Super Food Saturday Salty Lime Roasted Cashews

It is a new year which a perfect time for me to re-commit to healthy eating.  I have a goal to get back to my racing weight this winter.  One of the strategies I have is to make sure I have healthy snacks.

My will power breaks down when I am hungry, so I need to have healthy snacks on hand.  I got this in one of the daily emails I get from the Dr. Axe site.

I had all the ingredients on hand so it was easy to put together. It is a nice mix of salty and sweet.  It may be just the thing I need to reduce my sugar intake which is also one of my goals this year.

I think almonds would also be great for this recipe and I am going to try that next time.

Salty Lime Roasted Cashews

2 cups raw cashews

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons lime juice

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
   
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Be sure all the nuts are coated.  Turn the bowl on it's side if needed, since the liquids can pool at the bottom of the bowl.
   
3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes.
   
4. Allow to cool before eating. Store in a covered bowl.

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

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 2015 and at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.  

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

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 CMT. We have 212 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway and Sweden. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Link

Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

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

Soup Sunday-Black Bean Soup with Ham

Black Bean Soup with Ham

1 lb dry black beans
1/2 white onion chopped
2 (14 ounce) cans of diced tomatoes
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 ham bone
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons chill powder
1 teaspoon fajita seasoning
1 cup diced ham

Place the black beans in a soup pot and cover with water. Let soak overnight. Pour off any excess water.  Add the tomatoes to the soup pot. Add enough water to cover the beans about an inch over the top of the beans.
Add the onion, green pepper and seasonings.  Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours over low heat until the beans are soft.  Take a fork and mash about half the beans to make a thick soup. Add water if needed. Remove the ham bone and add the diced ham.

Serve in bowls topped with sour cream, diced onions and salsa.

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 2015 and at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.  

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

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 CMT. We have 212 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway and Sweden. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Link

Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

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

Chilly Willy Last Call 5K

"Sharing our weakness is how we find our strengths."- Steve Gleason, Former NFL player diagnosed with ALS

I am still catching up with my blog after my computer was out of commission for  several weeks.

On the 2nd of December I ran the 2nd race in the Chilly Willy Winter Run Series. This one was called the Last Call since it was one of the last race of the season for the organizers, Silver Circle Sports.

I've run a number of races with this group this year including the Beer Garden Race Series and the Lake Country Triathlon.  Their races are always fun and well organized.

This one would be in Waukesha, a local suburb of Milwaukee.   Part of the course would be on the Glacial Drumlin bike trail. Waukesha has a nice series of bike trails in their park system.

This event had a half marathon, 10K and 5 K.  Most of the runners were in the longer distance events.  When I looked at the pre-race registrations, I think I only counted two women in my age group.

The half and went off first. It was a beautiful day, in the mid 30s with no wind. It does not get much better in December in Wisconsin.  There was a 30 minute break and the 10 K and 5 K were off.
The course was out and back on the bike trail.  Since I was still in recovery I just coasted.   It was a easy flat course.  I got to see one of my friends volunteering at the water stop.

I finished in 31:06, a couple of minutes slower than my best.  There ended up being six women in my age group and I finished 2nd in my age group.

Another fun run.  I won't race now until mid January. The month of December is always a rest time for me. I had a minor procedure done on my ankle this month to drain some fluid. Off season is a good time to heal and take care of nagging issues.

It also gives me more time to enjoy the holidays and get a bit of a mental break. My next race will be the Sampson Stomp, which is part of my local running club championship series.  I won the short distance this year for my age group.

This race was a great way to close out the season. It has been a successful year and I am looking forward to a great 2018.

********

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 2015 and at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.  

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

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 CMT. We have 212 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway and Sweden. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Link

Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

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

Gobble Wobble 5K

"The secret to getting ahead is getting started." -Mark Twain

To me racing on Thanksgiving is a great way to start the day. From the number of races in my area, I am not alone.

There was a really large run at Miller Park, the Brewer stadium. I would be doing a race as part of the Chilly Willy run series.  The Gobble Wobble would be the first race in the series.

The race venue was the Boerner Botanical Garden in Whitnall Park.

It is a beautiful place for the race and the weather was wonderful. It was about 34 F with just a little wind.

It was only one week out from my long distance triathlon race in Miami. I was doing the race because I had to do four of the six races in the series to qualify for series points.

I decided just to run it easy and have a good time. My warm up was even just a few minutes and a few stretches.

When the starter gun goes off, it is hard for me to hold back. There were about 400 runners.  I pushed just a little  bit, but my legs were still tired. I had not quite recovered.

The course had a couple of hills in the park. It was really a great way to start the day. The race went fast compared to the 8 hour ordeal I had the week before.  I talked to a man my age today that cannot race anymore because he has had hip replacement surgery. I realize with every race what a privilege it is to be able to represent Team CMT  as a runner. So many people can't run.  I remember that every time I run and I am thankful.

The results were not ready by the time I had to leave to get to my brothers house for our Thanksgiving meal.  I later found out I had taken first place in my age group. They have put me in the 60-64 age group since I will turn 60 during the series.

I have plenty of finisher medals, but I don't place first that often in a decent size run. I can't think of a better way to kick off Thanksgiving and my off 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 2015 and at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.  

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

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 CMT. We have 212 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway and Sweden. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Link

Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

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

Soup Sunday- Turkey Quinoa Soup

I used the leftovers from a turkey breast I had last week to make the broth that is the base of this soup.  I added a chicken back and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a stock pot, covered to the top with water and simmered for 24 hours.  I used 6 cups of the broth for this recipe and froze the rest.

6 cups turkey bone broth
1/4 onion
2 bay leaves
2 stalks celery
2 medium carrots
1 cup quinoa
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

Add all of the ingredients except the quinoa to a stock pot.  Simmer for 10 minutes, then add the quinoa. Simmer for 20 minutes until the quinoa is 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 2015 and at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.  

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

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 CMT. We have 212 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway and Sweden. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Link

Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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

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

Miami Man National Championship-Getting by with a Little Help from My Friends

"Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardship and decide not to surrender, that is strength."- Arnold Schwarzenegger

I had a full weekend of racing in Miami the weekend of November 11 & 12th. I had done the aquathlon race on Saturday and it could not have gone better. I had raced as a physically challenged athlete finishing 1st. I had fun and felt strong.

The real challenge would come with the Sunday race. It was the National Championship for aqua bike (1.2 mile swim & 56 mile bike) and Long Distance Triathlon (add a 13. 1 mile run).

Last year, I won the national championship for aqua bike. I knew this year I would not repeat. A visually impaired athlete would be racing on a tandem.  It is just not possible for me to beat a tandem.

So this year I signed up for the double. I would race the long distance triathlon, but pay for and be scored in both races.  Spots for Team USA and the ITU World Championship in Fyn Denmark were on the line.

I was excited to find out that teammate Joy DeCaro Perry would be racing. Joy coached me for almost two years. She got me through my first two Boston Marathons and the start of my triathlon career. She patiently answered all my newbie questions. She also went to bat for me with USAT when there were problems with scoring at my first para-triathlon National Championship. An athlete had been scored 1st in the division but had raced with the age group athletes. That same athlete would be racing in Miami. Joy would be doing the aqua bike.

I found Joy right before the race. I got to meet her husband Mike and talk for a bit. We lined up together at the start, that was the last I saw of her. Joy is an Ironman finisher and a really great swimmer.  She would go on to take 1st in the aqua bike, beating a tandem in the Physically Challenged Division. Congrats to Joy on her national championship.  So proud of you! I would finish 3rd.

I had a solid swim. It was not wet suit legal. The 1.2 mile swim was the longest I had ever done without a wet suit. I was calm although not fast. It took me 58 minutes. I think Joy beat me by 10 minutes.

The bike did not go so well. I had rented a bike and I could tell as soon as I started riding the bike did not fit.  I think the seat was too low. My thighs hurt from the start. It was a long 56 miles.  I could not  even be sure of my speed since I had no bike computer. It was not fast judging by everyone passing me. Plus it was 88 F with 20 mph winds.  Just a tough tough day on the bike. I rented a bike last year and had problems.

By the time the bike was done, my legs were shot. I seriously thought about not going out on the run. There had been four athletes signed up for the aqua bike. I did not want to race and not get a medal. I did not know I had placed 3rd in the aqua bike. I think the 4th athlete did not start.

I also knew I might not make the US Team in aqua bike since this year so many athletes had signed up. The top 18 rolling down to 25 get an invite. Plus I had paid for the race,  It would go through the zoo, so I wanted to at least take a look at the course. It took me 4 hr 5 minutes to do the bike course. That is 30 minutes slower than I usually do it.

I put on compression socks in transition which took some time.  My legs felt like lead. I started by walking. Then I started alternating running and walking. It was hot and I struggled.  I was not sure I was going to finish. My feet were really hurting.  The course was two loops around the lake where we swam, with a loop through the zoo.  Almost everyone around me was walking.

The first loop finished with a turn off to the finish.  I saw athletes peeling off to finish and I had 6 more  miles to go.  I was thinking about quitting when I saw a guy just ahead of me. I asked if he was on lap 1 or 2. He said one and I asked to join him.

We talked or rather I mostly talked and he listened. I was able to walk fast, but running was just not possible, my legs and feet hurt so much.  He told me about doing Ironman Louisville and just missing the cut off. His name was Mark and he was from New Jersey. We both agree we would not have finished if not for each other.  I vowed never to do another 70.3 race. He said I would.  As we got to the last 1.4 mile we both started running to cross the finish line strong. My run time was 3 hrs 19 minutes. That is about an hour longer than it would normally take me. It took me 8 hrs 34 minutes to finish.  About an hour longer than my goal time.

When I checked my feet after the race, I had 5 blisters on each foot and the skin was completely worn off of my left little toe.

It was a day full of struggle but I got through it with a little help from my friend Joy and my new friend Mark. I qualified for Team USA and the ITU World Championship in July. I got my finisher medal and a 1st place medal for the triathlon.

So I guess I will do one more.  I felt I wanted to do at least one more to have a good experience.  So in March I will start the training for Denmark and be ready to race.  Racing is allot like life. Life with CMT is not easy, but I get buy with a little help from my friends.

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

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 2015 and at the World championship in Cozumel in 2016.  

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a paratriathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  She has won state championships in cycling and triathlon as a senior Olympian. In 2017 she placed 2^nd in her age group at the Winter Triathlon National Championship, earning a spot on Team USA for the World Championship.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete.

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 CMT. We have 212 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway and Sweden. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Link

Follow CMT affected Paratriathlete Timmy Dixon
http://cmtamputee.wordpress.com/

Follow CMT Author Chris Steinke
https://cmtandmesite.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/what-is-charcot-marie-tooth-disease/

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Stir Fry Sunday-Beef with Celery

Today's recipe is very simple with just a few ingredients. The celery and mushrooms perfectly compliment the beef. This dish is quick to throw together. I hope you enjoy it.

Beef with Celery

1 lb beef steak sliced
1/2 white onion sliced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced ginger
8 ounces of white button mushrooms
3 stalks of celery sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 bottle of oyster flavored sauce
3  tablespoons grape seed oil

Add the grape seed oil to the wok and set to high heat. When the oil is heated add the beef, onions, garlic and ginger.  Once the meat is brown, add the mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are cooked.  Add the soy sauces.  Stir in the celery and cook until just heated. Add the oyster sauce.
Serve over hot brown rice.
Serves 4