Festive Friday- Grasshoppers and Crab Cakes

My brother and I are continuing having a cocktail hour every.  It gives us something to look forward to.  In addition to a fun cocktail we also do at least one appatizer. This week it was crab cakes.

I've included both recipes in today's blog

Grasshopper1 shot of Creme de Menthe
1 shot of Creme de Cocoa
Vanilla ice cream
Hershery Syrup

The amount of ice cream depends on how think you want it.  Use at least two scoops for each drink. Mix using a blender or mixer.  Top with whipped cream and fresh mint

Crab Cakes

2 cans crab meat,drained
4 Scallions chopped
1/4 cup mayo
4 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
2 eggs
1 tablespoon ground mustard
2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasonings

Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl.  Add more bread crumbs if needed to keep the mixute from being too wet.  Form into patties.  Put some additional crumbs in a pie plate. Press each crab cake into the crumbs. Turn and coat both sides.  Chill for 60 minutes.

Heat oil in a heavy skillet. Brown both sides.  Put each patty on a cookie sheet in a 350 F oven.

Makes 8 patties

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

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.

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

Thank You to USA Triathlon

"One of the most difficult things in life is to appreciate where you've been, yet still driven enough to get where you want to go." - Scott Welle, author

A couple of weeks ago I was notified by USA Triathlon (USAT) I was award All-American status in two sports for the 2019 season.  That designation is given to only the top age group athletes participating in sanctioned events.

I didn't get the award because I'm such a great athlete, although I did finish in the top 10 among all athletes in my age group for Aquathlon.  I just had to sneak that in there.

I think I might be the only para-athlete competing in these two sports to qualify. In order to qualify I had to particpate in two events for each of these sports.

I am grateful because this is just more evidenc of how USAT supports not only me as a para-athlete, but participation by athletes like me in multi-sport.

One of the reasons that I am one of the only athletes competing in aquathlon and duathlon is that pretty much the rest of the para-athletes compete in triathlon because it is a paralympic sport.

USAT supports an elite program to get those athletes ready for international competition. I cannot compete at that level because the ITU really does not know how to classify my condition. So I have been shut out of this avenue.

I don't write that to complain, because USAT goes far beyond supporting athletes at the elite level.  Unlike most sports USAT provides opportunities for athletes like me to complete at any sanctioned race.  As an athlete I can request any accomodations that I need to compete.

Recently at National Championship races, larger athletes designated Athena's and Clydesdales are scored seperately. This means they have a chance to be National Champions.  They also have their own national championship.

Sometimes there may only be one athlete competing. Just like I am often the only para at a national championship race. These athletes start with the athletes in their age group and their times are compared for National Championship slots.  I asked USAT to treat me as a para-athlete the same way.  A request they have granted multiple times.  I hope that encourages other para-athletes to compete at all levels. I am so grateful for the opportunities. USAT allows me to fight for equal status with other athletes.

I was given a National Championship award and a slot on Team USA for Aquathlon this September in the Netherlands.  Initally the race dirctor did not want to do this, but when I alerted USAT they made things right.

Sometimes I have not treated very well by race directors. I try to prevent that from happening from contacting them ahead of time.  I get that I don't look impaired.  Part of being a director at a sanctioned race means know how to treat para-athletes.  When that does not happen, I contact USAT and they have made it right every single time.

The last time I went through classification at an International Triathlon Union race, the manager of the para program from USAT went with me to the classification. They made sure I got a fair assessment. I have never experienced this level of support from any other sports organization.

They have also chosen me three times to be first a USAT ambassador and a USAT foundation advisor. I have been able too represents the sports I love and encourage others to become active.

USAT has provided opportunities for me as an athlete to complete at some of the highest levels of the sport and be recognized.  They enable me to carry out my mission of raising awareness of CMT.  They help me to inspire others with CMT to live their best life.

They also keep me motivated and inspirted to keep competing. This will keep me stronger and help me to retain function. I am so grateful for their support of para-multisports and me as an athlete. I know there is still alot I can achieve in sports. Thank you to USAT for being there for me on my journey.

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

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.

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

Soup Sunday- Potato Smoked Turkey Soup

It is in the low 50's today and rainy.  It is supposed to be that way for the next three days.  Perfect soup weather. I put this soup togeher from things I had on hand. If you don't have all of the ingredients such the smoked turkey, then replace with an easier ingredient such as ham or smoked sausage.

Potato Smoked Turkey Soup

1 lb potatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 yellow onion chopped
3 cups half and half
1/4 cup fresh chives chopped
2 smoked turkey wings
3 stalks celery chopped
1 teaspoon garlic
3 scallions chopped.

Put broth, potatoes, and onions into a stockpot.  Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.  Remove from the heat and let cool for 15 minutes.  Ust a stick blender to blend until smooth. Return to the heat on low.  Add the cream, celery, chives, chicken wings and garlic.
Cook for 5 minutes until the celery is cooked. Top with the chopped scallions

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.

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

Festive Friday-Brandy Alexander

We are still tightly locked down in Wisconsin despite the recent Supreme Court rulling that there was no legal basis for the State Government to keep all business closed.  Milwaukee Country where I live has said they have no plans to lift the ban anytime soon.

So my races have been cancelled which was a big part of my social life. There are no sporting events and the movie theatres are closed. Only a business deemed essential is open.

My brother has been staying with me since he arrived from the Phillipines. I think he is kind of bored. I at least work from home every day which fills a large part of my day. So I came up with Friday cocktail hour to give us something to look forward to. We do coctails and appetizers.

The first week it was a brandy old fashion for him and a red wine spritzer for me. We had some nice cheese spread and crackers. Then we got some inspiration from this Charlie Behrens video. He is a Wisconsin funny man and many of his videos go viral.  If you live in Wisconsin or grew up here, you will laugh because his routines are so spot on.

Last Friday we did the brandy Alexanders following the recipe on the video.  It is a shot each of creme da cacao and brandy. Then add two shots of cream, add ice, shake and strain.  He used two shots of brandy, but that was too strong for me. I also like to add any extra shot of cream.  We swirled the glasses with chocolate syrup and topped with whipped cream. Top with a bit of nutmeg.

This week grashoppers and crab cakes!

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

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.

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

Soup Sunday-Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

It is still chilly here in Wisconsin.  The night time temperatures are still near freezing. So it is still good soup weather. I tried a new recipe this week.  Hope you like it.


Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 cup chopped white onion
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons hot sauce
2 1/2 cups half and half cream
1 can (14 3/4 ounces) cream-style corn
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, undrained
1 medium tomato chopped
2 stalks of celery chopped
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese

In a soup pot melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the onions, garlic and the chicken.  Cook until the chicken turns white.  Add the broth and chili power.  Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.  Stir in the cream, corn, chilies, celery and hot sauce.  Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cheese and tomato.  Cook until the cheese is melted. Serve topped with minced fresh cilantro

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.

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

Team CMT Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

Recent Team CMT Uniform Order

"We suceed in enterprises which demand the positive qualities we possess, but excel in those which also make use of our defects." - Alexis de Tocqueville

Every year I put in an order for Team CMT uniform pieces from our supplier Champion Systems.  It generally takes 60 days from order to delivery. I actually got the order a few days early.. I was surprised since our supplier is located in Brooklyn, New York.  I guess they know a bit about facing hardships, just like the members of Team CMT.

We were formed in 2010 and ran our first race in Brown Deer, Wisconsin at the end of April.  We had three members, myself, and my friends Cheryl and Robert Kearney.  We have grown quite a bit since then.  Here are current stats:

Members: 233 in 41 states
Countries : Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland, Sweden.

Sports represented: Running, walking, martial arts, cycling, swimming, kayaking, weight lifting, kayaking, Nordic sking, biatthlon, alpine sking, Track, triathlon

Team Member Accomplishments include:

• Boston Marathon and NY Marathon Finishers
• Circumventing Big Island of Hawaii by kayak
• Multiple Ironman finishers
• Team USA members including appearance at World Championships
• Multiple team members appearing at Para-triathlon National Championships
• Half and full marathon finishes around the US and in member countries
• Gran Frodo finishers
• Leadville 100 mile bike race finisher
• Multiple year appearance at Five Boros ride in NY

I founded the group because when I was diagnosed I could not believe I had never heard of CMT.  It is the most common genetic neuromuscular condition. It did not seem right to me that most people had no idea what it was.  I set out the change that.  I knew there would be no cure without wider recognition of CMT.

I also saw that many in the community lived without hope.  Most of them had been told not to exercise when they were diagnosed.  At one time the thinking was that it would accelerate the disease.  That has been found not to be true, but the belief was still common in the community.

It was a common belief by many even in the medical community that someone with CMT cannot run. That is true even for many of our Team CMT athletes, so they wear the Team CMT uniform doing the sports or workout their bodies allow. 

Those of us that can still run have done runs, and multisport events in the U.S and in many parts of the world. Team members have put names and faces to this diesease at a time when having CMT still carried a stigma. Many family members including some my own, refused to discuss CMT.

I am so proud of the work our members have done to change preceptions about CMT. Now I see discussions in the community about the type of exercise that can be done.  Our partner the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation has been a leader in promoting exercise for those with CMT. They have run multiple "Movement is Medicine" seminars.  That is why were partnered with them shortly after the team was formed.

I am so grateful to the work out team members have done. I know the challenges faced by those with CMT to stay active.  By being active you have proved many in the medical community wrong. You have inspired and been positive role models for the CMT community.

Many of our family members joined in support of an afflicted friend or family member. Thank you for your support. It means more than I can possibly express.

The 10 years have gone by quickly. When we started with three members 10 years ago, I never dreamed we would grow so large. I never imagined all the team members I've met from around the country. You humble and inspire me. 

Often when I race, I am approached by someone with a family member with CMT.  It is not unusual for someone with CMT to have never met someone with CMT outside of their family. I am happy to welcome then into our community 

Although we are currently challenged by the virus concerns, someday soon we will be back to our mission.  A few cancelled races is nothing compared to training and racing with CMT.  We've got this.

Hoping for many more wonderful years for our team.

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

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.

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.

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Soup Sunday-Pea Soup

In my family we always seem to have ham or Christmas and Easter. After that it seems to be the tradition to make pea soup using the ham bone.  My brother in Texas makes it when I visit since he and I are the only ones in his familty that like it.  It is really simple to make and very filling.

4 cups chicken broth
4 cups of water
1 small package of dried green peas
1 meaty ham bone
1/2 medium yellow onion chopped.
2 cups chopped ham
2 medium carrots cut into bite sized pieces

Add the broth, water, ham bone, onion and peas to a large stock pot.  Cook over low heat. The mixture should simmer.  Cover as the mixture cooks.  Cook until the peas are soft. Check every 30 minutes  Mash down the peas with a fork or potato masher.  Remove the ham bone.  Add the ham and carrots.  Cook until the carrots are cooked.

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.

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