stroking and things got worse.  I was having more and more trouble breathing. I knew I was in trouble and called over a guard on a stand up paddle board. I paused to rest and a few minutes later pushed off to resume my swim. It was not much longer before I was in trouble again. There was no kayak anywhere near and I struggled to breath. I could see the kayak but they had not noticed me. I waved my arms and shouted to call them over.

By this time I was wheezing.  If you know someone with asthma or if you have it yourself you know what wheezing sounds like.  Every time you exhale when you wheeze you make a high pitched sound. It means the air ways are constricting. It is not a good sign. Because I was close to shore I decided to swim for it. I did not want the humiliation of a kayak ride to the beach.  I struggled and struggled to get to shore. I was so close and yet seemed to far away. I understand now how people drown even with others close. With a wet suit on I was not going to sink or drown. I stayed calm and finally I touched bottom. Practise was over for me.

Just two days later I had Aquathlon Race #2 in the three race series I am doing. I signed up for the 800 meter swim and 5K run in a county park because I knew it would be good practise for the World Championship race I will be doing in September in Cozumel.

I could have bailed after my bad practice, but I decided to get right back up on the horse.  I used a different wet suit. I will not be using the other suit again.

This race is small with about 70 racers and is a mass start. That is a challenge because it is like swimming in a washing machine. It can be easy to get thrown by that.  I was going to take it at a reasonable pace.  The swim also is a two lap course. It can be tempting to get out after one lap since there is a 400 meter division of the race.

The swim went just fine. I felt calm and strong. I am one of the slower swimmers but there were still 3 or 4 others in the water.  As I started on the run, I pulled up along side the President for the Wisconsin Senior Olympics. We had a nice chat, but he was a bit slow for my pace.

I had a nice race and was expecting 3rd, but when I checked the results I had finished 1st in my age group 50-59, with a time of 56:30. It was slower due to my chat, but overall a nice race.

So even though I had a set back at practice, I was able to come back just a few days later and have a good swim. I felt proud of bouncing back so well. After this race I would have a couple of weeks off  for vacation. When I returned I would start training for my A race of the year, the Aqua Bike National Championship in Miami on November 13th.

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

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.

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 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

Race Report Beer Garden 5K- Will Run for Beer

If I really want to improve my situation, I can work on the one thing over which I have control, myself. " -Stephen R. Covey
 I have not done many running events in the last 2 years.  I have been so busy training for national level events for triathlon that there was not much room for local events.

This year I decided to do a lot more local events. I am only doing one National Championship event this year in Florida in November.   I also decided the run portion of my triathlons has gotten so slow I needed to do something.

My solution is a few changes to my training and to do more local races. I did a 4 mile race on the 4th of July and had so much fun I signed up for a 5 K just three days later. It would be the day before my birthday and seemed a good way to celebrate.

 The Beer Garden 5K is a series of five races. Milwaukee has parks in all of the neighborhoods. Many of the early settlers to the city were of German heritage. Many of the parks had beer gardens in the summer. In recent years three of the parks have opened permanent summer gardens. There is also a county run traveling beer garden. It sets up at a county park for a few weeks and moves to another park.  The bars are trailers and the county sets up picnic tables. They have been hugely successful and are a real gathering spot for the local community.

This run series follows the traveling beer garden. The entry included a tee-shirt and a pint glass with a free Sprecher beer or root beer. It is also an evening event starting at 6:30 p,m.  No early morning wake up call or long drive.

I had missed the first two events. I signed up for number three because it was in Grant Park, a beautiful park not far from home.

I got there early to snag a spot in the closest parking lot.  I used my bike to do a 30 minute ride and then a short run with some sprints to warm-up. I lined up with about 1000 other runners.

I took off with the gun following my race plan to run for 4 to 5 minutes and then to do 2 minute intervals with 2 minutes rest.  My hamstrings were sore from the race just 3 days earlier.  My legs were also a little tired.  I kept with my plan and stopped at the water stop to pour water over myself.  I got a little tired during the last mile so I stopped doing the intervals and finished as best I could.

I crossed the finish line in about 28:41. I usually don't need to stay around for awards, but I knew my time might be good enough for 3rd place. So I hung out, had my root beer and chatted with some locals. It is a custom for strangers to share a table at the beer garden.  Well the awards came and went and my name was not called.  When I got home I checked the results and I had placed 4th, just 12 seconds out of 3rd.  If I had done the last few intervals I could have had 3rd. Still I felt good about my finish since there were probably 36-40 runners in my age group.

Best of all I had a blast and got in a good workout.  I signed up for the next installment on August 3rd.

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

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.

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 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

Salad Sunday- Farmers Market Salad

I got a chance to go to the West Allis Farmers market on Saturday. It is one of the oldest markets in Wisconsin. It has been held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays long before these markets became popular.

I don't get to go often due to my travel, training and race schedule.  August is a great time to go and buy local produce.  When my mom was alive I would often take her and she loved the market.

She would always want to go early so she could go to the chicken vendor and buy chicken feet for her homemade soup before they ran out.  She swore it made the soup taste better, we all thought it was kind of weird.  Turns out those feet are high in collagen with lots of healthy benefits.  I always think of her when I go to the farmer's market.

I feel like I am getting healthier food when I buy from local growers. I go and buy what looks good and then decide how to use it when I get home.  Most of the ingredients for today's salad came from my garden or the farmers market. Hope you enjoy it.

Farmers Market Salad

8 medium size tomatoes
1/2 large purple onion
2 large cucumbers
1 8 ounce package baby balls of fresh mozzarella

Cut tomatoes in half and seed, Then cut into bite size pieces.  Cut ends off of cucumber and discard. Cut the rest into bite size chunks.  Slice and chop the onion. Add all to a large salad bowl. Add the cheese and toss to mix.  Add the dressing and mix well. Chill for a couple of hours to let the flavors blend.

Dressing
 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
large hand full of fresh basil

Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a blender.

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. 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.

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 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

Super Food Saturday-Hot Coco Cookies

I have my sister-in-law Cindy to thank for today's recipe. She made these during a recent visit to Dallas.  Even though I am eating a more healthy diet, I do not want to give up sweets completely.

This recipe uses coconut sugar which is a healthy sweetener. It has a low glycemic index.

These are really great tasting and you only need one or two, they are that good.

Hot Coco Cookies

1/4 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips divided
2 tablespoons flax seed meal
4 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons coco powder
1/2 cup coconut sugar
2 1/2 cups almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup toasted pecans coarsely chopped

Combine coconut oil and 1/4 cup chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl.  Stir to combine. Microwave 30 seconds. Add flax meal, water, coco powder, coconut sugar, almond flour, baking soda and salt.  Stir well. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Form cookies into small balls. Put one inch apart on baking sheet.  Bake 9 to 10 minutes. Cool cookies on the pan.

Melt remaining chips and spread on cooled cookies.  Add pecans on top. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Super Foods Featured: Coconut oil, Flax Seed Meal, Almond Flour, Coconut Sugar

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

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.

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 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