"The answer to the big questions in running is the same answer to the big questions in life. Do the best you can with what you've got."
As I plan out my races for 2024, I realize more than ever how privileged I am to be racing. With having CMT, no race, much less racing for a season is guaranteed. Each race is a blessing.
As I have gotten older and my CMT has progressed, I see my finish times get slower and my ability to compete decrease. That makes me treasure every race because I know someday I will no longer have that privilege. I try to appreciate every race experience.
I vowed to cut back on racing this year due to some changes that may be coming from the USA Triathlon with the pricing structure for going to a World Championship. For me, that will mean more local and regional races.
Another unexpected development was the announcement the Paratriathlon National Championship will be held 30 minutes from my home. I have asked to go through the classification process. It has been about 10 years since my last attempt to be classified. If I can be classified, then I will be able to compete as a para-athlete at the Winter Triathlon World Championship next year.
Much of my race schedule is not off-road events. I like the races because they are small and low-key. The bike leg of the race is on forest roads. Because the races are small I do not have a constant stream of racers passing me at high speed. The courses also have no traffic, making them safer. Plus they are just fun.
This is my multi-sport racing schedule. As the season progresses I will be adding some local road and trail running races. They helped me to train for the races already scheduled.
June 9, 2024
Triona Aquabike
Winona, MN
or July 6 Fort Wayne Aquabike
June 23, 2024
Paratriathlon National Championship
Pleasant Prairie, WI
July 14, 2924
Pan American Duathlon Championship
Cleveland, OH
July 20, 2024
The Forge Gravel Aquabike
Lemont, IL
July 27, 2024
Ugly Dog Gravel Triathlon
Grass Lake, Michigan
August 11,2024
Wisconsin Women's Duathlon
Pleasant Prairie, WI
September 22, 2024
The Dirty Mitten Gravel Triathlon National Championship
Middleville, MI
I've already completed the Winter Duathlon National Championship in February taking first in the PC division. It was a great kick-off for the season.
********************
Chris Wodke
Founder & Manager Team CMT
www.run4cmt.com
Chris is a triathlete Nordic skier and long-distance runner. She
is a three-time participant in 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 Para Triathlon National
Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para
triathlon Open Division Champion.
She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in
Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua Bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national
champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.
In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a Para
triathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship
in Dallas, Texas.
She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69
age group.
She has won state championships as an age-group athlete in cycling
and triathlon. She has represented America as an age group athlete at world championships
in Chicago, Denmark, Cozumel, and Norway. She earned a bronze medal at the
Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 in Norway.
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” which 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 find a cure for CMT. We currently have 257 athletes in 43 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 website; 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.
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