Merry Christmas and an Update

"We make plans, but God writes the story of out lives."- K. William Kautz, Author

A couple of people had told me that they were worried because I had not been blogging.  I started a new job in August, joined the board of the Wisconsin Senior Olympics and served as a USAT ambassador. In addition I started taking courses to upgrade my job skills at a local tech school.

So I will give a quick update on the last couple of months

Lake Front Discovery Run
This 5 mile race was part of the local running club championship. It is held Halloween weekend.  The week before I had fallen down three steps in my basement. I was not sure I could even do the race.   The day had 13 miles on my training schedule, so the race would just be a part of that.
 The course was an easy out and back on a bike trail. They seemed very disorganized starting late and having no chip timing.   Because there were club points on the line, I raced as fast as I could.  My knee was sore, but I was able to get in running before the race and with the 5 mile course, I got my training done.  I placed 1st in my age group and then found out there were no age group medals. There was free beer for the runners but no food or other drink provide for non drinkers. I was more than a little disappointed in the event.

Turkey Trot 5 Mile
I signed up because you get a free cinnamon roll at the end and a zipped pull-over instead of a tee shirt. Plus the course was close to home. The day of the race was 27 F, damp and very windy. I almost did not race, but had to do a workout anyway.  I had to wait for the start in my car since there was only a tent for packet pick-up.  I decided it would be a slow easy run. My time was slow and I finished. There were about 2000 in the race and I finished 7th in my age group.

Fort Worth Marathon

At the start of every season, I make plans on the races I plan to do. This year the New York marathon was on the schedule.

Doing a marathon crowds out almost everything else when I am training. The time doing long runs is tremendous.    I focused all of my efforts on getting ready for the race.  I gave up going to the Aquathlon Championship in Miami.

The race was not to be.When I committed to the race I did not realize there was a fundraising requirement.  I am not a great fundraiser.  I have asked friends and family four times to contribute to races. Because I could not make the fundraising minimum I had to drop out of the race. 

Since I had trained for a marathon, I signed up for the Fort Worth Marathon the week after I was supposed to race in New York. It was two loops of a flat course.  It would give me a chance to visit family in Dallas.

My knee was still not doing well from the fall down the stairs. I decided to give it a go to see how it went.  Almost right away I was fighting injuries. My knee hurt and my hip was also tight and sore.  It was about 38 F, damp due to being along a river and very windy.  I did one loop and called it a day at the half marathon.

Not the race I wanted and trained for.  I plan on keeping up with long runs of 13 miles on the weekend to build my base and make another try at the marathon in the future.

Not sure what races I will be doing next year.l It was a bit of a quiet racing year for me due to losing my job in January.  I have a new job now and I am ready to come back strong in 2019.  I will be planing my races over the holidays.

Happy Holidays to all. Here's to a great 2019.
********************************************************

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

 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 as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

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 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 to find a cure for CMT. We have 218 members in 39 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, France, Ireland, Poland, Iran, Norway 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/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA

Doolittle Half Marathon- Check-up

"There may be people that have more talent then you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you." -Derek Jeter

I am just a little over 3 weeks out from racing the NY marathon.  I like to do at least one half marathon during training.  It is a good way to do a check on how the training is going.

I made a last minute decision to do the Dolittle Half Marathon in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

The training this time has been a mental and physical struggle.  It has been difficult to find time and motivation to do all of the runs.  So I really needed do a check and see where I was physically.

I signed up for this race, because it is almost all on a bike trail, called the Glacial Drumlin trail.
Drumlins are small hills that are common in the area.   The trail was advertised as flat and fast.

The weather was perfect for the race. It was in the high 50's when the race started.  I decided to do speed work during the race to pass the time. I did 3 minute repeats throughout the race.

I chatted with a woman from Houston that flew in just for this little race.   That was a surprise, since it is a small race. There were 212 runners split between a full marathon, half and a 5 K.

The race was not flat.  Even though this was a bike trail, it was all rolling hills.  So I guess I got  a good hill workout.  The half turned around and I said good bye to my Houston friend.

The colors were just starting to turn and the course was really beautiful. I heard Sandhill cranes calling.  Because it was such a small race, I was often running alone.

The course seemed long and it seemed like the finish line would never come. My legs were really starting to hurt.  I have had this experience before in half marathons. I wonder how I will ever run a full marathon when I struggle to finish a half.

It's a good thing NY will be my 10th marathon. I've been through this before. I finished in 1 hr 34 minutes. I was disappointed in the time since I was doing speed work. There were only  three women in my age group, so I took 3rd. The first time I have gotten a medal in a half marathon. I was well behind the first place time of 1 hour 50 minutes.

My last half 4 years ago on a flat course was 2 hr 28.    I had a really bad half before my first marathon and I ran a great marathon, actually my best at 4 hours.

Having a bad race actually motivates me to keep training. I have a bit of work to do before NY, but I will be ready.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

 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 as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

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 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 to find a cure for CMT. We have 218 members in 39 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, France, Ireland, Poland, Iran, Norway 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/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA

Wisconsin Senior Olympics- Swimming and Cycling

" No matter how many mistakes and how slow your progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn't trying." -Tony Robbins

Cycling
I look forward to the Wisconsin Senior Olympic cycling race all year.  The two days of racing take place on a closed course in Menominee Park.  Day one races include a 10 K time trial and a 20 K road race. Day two is a 5 K time trial and a 40 K road race.

Because I started a new job in August I do not have much vacation time. I decide I would just be doing the time trial races.  You cannot use a triathlon or time trial bike in the road race.  Because my car does not have a bike rack, I can only carry one bike.  I bought a triathlon bike last year to do races like this.  So it would just be the time trial races.

The first day there was a huge thunderstorm in the morning. I did not want to take time off of work, drive to the park and have the race cancelled. I saw a Facebook feed later in the day from the race. The weather cleared just in time for the time trial.

The weather was much better for day 2.   Time trials are a great way to break into racing. We are lined by by gender and age. Women and older first.  A rider goes off every 20 seconds or so.  You are basically racing against the clock. A 5 K race goes by pretty fast.

You can have a hold to give you a faster start. I have never done that so I decided not to use a holder.  I had trouble clipping into my pedals and that delayed me at the start.

The roads were still wet from rain over night and from the day before. I decided to not go too crazy. I know the course well because I practiced riding the course several times this summer.

I ended up just 7 seconds out of 2nd place. Because that finisher was from Illinois we were both awarded silver medals. The rules are that an out of state competitor cannot displace a Wisconsin resident from awards.  The best part about this race is visiting with all the other athletes.
Many of them are local runners and triathletes as well. It was fun to see everyone and I qualified for the National Championship in New Mexico next June

Swimming
This event was held on September 15th at the Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center. This is an awesome facility. It has been the site of Olympic trials.   I did five events:

• 500 Meter Freestyle Novice
• 50 meter breast stroke, Novice
• 50 meter back stroke, Novice
• 100 meter free style, Novice
• 50 meter side stroke, novice

There are two categories, a masters for those that compete and belong to National Masters swim and Novice.   This year is a qualifying for those in the Master category. Because I was swimming novice I would not qualify.  Most of those competing swam in college or high school. They start off the blocks and do flip turns. I do neither and that puts me at a disadvantage.    Neither is required, but I won't swim in the master category until I can do both.  Even in the novice category many of the swimmers start off the blocks.

I took silver in every category except the back stroke.  I got beat by a huge margin in the breast stroke but the other races were close.

The back stroke is the one race where everyone starts in the water.  I pretty much smoked the field. I actually slowed down I was so far ahead.

My one moral victory was in the 500 meter race. I finished in 10 min 29 seconds which was a great time for me. That would be about 15 30 for 750 meters which would be a couple of minutes faster than my last pool race.   

I am not a great swimmer, but I had lots of fun. I had a couple of friend that competed so it was fun to see them race and visit.

A race like this keeps me motivated to keep training. I really need to get some lessons on swim starts and flip turns. Something to work on for next year.

It was a good games for me. I qualified in track and field, road race, triathlon and cycling. Not sure if I will go to Nationals. It is way too early to decide.


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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

 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 as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

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 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 to find a cure for CMT. We have 218 members in 39 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, France, Ireland, Poland, Iran, Norway 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/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA

Juneau Park Beer Run 5K

"There is not mountain too great, when you have reason to climb." - unknown

I am way behind on my blogging. Life has been so busy. I started a new job at the beginning of August and I am deep into training for the New York marathon. That has not left much time for writing.  My brother also moved over seas and he asked me to clean his house and get it ready for sale.

He left me piles of things to try and sell for him. So it seems every spare minute has been filled.

I did the last race in the Beer Garden 5K on August 23rd. This race was in Juneau Park.  Solomon Juneau was one of the founders of Milwaukee. A replica of his cabin sits in this downtown Milwaukee Park.

This course goes south along a bike path, down a steep hill and continues north on the bike bath until the turn around. Then it is back up the rather steep hill and back to the finish.

I always have a strategy for each race.  I have some competition in my age group so I knew I would have to move as fast as I could if I wanted to take first in my age group.  I decided to race this event as a tempo run.

I warmed up and then as soon as the gun went off, I  ran at tempo pace, which is about 80 percent speed.

I like courses with hills, because when most people are walking up the hill, I run. I gain an advantage on the competition. I tell myself that I am strong and I like hills.   It was a perfect night for a run.

I felt strong the entire time finishing first in my age group with a time of 29:49.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

 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 as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

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 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 to find a cure for CMT. We have 218 members in 39 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, France, Ireland, Poland, Iran, Norway 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/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA

Soup Sunday- Thai Chicken Coconut Soup

Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

1 can ( 14 ounces) coconut milk
2 cups chicken bone broth
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 small yellow onion
1 stalk lemon grass
1 teaspoon minced ginger root
3 cooked chick drumsticks
1 cup fresh shitake mushrooms, sliced
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon Thai chili paste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Cook the onion and mushrooms in the coconut oil.  Once the mushrooms are soft, add the chicken broth and coconut milk.  Add the ginger, lemon grass, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste.
Remove the chicken from the bone and add to the soup.  Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

Spoon into bowls and add chopped cilantro.

Serves 4
***************************

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and 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 as a senior Olympian.

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 210 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway 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/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA

Wisconsin Senior Olympics- Track Meet

"Patience, persistence and perseverance are the three virtues of extraordinary performance." - Jerry Lynch, Author of Running Within

On August 19, I competed at the Wisconsin Senior Olympics track meet. This was the first time I've ever done a track meet of any kind.  Trying new events keeps things fresh for me.

The meet was at Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin.  The facility was really impressive.  They have a state of the art track and a large concession area that was open during the event.  It seemed more like a college facility.

I signed up for pretty much every track event scheduled at the meet, just to try them out.

Power Walk
I started the day with two power walk events, a 1500 meter and 5000 meter power walk.  The refs explained all of the rules and that they would be judging us all the way around the track. 

I wore a race number just like a running race.  I did not even have to keep track of my laps. I got an update each time I went around the start line. I would joke with them every time I came around.

The group racing was small. I was just about 20 seconds behind the lead woman and I got lapped by one of the men in the 5000 meter race. I would finish with a silver, just 40 seconds behind.

In the 1500 meter race, the refs called me to the front line ahead of the group because I was "fast".  I took the lead in the women's race right at the start and held it for the entire race. I finished in 10:57.

The track events all went by pretty fast. The meet ran right on time. I planned on running in between events because I had to do my long run of 16 miles.   The events happened one after another, with no time to run.  It was really hot and humid so running was out of the question.

For most of the events the officials let us know who was in our age group.  I knew I was in trouble when one of the women in my age group showed up wearing spikes. 


50 Meter
I found out that I am no sprinter. I finished in 5th, but one of the athletes was from out of state. Which meant I finished 4th in the state and qualified for the national games.  I finished in 13:43

100 Meters
I finished in 4th, but 3rd in the state in a time of 23:31, well behind the leader.

200 Meter
Since I was so far behind in the first races, I had decided to skip this one. But one of the athletes, told me this was my race and that I should do it. She swore I would beat her. At the gun, she took off and finished ahead of me. She had not registered for the race, so I took 3rd in 55:19.

400 Meter
There were just three of us, one from out of state, so I finished in 2nd with a time of 2:02.

800 Meter
I was the only one from the state in my age group. I finished with a time of 4:33

1500 Meters
I was actually competitive in this race right up until the end.  I was in third place at the start. I could here the athlete coming behind me. She passed me on the last lap.I tucked in behind her thinking I would pass at the end. She made a move and I could not cover it.   I finished just 20 seconds behind. I really am a long distance runner. This was the race I was at least competitive.

The race was lots of fun. I ended up winning six medals and qualifying for the national games next year in New Mexico.  I got three gold, two silver and a bronze. My ankle also held up fine, so I will be doing more track workouts in the future.

I had a great time and met lots of really nice people. I am looking forward to doing this meet again next year.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

 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 as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

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 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 to find a cure for CMT. We have 217 members in 39 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, France, Ireland, Poland, Iran, Norway 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/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA

Skillet Sunday- Bamboo Rice

I made this rice to go with the lime shrimp recipe I posted last week.  I got this rice from Nuts.com.
It is a really pretty green and is supposed to be high in anti-oxidants.

1 cup bamboo rice
2 cups chicken bone broth
1/2 cup diced carrots

Put all of the ingredients in a rice cooker. Cook for 20 minutes or so until all of the broth is absorbed. Fluff up the rice before serving.

Serves 4

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and 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 as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

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 213 members in 39 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway 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/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA

Iron Girl Sprint Triathlon- My Murphy's Law Race

"Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can." - Arthur Ashe

I usually have a reason for any race that I add to my season schedule.  I wanted a chance at being nationally ranked in triathlon and that takes three race. This would be the third race that I needed.

It was also a chance for a do-over.  The Pleasant Prairie Triathlon where the Para-triathlon National Championship was contested was in the same location and run by the same race organizers.

This race would be women only with a sprint distance and a duathlon.  The swim would be straight across the lake instead of a triangular course.   I missed the bike turn around in the first race and was directed the wrong way by a volunteer. I wanted to improve on the terrible finish time I had of 2 hr 2 minutes.

Since this was a USAT sanctioned race, I signed up to race in the physically challenged division.

I did not sleep one wink the night before the race. I don't know why that is, because after 6 years of doing triathlons, I don't have any nerves.  It adds stress to not sleep at all and watch hour after hour go by. I lay there knowing I am going to feel terrible because of the lack of sleep.

Transition opened at 5 am and I was at the race venue at 4:45. I wanted a parking spot close to transition. I was far from the only early arrival.

I went through the usual routine of setting up my area. I checked over my bike.  Both wheels spun freely clearing the brakes. The chain was on the large chain ring, but I left it since the course is super flat in the beginning.

I put down my transition bag at the end of the bike rack. The women with her bike at the end protested saying she had to set. I pointed out she could not set up in the aisle and she said she was going to. She had a wet suit slung over one arm. The race was not wet suit legal, meaning she would be in the last wave and not eligible for awards. I did have an exemption from the wet suite rule.  PC athletes can wear a wet suit up to 78 F without penalty. The water temp that morning was measured at 72 F,

When the athlete was done setting up her area (in the aisle) my rack neighbor pointed out there was still room next to her stuff. We both put our bags down and there was still room. She went crazy, yelling at me. Sleep deprived as I was, I started yelling too, asking here why she was being such a bitch and that there was room for everyone.  I told her I was moving my bag and she continued to yell.  I left transition to get away from her. Not my finest hour. 

I did not realize I had dropped one of my swim ear plugs during the argument. I did not discover it until I got to the starting line. Because the swim is a point to point across Lake Andrea, I had to walk almost a mile to get to the start. I was not going to walk back to transition to look for the missing ear plug. The sun would be on my left shoulder so I figured I would only breath to one side and be fine.

For some reason race directors always put me in the elite field when I race PC.  The field was really small with only 7 women. Iron Girl was the same weekend as Age Group Triathlon Nationals, so the better athletes were probably there.

I got to sit on the beach and wait for the start. I got to visit with a few of the other athletes and watch the sun come up. It was the most beautiful shade of red.  It is etched in my memory.

I warmed up for the swim and was glad I had a wet suit. The water felt colder than 72 F. 
The 750 meter swim would turn out to be one of the easiest I had done.  There were buoys on the left and swim rafts on the right.  The swim lane was wide. I was right with about half of the starting group and finished with a swim of 18:30, not too bad.

I got to transition and could not find my bike.  I had carefully walked everything done. My transition mat is lime green, so it is easy to find. Someone had moved my bike way down the rack.

When I got to the mount line I discovered my bike chain was jammed against the frame and I could not move. Two guys jumped out of the crowd to help me. They could not get the chain unstuck. I finally took over. I have replaced slipped chains many times and I had it back on in a minute.

Did my end of the aisle friend move my bike?  I don't know. Some athletes told me during the race briefing that bikes were supposed to be racked in numerical order. There was noting about that in the athlete guide which I read. There were no numbers on the rack. So it is possible a late arrival moved my bike to rack hers in numerical order.

In any case the lost bike and stuck chain probably cost me seven or eight minutes.

My bike computer refuse to turn on so I was riding blind.  I was trying to go as fast as I could to make up time.  There were lots of athletes cycling in the left lane.  One absolutely refused to move to let me through. As I passed many athletes, I nicely let them know that slower riders should stay to the right. I stayed to the right unless I was passing.

I saw the turn around this time, although the sign was really small. I commented to an athlete near me, how easy it would have been to miss it.

There rest of the race was routine. The run was hot and humid. I finished the race in 1 hr 43 minutes, much better than the over 2 hours for my last attempt.  I had wanted to have a clean race.
This was far from it. It was a little disappointing because I did not feel like I had my best race. I handled every curve this race through at me.  Kind of like life, you just do your best with what life throws at you.

Despite everything that happened I had fun and finished.  One of my goals for this race, was to get a time to qualify for Partriathlon National Championships next year. I did not achieve that goal, but without the mishaps I would have been close. I just might have to sign up for one more race this year.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

 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 as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

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 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 to find a cure for CMT. We have 217 members in 39 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, France, Ireland, Poland, Iran, Norway 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/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA

Super Food Saturday- Anthony's Pickles

Today's recipe comes from one of my newer family members. Anthony married my niece Brittany last year. They were home a couple of weeks ago for a family wedding.  He shared this recipe with me during the visit. Welcome to the family Anthony! You are a great edition!

Dill Pickle Recipe

2 cups water
1 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons Kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar
Garlic, dill (optional)  I used a few stalks of dill and two teaspoons of garlic.

Heat until dissolved. Fill a sterilized mason quart jar with picking cucumbers.  Add the vinegar mixture to the jar. Add the dill and garlic. Cover with a canning lid and screw top.  Place in refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Shake daily.

Makes one jar.

Salad Sunday-Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Salad

3  Roma tomatoes
1/4 white onion chopped
1 cucumber
1 cup Kefir
2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper


Seed and chop the tomatoes. Place into a large salad bowl.  Add the onions. Chop the cucumber in large pieces, leaving the peel. Mix the Kefir, chives,  salt and pepper.  Add to the vegetable mixture in the bowl. Chill for 4 hours before serving. Serves 4

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015 and 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 as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

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 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 to find a cure for CMT. We have 213 members in 39 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, France, Ireland, Poland, Iran, Norway 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/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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.

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