Wisconsin Senior Olymics-Cycling Time Trials

 

"Exercise is the most powerful performance enhancing drugs on the planet." -Scott Welle

I absolutely love the Wisconsin Senior Olympics (WSO) cycling races.  I look forward to them all year. 

The races have become more competitive every year. Some years I don't even place in my age group.  

Almost every one of my races this year has been cancelled.  Even many of the WSO events I particpate in like running and swimming have been called off.  The cycling road race was not held, but the 10 K and 5K races were a go with COVID precautions.

Last year I missed it because I was too tired from the WSO track meet.  This year I skipped the track meet and was ready for the two time trial races.  

Lots of precautions were taken. When I wanted a water bottle after the race, the volunteer used a pair of tongs to hand it to me.  The volunteer handling our race packets wore gloves and masks. All of the athletes wore masks.  One of the things I like about this race is seeing all my WSO friends. It was different this year. There was not as much socializing as we kept our distance.

For the awards ceremony the names of the winners were read. You went up to the table with the medals to pick up the award. I felt it was all very safe. 

The 10K race was first.  That was four laps on the closed course inside of Menomonee Park, here in the Western suburbs of Wisconsin.  I love this course because I can race the tangents.  That means I do not have to stay on the right side of the road. I can cut the corners to take the shortest route. It is really great practice for bike handling skills. I would be riding my triathlon bike. I have not raced much with it, so that would also be good practice.

We lined up six feet apart and were started one at a time, 30 seconds apart. In a time trial race, you race against the clock, but also the other athletes in your age group.  I raced as fast as I could. That is what is so fun about it. It is a real test of an athlete,  The balance is quite different on a triathlon bike compared to my road bike. I feel every bump in the road. I also have to pay close attention for pot holes and cracks in the road. If I hit them wrong I could lose my balance.  The race went well and I gave it everything I had.

I finished with an average speed of 17.6 mph. I was about a minute behind the 2nd place finisher.

The 5K was pretty much the same, just half the distance. This time I averaged 17.8 miles per hour. I went as fast as I could and finished just 30 seconds behind the 2nd place finisher. I will take my double bronze day.  I would not have cared if I had gone home empty handed. The race is just that much fun.  

Next year I am hoping we can add back the road races. It is great practice at drafting. I'll need that practice as I race in the draft legal national duathlon championship in October

Thank you to the WSO for running a great and very safe race. I look forward to being back again next year.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

 

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

 

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

 

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

 

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

 

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

 

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete and the book “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating”.

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

 

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6

 

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMTWe currently have 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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Tri Holly-Racing in the Age of COVID

 " Success is less about what you have and more about what you do." -Scott Welle

Every race I scheduled this year since March has been cancelled, all fallen victim to COVID.  So I was excited to see 3-Disciplines racing was putting on races in Michigan. I raced with them last year in Frankenmuth, Michigan. I had a great experience at that race.  

The race would be in Holly Michigan at a state recreation area.  One of the things that attracted me was the race was at 6:30 on a Wednesday evening. I hate early morning races because I often do not sleep well the night before a race.  I would drive up on Wednesday, do the race and stay overnight.

The race was capped at 100 athletes.  The park was closed to everyone except the athletes. We were not allowed to bring friends or family.  We were mailed our race number the day before the race. We were also told masks were to be worn except when we were racing.

We were instructed to do our own body marking.  When we arrived we presented our drivers licence and USAT card at check-in.  We were questioned about our health and our temperature was taken.

After screening, we were instructed to go to our assigned spot on the rack. Our packet with number and timing chip was inside.

I did not sleep the night before the race and had to do an 8 hour drive to get to the venue. I arrived tired before the race. I was prepared to push through it. I've done it before.

Swim
The swim was a time trial start to promote social distancing.  We went in according to our race number.  Only two athletes went in the water every 30 seconds. I love this format. I wish every race did it. No mob of athletes fighting for position. We were all spaced out. The 500 meter swim was one of the most relaxed I've had in a race. I think the course was a bit long and I finished in 17:16.  I was one of the last athletes in the water, so when I got to transition most of the bikes were already gone.

Bike
I am not sure why race directors love hills so much. I prefer a flat and fast course. This course started with a huge hill right out of transition. It was hill after steep hill.  Sometimes I had to bleed speed with my brakes because I was just going way too fast for comfort.  The worst thing is I had to do the course twice. I was really tired by the time I finished the bike. I've was diagnosed with mono in early July and still get tired easily.  On the second lap I came around a corner and was absolutely blinded by the setting sun. That was a really scary moment because I could not see anything. I had removed my sunglasses early in the race because the tree line course was very dark.  I finished in 59:14 for an average speed of 12.5 mph. At least I finished. The other women in my age group did not finish due to a flat tire.

Social distancing happens easily on the bike course. Drafting is not allowed and you have to pass if you get within two bike lengths. There was no one around me for the entire 2nd lap.

Run

The run went up the same first hill as the bike course.  It was really tough running up that hill.  Then the run went into the woods. I was a bit worried about running on a trail. The roots, and uneven surface are a challenge because of my tight calves and ankles that roll easily. 

It was pretty dark in the woods, but it was a nice run. I could see other runners on the road through the trees. Finally it was nice to see some people.  I passed a couple of runners once I was off the trail and out on the road. I finished in a time of 32:27.  Good enough for 1st in my age group.

I need two races this year to be nationally ranked. I will be doing a second race this Sunday. I made a few mistakes during the race so it is good practice. Also there is nothing like a race to pump up the training.  I am still hoping the Duathlon National Championships take place in October.

The Du Championships will be produced by the same group that did this race. Based on what I saw they understand how to run a race in the age of COVID. It gives me hope we will all be back to racing soon.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

 

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

 

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

 

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

 

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

 

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

 

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete and the book “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating”.

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

 

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6

 

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMTWe currently have 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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Bike Patrol-Age Appropriate Fun

"Always plan for the fact that no plan ever goes according to plan."- Simon Sinek

It's rare for me these days to get out of the house. That is except for my weekly trip to the grocery store.  Things get really exciting if I have to go to the hardware store.  My usual social outlet, races have all been cancelled.  So I was excited for my recent bike patrol shift at Little Switzerland in Slinger, Wisconsin.  

The hill is a bit of a mecca for mountain biking.  People come from a five state area for a chance to ride the trails. The advantage of biking at a ski resort is you and your bike get a ride up on the life.  As usual the patrol is present to take care of injured skiers and make the hill runs safely.

During the shift I was helping to take care of a patient by filling out the accident report.  "How could the accident have been prevented?" was a question on the report.   "Act my age" was his answer. He was 33.  I had to laugh a bit to myself because earlier in the day I had my own challenge with age appropriate behavior.

I planned to do an hour or two of mountain biking during my shift. I am not a very experienced mountain biker, although I have been riding road bikes most of my life. The two skills are definitely different.

I've done a bit of mountain biking on vacation and liked it.  I bought a high end mountain bike a couple of years ago to start doing off road triathlons. That race includes mountain biking, swimming and trail running. Well all the local off road races have disappeared. I never seem to have time to fit mountain biking into an already busy training schedule. So I thought my patrol shift would be a perfect time to work on my bike skills.

Last year I rode the beginner trail on the front face of the resort for about an hour.  It went fine. But shortly after that I rode my bike in an off road triathlon in Indiana.  I had a minor fall on the first lap and dislocated my elbow. Not quite the race I planned.

So the beginner trail it would be.  I noted the name of the trail, Sesame Street as I got to the top of the hill. It should have been easy. My bike and I rode the lift up. I would just have to bike down. It would second nature on skis.

For someone with my slim skills even the beginner run was a challenge.  Lots of tight turns. It has been dry so there was lots of loose gravel.  Plus it seems like every few seconds some young kid was whizzing past me.  I saw those same kids earlier in the parking lot doing wheelies and other tricks.  I pulled off of the trail to let many of them by.  

Even on a beginner trail you have to be careful how you position yourself on the bike. Lean too far forward and you can go flying over the handle bars. That is what happened to two of the patients I took care of during my shift. I thought to myself, I am too old for this, this  is a young person's game.

I bought my mountain bike just a few years ago in my early sixties.  As an athlete I like to challenge myself. I find it fun to try to learn new things. But sometimes I struggle whether I am pushing myself too much.  

I constantly have to evaluate if I am asking too much of myself due to my CMT. As I find myself now in my 60's age also comes into play. I weigh pushing myself with my age and limitations against my desire to challenge myself and grow as an athlete.

Well  I got to the bottom unhurt. I decided to call it quits for the day. There will be other days to hone my skills. Hopefully I will get out on a trail soon or during another shift.  I'll give it another go in an age appropriate way of course!

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

 

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

 

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

 

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

 

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

 

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

 

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete and the book “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating”.

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

 

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6

 

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMTWe currently have 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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Biathlon Clinic-New Challenges

"Be thankful for what you have and use it to your fullest potential." - Scott Welle

I got a chance to try biathlon when I went to Nordic ski camp lasr December at the Hartford Ski Spectacular.  The camp held in Breckinridge Colorado was for imparied athletes.  As running has become more difficulte, I've been exploring other ways to stay active and compete. I get injured too much when training for longer distances. Plus my times have slowed so much. Noridc sking is fun, provides opportunities to race and is great conditioning.  Biathlon competition combines Nordic sking and target shooting.

At the Dcember clinic I found out my skiing needed a lot of work, but I was really good at shooting.  I guess shooting is in my DNA. When I was researching my family history I found out one of my great grandfathers was a sharp-shooter in the Prussian army.

My goal last season was to improve my skiing enought to start competing at local biathlon races here in Wisconsin. Southern Wisconsin is a bit of a hot bed for Biathlon. There are clubs in Green Bay, Madison and Waukesha.

I took the next step in reaching my goal by attending a 2 day clinic on June 20 and 21st at Black Hawk ski club.

My oldest brother lived for year just 5 minutes away for the club.  The site has a biathlon course, an alpine ski area and a ski jump. I had no idea all of that was so close to a place I spent so much time.

One of the things that have kept my from doing a race is that I was not safety certified by the US Biathlon Association.  I never seem to have the weekend free when my local club does their safety certification.  The clinic of 10 athletes was split into two groups. Half of the group was experiences and spent the morning shooting while we were in the safety clinic. We learned the parts of the gun, about the sport and how to load and safely operate a gun.

One thing I was worried about was skiing with a loaded rifle. I was worried about the gun going off if I fell. I was happy to learn, the ammuniatoin for the gun is loaded into clips. the clips are stored on the side of the rifle and are only loaded into the rifle when you are at a target and ready to shoot.  The bolt is open at all times expcept when shooting.   Once I finished the two day clinic I would be red book certified.

The next part of the clinic was getting to the range to shoot.

When I did biathlon in Colorado we used laser guns and the targets were much closer. I think these were 50 yards away.  The first step was to shoot at a paper target to adjust the gun. I would take five shots and a coach would look at the target through a scope. You want to get a grouping of shots as close together as possible.  Then the gun is adjusted to hit the center of the target.

We had to make several adjustments to my rifle to help it to fit.  I also got feedback to improve my shooting. Once the gun was adjusted it was time to shoot at some metal targets.  There are five round targets in each set.  Boy do they look tiny when looking through the rifle cite.

One thing I learned was to only use the very tip of my finger to shoot.  I also learned to follow through when shooting.That means not to move once I pull the trigger until I see the target is hit.  I also figured out I needed to wear my driving glasses when shooting. My accuracy improved immediately when I started wearing them.

We did lots of fun games too. We got paired up to do a shooting relay.  We each shot two sets of five targets. I was paired with the lead coach  I got a perfect 5 on one of my rounds and I think we won that game.

Something else we did is added is coming in hot to the target. That means your heart rate is up due to skiing or in this case running. It is tougher to shoot when breathing and heart rate are faster.

When racing biathlon, an athlete skis a lap and comes in to shoot a target. There are four laps total. Two are shot standing and two laying down. Because I am a beginner I only shoot prone, Anytime a target is missed a penalty lap must be skied. I shot prone all weekend and used a block to steady my rifle. The more experienced athletes, shot half of their rounds standing which is tougher.

So we ran the ski course, came in and shot our series of five targets.  I cut the course a bit (a suggestion of the coach) since I am a bit slower.  I missed one target on the second and third round and shot clean on the other two.  Instead of a penaty lap, 30 seconds was added for each miss. Although I was a slower runner, by shooting was better than most of the others in the clinic. I finished in about the middle of the pack.

After the race we got to cool off in the spring fed swimming hole that was just off of the course. I was promised bath water, but the water was so cold it took my breath away. I made the mistake of jumping in without testing the water.

The rest of the day we practiced shooting.  The coaches and the athletes were so great. I had so much fun and felt like I really took a big step forward. My goal now is to work on my roller skiing to improve my conditioning.  I am going to compete as a novice this year at my local races.  The ultimate goal is to compete at the Para-National Biathlon Championship in March.  The para-races are a bit different.  They shoot air rifles and in my category I think shooting is only done prone.

I've been in touch with the para-nordic head coach, so hopefully I'll get some direction on next steps. It's fun to be taking on a new challenge and a bit of a surprise to find out I am good at shooting.

In the meantime I've got lots of work to do to be ready for the National Championship in March.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

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

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete and the book “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating”.

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMTWe currently have 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Herd Immunity 5K-Socal Distance Racing

"We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves.  It also does us good because it helps us do other things better. IT gives a man a chance to bring out the power that might otherwise remain locked away inside himself. The urge to struggle lies latent in everyone." -Roger Banister, first man to run a 4:00 min mile.

Everyone that is an athlete in America has had races cancelled.  Long time marathons like New York and Boston have called it quits this year.  Both of my World Championship races in September and October have been moved to 2021 because of the Covid 19 virus.  Every race I have this summer has been called off.  All of the local running club social events, meetings and races here in Milwaukee have been cancelled.

My comment on the club facebook site was someone needs to figure out how to put on a race while practicing social distance.  Silver Circle Events here in Milwaukee has figured it out.  I ran their social distanced Herd Immunity 5K in Oconomwoc on June 13.

We were asked to arrive at the park just before the race start. Packet pick-up staff worked behind a protective barrier.

The race was limited to 100 runners.    The out and back course would start from a park onto country roads.  We lined up in rows according to our expected finish time at spaced cones.

We were able to stay at least 6 feet apart.  One row started every minute. Runners were asked to maintain 6 feet of separation on the course.  It was pretty easy to do that with such a small field of runners.  I gave anyone I passed the needed space.  There was no water on the course, but it was not needed since the temperature at the start was only about 56F. I was wearing long sleeves and capris.

Once we crossed the finish line, we were asked to leave the park. There were no medals and no award ceremony. I finished in 2nd in my age group with a time of 32:39 which is really slow for me.

I did not feel good doing it and have continued to struggle while running in the two weeks since. This Monday I found out why as I was diagnosed with Mono.

There is no treatment, just rest, healthy food and moderate exercise.  I have not had any other symptoms except a lump on my neck.  It should hopefully resolve on its own, the sooner the better.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

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

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete and the book “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating”.

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMTWe currently have 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Festive Friday- Grasshoppers and Crab Cakes

My brother and I are continuing having a cocktail hour every.  It gives us something to look forward to.  In addition to a fun cocktail we also do at least one appatizer. This week it was crab cakes.

I've included both recipes in today's blog

Grasshopper1 shot of Creme de Menthe
1 shot of Creme de Cocoa
Vanilla ice cream
Hershery Syrup

The amount of ice cream depends on how think you want it.  Use at least two scoops for each drink. Mix using a blender or mixer.  Top with whipped cream and fresh mint

Crab Cakes

2 cans crab meat,drained
4 Scallions chopped
1/4 cup mayo
4 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
2 eggs
1 tablespoon ground mustard
2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasonings

Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl.  Add more bread crumbs if needed to keep the mixute from being too wet.  Form into patties.  Put some additional crumbs in a pie plate. Press each crab cake into the crumbs. Turn and coat both sides.  Chill for 60 minutes.

Heat oil in a heavy skillet. Brown both sides.  Put each patty on a cookie sheet in a 350 F oven.

Makes 8 patties

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

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

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete and the book “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating”.

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMTWe currently have 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank You to USA Triathlon

"One of the most difficult things in life is to appreciate where you've been, yet still driven enough to get where you want to go." - Scott Welle, author

A couple of weeks ago I was notified by USA Triathlon (USAT) I was award All-American status in two sports for the 2019 season.  That designation is given to only the top age group athletes participating in sanctioned events.

I didn't get the award because I'm such a great athlete, although I did finish in the top 10 among all athletes in my age group for Aquathlon.  I just had to sneak that in there.

I think I might be the only para-athlete competing in these two sports to qualify. In order to qualify I had to particpate in two events for each of these sports.

I am grateful because this is just more evidenc of how USAT supports not only me as a para-athlete, but participation by athletes like me in multi-sport.

One of the reasons that I am one of the only athletes competing in aquathlon and duathlon is that pretty much the rest of the para-athletes compete in triathlon because it is a paralympic sport.

USAT supports an elite program to get those athletes ready for international competition. I cannot compete at that level because the ITU really does not know how to classify my condition. So I have been shut out of this avenue.

I don't write that to complain, because USAT goes far beyond supporting athletes at the elite level.  Unlike most sports USAT provides opportunities for athletes like me to complete at any sanctioned race.  As an athlete I can request any accomodations that I need to compete.

Recently at National Championship races, larger athletes designated Athena's and Clydesdales are scored seperately. This means they have a chance to be National Champions.  They also have their own national championship.

Sometimes there may only be one athlete competing. Just like I am often the only para at a national championship race. These athletes start with the athletes in their age group and their times are compared for National Championship slots.  I asked USAT to treat me as a para-athlete the same way.  A request they have granted multiple times.  I hope that encourages other para-athletes to compete at all levels. I am so grateful for the opportunities. USAT allows me to fight for equal status with other athletes.

I was given a National Championship award and a slot on Team USA for Aquathlon this September in the Netherlands.  Initally the race dirctor did not want to do this, but when I alerted USAT they made things right.

Sometimes I have not treated very well by race directors. I try to prevent that from happening from contacting them ahead of time.  I get that I don't look impaired.  Part of being a director at a sanctioned race means know how to treat para-athletes.  When that does not happen, I contact USAT and they have made it right every single time.

The last time I went through classification at an International Triathlon Union race, the manager of the para program from USAT went with me to the classification. They made sure I got a fair assessment. I have never experienced this level of support from any other sports organization.

They have also chosen me three times to be first a USAT ambassador and a USAT foundation advisor. I have been able too represents the sports I love and encourage others to become active.

USAT has provided opportunities for me as an athlete to complete at some of the highest levels of the sport and be recognized.  They enable me to carry out my mission of raising awareness of CMT.  They help me to inspire others with CMT to live their best life.

They also keep me motivated and inspirted to keep competing. This will keep me stronger and help me to retain function. I am so grateful for their support of para-multisports and me as an athlete. I know there is still alot I can achieve in sports. Thank you to USAT for being there for me on my journey.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

Chris is a triathlete and long distance runner. She is a three time participant of the Boston Marathon.  In 2012 she finished 2nd at Boston in the Mobility Impaired Division. She was on the course in 2013 when the bombs exploded.

She has appeared three times at the Paratriathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Paratriathlon Open Division Champion.

In 2014 she was the PC Open Champion at the Duathlon National Championship and at the Aqua bike National Championship in 2016. She represented Team USA at the Aquathon ITU World Championship in Chicago in 2015i, Cozumel in 2016 and Denmark in 2018. In 2018 finishing 5^th in the 60 to 64 age group.

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

In 2020 she was named a National Ski Patrol Subaru Ambassador and a USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador.

She travels around the country raising awareness of CMT.

She is the author of the book, “Running for My Life” that details her experience as a CMT affected athlete and the book “Soup Sundays, A Journey Toward Healthy Eating”.

http://www.henschelhausbooks.com/catalog/memoir-biography/215-running-for-my-life-winning-for-cmt-9781595982827.html

You may visit her author page at:
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Wodke/e/B00IJ02HX6

Team CMT is a group of athletes and supporters working to raise awareness and to find a cure for CMTWe currently have 233 athletes in 41 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our web site; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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