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

Soup Sunday- Rotisserie Chicken Soup

I find the grocery store rotisserie chickens hard to resist.  They smell so good and if I am hungry when I am shopping they are even more tempting. I gave in and bought one recently.  I had four nice dinners and there was still quite a bit of meat left on the bones. I thought I would try making soup and stretch the chicken a bit more. The result was this delicious soup.  I picked up some ancini di pepe pasta on the sale shelf at the grocery store.  It looks a bit bigger than couscous.  Any small pasta like orzo would be a good substitute.

Rotisserie Chicken Soup

1 carcass store bought rotisserie chicken ( leave some meat on the bones)
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 yellow onion chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1/2 pint fresh grape tomatoes, halved
1 4 ounce can sliced black olives
2 medium carrots chopped
1 cup frozen or fresh green beans
2 cups cooked chicken ( divided into bite size pieces)
1/2 cup Acini Di Pepe pasta  (orzo is a good substitute)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste.

Put the chicken carcass and chicken stock into a large stockpot.  Cook under medium heat until it just starts to boil.  Turn down to a simmer and cook for at least 12 hours.  If you can 24 hours would be perfect.  Remove the carcass.  Take off any meat still clinging. Strain the broth. Remove any meat from the strainer and add to the broth.

Return the broth mixture to the stockpot.  Add the onion, celery, tomatoes, olives, carrots, beans and chicken.  Bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 10 minutes.  Add the parsley.  Salt and pepper to taste.

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 1- Aquathlon National Championship

"Luck is when being prepared meets opportunity." - Robert Hafey

I was in Miami on November 9th to race at the Aquathlon National Championship. I was supposed to be in the race last year, but decided to run the New York marathon. A fall down my basement steps ended that.  I deferred my aquathlon race entry to this year.  I've represented the U.S. at three World Championships in this discipline.  It's been easy in the past. The top 18 in each age group always qualify for the team. Never has them been 18 in the age group at any national championship. That would be different this year.

I was able to check the start list for all the races at Miami.  The race organizers were really promoting this race. They offered a discount on the race if signing up for one of the Sunday races. I watched the list in my age group grow and grow.   It reached 24 athletes in the week before the race.

Also this year, the Athena category ( women 165 lbs and over) would have their own national championship category. They would eligible for awards, start with the age group and be placed in with the age group for determining slots for Team USA.  That added two more women to the age group.

Because of this I asked to be scored as a para-athlete. I did not think I had a chance to place in the top 18.  I took a risk by asking to be scored this way. USA triathlon might not allow me to be scored as an age group athlete. I had done another aquathlon race in Texas. It was my insurance race. I need two races to be ranked. Two slots are offered to ranked athletes. Before Miami there was only one ranked athlete in my age group.

The race would be a 1000 meter swim in non wet-suit legal water and a 5 K. Really nice easy distances.  The course in on a Lake in Penny Thompson park, right next to the Miami zoo. The run was a loop around the lake.

The only problem was the wind was at least 20 mph on race morning. I looked at the lake during practice and I could see a strong current, that I would have to swim against on the first leg of the triangular course.  I would have cross currents on two other legs.  I was worried about being pulled off course.  Before the race it crossed my mind not to do the race.  I told my friend Cheryl traveling with me, if it was wavy I would not do it.   There were currents, but no waves.

An announcement was made that the water temperature was 83 F. As I got in for the practice swim, it felt much colder. I don't know where they measure it, but it felt wet suit legal to me.

I don't do much for a practice swim, really just get in, get my face in the water, swim a bit. 

I've done this race so many times, that I know many of the women in my age group. I said hi to women I've raced with at worlds and chatted waiting for our turn. I said hi to two other friends from Wisconsin. One is another USAT ambassador, the other competes with me for the Wisconsin Senior Olympics.

The race itself could not have gone better.  The current was tough to swim against.  Due to my CMT, my arms are not strong. My swim is always slow.  I was worried about the men in the wave behind us running over me. No worries, the guys were all great. I did pass some people from the two waves in front of me.  I just swam steady, easy for 50 strokes and hard for 50 strokes. 

Then it was into transition and onto the run course. It was completely flat on a bike path. I had one of my best runs of the year at 29:54. I finished with a total time of 1 hour 2 minutes which was good for a surprising 15th place. 

When it came time for awards, I was called up as the first place para-aquathlon finisher. Of course they did not have a medal. I cannot tell you how many times that happens.

When I got home from Milwaukee, I emailed the race director and asked him to send me my first place medal. I also asked that my results be reported in the age group. He said he talked to USA triathlon and that they would do it this year,but not next year.

I asked him to advocate with USAT.  I told him I lined up with my age group and asked for no accommodations. I asked him to talk with USAT about treating my results just like the Athena results.

He said he would do that. He also mentioned that USAT wants us to have five para-athletes to add separate scoring. I asked him to get that option on the race web site as soon as possible. That give the best chance of attracting para-athletes. Two years ago we had three women para-athletes in the aqua bike. It is possible that we could get the needed numbers.  In any case there is a PC open category at the Duathlon Nationals in the sprint category. I'm already signed up.

So this week I got this in my email.

I qualified for Team USA for the Netherlands next year. I've already put down my deposit. I've never been there and I'm really looking forward to exploring Amsterdam and Almere the race venue.

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

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

Winner Winner Turkey Dinner

"Joy is only known in this momemt now!

So feel the flow of yourself,

And not how you are not running for some future reward,

The real reward is now!- Fred Rohe- Author of the Zen of Running

Alot of runners, myself included sign up for races because it keeps us running. I know having a race is great motiviation for me to stay in shape. I think thats why I signed up for the Badgerland Striders Super Strider series way back in early January. 

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Finish eight mostly long distance races and I would get a wonderful jacket ( valued at $100) and free entry to the Holiday Party. It was a challenge sometimes to get out of bed and race when it was cold and dark. It was a challenge to take on another marathon when I had not done one in 4 years.

Well the last race was this morning. It was 31 F when I got up, but thanks to daylight savings time it was already light. The start time was a really civilized 9:30.  There would be two races, a 2 mile and the one I was doing, a 15K.  This was a prediction run. So there were 25 full size turkeys being given away for the runners that came closest to running their predicted time.  

I got the last spot in the parking lot at the park for packet pickup and I was only there an hour before the race start. I didn't want to be too early since there was no warm place to wait.  By start time the temperature was 34 F with a little bit of wind.  My goal was to really hold back and run very easy. I have a national championship race in 6 days and I was not really supposed to be running this far.

Holding back is not easy when the gun goes off.  No watches or timeing devices were allowed and there were no mile markers.  I decide to not even use my iPod. I can't use one next week since they are not allowed in USAT sanctioned races. I thought it would be good practice.

The course was very flat on park roads.  The athletes really spread out so I usually run pretty much on my own. I decided to use my zen technique I've learned to count steps. It engages my mind. Instead of thinking about hurting, being tired or wanting to walk, I count to 60 and just keep repeating that process.

For once I was dressed just about right. It was a multi loop course. I was dressed perfectly when running into the wind. I had on my Team CMT long sleeve shirt and a Smart Wool zip top with tights , gloves and a headband. When out of the wind, I would adjust by taking off my gloves and headband and if needed the Smart Wool layer.  I felt strong and the miles went by pretty fast.  Even though I tried to run slowly I finished in 1:45:49.  

That was good for 4th place in my age group and a turkey since I was just over a minute off in  my prediction time. All in all a good day and a great practice run for next week in Miami.

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

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

Beef Mushroom Soup with Wild Rice

I always have beef, chicken and turkey bone broth in my freezer. It is easy to make.  I just cook bones in water for 24 hours.  It freezes really well. When I want to make soup on a weekend  I just take what I need out of the freezer. So today's soup went together really fast.  Feel free to change up the recipe by using different types of mushrooms and wine.  Leftover pot roast works well for the meat for this recipe. When I make my bone broth, I use really meaty bones. When I am done making the soup, I take the meat off of the bones and freeze it to use in recipes like this.

Beef Mushroom Soup and Wild Rice Soup

6 Cups beef bone broth
1/2 white onion chopped
4 tablespoons butter
8 ounces of white button mushrooms
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2/3 cup Shirez red wine or other dry red wine
2 cups of cooked beef ( left over roast beef or steak)
2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup wild rice
salt and pepper to taste


Add the butter to a stockpot.  Once melted add the onion and mushrooms. Cook until cooked or about 5 minutes. Add the bone broth, garlic, wine, and beef.  Bring to a low simmer. Add the worcestershire sauce and the wild rice. Bring to a full boil and cook for 40 minutes until the wild rice is cooked.  Add the parsley. Season with fresh group pepper and salt.

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 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

Wisconsin's Wierd Weather

Fall and Winter on the Same Day

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nature has been a bit confused all year here in Wisconsin.  I remember two years ago on Halloween it was so warm I sat on my front steps to give out Halloween candy.  This Halloween we got seven inches of snow in Wisconsin.

You can see in the picture that the fall leaves are still on the trees.  I know people were rushing to try and rake leaves before the snow fell.  We got seven inches the most ever on Halloween in Wisconsin.

It was really pretty to see the red and gold leaves against the snow.   I've seen snow on top of daffodils in the spring, but I've never seen fall snow.  Like most snow falls in winter, it has gotten really cold following the snow. I was 22 F last night.  It is just way to early to be this cold.  If this keeps up it is going to be a long winter.

So I spent 2 hours on my bike trainer indoors today. I am only one week away now from two National Championship races in Miami.  Next Saturday I will be swimming 1000 meters and running 5 K in the Aquathlon National Championship and on Sunday I will be running a total of 15 miles and biking 56 miles in the Long Distance Duathlon.

I would be lying if I said I felt ready. Not only has the weather in Wisconsin been weird this fall, but this summer has been exceptionally rainy.  When I was in the North woods a few weeks ago, the lakes are the highest I have ever seen them. I saw several piers under water.  Her is  Milwaukee we have very little beach on Lake Michigan because the lake is so high.

It seemed like every time I needed to do a bike workout, it rained. I did most of my bike training on my indoor trainer. That sometimes meant 6 hours on the trainer as I watched TV. I'm just not sure it has been great preparation. I even splurged this year and shipped my triathlon bike to Miami for the race.  Because of the rain, Ive barely ridden this bike since I bought it last year. Fingers crossed that my ride goes well.

It will be nice to be in Miami for a bit of warm weather. Temps are expected to be 84 F, but there is also a significant chance of rain. I should feel right at home.  I did a sprint triathlon this year in pouring rain, so I'm ready for that.

The races are my A races for the year.  The long distance duathlon has only 4 women in my age group. I have a slight chance at 3rd. Two of the women are Iron man racers and are currently first and second in current rankings. Still if I finish, I get a slot on Team USA for the World Championship race in Switzerland.

The Aquathlon has 25 women signed up. That is the largest field ever for the National Championship race. Only the top 18 earn spots for Team USA and the World Championship in the Netherlands. Ive decided to race as a para triathlete for that race.  I am going to take a chance that I will be nationally racked since the Miami race will be my second aquathlon race. The Texas race I did in July may come in very handy. Two roll down spots are saved for ranked athletes.

In any case I will race and hope for the best. I just hope the weather cooperates a bit more than in Wisconsin.

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

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