Sunday, October 18, 2020

Slow Cooker Sunday-Pulled Pork

 


Fall and football go together here in Wisconsin. That means special food on game day while we cheer on our beloved Green Bay Packers.  I have been a Packers fan my entire life.  Since game day is special I try to come up with special food for the big game day.  Pulled pork is perfect for the cooler fall weather.

This dish is super easy to make and does not take many ingredients. It's generally inexpensive to make and feeds a crowd.  Pork shoulder was on sale for .99 cents a pound making it really economical if feeding a crowd.

 I served it without sauce, but you can add it to the slow cooker right at the end or just add it to your sandwhich.  I served the pulled pork on fresh hard rolls.

The orange juice might seem like an odd choice. You really don't take the orange in the finished dish. It keeps the meat nice and moist while cooking,

This recipe makes quite a bit. I froze half to use another time.

5 lb boneless pork sholder or pork butt

Salt

Pepper

1 tablespoon Chili powder

2 cups orange juice

1 tablespoon liquid smoke

Season the pork with the chili powder salt and pepper. Add the pork to the slow cooker.  Add the orange juice.  Put the cooker on low.  Cook until the meat falls apart.  This took 12 hours. Pour off the juices. Place them in the refrigerator.  Once it cools skim off the fat.  In the meantime shred the meat with too forks.  Return the juices to the slow cooker and add the liquid smoke.  Put on medium to warm up the meat.  Serve with shredded coleslaw. 

.**********************



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 5th 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 2nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

 

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

 

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 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

 

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

 

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

 

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

 

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.

 

 

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

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


Sunday, October 11, 2020

Chicken Tortilla Soup

 




Chicken Tortilla Soup

My races have mostly been cancelled this year, leaving me without much to write about. But I still have to eat.  It's fall here is Wisconsin and the cooler days means it's time to start cooking soup again. 

My brother has been staying with me during COVID which means I've been cooking for two and trying out new recipes.  With not being able to go anywhere I am at least trying to keep the menu interesting.

The first time I had a Chicken Tortilla Soup was during a soup contest at work. So I made my own version with a few tweaks.  One of the reasons I like this soup is I usually have all of the ingredients on hand.  Usually the recipe calles for shredded chicken. I happened to have boneless chicken breast on hand so I used that.

Chicken Trotilla Soup

2 tablespoons cooking oil

2 boneless chicken breasts chopped into pieces

1 large yellow onion chopped

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 can chopped green chillies

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

1 can (16 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cans (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

5 cups chicken broth

1 bunch fresh cilantro coarsely chopped

juice of one lime

Garnishes

sliced green onions

cheddar cheese

Sliced avocado

sour cream


Put the oil into the bottom of a Dutch Oven. over medium heat.  Add the garlic and onion. Once the onion starts to soften, add the chicken breast.  Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.

Add the green chillies, chili powder, tomato sause, paste, diced tomatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Cook for one hour.  Add the cilantro and lime juice. Cook for 10 minutes more.  Serve with garnishes.

Serves 8


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



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 5th 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 2nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

 

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

 

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 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

 

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

 

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

 

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

 

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.

 

 

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

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



Sunday, September 27, 2020

Tri-ing Times

 


"You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good." - Jenny West


It's CMT awareness month, so just in time I have a whopper injury.  One of the challenges for me with CMT is lack of proprioception. That means my body is not always aware of where it is in relation to spaces such as walls or furniture. I am always full of bruises on my legs from bumping into things.

That can also mean bad judgement on stairs. Three weeks ago I was going up the basement stairs. My brother was in the workshop looking for a suitcase. He is living with me during the pandemic. 

 He could not find the light switch. I turned to go back down in the basement to help him and missed a stair. I was in bare feet and landed with my right foot on the concrete floor. My ankle immediately collapsed.  I was in so much pain it took my breath away.  I did get up and have been limping around every since. I limped my way through my recent two week vacation.  I had a similar fall down the basement stairs almost exactly a year ago.

I haven't been able to run since the injury.  I've replaced running outside with running in the pool. I've rehabbed running injuries in the past doing this.    I got through my first few marathons by alternating running outside with pool running.  It is just one of the things I've had to do as an athlete with CMT to get through training.  

The injury came at a bad time since I was scheduled to race in Arizona on October 16th and 17th at the Duathlon National Championship.  The races are run bike and run. So the foot injury came at a bad time.  My hope was to maintain some level of fitness until my foot was well enough to run outside.  Then I was going to hope for the best.

It won't matter now, my season effectively came to an end a few days ago.  USA triathlon, the governing body for triathlon cancelled all the races in Arizona.  So far this year the only National Championship race that has taken place is the Winter Triathlon I did the first weekend in March.

There is a National Championship race in Miami in November. Florida is fully open so there is a good chance it may happen.   This event qualifies athletes for the World Championship next September. I am already qualified based on last year's race.  I've deferred my entry and plan on racing next year. I am still waiting for a refund of two flights to Europe for races cancelled this year.

It has been a trying year for everyone due to the pandemic.  But someday the pandemic will be over, but CMT will go on for me.  I am hanging on like everyone else with this condition for a cure.

Now that triathlon season is over it is time for me to start preparing for nordic and biathlon races. As running becomes more difficult, I am looking to start a new chapter in my athletic life.  Let's hope it goes a bit more smoothly than this season.

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



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 5th 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 2nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

 

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

 

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 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

 

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

 

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

 

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

 

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.

 

 

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

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

 

 


Monday, September 7, 2020

Superwoman Triathlon


 Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are."- Kurt Cobain


On August 3rd I raced in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the Superwoman Triathlon. I had to drive to Michigan because everything in my home state of Wisconsin has been cancelled.  My goal is doing the race was to get a second USAT sanctioned race. Only two races are needed to be ranked.  With so few athletes racing my chances of making All American as a para athlete are better than most years.

It was actually nice to be able to get away for a weekend and it's only a 3 1/2 hours drive to Ann Arbor. I could have gone on race morning since  There were two races contested on race day; the Superman for the men and Superwoman for the ladies.  I decided to drive up the night before.  I often don't sleep well the night before a race. If I had a rough night, I am more likely to drop out of a race if  spend the night before at home.

It is strange with COVID and travel restrictions. There may have been only three cars in the hotel parking lot.  The place was quiet.  I should have had a great nights sleep. I was relaxed a ready for sleep, but my body had other ideas.

I took a dose of Ibuporfen PM which usually helps me sleep. For some reason I had pain all over and my body felt like I was on fire. It took three doses before I finally fell asleep for about 4 hours.

The race itself was pretty routine.  We could not enter the park until transition opened up at 9:45 and it was strictly enforced by the State park staff. As usual I was early so I had to wait in lin with dozens of other cars.

The race was run by 3Disciplines. They have all the procedures down for doing a socially distanced race.  

I lined up for the time trial swim, another that was not wet suit legal.  I lined up right behind Tri Faster owner and coach Lauren Jensen Mcginnis.  Ten Tri Faster athletes were also at the race including two in my age group. Lauren and I are about the same size. Lauren is a former pro-triathlete and almost always wins the entire women's race.  As I stood next to her, I wonder if I didn't have CMT, how good an athlete I could have been. I was actually a pretty decent runner before my CMT accelerated after my post bike accident surgery.

God had other plans for me, so I will keep on racing for as long as I can.  Still I sometimes wonder what might have been.

The race was a bit of a disappointment for me. I had the slowest swim in my age group, but I did feel comfortable.

The bike course was like riding on a washboard. Not fun. I missed a turn somewhere and ended up with an average bike speed of 14.2 mph.,  Earlier in the week I had averaged 17.6 mph at the WSO races.

The run was on trails and honestly could have used a few for arrows on the course.  There were not many runners out on the course. I think I did the correct course, It was almost entirely an off road course.  So there were times I was not sure I was going the right way. I finished the race around 1 hr 48 minutes. Not a good time for me. I finished in 4th place.  I accomplished my goal of finishing a second race.  My mis-turn on the race did not cost me third place. I think the 3rd place woman was 10 minutes ahead of me.

Both these races were a good turn up for my most important races of the Season. I will be racing at the Duathlon National Championships in October. I got the word this week the races are still on. 3-Disciplines the race organizer for this event will also be staging the Du Nationals. I am really looking forward to 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 5th 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 2nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

 

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

 

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 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

 

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

 

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

 

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

 

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.

 

 

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

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

 


Thursday, August 27, 2020

Wisconsin Senior Olymics-Cycling Time Trials

 





"Exercise is the most powerful performance enhancing drugs on the planet." -Scott Welle

I absolutely love the Wisconsin Senior Olympics (WSO) cycling races.  I look forward to them all year. 

The races have become more competitive every year. Some years I don't even place in my age group.  

Almost every one of my races this year has been cancelled.  Even many of the WSO events I particpate in like running and swimming have been called off.  The cycling road race was not held, but the 10 K and 5K races were a go with COVID precautions.

Last year I missed it because I was too tired from the WSO track meet.  This year I skipped the track meet and was ready for the two time trial races.  

Lots of precautions were taken. When I wanted a water bottle after the race, the volunteer used a pair of tongs to hand it to me.  The volunteer handling our race packets wore gloves and masks. All of the athletes wore masks.  One of the things I like about this race is seeing all my WSO friends. It was different this year. There was not as much socializing as we kept our distance.

For the awards ceremony the names of the winners were read. You went up to the table with the medals to pick up the award. I felt it was all very safe. 

The 10K race was first.  That was four laps on the closed course inside of Menomonee Park, here in the Western suburbs of Wisconsin.  I love this course because I can race the tangents.  That means I do not have to stay on the right side of the road. I can cut the corners to take the shortest route. It is really great practice for bike handling skills. I would be riding my triathlon bike. I have not raced much with it, so that would also be good practice.

We lined up six feet apart and were started one at a time, 30 seconds apart. In a time trial race, you race against the clock, but also the other athletes in your age group.  I raced as fast as I could. That is what is so fun about it. It is a real test of an athlete,  The balance is quite different on a triathlon bike compared to my road bike. I feel every bump in the road. I also have to pay close attention for pot holes and cracks in the road. If I hit them wrong I could lose my balance.  The race went well and I gave it everything I had.

I finished with an average speed of 17.6 mph. I was about a minute behind the 2nd place finisher.

The 5K was pretty much the same, just half the distance. This time I averaged 17.8 miles per hour. I went as fast as I could and finished just 30 seconds behind the 2nd place finisher. I will take my double bronze day.  I would not have cared if I had gone home empty handed. The race is just that much fun.  

Next year I am hoping we can add back the road races. It is great practice at drafting. I'll need that practice as I race in the draft legal national duathlon championship in October

Thank you to the WSO for running a great and very safe race. I look forward to being back again next year.

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



Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

 

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

 

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

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5th 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 2nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

 

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

 

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 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

 

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

 

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

 

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

 

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.

 

 

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

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



Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Tri Holly-Racing in the Age of COVID



 " Success is less about what you have and more about what you do." -Scott Welle


Every race I scheduled this year since March has been cancelled, all fallen victim to COVID.  So I was excited to see 3-Disciplines racing was putting on races in Michigan. I raced with them last year in Frankenmuth, Michigan. I had a great experience at that race.  

The race would be in Holly Michigan at a state recreation area.  One of the things that attracted me was the race was at 6:30 on a Wednesday evening. I hate early morning races because I often do not sleep well the night before a race.  I would drive up on Wednesday, do the race and stay overnight.

The race was capped at 100 athletes.  The park was closed to everyone except the athletes. We were not allowed to bring friends or family.  We were mailed our race number the day before the race. We were also told masks were to be worn except when we were racing.

We were instructed to do our own body marking.  When we arrived we presented our drivers licence and USAT card at check-in.  We were questioned about our health and our temperature was taken.

After screening, we were instructed to go to our assigned spot on the rack. Our packet with number and timing chip was inside.

I did not sleep the night before the race and had to do an 8 hour drive to get to the venue. I arrived tired before the race. I was prepared to push through it. I've done it before.

Swim
The swim was a time trial start to promote social distancing.  We went in according to our race number.  Only two athletes went in the water every 30 seconds. I love this format. I wish every race did it. No mob of athletes fighting for position. We were all spaced out. The 500 meter swim was one of the most relaxed I've had in a race. I think the course was a bit long and I finished in 17:16.  I was one of the last athletes in the water, so when I got to transition most of the bikes were already gone.

Bike
I am not sure why race directors love hills so much. I prefer a flat and fast course. This course started with a huge hill right out of transition. It was hill after steep hill.  Sometimes I had to bleed speed with my brakes because I was just going way too fast for comfort.  The worst thing is I had to do the course twice. I was really tired by the time I finished the bike. I've was diagnosed with mono in early July and still get tired easily.  On the second lap I came around a corner and was absolutely blinded by the setting sun. That was a really scary moment because I could not see anything. I had removed my sunglasses early in the race because the tree line course was very dark.  I finished in 59:14 for an average speed of 12.5 mph. At least I finished. The other women in my age group did not finish due to a flat tire.

Social distancing happens easily on the bike course. Drafting is not allowed and you have to pass if you get within two bike lengths. There was no one around me for the entire 2nd lap.

Run

The run went up the same first hill as the bike course.  It was really tough running up that hill.  Then the run went into the woods. I was a bit worried about running on a trail. The roots, and uneven surface are a challenge because of my tight calves and ankles that roll easily. 

It was pretty dark in the woods, but it was a nice run. I could see other runners on the road through the trees. Finally it was nice to see some people.  I passed a couple of runners once I was off the trail and out on the road. I finished in a time of 32:27.  Good enough for 1st in my age group.

I need two races this year to be nationally ranked. I will be doing a second race this Sunday. I made a few mistakes during the race so it is good practice. Also there is nothing like a race to pump up the training.  I am still hoping the Duathlon National Championships take place in October.

The Du Championships will be produced by the same group that did this race. Based on what I saw they understand how to run a race in the age of COVID. It gives me hope we will all be back to racing soon.


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


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 5th 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 2nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

 

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

 

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 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

 

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

 

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

 

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

 

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.

 

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

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

 


Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Bike Patrol-Age Appropriate Fun


"Always plan for the fact that no plan ever goes according to plan."- Simon Sinek

It's rare for me these days to get out of the house. That is except for my weekly trip to the grocery store.  Things get really exciting if I have to go to the hardware store.  My usual social outlet, races have all been cancelled.  So I was excited for my recent bike patrol shift at Little Switzerland in Slinger, Wisconsin.  

The hill is a bit of a mecca for mountain biking.  People come from a five state area for a chance to ride the trails. The advantage of biking at a ski resort is you and your bike get a ride up on the life.  As usual the patrol is present to take care of injured skiers and make the hill runs safely.

During the shift I was helping to take care of a patient by filling out the accident report.  "How could the accident have been prevented?" was a question on the report.   "Act my age" was his answer. He was 33.  I had to laugh a bit to myself because earlier in the day I had my own challenge with age appropriate behavior.

I planned to do an hour or two of mountain biking during my shift. I am not a very experienced mountain biker, although I have been riding road bikes most of my life. The two skills are definitely different.

I've done a bit of mountain biking on vacation and liked it.  I bought a high end mountain bike a couple of years ago to start doing off road triathlons. That race includes mountain biking, swimming and trail running. Well all the local off road races have disappeared. I never seem to have time to fit mountain biking into an already busy training schedule. So I thought my patrol shift would be a perfect time to work on my bike skills.

Last year I rode the beginner trail on the front face of the resort for about an hour.  It went fine. But shortly after that I rode my bike in an off road triathlon in Indiana.  I had a minor fall on the first lap and dislocated my elbow. Not quite the race I planned.

So the beginner trail it would be.  I noted the name of the trail, Sesame Street as I got to the top of the hill. It should have been easy. My bike and I rode the lift up. I would just have to bike down. It would second nature on skis.

For someone with my slim skills even the beginner run was a challenge.  Lots of tight turns. It has been dry so there was lots of loose gravel.  Plus it seems like every few seconds some young kid was whizzing past me.  I saw those same kids earlier in the parking lot doing wheelies and other tricks.  I pulled off of the trail to let many of them by.  

Even on a beginner trail you have to be careful how you position yourself on the bike. Lean too far forward and you can go flying over the handle bars. That is what happened to two of the patients I took care of during my shift. I thought to myself, I am too old for this, this  is a young person's game.

I bought my mountain bike just a few years ago in my early sixties.  As an athlete I like to challenge myself. I find it fun to try to learn new things. But sometimes I struggle whether I am pushing myself too much.  

I constantly have to evaluate if I am asking too much of myself due to my CMT. As I find myself now in my 60's age also comes into play. I weigh pushing myself with my age and limitations against my desire to challenge myself and grow as an athlete.

Well  I got to the bottom unhurt. I decided to call it quits for the day. There will be other days to hone my skills. Hopefully I will get out on a trail soon or during another shift.  I'll give it another go in an age appropriate way of course!

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

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 5th 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 2nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

 

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

 

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 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

 

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

 

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

 

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

 

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.

 

 

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

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


Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Biathlon Clinic-New Challenges



"Be thankful for what you have and use it to your fullest potential." - Scott Welle

I got a chance to try biathlon when I went to Nordic ski camp lasr December at the Hartford Ski Spectacular.  The camp held in Breckinridge Colorado was for imparied athletes.  As running has become more difficulte, I've been exploring other ways to stay active and compete. I get injured too much when training for longer distances. Plus my times have slowed so much. Noridc sking is fun, provides opportunities to race and is great conditioning.  Biathlon competition combines Nordic sking and target shooting.

At the Dcember clinic I found out my skiing needed a lot of work, but I was really good at shooting.  I guess shooting is in my DNA. When I was researching my family history I found out one of my great grandfathers was a sharp-shooter in the Prussian army.

My goal last season was to improve my skiing enought to start competing at local biathlon races here in Wisconsin. Southern Wisconsin is a bit of a hot bed for Biathlon. There are clubs in Green Bay, Madison and Waukesha.

I took the next step in reaching my goal by attending a 2 day clinic on June 20 and 21st at Black Hawk ski club.

My oldest brother lived for year just 5 minutes away for the club.  The site has a biathlon course, an alpine ski area and a ski jump. I had no idea all of that was so close to a place I spent so much time.

One of the things that have kept my from doing a race is that I was not safety certified by the US Biathlon Association.  I never seem to have the weekend free when my local club does their safety certification.  The clinic of 10 athletes was split into two groups. Half of the group was experiences and spent the morning shooting while we were in the safety clinic. We learned the parts of the gun, about the sport and how to load and safely operate a gun.

One thing I was worried about was skiing with a loaded rifle. I was worried about the gun going off if I fell. I was happy to learn, the ammuniatoin for the gun is loaded into clips. the clips are stored on the side of the rifle and are only loaded into the rifle when you are at a target and ready to shoot.  The bolt is open at all times expcept when shooting.   Once I finished the two day clinic I would be red book certified.

The next part of the clinic was getting to the range to shoot.


When I did biathlon in Colorado we used laser guns and the targets were much closer. I think these were 50 yards away.  The first step was to shoot at a paper target to adjust the gun. I would take five shots and a coach would look at the target through a scope. You want to get a grouping of shots as close together as possible.  Then the gun is adjusted to hit the center of the target.

We had to make several adjustments to my rifle to help it to fit.  I also got feedback to improve my shooting. Once the gun was adjusted it was time to shoot at some metal targets.  There are five round targets in each set.  Boy do they look tiny when looking through the rifle cite.
One thing I learned was to only use the very tip of my finger to shoot.  I also learned to follow through when shooting.That means not to move once I pull the trigger until I see the target is hit.  I also figured out I needed to wear my driving glasses when shooting. My accuracy improved immediately when I started wearing them.

We did lots of fun games too. We got paired up to do a shooting relay.  We each shot two sets of five targets. I was paired with the lead coach  I got a perfect 5 on one of my rounds and I think we won that game.

Something else we did is added is coming in hot to the target. That means your heart rate is up due to skiing or in this case running. It is tougher to shoot when breathing and heart rate are faster.
When racing biathlon, an athlete skis a lap and comes in to shoot a target. There are four laps total. Two are shot standing and two laying down. Because I am a beginner I only shoot prone, Anytime a target is missed a penalty lap must be skied. I shot prone all weekend and used a block to steady my rifle. The more experienced athletes, shot half of their rounds standing which is tougher.

So we ran the ski course, came in and shot our series of five targets.  I cut the course a bit (a suggestion of the coach) since I am a bit slower.  I missed one target on the second and third round and shot clean on the other two.  Instead of a penaty lap, 30 seconds was added for each miss. Although I was a slower runner, by shooting was better than most of the others in the clinic. I finished in about the middle of the pack.
After the race we got to cool off in the spring fed swimming hole that was just off of the course. I was promised bath water, but the water was so cold it took my breath away. I made the mistake of jumping in without testing the water.

The rest of the day we practiced shooting.  The coaches and the athletes were so great. I had so much fun and felt like I really took a big step forward. My goal now is to work on my roller skiing to improve my conditioning.  I am going to compete as a novice this year at my local races.  The ultimate goal is to compete at the Para-National Biathlon Championship in March.  The para-races are a bit different.  They shoot air rifles and in my category I think shooting is only done prone.

I've been in touch with the para-nordic head coach, so hopefully I'll get some direction on next steps. It's fun to be taking on a new challenge and a bit of a surprise to find out I am good at shooting.

In the meantime I've got lots of work to do to be ready for the National Championship in March.

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

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 5th 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 2nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

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”.

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 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.


Keywords: Running, Running and CMT, triathlon, triathlon and CMT, athlete and CMT, cycling and CMT, paratriathlon, challenged athlete, Team CMT, Running for My Life-Winning for CMT. Hereditary Neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA, #kneedeepinwork


Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Herd Immunity 5K-Socal Distance Racing





"We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves.  It also does us good because it helps us do other things better. IT gives a man a chance to bring out the power that might otherwise remain locked away inside himself. The urge to struggle lies latent in everyone." -Roger Banister, first man to run a 4:00 min mile.

Everyone that is an athlete in America has had races cancelled.  Long time marathons like New York and Boston have called it quits this year.  Both of my World Championship races in September and October have been moved to 2021 because of the Covid 19 virus.  Every race I have this summer has been called off.  All of the local running club social events, meetings and races here in Milwaukee have been cancelled.

My comment on the club facebook site was someone needs to figure out how to put on a race while practicing social distance.  Silver Circle Events here in Milwaukee has figured it out.  I ran their social distanced Herd Immunity 5K in Oconomwoc on June 13.

We were asked to arrive at the park just before the race start. Packet pick-up staff worked behind a protective barrier.
The race was limited to 100 runners.    The out and back course would start from a park onto country roads.  We lined up in rows according to our expected finish time at spaced cones.

We were able to stay at least 6 feet apart.  One row started every minute. Runners were asked to maintain 6 feet of separation on the course.  It was pretty easy to do that with such a small field of runners.  I gave anyone I passed the needed space.  There was no water on the course, but it was not needed since the temperature at the start was only about 56F. I was wearing long sleeves and capris.

Once we crossed the finish line, we were asked to leave the park. There were no medals and no award ceremony. I finished in 2nd in my age group with a time of 32:39 which is really slow for me.

I did not feel good doing it and have continued to struggle while running in the two weeks since. This Monday I found out why as I was diagnosed with Mono.

There is no treatment, just rest, healthy food and moderate exercise.  I have not had any other symptoms except a lump on my neck.  It should hopefully resolve on its own, the sooner the better.

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


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 5th 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 2nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

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”.

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 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

CMT or Charcot-Marie-Tooth is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy. It affects over 155,000 Americans (as many as MS).  It is a disease of the nerves that control the muscles. It is slowly progressive, causing loss of normal function and or sensation in the lower legs/feet and arms/hands.

Symptoms include; muscle wasting in the lower legs and feet leading to foot drop, poor balance and gait problems Atrophy in the hands causes difficulty with manual dexterity.

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammer toes are common.

Poor tolerance for cool or cold temperatures and many people have chronically cold hands and feet.

Additional symptoms may include fatigue, sleep apnea, breathing difficulties and hearing loss.


Keywords: Running, Running and CMT, triathlon, triathlon and CMT, athlete and CMT, cycling and CMT, paratriathlon, challenged athlete, Team CMT, Running for My Life-Winning for CMT. Hereditary Neuropathy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth.
CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT, Running for my life-Winning for CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, triathlete and CMT, Boston Marathon Bombing, CMT disease, CMT and exercise, exercise and CMT, CMT, athlete and CMT.Team CMT, CMT athlete, athlete and CMT, bike4CMT, walk4CMT,  CMTA, HNF, Tri4CMT, Walk4CMT, MDA, #kneedeepinwork