Boston 3- Week 11- Mentally Tough

Boston Marathon Finisher Medal

" You want to set a goal that is big enough that in the process of achieving it you become someone worth becomingg."  -John Rohn, Self-made millionaire, Success Coach and Philosopher

Monday               Swim            45 minutes              -4F
Tuesday               Run/wts        50/45                     11F
Wednesday          Bike/run       60/15                     17F
Thursday              Swim           45 minutes              27F
Friday                  Run             75 minutes              42F
Saturday              bike/swim    90/45 minutes         24 F
Sunday                Run/wts       115 min/30 min       36 F



It takes mental toughness to train for and complete a marathon. Boston is a tough course, so mental toughness is a necessary part of the race. Especially someone like myself with CMT. Fatigue and pain will be with me through much of the race. It takes a Strong will to finish. More so because I've run the course twice and know what to expect.

Setting and achieving a goal like running Boston did change me.  I learned about reaching for and achieving a goal that one time seemed out of reach.  I saw all the things that have fallen into place with forming Team CMT and our mission to raise awareness. I've learned to keep going whether its training, a race or life when things get tough. I just don't quit. That's all part of being mentally tough. God knows with CMT, I'm not physically strong. My faith and the goals I've set have helped me to dig deep when I need it the most.

The team is still here despite the efforts of some in the community to pull apart the team to build their own. The comments about that were perceived as negativity. Well funny how you do something negative and then play the victim when someone sheds light on your behavior.  Maybe you need to think a little deeper about your own motivations and behavior. Are you in this cause for your own ego and agenda or do you really want to help the CMT community. If you did you would not so work so hard against my efforts and those of my team.

I've learned to be tough running marathons and living in Wisconsin. The winter here continues to be long and cold. Seems like it snows just about every other day.  I was able to get outside for my long run on Sunday and a speed running workout mid-week.  What a mental break to get off the treadmill and get outside.
I do my best thinking when I am out for a run. It's great stress relief. I write my blog in my head as I run the streets in my neighborhood. It is those long slow runs by myself in all kinds of weather that have built my mental toughness. Nothing can be harder than a 5 hour run whether on the streets or on the treadmill in the gym.

I found out this week the crowds along the course in Boston will be the largest ever. Estimates are there will be 1 million spectators. That is 1 million people that will see the Team CMT uniform of me and member CJ Charboneau. It is events like this that led me to found the team. We are going to raise lots of awareness on race day. It is just one of the rewards for being mentally tough enough to toe the starting line on race day.

I am going to need that mental toughness as I race at the Paratriathlon National Sprint Championship in Austin. The CMTA advertised this week that they will pay the entry fee for up to five athletes. Perhaps they are using this as a fundraiser and that is certainly their right. I have just never paid athletes to race for the team or even paid them to fund raise.  It is very possible that Team CMT members will choose to race for the CMTA in Austin. I would not blame them. The $160 race fee is a big expense.

The CMTA will also have a cheer section for their athletes and special events. Is this meant to make me feel bad and left out? If it is, it will not work. Even if there are six CMT athletes and only me representing Team CMT I will be just fine. I also belong to Dare 2 Tri  and they will be sending a large team to Austin. So I will have lots of friends and family in Austin.

I am mentally tough. Believe me this is just the kind of thing that fuels every workout. I don't need much to motivate me. My current triathlon time will put me around 1 hr 35 ....if I have a good day. If I classify in, I am competitive with the current national champion. That is what motivates me. The rest is just noise. So go ahead and play your games. Game on. See you in Austin!

I've already made Team USA as a duathlete. I am eligible to compete at the ITU World Championship in Spain. Another goal accomplished.
My next goal is a National Championship for Paratriathlon whether that is as a classified athlete or in the Open Division. The rest of the politics are just distractions that do not affect me at all. I have total focus on the goal,. That is what it means to be mentally tough.

So I cannot wait till race day. CMT athletes....may the best athlete win in Austin. It may be me, it may be one of you. I know I will put everything I have into getting ready and running the race.  That alone is worth the journey because it will change me as a person, just like running Boston did.

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

My book about being a CMT affected athlete

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. She will compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.

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

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 143 members in 28 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. 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/

CMT and running, CMT and triathlon, CMT and athlete, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and running, Charcot-Marie-Tooth and triathlon, Team USA and Team CMT.

Soup Sunday- Chicken Quinoa Soup

Chicken Quinoa Soup

This recipe was modified from one posted by Runners World. The recipe was proposed to help with recovery.  Amino acids in chicken rebuild broken down muscle tissue, the carbs in quinoa refuel the body.  Quinoa provides magnesium which may improve muscle strength.  I modified to make it quicker and faster to prepare.

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ medium onion chopped

2 cloves finely chopped garlic

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup cubed cooked chicken

2 stalks celery chopped

2 carrots chopped

4 ounces mushrooms chopped

1 cup quinoa cooked

½ teaspoon sage

1 teaspoon marjoram

Place oil in stockpot. Cook onions and garlic until tender or about 2 minutes.  Add chicken broth, chicken, celery, carrots, and mushrooms. Bring to a boil; add the cooked quinoa and spices.  Makes 4 servings.

I cooked the quinoa using my rice cooker, much easier than standing over the stove.

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

Author at National Duathon Championship 2013

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. She will compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.

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

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 143 members in 28 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. 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/

Superfood Saturday- Cherry Oat Breakfast Bars

Cherry Oat Breakfast Bars

1 ½ cups old fashion oats

1 cup whole wheat flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)

¼ cup honey

2 tablespoons milk

¾ cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons whole wheat flour

½ cup raw sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 2/3 cups dried cherries

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Spray a 9 x 13 inch pan with cooking spray.

To make the crust combine the oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, brown sugar, one egg and the butter.  Mix together. Reserve ½ cups of the mixture.  Press the rest into the pan.

Combine the honey, milk yogurt, flour, sugar, vanilla and cherries.  Put into pan on top of the crust. Add reserved topping.  Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes.

Superfood

There are two superfoods in this recipe; dried tart cherries and Greek yogurt.

Tart Cherries:

• Ease arthritis pain
• Help fight cancer
• Promote sleep
• Lower blood pressure
• High in fiber

Greek Yogurt:

• Packed with vitamins, minerals and probiotic cultures.
• 6 ounces has 15- 20 grams of protein.
• Lower in carbohydrates, sugar and lactose than regular yogurt
• Is a good source of calcium.

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

The author at the Duathlon National Championship 2013

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. She will compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.

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

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 143 members in 28 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. 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/

Sheep Stealing

Team CMT at Bike New York

"Stop stealing sheep and find out how to do it yourself."- Urban Dictionary

My mom was a very religious and Godly woman. She believed in sharing her faith with others.  She loved to talk to total strangers about Jesus. She would go door to door witnessing. She thought I should do the same so she used to drag me to all sorts of seminars when I was a teenager to learn how to witness.

I hated it, because my talent and heart were not in that area.  I aways felt the way I lived my life was the most effective witness.

One thing I clearly remember was one of the teachers talking about "sheep stealing". "Sheep stealing" was when you persuaded someone in another church to join your own.  You were not supposed to "sheep steal" because you weaken another organization to build up your own. You weren't supposed to build up your organization at the expense of another. It was wrong and unethical and ultimately hurt the whole community.

The Urban Dictionary defines sheep stealing as: "Using other's ideas and knowledge instead of putting any effort into coming up with our own."

I never expected to encounter "sheep stealing" in the non profit world.  Yet I have experienced it for the last two years.

When I was diagnosed with CMT, I joined the CMTA. I raised money for them with a 1/2 marathon run.

I got the idea to start Team CMT when running a local race. I asked the CMTA to use their logo. It took months to get it to me. Let's just say they were not supportive.  One article in the CMTA newsletter was the extent of their support. I spent thousands of dollars of my own money to provide uniforms and publicity for the team. Not only that, but I endured meeting after CMTA support group meeting where the facilitators talked about exercise hurting CMT.

When the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation offered financial support and help with publicity I was open to a partnership. What really sealed the deal is the HNF understood the power of exercise in stopping the progression of CMT.  Over and over again I heard at CMTA support meetings it was bad to exercise. The CMTA once told one of our early Team CMT members she could not start a team because people with CMT can't run.

What really brought me on board was the work the HNF support on exercise and CMT by Dr. Robert Chetlin.  HNF really understood the connection between exercise and living a full and healthy life with CMT. Here I found a true partner, not a reluctant participant.

Once I announced the partnership with HNF the President of the CMTA started a full blown assault to get me to dump the HNF. I had committed to the HNF and my word means something.  I planned on still working for the CMTA and HNF.  Actions taken since that time by the CMTA have made that impossible.

The CMTA chose to start their own team. The team was started by a former Team CMT member.  She took a shirt but only wore it once and never really participated in the team. So I was a bit surprised when she started a rival team. I know I take the spot light away from her. My team and I have gotten quite a lot of media attention. I won the National Championship in the Open Division at the Paratriathlon National Championship.  So starting a rival team may gives her the chance to be the face of the CMTA.

I had no problem with a rival team. I figured it was more opportunity to raise awareness of CMT. What started to happen next was where I have an issue.  Members of my team started to quit. I suspect they were contacted by CMTA leadership and volunteers.  The members who left my team all said the same thing. The CMTA is the best hope for a cure and I don't like any negativity.  Funny all the same things said to me by the CMTA president. I could not prove my members had been contacted until last week.  The HNF never once said anything negative about the CMTA, but I heard a lot of negativity about the HNF from the CMT Athletes founder and CMTA leadership.

Last week one of my new members was contacted by a CMTA employee, the Director of Volunteer Services. He has a blog and it clearly states my blog and HNF on his site. His name is on my Team CMT team page on my web site. He was made all kinds of promises to get him to jump to the CMTA. Just like the CMTA President made all kinds of promises to keep my team.  The CMTA crossed the line when they knew he was a Team CMT member and still pressed him to leave. I believe they have done this on numerous occasions.

CMTA members have also told athletes they cannot belong to both. I know because I was told by someone I tried to recruit. When I found out she was fundraising for the CMTA I wished her well and stopped recruiting.  I would never tell any of my team members they could not belong to the CMTA or raise funds for them. Yet that is what CMTA members do. I would not try and recruit members from their team. I would like them to extend the same courtesy.

The only request I make of Team CMT members is they not wear a Team CMT uniform when fundraising for the CMTA. In most cases we have paid for that uniform, so I think that is a fair request.

The founder of CMT Athletes has written in her blog that I and my Team CMT members stand in the way of a cure every time we put on the uniform.

So when I see one of my Team CMT members raising funds for the CMTA it is like someone hurt me. I know the things the CMTA has said about my team. I know the things they have done behind the scenes to undermine me, my team and the work of the HNF.  It is hard for me to see team members support the CMTA knowing what I know. Some things I just can't share with them.  I understand they have loved ones with CMT. They want a cure and I won't deny them every chance to find that cure despite my personal feelings. They have to do what they think is best for their family member.

This is what I would say to CMTA leader ship and to the founder of CMT Athletes. We are in the same fight. How do you know the HNF or the MDA is not right now funding the research that will lead to a cure? Why do you tell your members you are 3- 5 years from a cure?  It typically takes 7 years once clinical trials begin to get a drug to market. Since no drug is in clinical trials how can you make a promise of a cure? What is the reason other than it helps you to raise money? It is fundamentally dishonest to raise money this way. You give people false hope when you know it is not true. That is despicable.

How do you know a drug cure is the solution? Will the benefit of any drug developed outweigh the side effects? Will an average CMT patient be able to afford a drug cure?  Some MS medications cost $1800 a month. 

Why do you denigrate and try to interfere with the research into CMT and exercise? Why do you interfere with the best chance short term for stopping progression?. Kind of ironic that the CMTA promotes an athletic team while trying to stop research on CMT and exercise.

For awhile it was mildly amusing to watch the CMTA copy everything the HNF did. We had a team, the CMTA started a team. I saw CMT athletes use tag lines my publicist developed. One idea after another was copied. We have had cheer teams at the Richmond Marathon for years, the CMT athletes will have one in Austin.  I get we have no monopoly on these ideas. It is just comical they always seem to follow our lead. Do you ever have an original idea?

When you take members off my team, put out false statements, denigrate our research and try to block our work you hurt the entire community. You may just block the cure we need for ourselves and our family members. How dare you play that kind of game with people's lives.

Maybe the CMTA leadership and your volunteers need to take a long look at your behavior. Do you really have the best interests of the CMT community in mind or are your trying to protect your own six figure salary, power and position? Are you jealous about the success of Team CMTor the attention we have gotten? Is this just a game to you? Is it about crushing anyone that dares to be a rival?

Let me remind you of the struggle everyone of us faces with CMT.  There is room for all of us to do research, raise funds and raise awareness. Is the big CMTA so afraid of the little HNF that you work so hard to undermine us? Are you so lacking in your own ideas you must copy what we do? Is it so tough to find numbers you must recruit from the ranks of Team CMT?  Are you so lazy you can't recruit, that you just wait until somone joins Team CMT to take them for yours?

I realize this may do no good. In fact I may be putting a stick into a hornet's next. The philosophy of the HNF leadership has been to quietly endure the behavior of the CMTA. There is so much more that has gone on. Things much worse than I have describe here.  I am writing about the things I have experienced personally. I do this of my own volition.

Martin Luther King once said. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

This matters to me. Finding a cure matters.  Doing it in an ethical way matters. Not blocking the work of organizations that may hold the key to treatments and a cure matters. How you treat others engaged in this work matters. It matters when you try to tear apart my team and the organizations I partner with to build up your own.

Even though I am small I was never bullied in school because I stood up for myself when anyone tried it. I find most bullies are actually cowards. They run when you stand up to them or when you expose their behavior. It is time to stop being silent, to do so makes me an accomplice. This is too important. It affects the lives of everyone working to raise awareness of CMT and funds for CMT research. It affects those desperately waiting for treatments and a cure.

Maybe you have good intentions and have gotten carried away with besting a rival. I'm rooting for the CMTA. You have good programs. Your support groups are needed.You do good work. Show the same respect for Team CMT. Show the same respect for the MDA and the HNF.

It is time for a course correction. It is never too late to change behavior and do the right thing. It is time to look at the HNF and the MDA as partners in the fight against CMT.   Imagine what we could do if you worked with us instead of against us.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. She will compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.

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

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 143 members in 28 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. 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/

Boston 3- Week 10 - Test Race

Winter Wonderland Triathlon-Verona Wisconsin 

" Ego is not a dirty word. It's the single thing that will determine your progression in this sport."  "Embrace it."- Chris Macca Ironman World Champion

2/23     Sunday               18F  Winter Wonderland Triathlon- 1 hr 27 min 6 sec
2/24     Monday             24F   bike 45 minutes
2/25     Tuesday             10F    run 60 minutes, wts 45 minutes
2/26     Wednesday       -1 F    bike class 90 minutes
2/27     Thursday             3F     run 45 minutes, wts 20 minutes
2/28     Friday                -1F     Swim 45 minutes
3/1       Saturday             8F      run 2 hours 20 minutes

The week started great with the Winter Wonderland triathlon in Verona, Wisconsin. This was a qualifier for the USAT College National Championship and for the Age Group National Championship.

My coach and I wanted to see where I was in my training. I'd been working hard, especially on the bike. Did I improve? My goal has been to improve my triathlon time for at least 4 minutes for the National Championship in Austin. This race would be a good measure of my progress.

An indoor tri is really easy. We started with a swim at the Verona high school. I got to see a couple of waves of college teams. Since this is a club sport there was a wide range of skills. I saw one swimmer resting after each lap. Another did the side stroke the entire times. Other swimmers burned through the 750 meter swim in no time at all.

I had a lane all to myself for the race. This is a whole lot easier than open water. I don't know how to do a kick turn so I lose a couple of seconds on every lap.  Still I cut 30 seconds off my swim time. With a wetsuit in open water I will be even faster.

It was on to the bike portion. I got to watch the college kids again. There were teams from Iowa State, University of Wisconsin, University of Minnesota, Drake, and Marquette.

It was great to see the future stars of our sport do their ride.  The bike was a 12.6 mile ride on a computrainer. You can see your progress and where you are compared to the other riders on the computer screen in the front of the room.  I took 3 minutes and 30 seconds off of my bike time.
Then it was outdoors for the run.  We were lucky the first wave had to run in the morning when it was 4 F. It was a balmy but windy 16 F when my wave started the run. In 26 minutes and 24 seconds I was done.
I did the entire sprint triathlon in 1 hr 27 minutes and 6 seconds. I had improved by more than 4 minutes. I am on track for the National Championship in Austin. Of course my competition may have improved just as much. I am doing my best to be ready. I still have three months to prepare. I think I can get even better.

My coach was happy, my bike time was right in there with many of the college women. My run also was improved. The swim is a bit of an issue, but I am going to take some steps to address that.  At least my coach can feel I am not wasting her time.

I am really feeling good about my training plan and how hard I have worked. I find that really motivating.
I am doing the things I need to do as an athlete to win a National Championship. I can't control the classification process to qualify for the paratriathlon wave.  I am going to concentrate on the things I can control. I will keep working the coaching plan. I can control how hard I work. I'm glad I did this race, it was fun and it really boosted my ego. Austin here I come! I think I have the talent to win in Austin. I celebrate my success and progress.

Oh I won the paratriathlon division and would have won my age group. If I had been scored as an age group athlete I would have qualified for the Age Group National Championship in Milwaukee. I've made the decision to pursue paratriatlon. So I chose to forgo a spot at AG Nationals to build my paratriathlon race resume.

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

Author at National Duathlon Championship

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. She will compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.

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

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 143 members in 28 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. 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/

Soup Sunday- Roasted Red Pepper and White Bean Soup

Roasted Red Pepper and White Bean Soup

3 Red peppers, halved and seeded

2 cups hot water

1 cup sun dried tomatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

1 (15 ounce) can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed

4 cups vegetable stock

1 cups elbow macaroni

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

Pre-heat the boiler, arrange peppers, skin side up, on a baking sheet and place under the broiler. Broil until the skins are black, then turn over and broil for another 5 minutes or until the peppers are soft.  Set aside until cool, then skin and chop roughly.

While the peppers are cooling, pour two cups of hot water over the dried tomatoes.  Soak for 10 minutes.  Set aside.

In a large soup pot, heat the oil. Add the garlic, then cook until tender. Add the rosemary and oregano, beans, tomatoes, and stock.

Bring to a boil and then add the macaroni.  Boil for 15 minutes until the macaroni is done.  Cool for ten minutes then add the yogurt.

Make 6 Servings

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

Author at Boston Marathon

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon.  She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. She will compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.

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

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 143 members in 28 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. 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.

Superfood Saturday- Greek Style Shrimp with Quinoa

8 ounces cooked shrimp, cleaned and de-veined

4 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of one lemon

2 cloves of garlic minced

1 half medium yellow onion chopped

1 teaspoon pepper

½ pint grape tomatoes halved

1 cup Kalama olives

½ red pepper chopped

1 cup flat leaf parsley coarsely chopped

4 ounces feta cheese cut into ½ inch chunks

2 cups quinoa cooked *

Place shrimp, half the olive oil, lemon juice, pepper and garlic in a bowl.  Let sit for 15 minutes.

Take remaining olive oil and heat a frying pan. I used a cast iron pan. Add onions and cook till tender. Add the red pepper and cook for just a few minutes. Add the tomatoes and olives. Cook just till everything is heated through.

Place cooked quinoa in a bowl. Add the feta cheese and parsley. Toss until well blended.

Serve shrimp vegetable mixture on top of the quinoa. 

I ate the leftovers cold because I did not want the feta cheese to melt. You could just reheat the shrimp mixture and put on top of the quinoa.  It is delicious either way.

I adapted this recipe from Fitness magazine. I made some changes, most cooks do. Make your own changes and make this recipe your own.

Quinoa

* Quinoa is one of the few sources of complete plant protein. In includes all nine amino acids.  Here are some of the other benefits:

·       Fiber- twice as much as other grains, which helps to fight high blood pressure and diabetes.

Quinoa in high in iron, magnesium, B2 and Manganese.

·       Iron- keeps red blood cells healthy, regulates body temperature, enzyme activity and energy metabolism.  Many women are low in iron. 

·       Magnesium helps in transmission of nerve impulses, body temperature regulation and energy production.

·       B2- improves energy metabolism need in brain and muscle cells.

·       Manganese- an anti-oxidant that helps to prevent damage to mitochondria during energy production

Quinoa is also high in Lysine which is needed for growth and tissue repair

*I used my rice cooker to prepare the quinoa. No standing over the stove waiting for the moisture to be absorbed.

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The Author at the 2012 Boston Marathon

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a two time participant of the Boston Marathon where she placed 2nd in the Mobiity Imparied Division.

 She was the 2012 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division. In 2013 she qualified as a member of the Team USA Duathlon Team. She will compete in 2014 at the Age Group World Duathlon Sprint Championship in Pontevedre Spain.

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

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMT. We have 143 members in 28 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland and Iran. 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/

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