Stir Fry Sunday- Sesame Steak

Sesame Steak
1 pound sirloin steak cut into bit sized pieces and trimmed of fat.
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
3 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 ounces white button mushrooms sliced
1 large green bell pepper, sliced in long strips
3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and cut in long strips
1 bunch green onions, sliced


Marinade
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons Chinese Rice wine
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
1 clove minced garlic


Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the meat. Place in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
Place the sesame seeds and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a frying pan over moderate heat.  Fry until the seeds are golden. Set aside.

Heat the rest of the coconut oil and sesame oil in a wok over high heat.  Drain the marinade off of the meat and add to the hot wok.  Save the marinade.  Cook for several minutes until browned.  Remove the meat with a slotted spoon. Add the scallions and mushrooms. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the meat back in adding the marinade. Stir over moderate heat for a few minutes until the meat is glazed. Add in the tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add the sesame seeds and serve.  Sever over hot brown rice.

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 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

Oh the Places I've Been

"You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And you are the one who'll decide where to go."- Dr. Suess

Every week Lauren Rio, the coordinator for USAT of the Ambassador program gives us a question to answer on our social media channels. This week's question is: What are the benefits of multi sport?

There have been benefits for me personally, but more importantly for the wider CMT community I've chosen to represent.

Injury Prevention
When I was training for my first marathon, I was diagnosed with a stress fracture. I didn't know at the time that I had CMT. CMT is a genetic condition much like MS I inherited from my dad.

As a long distance runner I was constantly getting injured. I found I couldn't run every day and started supplementing my training with cycling and swimming.

I started in multi sport doing duathlons because it took me some time to get up the courage to do a race with an open water swim.  I was swimming, biking and running every week, so I thought I might as well be doing triathlons.

Being a multi sport athlete has allowed me to stay active and pretty much injury free.  In addition to being a multi sport athlete, I still do long distance running. I've completed three Boston marathons running only three days a week because I train in three sports. The cross training has allowed me to still perform at a high level despite my CMT. It literally has allowed me to stay active.

The Places I've Been
No one would have ever thought I was an athlete growing up. I clumsy and uncoordinated.  I fell a lot. My knees were constantly skinned. I was always picked last for teams. In junior high I was on the volleyball team, but I sat on the bench for two years. I did not get into even one game.  I was pretty much a straight A student in school except for gym and handwriting (Cs in both). Both things influenced by my CMT.

Being a triathlete has allowed me to compete at National Championships in Arizona, Wisconsin, Florida, Minnesota, and Texas.  I've qualified for Team USA in Winter Triathlon, Long Course Triathlon, Sprint Duathlon, Long Course Duathlon and Aquathlon. I've competed at the World Championship for Aquathlon in Denmark,  Mexico and in Chicago.  I am so proud to have represented my country in these World Championship races. I think one of the proudest moments of my life has been waving the little flag the team manger gave me as I crossed the finish line in those World Championship races.

Being a multi-sport has helped me grow tremendously as an athlete. It gives me a healthy outlet for my type A behavior.  I look forward to planning out each season and thinking about what National Championship race I am going to do to qualify once again to be a Team USA member.

I've been nationally ranked as an aquathlon athlete (Age Group) and was even an para-aquathlon All American a few years ago.

I've met wonderful people at every race and made lifelong friends. It has been one of the best parts of being a multi-sport athlete.

I could never have imagined as that child sitting on the bench and struggling through gym class the places multi-sport would take me.

Inspire
USAT is really the only organization that I know of that has the ability for a Physically Challenged athletes like myself to compete at the grassroots level.  That means I can race and ask for needed accommodations at any USAT sanctioned race.

 Sometimes honestly I've not been treated well by race directors. I get it, because I don't look impaired.  In those instances I've contacted USAT and they've stood behind me 100%.

There is a national championship for us and the chance to quality to race as elite athletes including the paralympics.

When I was diagnosed in 2011, I made a choice to stay positive and active.   For years patients diagnosed with CMT were told to go home and not be active. The thinking was that activity would speed progression of the condition.  I knew from my own experience that this was false. By the time I had been diagnosed I have finished four marathons.  I decided not just to be active, but to spread that message to the larger CMT community.

Being an athlete with CMT was extremely rare when I started.  Many in the community were extremely negative and bitter.  I was told I was a fraud because no one with CMT could run. I even heard comments from medical professionals that people with CMT can't run. I showed them they were wrong.

I started a team to raise awareness and found other athletes including Ironman finishers with CMT. Team CMT has countless athletes with CMT striving to stay active, raise awareness and funds for CMT research.  Together we have raised over $230 K. We funded a research project that proved not only is exercise with CMT not harmful, but that exercise can make you stronger.  That was something I already knew, but now the larger CMT community was catching on to the idea of staying active.

I have seen the conversations change on social media to I cannot exercise, to what kind of exercise can I do.  Multi-sport has helped me and my Team CMT members do this. Thank you USAT for supporting me as a multi-sport athlete.

My future is always uncertain as a CMT affected athlete. CMT is a funny disease and it can accelerate suddenly.  I always know in the back of my mind that CMT will steal my athletic ability bit by bit.

Even if the day comes when I can no longer complete, multi-sport has helped me to forge a legacy for myself and the larger CMT community.  Thank You USAT and all my friends, family and Team CMT members with me on this journey! Oh the places we've been and the things we've done!

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

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

Superfood Saturday-Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies

More healthy treats, this time from the new Dr. Axe book, "Keto Diet".  It has really helped me to stick to his Keto plan to have a treat once in a while.  I am in the cycling stage now.  I stay Keto for a few days and on the days when I run, I add a few more carbs to my diet.

Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups almond flour
1 scoop collagenn protein powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup monk-fruit sweetener
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 egs
2/3 cup unsweetened chocolate chips

Pre-heat oven to 350 F.
In a large bowl mix th almond flour, protein powder, baking powder and chocolate chips. In a saucepan melt the  coconut oil.  Add the vanilla extract. Add to the dry mixture and add the eggs.

Stir well to make a thick batter. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Use a tablespoon to drop onto the lined cookied sheet.  Place 2 inches apart.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Makes 2 dozen

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

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 SundayGinger Chicken and Coconut Soup

Ginger, Chicken and Coconut Soup

Spring always comes late to Wisconsin, so soup season lasts well into Sping.  This week I have another Thai inspired soup.

4 stalks lemon grass stalks, roots trimmed and finely chopped.
1 1/2 cups canned coconut milk
2 cups chicken stock
1 inch pieced galangal, peeled and thinly sliced
10 black peppercorns
one 8ounce boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
1 cup button mushrooms
1 10 ounce can baby corn
4 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons fish sauce
4 dried red chillies
chopped cilantro

Bring the milk and chicken stock to a boil. Add the lemongrass,the galangal, and peppercorns.
Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.  Add the chicken, nushrooms, dried chilies and corn. Simmer for another 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked.

Stir in the lime juice and fish sauce.  Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.

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 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

Super Food Saturday Keto Outrageous Chocolate Cookies

Having some sweet treats has really helped me to stick to my Keto eating plan.  There are lots of healthy ingredients here for these guilt free cookies. Plus they are CHOCOLATE.  This recipe came from the book Keto Sweet Treats by Elsa Silva.  Lots of really great recipes I am going to have fun making.

Keto Outrageous Chocolate Cookies

1 1/4 cups almond butter
2 large eggs
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Put all of the ingredients into a bowl and mix well.  Form into small balls.  Flatten each ball with a fork to be 1/2  inch thick.  Bake for 12 minutes. Cool before serving.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze.

Makes 16 cookies



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

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

Why I Love Triathlon- Finding My Why

"Every one of my runners is disabled in some way. For them, the race is a double challenge that many of them never imagined they could meet. Whatever they discover along the way has been inside of them all along. What the marathon does is introduce them to themselves." Dick Traum, Amputee, Founder of Achilles Track Club

This is my second year as an ambassador for USA triathlon.  I was so honored last year to be chosen to help support the sport I love.  This week we were asked to post on our social media channels why we love triathlon.  For me that meant some reflection and of course writing.

Just what is it that keeps me working out six days a week in three sports? What is it that gets me out of bed sometimes as early as 3 am to do a race? Why do I travel all over the country and even all over the world to compete in this sport?

When I had a coach, I remember her telling me when training got tough to remember my "why".

I love the stuff we all love as triathletes; the athletes I've met, the challenge, the thrill of crossing the finish line, or the pride of carrying a US flag as a member of Team USA.

I love the challenge of refining my skills. All of that is true, but it's not what keeps me training and racing. I have a deeper purpose in being an athlete, especially a triathlete.

 The answer is actually really simple. I race to raise awareness of Charcot-Marie-Tooth or CMT and to be a role model for those in the CMT community.

CMT is a genetic neuro-muscular condition I inherited from my dad. It is very similar to MS. MS affects the spinal nerves, CMT affects the nerves in the arms and legs.

The coating on my nerves is breaking down causing muscle weakness and problems with balance and fine motor skills.  Most that have this condition have difficulty walking and wear braces.  They struggle to do everyday tasks like writing, opening a jar or getting dressed.

Fatigue and frequent falls are common.  Advanced symptoms can include things as varied as hearing loss and breathing difficulties. I have hearing loss and breathing difficulties. Severe fatigue can make training a challenge.

There are about 160,000 Americans living with this condition. That is about the same as MS, but no one has ever heard of it. There is currently no treatment or cure. I share CMT with several members of my immediate and extended family.

When I was diagnosed in 2011, I was thrilled to have an answer to years of symptoms.  I vowed to race the Boston Marathon to raise awareness and became a triathlete. I saw the fact that I was an athlete as a gift. I knew I had to use that gift to make a difference.

I founded Team CMT, a group of athletes working to raise awareness of CMT and funds for research. We've grown to over 200 members in seven countries and 34 states. We've raised $130,000 for research. I've connected to CMT affected athletes all over the world. We share the same passion and mission.  It used to be rare for someone with CMT to be active, much less an athlete. That is changing as the community sees the example of Team CMT athletes.

It is so important to stay moving with this condition to retain function. My Team CMT teammates and I are role models for the CMT community. While we may have CMT, it does not have us.  I want to show you can live a full and active life, even with CMT.

In 2012 I achieved a life long dream of crossing the finish line in Boston. I felt like I was carrying the expectations and hopes of many in the CMT community.  The Boston run garnered lots of media interest in my hometown because I ran in the Mobility Impaired Division.  It really was a great way to raise awareness. As a triathlete I often compete as a para-triathlete, it is a platform I continue to use to both educate and inspire.

Because so few know about this disease, it takes on average seven years to get a diagnosis. Now we are close to a cure for the most common type.  A drug is expected to be available later this year, making it even more important for those with CMT to be diagnosed.

When I crossed the finish line in my first marathon, I felt I could do anything. I felt there was no challenge I could not meet.  I feel the same way every time I cross a race in a triathlon. Every time I cross that finish line, I swim, bike and run for those that can't.. Every race is a victory, every race is a gift because some day I may not be able to run or ride a bike.

I hope that day is far in the future. I intend to savor every moment and every opportunity. Each race is a chance to educate and inspire.  Each race is a chance to challenge myself to see just how far I can go and how good I can be.

  We all have challenges and everyone of us is capable of meeting and defeating the obstacles thrown in our path.  Triathlon has taught me I can handle any challenge. Not even CMT will defeat me. It was there all along, I just needed to race to bring it out in me.

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

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.

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Soup Sunday-Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup

I found this recipe in a book called the Encyclopedia of Asian Cooking.    I found so many great recipes in the section on Thailand and Burma. I will be posting those over the next few weeks.


Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup
1 pound raw shrimp
4 cups chicken stock
1 small package tofu, sliced into small squares
3 stalks lemon grass
8 ounces straw mushrooms
3 tablespoons fish sauce
4 tablespoons lime juice
1 bunch chopped green onions
4 fresh green or red fresh chilies seeded and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Cilantro

Put the shrimp and lemon grass stalks into a stock pot. Simmer until the shrimp are pink. Strain the broth.  Peel the shrimp. Return the shrimp and broth to the stock pot  Add the tofu, mushrooms, fish sauce, lime juice,  onions and chilies.    Top with chopped cilantro
Serves 4-6

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

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 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

Marquette Winter Triathlon- Season Kick-Off

"There are only three winners: The one who competes with himself, the one who crosses the finish line first, and the one who finishes the race."- Sri Chinmoy

This race a bit different from my last Winter Triathlon. This one is a traditional triathlon with the traditional swim, bike and run events.  The only difference is the swim is in a pool instead of a lake and the bike is on a compu-trainer instead of on the road.

March weather is unpredictable in Milwaukee. An indoor race is a good way to kick off the season without worry about the weather.

I've done this race the last three years to kick off my triathlon season. This is the first of three triathlons I will be doing this season as a para-triathlete. I need three races to be ranked and hope at one of these to get a time to qualify again for the National Championship. In any case it is good practice. It usually shows me that I am not in triathlon race shape.

Swim
The swim is at the pool at Marquette University. The swim is only 500 meters. Good thing since I had not been in a pool since November. I switched to Nordic skiing when I was training for the National Championship.  So I expected to be a bit slower than normal.

I had a lane to myself. In lane 1 was Kathy Bohlman, Team USA member for Aqua bike. She was one of the top finishers at the National Championship. Most of the lanes were Marquette students.
I took it easy and finished in 11:05.  I beat one of the college students.

T1 & Bike
Transition in this race is easy. Shower, change and head right across the street for the indoor bike.
I have to say I struggled on the bike. My little trainer at home is no match for a compu-trainer. I also dropped my chain shifting. The course was a steep hill and then downhill for 10 miles. I think I did it in about 38 minutes. The bike ended up being the last leg.  Because the race was behind schedule, had the option to go out and do the run.

Run
The 5K is three laps on the the Marquette mile.  It is all right turns on city streets.  Easy and done quick.  I felt tired. I think the race the week before, having the flue for weeks and being on the Keto diet is all taking its toll.

The race is fun, low key and well run. A great way to start the season.  I love this race. This year USAT came through with finisher medals, string bags and swim googles.
The volunteers are all students from Marquette. Many recognized me, welcomed me and asked me to come back next year. One fixed my bike chain during the race.

After the race, the race director Nate Fillers, introduced himself to me because he was just named a USAT Ambassador. It was nice to meet him and I will be back 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 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