2019 Year in Review

"Diabetes has to live with me, not me live with it."- Sir Steve Redgrove, 5 time gold medalist in rowing.

I love this quote and I feel the same way about my CMT. I may have CMT, but it doesn't have me.

I continued this again this year to raise awareness by running races both locally in Milwaukee and around the country.  Here is a summary of some of this year's highlights.

2/9          Cullen 8 K run         4th Female 60-64
3/17        Winter Triathlon      3rd Female 60-64, qualified for Team USA and World Championship
4/6           Half Marathon        5th Female 60-64
4/29        Deer Run 5 K          3rd Female, 60-64, 31:07
5/5          Powerman Du          Frankenmuth, MI 1st Female 60-64
6/2          Leon's Tri                 Hammond Indiana, Regional Para-Championship, F 60-64, 3rd
6/19        Super Run 5K          4th Female 60-64
6/22        Hart Half                  7th  Female 60-64
7/4          Firecracker 4 mile    11th Female 60-64
7/30        Aquathlon                 3rd Female 60-64
8/10        WSO 5K                   1st Female 60-64
8/11        Iron Girl Du              1st Female 60-64
9/1          ET Triathlon              3rd Female 60-64  ( Qualified for Age Group National Championship)
10/6        Lakefront Marathon  Boston Marathon qualifying time
10/26      Discovery 15 K         4th Female 60-64
11/03      Turkey Trot 15K       4th Female 60- 64  ( I won a turkey for predicting my finish time)
11/10      Aquathlon Nationals Miami, 15th and qualified for Team USA and World Championship
11/11      Long Distance Du     Miami, 3rd Female 60-64, qualified for two World championship races

I had a number of things I managed to accomplish this year.

• Selected as the National Ski Patrol and Subaru ambassador. I get to raise awareness with a whole new audience as I drive the Subaru awarded to me for the next year.
• I continue to serve as a USAT ambassador and a Wisconsin Senior Olympics ambassador
• I finished my running club Super Strider series. I had to complete eight long distance races.
• I finished my 10th marathon with a Boston qualifying time. Another run in Boston may be in my future in 2021.
• I qualified for 4 World Championships this year in Italy, Denmark, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
• I finished ranked 10th in the country for Aquathlon.
• I finished 2nd in my age group for my running club short race series.
• I attended the Hartford Ski Spectacular Race camp in December where I got to try biathlon and worked on my Nordic Skate skills

The best thing that has happened this year has been the continued growth of Team CMT.  We have grown to 230 athletes in 41 states and 10 countries. We have many athletes with CMT in our group. That is amazing since when I was first diagnosed, I was told by medical professionals that people with CMT can't run. Not only do we run, but we cycle, walk, kayak, do martial arts, swim, ski and do a variety of activities.  CMT patients used to be told not to be active. Our members have proved that is not true by leading active and full lives.   I continue to be inspired by our athletes.

Looking forward to another great year in 2020.

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

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 CMTWe currently have 230 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our 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.

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, #kneedeepinwork

Hartford Ski Spectacular-Finding Our Place

"Our thoughts and beliefs are the blue prints from which we create our physical realty." Loraine Mueller

I recently attended the Harford Ski Spectacular in Breckinridge, Colorado.  I signed up for the Nordic Race camp hoping to improve my skating ski skills. More about that in a future article.

The camp has been around for over 30 years and is sponsored by a number of groups that work with impaired athletes and veterans. It is sponsored by the Hartford Insurance Company.

I've gone to clinics for the impaired before and races with Physically Challenged athletes. Sometimes the reception is chilly. I see other challenged athletes completely look me over trying to figure out what I was doing there.  I've had several race directors give me a hard time. I always take these as teaching momemts. Not every impairment is visible.

I once asked if I would be welcome at a triathlon clinic being run by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). The answer was no, the clinic was only for amputees.


So before I even signed up for the Hartford Ski Spec as it is called, I emailed the sponsoring organization.  I was assured I was of course welcome.  I explained that I had CMT and my challenges are not visible.

When I checked in, the head coach for the Nordic camp was at the check in table. I told her I was nervous about the camp. She asked if I was worried about staying warm.  I told her I was worried about being accepted.  I was part of a triathlon group out of Chicago for impaired athletes for a bit. I quit because I felt unwelcome.

There were 10 athletes that were in the camp all week. A few others came and went. They must have also been doing the Alpine camp.  That camp had 800 participants, almost 200 in the learn to ski program.

The Nordic program had athletes with a range of impairments, including a young women like me with no obvious impairment.  I was worried I would be the oldest and was not.

I could not have been made to feel more welcome. Everyone was fantastic and friendly.  There was even a young man from Wisconsin and we bonded over our love for the Packers and Badger football teams.

The coaching staff was impressive.  I was assigned a person to coach me on the first day and be my contact person for the week.  Mark is an adaptive instructor from Sun Valley,
He started our coaching session by asking about my limitations.  He said he does that even when teaching able bodied skiers, because there are so many hidden challenges.

Many of the coaches are either on the US Olympic team or are past team members. Most of them were wearing Team USA kit.  Several were Olympic biathlon team members.  I think I counted more coaches than athletes.  I got to work one on one or in small groups with each of them.  All of them were encouraging and made me feel very welcome.

I'm very excited for the CMT community.  I've already connected the HNF with one of the sponsor groups.  At the very least I am hoping opportunities for camps like this can be advertised through the HNF.  I would certainly recommend this camp to anyone that wants to learn to ski.  Adaptive skiing is what groups like the Disabled Athletes of America do.

These groups do more than skiing, I know some of the other athletes talked about rock climbing. I am hoping the HNF can get a camp or seminar put together for just those of us with CMT.

Based on the welcome I got, I am hoping to return to the Hartford Ski Spec next year and maybe try some of the other camps.

In the past I felt like I lived in a gray area as an athlete. Not able to keep up with able bodied athletes, but not welcome at camps and clinics for those with challenges. That all changed with the Hartford Ski Spectacular. Thank you to all the sponsors.  Hopefully this will be the start of greater involvement for those with challenges like 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 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 CMTWe currently have 230 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our 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.

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, #kneedeepinwork

Soup Sunday-Chicken Soup with Lemon Celery Dumplings

I think I've mentioned before how much I love the supermarket roast chickens. They were on sale last week and I could not resist. They make a really easy and tasty meal when I'm busy.  Everytime I buy one now, I make soup with the carcass. I leave some meat on the bones and the drumsticks.

I put the carcass in my slow cooker and add a 32 ounce carton of chicken broth. I then add enough water to cover all the bones. I then cook for 24 hours on low heat. I remember the carcass, strain the soup and take the meat off of the bones. I then use the broth and meat to make a soup. Hope you enjoy today's recipe

Chicken Soup with Lemon Celery Dumplings

6 cups chicken bone broth
2 cups of cooked chicken
1/4 white onion finely chopped
2 carrots sliced
2 stalks of celery thinly sliced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Dumplings
1 1/3 cup unbleached flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cayene pepper
3 tablespoons celery leaves finely chopped
1 egg beaten
3/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Put all of the soup ingredients into a Dutch oven.  Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes to cook the carrots and celery. In the mean time put the flour and baking powder in a bowl.  Add the pepper, leaves, egg, milk and lemon juice.  Blend all of the ingredients. Bring the soup to a low bowl.   Fill a soup spoon with dough. Using a knife, scrape into the soup.  Add all of the mixture to the soup. Cook for five minutes.

Serves 6

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

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

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 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 CMTWe currently have 228 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico 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, 

CMT Patients and Athletes- Learn to Ski

This seminar is advertised for those with MS, but I've cleared it is Ok for CMT patients to attend.
If you want to ski, these people are experts in doing adaptive programs.

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

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 CMTWe currently have 230 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our 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.

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, #kneedeepinwork

Soup Sunday- Beef Barley Soup

I don't know about most cooks, but recipes are just suggestions and inspiration for me. Sometimes like in the case of today's blog, I don't even use a recipe.  When making soup it's easy to do.
I open up the refrigerator to see what I have and go to the pantry to see what's in there.
Plus I also keep a supply of bone broth in my freezer.     I put today's recipe together from things I had on hand.

Beef Barley Soup

6 cups beef bone broth
2 cups of cooked beef (sliced into bite sized pieces)
1/2 white onion chopped
4 ounces of white button mushrooms sliced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 carrots chopped
1/2 pint of grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup of frozen green beans
1/4 cup purple barley ( can use any kind of barley)
salt and pepper to taste

Put the beef broth into a large stockpot. Add the rest of the ingredients. Bring the soup mixture to a simmer. Add the barley and let cook for 20 minutes to cook the barley.

Makes 6 servings

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

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 para triathlete 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 currently have 228 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico 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.

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, #kneedeepinwork

Serves 6

Rest and Recovery

"All that is important is the one moment in movement. Make the moment vital and worth living. Do not let it slip away unoticed and unused. - Martha Graham


Rest is just as important for an athlete and working out.  I've fought with both a running and triathlon coach about taking a day off each week for rest or at least active recovery.  With active recovery I might do something fun like kayaking or hiking, but no running, swimming, weights or cycling.

Long distance runner Ryan Hall,  took every Sunday off. I've read many elite athletes take a day off each week.

Every month I have one easier week where I cut back on my mileage. Hard workouts stress the body.  Cutting back gives the body a chance to recover and get stronger. 

Some athletes do push it all the time.  They risk injury and mental burnout. 

I also take an easy month once a year.  It usually comes right now after my triathlon season.  December is so busy for me,  taking some time off helps give me time to get ready for the holidays.
I also get to really enjoy the holidays with my family. I don't have to stress about getting in a swim, long run or a ride. It is a nice change of pace.  I'm still working out, I just take it day by day and do what I feel like doing.

I get to enjoy sleeping a bit more, catching up on my reading and this week traveling.

As I end my rest month, it is time to gear up for my next season. I'll be training for the Winter Triathlon National Championship in March in Minneapolis.

To get ready I going to a nordic ski camp at the Hartford Ski Spectacklar.  The camp is for para-athletes and is in Breckinridge, Colorado.  This will be my first vacation this year.  Breckingridge is a former mining town at the base of the ski resort. I've been there several times to down hill ski.

I am really excited to get a chance to work on my skate ski technique this week  under the guideance of a paralymipic coach. I'll also get to try biathlon. That is a ski and shooting sport. There is a league here in Wisconsin and I am hoping to be able to enter some local races.

The fun of working on my ski technique in such a beautiful setting is all part of my rest and recovery. It is going to be so much fun to meet the other athletes and be in such a beautiful 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 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 2020 she qualified for World Championship age group teams in Denmark, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands.  She has been a USA triathlon ambassador since 2018, is an ambassador for the Wisconsin Senior Olympics and in 2019 was selected as a storyteller ambassador for the National Ski Patrol and Subaru.

 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 CMTWe currently have 228 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico 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.

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, #kneedeepinwork

Salad Sunday- Red Cabbage Citrus Salad

Red Cabbage Citrus Salad

I get home delivery of organic produce from a company called Imperfect Produce.  The selection varies every week.  When I get my box, then I have to figure out what to make with the contents.

This week I decided to do a salad from the box contents and some things I had on hand.  Cabbage is great with citrus.  The pomegranate sees also have a citrus flavor.  I complemented the salad with a lime based dressing.  I took this along to Thanksgiving dinner. It was a big hit and went well with turkey.  I also ate this for lunch at work, topped with some roasted chicken.  It makes a great main meal as well as a nice side salad


1 small head of red cabbage coarsely chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
Two carrots, sliced into bite sized coins
Seeds from two pomegranates
2 oranges peeled, sliced into bite sized pieced


Put all of the ingredients into a large salad bowl.
Mix together the dressing ingredients and pour over the top.

Dressing
Juice from one small lime ( about 2 tablespoons)
Equal amount of Olive oil
2 teaspoons raw honey

Serves 6


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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

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

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 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 para triathlete 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 CMTWe currently have 228 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico 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.

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, #kneedeepinwork

Choosing Gratitude

Selected as the 2019-2020 National Ski Patrol/ Subaru Ambassador

"Grateful people don't focus on what they are lacking, they make sure they see the good in what they have." -Dr. Robert Emmons

I'm a little late with my Thanksgiving post. I don't even have a good excuse.  I  didn't have to cook, since I was a guest at my brother's house in Madison.  I didn't even make anything homemade. I bought the pies I took to dinner this year.

I didn't even run a race on Thanksgiving day. I was supposed to do a 5K, but skipped it when I didn't sleep much the night before and woke up with a headache.  The race did not matter and was just going to do it for fun so it didn't matter much if I decided to skip it.  I'm not really needing another race medal.  This time of year is my time to rest and recover.  So I was not too upset about not doing the race.

I was thinking back on the year as I drove to Madison for Thanksgiving dinner.  I was driving there in my NSP Subaru.  I have the use of the car for the next year, due to being selected as an ambassador.
I applied for the ambassador position, not thinking I would get it.  In my application I talked about my work using races to raise awareness of CMT.   There were 400 applicants and 10 of us were chosen.

I was told by the ambassador coordinator, the reason I was chosen for two reasons. The first was the social media presence I've developed in my CMT work. The second was because of my CMT.  The committee felt that someone doing ski patrol with CMT was really unusual. They were really interested for me to tell my story to a wider audience.  That is the reason I made the application. It gives me a chance to take my story to a whole new audience.

I've been a member of a local Ski Patrol for over 30 years. At times it has been a challenge.  I've always struggled with chronically cold hands and feet. That meant having to warm up in the patrol room or lodge quite a bit.  But patrollers are a social group and I usually have company while I warm up.  Sometimes fatigue is an issue.  The role of the patrol is to be out on the ski hill. Our job is to help keep skiers safe and to provide emergency first aid to those that get hurt.  Sometimes I have to do a patrol shift when I'm really tired. 

I'm grateful I still have the ability to ski. Part of our duties are transferring injured skiers in a toboggan that we control by skiing.   We also have to be able to evacuate the lift via ropes and rescue device if it stops working. I get tested on these skills every year and I've been able to keep up with any requirements. 

I'm grateful for the friends I've had since I started on patrol.  It is ski patrol where I got my start as a professional trainer.  We work as a team to train and take care of injured skiers.  It makes me feel really good to help someone that's hurt.

Shortly after I joined patrol, I took the certification class to become a first aid instructor.  I got great feedback on my teaching and looked for ways to do more and more training at work.  I went back to school to get a graduate degree in Adult Learning and became a professional trainer.

Being on patrol has not been easy.  It takes me much longer than a non CMT person to learn skills like skiing and running a toboggan. It took me three times to pass my skiing and toboggan test to become a full patroller.  Like anything athletic in my life, it did not come easy. It took lots of effort and determination.  I'm thankful God blessed me with lots of determination.

I never expected any of this when I joined patrol 30 years ago. My parents were getting older and I thought knowing CPR and first aid skills might come in handy.  Life is like that.  You just never know what twists and turns will happen in life. There were times when I failed tests that I wanted to quit and I almost did. I'm glad I hung in there.

I've  decided to be positive and choose gratitude each day.  I know it has made all the difference. I'm able to see the positive in any situation and make the most of what I have.  I hope I remembered for that. I want that to be my real legacy, not the races I've done and the places I've earned.  Living with CMT is not easy, even with a mild case.  Being positive helps me to focus on what is good in my life despite the CMT.

Because while not everyone can swim, bike and run, we can all choose gratitude. If you do so it will change your life, even if facing something like CMT.  I hope everyone with CMT chooses the same.

So many have. I 've seen great changes in the the community since I started raising awarness after my diagnosis. I credit the work of  Team CMT members.  It seems like every week I see pictures of our members raising awareness at races and other events. We've grown to over 200 members.  I am so thank ful for them.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

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

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 CMTWe currently have 228 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico 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, #kneedeepinwork

Soup Sunday-Stout Stew

Stout Stew

Something a bit different this week. I did a stew instead of a soup.  This one has just a few ingredents so it is really simple.  It takes a few hours of simmering to get the stew meat tender.

4 tablespoon butter
1/4 yellow onion chopped
8 ounces of button mushrooms chopped
1 lb beef stew meat cut into bite sized pieces
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cups beef bone broth
12 ounces stout beer
2 carrots chopped
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.
Salt and pepper to taste


Heat the butter in the bottom of a Dutch oven.  Put in the onion and mushrooms. Cook until soft. Add a bit more butter if the mixture gets dry.  Add the beef, brown sugar, broth and beer.

Cook covered for 2 hours. Test the meat and if not tender, cook until tender.  Add the carrots and cook for 10 minutes.  Add the cornstarch mixture and cook to thicken.

Serves 6

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

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

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 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 CMTWe currently have 228 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico 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, #kneedeepinwork

Miami Day #2- Long Distance Duathlon

"The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement." - unknown

I raced both days at the Multi-sport National Championship in Miami.  The Aquathlon on the first day could not have gone better.  I had a good run and a good enough swim to qualify for Team USA.

On day two was the Duathlon Long Distance Championship.  That race would be a 2 mile run, a 56 mile bike and a 13 mile run.  I was worried about the bike since almost all of my miles had been done inside on a very basic trainer.  It seemed like every day I was scheduled for a long ride on the weekend it rained. I was not sure if all those trainer miles would prepare me for the bike portion.

I'd done lots of long distance running, but would the marathon I'd done just a month earlier affect my performance. Would I be fully recovered.

As we lined up for the first run, the announcer told us there would be awards for the top five in each age group. That was good news for me since there were only four women in my age group. The top two were Iron man athletes and one was currently ranked #1 in the country for our age group.

The two mile race started off with a problem.   I decided to cruise at an easy pace.  We were running on a bike path.  I followed all of the other runners and I was in the middle of the pack.  There was a motorcycle leading out the front of the race. Suddenly the motor cycle came back at us. The driver was yelling at us to turn around because we were all going the wrong way.  I think it added an extra 5 minutes to my race.

The bike started out really well. I'd had my triathlon bike shipped to the race. I knew that last year it had been really windy. Being able to ride in an aero position would be helpful.  The race started out well. I was not working hard and was maintaining about 20 mph.  Then winds of 20 to 25 mph kicked up.  My bike computer turned off for a bit. I got it back on, but was not sure how long it had been off and how far I was on the course. It seemed like I was biking into the wind or fighting cross winds. Cross winds catch the deep wheels of my race wheels and push my bike around.  I'd barely had time to get used to riding in aero position with this bike. I think I used in once in a race and once in practice.  As the race went on the heat started to get to me. I realized miles on the trainer are not great preparation for a race. I started getting dizzy wtih nausea.  As I passed police doing traffic control in intersections, I was having fantasies about stopping and asking for a ride.  I was hungry and had nausea at the same time. 

I pulled over to rest a bit. I think my blood sugar level was getting low since I was starting to get shaky.  I wished I had stopped at the last police intersection. I was on about a 15 mile straight leg back to the start, but it was all in the wind. I fought the wind a bit longer. Then I pulled off the side of the road and actually laid down.  Two people asked if I was OK and should they call medical. I said I was OK. One guy yelled " So Close" as he passed.  I got up and continued to struggle until I pulled into transition. All the time on the bike I promised myself I would quit if I got back to transition.

As I rode through the road going to the race venue, I remembered what it cost to ship my bike, that I needed this third duathlon to show up in the rankings and that qualification for two world championship races was on the line.  I had a nutrition bar. I told myself sit, rest and eat the bar. Then see how you feel. I finished the bike in 3:23:18.

It seemed like I sat there for a long time. I told myself, at least go try the run and see how it goes. I knew at that point it would be a long afternoon. I was actually only in transition for about 5 minutes.

I started running 50 steps and walking fast 50 steps. I was keeping up a 11min mile.  I did this for the first 5 miles. I had to stop because I was so dizzy and nauseous.  It was about 84 F and humid. There was not much shade on the course. The course was too loops. I started walking fast to finish the first loop. I was passed by a few runners. I cold hear the awards ceremony starting.  I later found out when the awards started 100 of the 150 duathlon athletes were still on the course.

As I did the second lap I saw only athletes walking. I was walking fast and did pass several walkers.  There were lots of water stops and every time I passed one, I poured water on myself to cool off.  Part of the course went through the Miami zoo. I was fun to see zebras, giraffes and the rhinoceros.
 Lots of the patrols cheered us on.  The volunteers at the water stop cheered us on.

My hips hurt the whole last lap.  Some race officials came around when I was on the second lap. They stopped and talked with each athlete to make sure we were OK.  There was a cut off time to start the  2nd lap of 3:30.  I finished the entire an hour before the cut-off time. They made sure I was on the 2nd lap and that I did not need a ride. I was still 3 miles from the finish, but finish I did.

I told  my friend Cheryl that came to the race, that I expected to finish in 8 hours. My final time was 7 hrs 53 min and 13 seconds.  My time for the run was 3:24:18, not bad considering it takes me 2:31 to run a half. I guess my walking speed is pretty decent.

I learned I was a bit under-trained due to trainer miles and lack of brick workouts later in my training.
It was not a great performance and if I go back next year, I will be sure to be better prepared.  I certaininly have lots of room for improvement.

I did qualify for World Championships in Denmark and Switzerland with this race. I am already committed to go to the Netherlands in September, so these races most likely won't happen. It is still nice to have the opportunity if I want it.

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

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 CMTWe currently have 228 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico 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, #kneedeepinwork