Team CMT Members Win National Titles

Team CMT members at Miami Man Triathlon

It's the fight alone that pleases us, not the victory." -Blaise Pascal

On November 12th Team CMT members Joy DeCaro Perry and Chris Wodke competed in the Miami Man Triathlon in Miami Florida.

The race was a National Championship for Aqua Bike and Long Course Triathlon.  Joy competed in the Aqua Bike race which was a 1.2 mile swim and 56 mile bike. Chris completed in the Long Course Triathlon which added a 13.1 mile run to the swim and bike distances.

It was a challenging day with 20 mph winds and 88 degree heat. These types of conditions can be tough for any athlete, much less one with Charcot-Marie-Tooth.

Just finishing a race under these conditions is a victory. Both athletes raced in the Physically Challenged Division, each taking 1st place.

So Team CMT has two National Champions. The race is also a qualifier for the International Triathlon Union World Championship race in Fyn, Denmark.

Chris already qualified for the race in Denmark in Aquathlon at the National Champsionship in Austin, Texas. Aquathlon is a swim and running race.

We were both proud to be racing in Miami and raising awareness of CMT.  Chris also used the race as a fundraiser for CMT programs and research.

You can donate at:

https://hnf.donorpages.com/TeamCMT/ChrisWodke/

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

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 Champsionship.

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.

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Soup Sunday-Curried Pumpkin Soup

 It seems like I have not posted in ages. First I was training all the time for my 1/2 Iron distance triathlon race.  Training for a race like that did not leave much time for blogging.

After my race was done in mid November my computer decided to crash.  I did not have a PC for a week.  The hard drive had to be replaced. The tech did a scan to recover what he could, but that meant days of going through scanned files to organize everything.

So I am back to writing.    I've published this recipe before, but it is a great one to repeat at this time of year.   I had some pumpkin puree and chicken broth in the freezer, so this was easy to through together.  I changed up the spices just a bit this time. The original recipe called for Thai red curry. I changed that up to a French Masalacurry blend called Vadouvan from The Spice House here in Milwaukee.  They have a web site www.thespicehouse.com

I also added Turmeric since it goes well with curry powder and is so healthy.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

1 lb baby bella mushrooms sliced
4 tablespoons butter melted
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups pumpkin puree ( 15 ounce can)
1 can ( 12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 tablespoon curry spice blend ( Vadouvan French Masala Curry)
1 tablespoon turmeric powder.

Melt the butter in a soup pot. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are soft.  Add the flour and spices.  Add the broth, pumpkin and evaporated milk. Salt and pepper to taste.

Makes 6 servings.


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

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 Champsionship.

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

Lake Front Discovery Run-Getting Ready to Race

"I Am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of the decisions I make". - Stephan Covey

As an athlete I have to be ready to race under all conditions.  When preparing for a really important race I have to train in all conditions because anything can happen with the weather.

I raced in 90 degree heat for the Boston Marathon, swam in big waves for an aqua bike this summer and have raced many times in sub-zero temperatures. The wind chill was -20 F at the National Championship for Winter Triathlon last January in St. Paul.

On the last Saturday in October I was signed up to race 5 miles in the Lake Front Discovery run.   This race was a late edition to my schedule because it was added to the championship series for my running club.

I had the lead in the club championship in my age group and wanted to be sure I held it.  I am not the fastest runner in the club, just the fastest one that has signed and shown up for the races.

I had a big day planned for race day. My training plan said to run 14 miles. I had also decided to do my long bike ride of 60 miles on the same day. I wanted one training week to have  a really high training load to see how my body responded. I wanted to be sure I was ready for the long distance triathlon National Championship in Miami on November 11th. That race would be a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run. If I could get through the workout I knew I would be ready. A training day like this would make me confident going into the Miami race.

So I was up at 6 am on a Saturday. I did an hour of cycling on the trainer. Then it was off to the race venue. It was 33 F and lightly raining. The winds were gusting 15- 20 mph. Not a great day to be outside. 

The Discovery Run had two race distances, a 15 K and the 5 mile which I would be doing. I thought they both started at 9 am.  The 15 K went off at 9 am and then there was an hour wait the 5 mile would start.

I warmed up by running for 65 minutes.  I would line up and do the race, then do a cool down to finish up my 5 miles.

The biggest challenge of the day would be to get my clothing right. I always tend to wear too much and then get hot. Doing such a long pre-race warm up, would help me get that right. Mentally it is a challenge for me to get out and run in this kind of weather. It was a big mental boost for me to be doing such a long run on a day that was this nasty.

I did run for 65 minutes, adjusted my clothing and lined up for my race. The plan was to just do it at an easy pace, like any long distance training run.

The course was along Milwaukee's lakefront, with the start and finish in Lake park. It followed a similar course to two other runs I did in the park this summer.

The course has a big down hill at the beginning and a big up hill near the end. Despite the early morning bike and pre-race run, I felt strong. I cruised along, choosing to pass a couple of women I thought might be in my age group.

There was one water stop and I did not pause, I grabbed a cup of water, squeezed the top of the paper cup and drank as I ran. I lost out on a 3rd place finish in a race this summer by 3 seconds because I dawdled at a water stop.

Before I knew it I was in the last quarter mile. I had passed a women that looked my age in the last mile. Now I heard steps behind me. I sped up to put her behind me.

I went out and did my cool down run for a total time running of 2 hr 35 minutes. When I checked my time posted at the race site, I found out I had finished 1st in my age group. I had beat the 2nd place women by 11 seconds. It was nice to be on the right side of things for a change. I had not expected to do so well since the race was fairly large. I think many of the faster runners were in the longer race.
I got the wonder pumpkin shown in the picture for my award. I was really happy that after an hour of cycling and over an hour of running, I was strong enough to beat the other seven women in my age group.

The after party was fun with music and beer. I met many of my running friends and did a bit of socializing until I could pick up my award.  I heard the party went well into the late afternoon, but I had to get back to training.

I went home and biked for another 3 hours on the cycle trainer to round out my training day. I was a little tired and sore.  I bounced back the next day with no injury. I am ready for the National Championship race and the challenge of doing my first 1/2 iron distance triathlon.  It was a really fun and challenging day. I am glad I was equal to the challenge of the weather, the race and the training.

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

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 Champsionship.

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 219 members in 39 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway, Sweden and Ireland. 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

Salad Sunday Arugula Salad with Nectarines, Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella

6 ounces baby arugla
6 ounces spring mix salad greens
8 ounces of heirloom or Roma tomatoes
2 large nectarines, cut into bite sized pieces
2 avocados, peeled and chopped
3 green onions chopped
8 ounces of fresh baby mozzarella balls
Avocado Ranch  Dressing
Freshly ground black pepper

Place the greens and arugula into a large salad bowl.
Add the nectarines, tomatoes, avocados and mozzarella. Place the salad in the refrigerator. Prepare the salad dressing.  Pour over the salad mixture right before serving. Toss to coat. Add the onions and top with the pepper to taste.

Avocado Ranch Dressing
1 cup goat milk kefir
2 very ripe avocados
2 tablespoon fresh basil
2 teaspoons fresh parsley
2 teaspoons minced garlic

Place everything in a blender until well combined.


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

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 Champsionship.

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 217 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway, Sweden and Ireland. 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

Super Food Saturday Clean Fifteen

"The wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings. Let food be your medicine." - Hippocrates

This quote caught my eye because I get a daily electronic news letter from Dr. Josh Axe. He is a doctor of nutrition and chiropractor. His motto is food is medicine. He strongly advises to eat organic produce.

One day in his newsletter he posted the "Clean 15".  If you cannot afford to buy all organic produce this list is the fruit and vegetables least contaminated by pesticides and chemicals.

1. Sweet Corn
2. Avocado
3. Pineapple
4. Cabbage
5. Onion
6. Sweet Peas
7. Papaya
8. Asparagus
9. Mango
10. Eggplant
11. Honey Dew Melon
12. Kiwi
13. Cantalope
14. Cauliflower
15. Grapefruit, Oranges, Lemons, Limes

If you cannot afford to buy all organic the clean 15 are the ones could could buy to save a bit of money.

The President's Cancer Panel put together a list of the "Dirty Dozen". This is the list of produce that is the most contaminated. Buy organic for those items on the list.

1. Celery
2. Peaches
3. Nectarines
4. Strawberries
5. Apples
6. Domestic blueberries
7. Sweet Bell Peppers
8. Spinach, Kale, Collard Greens
9. Cherries
10. Potatoes
11. Imported Grapes
12. Lettuce

The lists can change a bit every year, so do an annual check on-line for any changes.

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

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 Champsionship.

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 217 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway, Sweden and Ireland. 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

National Aquathlon Championship Austin

"A failure is not always a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying."-  B.F. Skinner

 On October 1st I races at the Austin Splash and Dash which served as the USAT Aquathlon National Championship. This was my 10th National Championship race, not including the PC Open races I did at the Paratriathlon National Championship.

This is my 3rd time racing at the Aquathlon National Championship. I've represented the U.S. twice
in this event at the World Championships. 

I was really looking forward to this event because I have family in Dallas. They always come with me to Austin and we make a fun weekend of it.  I normally have no support at my races, so it is really great to have my family with me.

I have done enough of these races, I did not really have any pre race nerves. I was a little worried about the open water swim. The water temperature was 86 F so the race was not wet suit legal. I did reminded myself I had done the 1000 meter distance in Mexico last year at the World Championship.

This race would be a 3 K run, followed by the swim and finishing with a 3 K run. The runs were 3 laps around the Austin quarry where the swim would take place.

I never sleep the night before a race, so I am usually up and at transition when it opens. I did not sleep the night before due to my brother snoring, but I did not want to make my family get up any earlier than needed. Transition was set up on a long boat ramp going down to the quarry.  I found the sign that marked my age group area. All the spots along the ramp were taken, so I started a second row. I walked down everything and did a warm up run.

The race was a time trial start with women first and we self seeded.  I lined up in the back. The plan was not to push too much. I wanted energy for the swim. I just cruised easy and passed quite a few people I heard someone call out my name among the other runners. That was fun. I know quite a few of the athletes now.

This was a great course for spectators since we came around the start three times. I saw my family on several laps. I was quickly in transition.  The stones on the ramp really hurt my feet. I was almost to the water when I realized I still had on my race number. So I had to run over the painful stones another time.

The swim was really uneventful. The great thing about this format is everyone is spread out on the swim. The swim was really pretty easy. I was out of the water before I knew it.

It was just three quick laps around the quarry and the race was done. I finished 10th in my age group with a time of 1:11:22.

Sometimes I get discouraged about how slow I am compared to the other athletes. I had asked to be scored as a PC athlete and even contacted the race director ahead of time.  I work really hard all season to be ready for these events. I am going as fast as I can. I just wish the result was a bit better.

I did have lots of fun, it was a beautiful day with a nice course, a well run race and I felt grace. I know I am so blessed to be able to do an event like this.

I also had a great time in Austin visiting the LBJ Presidential Library, a Texas Honky Tonk and the Salt Lick restaurant for some real Texas barbecue.  Next year the race will be in Miami. I will get a preview of the course when I travel to Miami next month for the aqua bike and long distance triathlon national championships. I hope I have as much fun as I did in Austin.

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

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 Champsionship.

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 217 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway, Sweden and Ireland. 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.

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Running 4 CMT and September Awareness Month

"Expect the best; convert problems into opportunities; be dissatisfied with the status quo; focus on where you want to go, instead of where you're coming from; most importantly decide to be happy knowing it's an attitude, a habit gained from daily practice and not a result or a payoff."  - Dr. Denis Waitley

There was a time when I ran but I didn't race.  I had been a competitive runner for years. I got a coach and worked hard at it. The pay off was big. I was able to run a 7:30 mile and would often finish at the top of my age group.  I even won the entire division of a women's race once.

Then I had a bike accident and after surgery to repair an injured shoulder I could suddenly manage only a 10:30 mile.  I remember the race where I quit running. My feet were burning and it wasn't fun anymore.  But I never stopped running because I loved it so much. I would still do a couple of speed workouts and a long run every week. In the back of my mind I wanted to be ready to compete again someday.

That someone day happened 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with CMT.  When I learned about CMT I realized how lucky I was to even be able to run when so many with CMT struggle to walk.
I knew right then that I had a gift, a gift of being able to run. I decided to dedicate that gift to raising awareness of CMT. I could not believe that I had never heard of CMT and that most medical professionals were not even aware of it despite the fact it affects 160,000 Americans.    I knew that had to change if there was any hope for a cure for me, my affected family members and everyone else living with this condition.

Racing during CMT awareness month in September is always special for me. It helps me to remember what all the hard work is all about. I did two 5 K races recently, the Milwaukee River Challenge on September 14th and the Wurst Beer Biathlon on September 24th.

Milwaukee River Challenge 5K
This 5 K race is a kick off event for a rowing regatta held here in Milwaukee. I was a member of Milwaukee Rowing Club the host of the event for many years.  As I warmed up for the race I ran along the River Walk and past the rowing club. I got to see crews out practicing. It brought back lots of memories because not only did I row, but I was a coxswain and trained crews. It was really my first experience at really intense training and competition.  I did 6 miles before the race even started because 9 miles was on the training plan. The race was pretty uneventful.  There were several long hills and I remember just feeling really strong despite the heat.  I cruised into the finish and jumped in my car and drove to swim practice.  I placed 2nd in my age group, but have not gotten the medal yet.

Wurst Beer Biathlon 5K
The race is called a Biathlon because it combines beer and running. I am not a beer drinker but the race organizer puts on a nice race. This race would be run in Frame Park in Waukesha along the Fox River. We would do two loops of the river course. It was completely flat. I did a one hour bike ride before the race because a 45 mile bike ride was on the training plan for the day.  That means 3 1/2 hours of riding. The temperature was expected to climb into the high 90's so I wanted to get in at least part of the ride in the cooler part of the day. When the race started the temperature was in about 84 F and really humid. The plan was to do an easy job, since I had a long bike ride to do and a 12 mile run to do the next day. I stuck to my plan. I took a water bottle along so I could stay hydrated and pour water over myself to stay cool. The course was beautiful and it was quickly over.  My time was not great, but I was trying to keep it easy. It was good enough for 2nd place in my age group. After a series of 4th place finishes early in the season, I have been on a good run.  A few months ago I made a few changes in my training and it has really paid off.

Of course I wore my Team CMT kit to help raise awareness.  The team continues to grow. We've reached 217 members in 36 states.  The members of Team CMT turned their challenge into an opportunity. Now 5 years later we have made great progress. There were currently two drugs in clinical trails. So while there has been no treatment or cure, we now have great hope. I and our team members will keep racing for our cure.

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

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 Champsionship.

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 217 members in 38 states. We also have members in Australia, England, Scotland, Canada, Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Scotland, France, Poland, Iran, Norway, Sweden and Ireland. 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