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 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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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 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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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 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