Soup Sunday- Cream of Tomato Soup

 

Today's recipe is one you can make any time of the year. You can use fresh tomatoes from the garden, or canned ones like I did.  If using fresh tomatoes be sure to cook until the tomatoes are cooked and soft.

You can also change the taste by the spices you use. I used chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a Mexican flavor. If you want an Italian taste, use oregano and basil.  Just get creative. I think this soup would also taste great with some shrimp or crab added.  

Ingredients:

4 cups Tomatoes (Fresh, Canned, Whole, or Diced)
2 cups V8 Juice  ( or tomato juice and celery stalk)
1 Diced Onions
3 tablespoons Real Butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Flour
½ teaspoon Garlic
½ teaspoon Basil
1 ½ tablespoons Sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
Pinch Red Pepper (Adjust all spices to taste)

Sauté onion, garlic, spices, and pepper in butter, add the flour to make a roux. Brown the flour slightly. Just cook for a minute. This gets rid of the flour taste. Add in the juice and mix to dissolve the roux. Add tomatoes.  Simmer for 20 minutes. May take longer if using fresh tomatoes.  Remove from heat and puree. A stick blender is the best way to do this. Return to the heat and simmer. Add sugar. Add the cream. Stir in to mix well. Do not boil once the cream and sugar have been added.

This soup is great with grilled cheese. Makes 6 servings

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

 

Chris is a triathlete Nordic skier and long-distance runner. She is a three-time participant 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” which 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 find a cure for CMT currently has 247 athletes in 42 states. We also have members in Australia, Canada, England, Finland, Vietnam, Iran, Scotland, France, Turkey, Poland, Norway, Mexico, Wales, Ireland and Sweden!. If you wish to join us visit our website; www.run4cmt.com or www.hnf-cure.org

 

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

 

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

 

Structural foot deformities such as high arches and hammertoes 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

 

 

It's now April. It is still cold in Milwaukee. We had snow almost every day this week. Winter just will not let go of us. So the weather is still great for cooking up a big pot of soup.  Peas soup is easy to make. It just takes a bit of time to simmer.

Green Split Pea Soup

2 cups green split peas
5 cups chicken broth
3 cups water
½ medium yellow onion chopped
1 ½ cup diced cooked ham
2 medium carrots sliced
salt and pepper to taste

Sort through the peas to remove any small stones or other debris.  Put the peas into a stockpot with broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for two minutes. Turn off the heat and let stand for one hour.

Return the stockpot to the stove. Turn on medium heat. Add the onions and ham. Cook for 1 ½ hour.  The peas should be broken up. If not use a fork to break up peas as needed.  Add the carrots and cook until tender.

Serves 6

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

 

Chris is a triathlete Nordic skier and long distance runner. She is a three time participant 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 247 athletes in 42 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

 

Soup Sunday-Turkey Farro

 

Turkey Farro Soup

I am been experimenting with alternate grains.  I like to try new food, especially when that food is more nutrient dense.  So I was excited to try Farro in this soup.

5 cups turkey broth
2 cups cooked turkey, broken into bite sized pieces
½ yellow onion chopped
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon minced ginger
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
½ cup Farro

Add the oil to a stockpot. Heat until hot and then add the onion, ginger and garlic. Cook until the onions are soft.  Add the turkey broth and turkey. Bring to a boil. Add the mixed vegetables.  Bring to a simmer.

Bring four cups of water to a boil. Add the Farro.  Cook until done. This can vary depending on the type of Farro used.  Test by taking a fork and lifting out a few grains.  It should be firm, like brown rice.

Serves 6

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

 

Chris is a triathlete Nordic skier and long distance runner. She is a three time participant 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 245 athletes in 42 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

Tomato Egg Drop Soup

 

This soup is just a bit different from the typical egg drop soup you might order when eating out or make at home.  I adapted this from a recipe I saw on YouTube. The chef in the video added tomato to their soup and I've adapted their recipe to present here.

Egg drop soup is really easy to make. It takes only a few ingredients and a few steps.
Try it and see for yourself.

Tomato Egg Drop Soup

1 Roma tomato diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon of minced ginger
3 small green onions sliced white part
2 teaspoons of sesame oil
salt to taste
white pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of sugar
5 cups of chicken stock
3 tablespoons of cornstarch plus 1.5 tablespoons of chicken stock
4 eggs beaten

2 additional sliced green onions for garnish

Add sesame oil to a stockpot. Add the garlic and ginger. Add the onions. Add the tomato and saute' for one minute.

Add the chicken stock.. Bring this to a boil.  While waiting combine the cornstarch and the broth.

When the stock reaches a boil, slowly pour in the cornstarch and stir to keep from clumping.

Next add the egg mixture in a stream. Stir the mixture as you are adding the eggs.

Add salt and white pepper to taste. Taste and if sugar is needed add it now.

Serve in bowls with sliced green onions on top.

Serves 4

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

 

Chris is a triathlete Nordic skier and long distance runner. She is a three time participant 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 245 athletes in 42 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

Small Steps

 

                           "I don't run 100 miles, I run one mile 100 times." -unknown

I have been working on my Nordic ski technique for about 4 years.  Nothing in sports ever comes easily for me.  I've learned I have to work really hard to acquire a new skill.  I think it just takes my body awhile to build up muscle memory.

There are two techniques in Nordic skiing. Classic is done in a set track and you shuffle along. It looks like graceful walking. It can also be done by breaking a trail.  I started classic Nordic skiing my freshman year in college.  My senior year I did not have a car and had to take a bus to school. I would get off at the end of one of the routes in a local park.  It was a popular park for skiing and there was always a track there. I would ski from the bus drop off for a little over a mile. Then when I got to the end of the park, O would walk about a mile and a half to school. I had all my stuff in a pack on my pack.

The second Nordic technique is skating.  Skating is just like it sounds. Think about how you used to skate on roller blades or ice skates. The technique is similar. When I started doing Winter Triathlon five year ago, I quickly learned I could not compete with the other athletes unless I became a Nordic skate skier. Plus it looked like fun and a good workout.  I also wanted to do Nordic racing. I am looking for other outlets to running, since I my CMT means my running is getting slower and more difficult. My foot drop keeps getting worse.

So I have been on a journey the last 4 years to perfect my skating technique.  Besides taking lessons one of the things I've done to perfect my technique has been to race.  This season was to sign up for two series of races. One was a Wednesday ski league and the other was a self timed time trial series.

I missed the first Wednesday race due to being away for the holidays.

I did do the first time trial series race. I was a 5k race on a loop with man made snow at a local state park called Lapham peak.  Because we only had man made snow to that point, it was hard as a rock. It was like skiing on ice.  I had to do three loops including a big hill and report in my time.

Well I had to alternate between classic skiing and skating. My technique was so rusty. So I would jump in the track and shuffle when I needed a break. I think I fell two or three times.  

My time was not great, but I came back each week. I decided not to do the Wednesday night league because I was worried my technique was not good enough and I did not want to ski in a crowd yet.

Every week I came back and did the time trial. By the last week I was able to do a clean run with no falls and all skating.  I  took 4 minutes off of my first week time. It was good enough to finish first in my age group. Now there were only two of us, but my times were very comparable to almost all of the woman and most of the men.  The best part was I felt like I had finally mastered the technique.

I got a bit better every week. That is not glamorous or dramatic, but that is the way training works. Slow and steady wins when doing training. It takes consistent hard work and attention to detail to improve.  I am so happy with the progress I have made. It is never easy, but so worth it to master a new ski.

I am really excited about next season.  I plan on signing up for many more races and hope to do my first biathlon race and maybe back to Winter Triathlon.  All of this with the ultimate hope to go to a National Nordic championship as a physically challenged athlete. I still have a long road ahead of me. But I have learned it all starts with taking things one step at a time.

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

Chris Wodke

Founder & Manager Team CMT

www.run4cmt.com

 

Chris is a triathlete Nordic skier and long distance runner. She is a three time participant 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 245 athletes in 42 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

 

 

Wisconsin Senior Olympics 5K Turkey Trot

 

"Be thankful for what you have, you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have you will never have enough."- Oprah Winfrey

It has been since August that I participated in any race. Honestly lots of events were cancelled. The Senior Olympics did run events but I decided to stay away.

I am not vaccinated and did not want to upset people by showing up at an event.  Seniors are a high risk group and I did not want someone thinking I was going to get them sick. The swim events were inside which is more of a risk.

I thought this Senior Olympics event would be a good one to go to. I knew it would be small since there were three other runs in the area on the same day.  I was really looking forward to getting out and racing again.  I have to admit it felt a little strange to be driving to a race. What used to be a regular part of my life pretty much disappeared during COVID.

A 5 K race can be a good gauge of fitness.  I was curious to see what my fitness was after not much racing. The conditions were not ideal. It 40F, windy and raining.  I paid for the race, so I was going to do it.  It was a small group that lined up in Lake Vista Park in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. 

The course was right along Lake Michigan, so the wind felt extra chilly. By race time the rain had slowed to a drizzle. Still I had my rain coat on and was ready for any weather.

It was a small group of maybe 200 runners and walkers. I gave blood the day before which was probably not a good idea. There was a local appeal due to the injuries at the parade in Waukesha. I was happy to give.

So while everyone took off, I did not have much energy. I tried to do 2:00 repeats to keep going. There was one really large hill on the course that went from the bluff down to the lake and back up.

My finishing time was  35:34 which is terrible for me. All of the times seemed slower than normal so maybe the course was long.  I was a little upset with my performance. It is frustrating to be so slow. I finished 2nd in my age group, just 20 seconds out of first place. I had seen the woman pass me and just did not have the energy to match her.

I got to see my friend Yvonne, who is the director of the Senior Olympics. I was on the board for a bit so I apologized for missing events this year and told her why. She assured me I would be very welcome and no one would even ask about my vaccinated status. It was good to catch up with her and I look forward to getting involved again with this group.

When I got home I did my daily study in the Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz. It just so happened the lesson was on Jesus feeding the 5000.  Father Mike talked about how the 5 loves and fish did not seem to be enough for the big job of feeding all of those people.  My run felt like it was not enough. It felt like I am not doing enough and that I am not worthy of my mission. Yet God fed those people with that little bit that they had. God will see that we have enough to do the work he has charged us with. Father Mike often says "What is offered to God is never wasted."  So I have to remember as long as I do my best it is honoring God and to be thankful that I am still out there running.  That is something to be thankful for!

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

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 244 athletes in 42 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.

Iron Girl Duathlon- Routine Racing

 

"Everyone has a calling. And your job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you were meant to be and begin to honor that in the best way possible for yourself." -Oprah Winfrey

I have not done a blog post about a race in ages. Some how it did not seem right during COVID. No one seems to have missed the post so sometimes I wonder if anyone even reads them.

I don't have much to write about the race because it was fairly routine. I love racing at Iron Girl. This all women's race in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin has such a great energy.  It attracts many women doing their very first multi-sport event and I love that. I love seeing the nerves transform into triumph by the end of the race. I have been there many times myself.

I came back to defend my age group title in the duathlon. It was tempting to do the triathlon since they have a para-triathlon division and the swim is really easy. Just straight across the race following rafts.

Doing a duathlon for me is really routine. I started my race career as a runner and have been cycling since I was a kid. The open water swim was always the fear inducing part of the race. Sometimes it still make me a bit nervous. So a duathlon seemed like a day off.  It would be a chance to have some fun, defend my title and spread some Team CMT awareness.

There is not much to really talk about with this race. The only exciting thing that happened is that I got nearly a full night of sleep before the race. That never happens. It felt so good to be racing fully rested.

The race is a run, bike and then a run to finish.  The course for the run is fairly flat along Lake Andrea. So while we did our first run, I could see the first wave of women swimmers.

Then it was off to the bike.  Because this is a race with lots of beginners, many do not know basic rules like keeping to the right except when passing.  I do educate as gently as possible so they learn the rules.   But mostly I just give a word of encouragement when I pass someone or when they pass me.

I finished in 1 hr and 37 minutes. My second run was over 33 minutes for a 5K. So disappointing that I am now so slow.  Still I am still running and living up to my mission of raising awareness of CMT and showing those with CMT that while I may have CMT, it does not have me. I zm doing the very best I can with the mission God has given me.

My time got me 2nd place in my age group and the lovely bracelet given to the top three women in each age group. Every woman crossing the finish line also got a rose and a finisher medal.

I had lots of fun and talked to lots of nice women.  It ended up being my last multi-sport event for 2020.  I was not able to go to Spain for the World Championships in September.

I am looking forward to lots of racing in 2022 and hope I continue to stay healthy!

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

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 244 athletes in 42 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.