Dirty Mitten Gravel Bike Race- Never Be a Victim

 

                           "Above all be the heroine of your own life, not the victim." - Nora Ephron

September is CMT awareness month. The community posts memes on social media and does other activities to raise awareness of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) a genetic neuromuscular condition I share with about 150,000 Americans.

My awareness month was quieter in past years for reasons I will address in a future blog.  But I did two days of racing on September 21 and 22nd. Doing athletic events and writing about them for the last 12 years have been the main focus of my work.

I chose this route because unlike many in the CMT community, I am still physically active.  I felt it was a gift I could use to give a voice to those with CMT. They are almost forgotten because when you have a rare disease like CMT you can feel invisible to even the medical community. CMT like many conditions does not overtly manifest itself. Its ravages and struggles can be invisible to the rest of the world.

It can be easy when you have a condition like CMT to feel like a victim.  It might be easy to wallow in a why me? mindset. When I first became aware of the larger CMT community, the attitude was common. Many were angry. I took a different route. I decided to do the best I could with the ability I have.  I hoped to show others you can live a full life and have big goals.

The race, The Dirty Mitten was part of two days of gravel racing. The first day was a gravel bike race. The second was a National Championship race for gravel triathlon and duathlon.

I would be doing the 10 mile race. There was a 28-mile and a 50-mile distance as well. Since I was also racing on Sunday, I chose the 10 mile race. The race would give me a preview of the course and check out the road conditions.  Sometimes I take a run turn when racing. My plan was to learn the course so all went well on race day and check road conditions.  Plus by doing both days of racing I was eligible for extra swag.

Gravel racing is a much tamer version of mountain biking.  I am not a great mountain biker. I gave up on it when I dislocated an elbow in my first and only off-road triathlon.  Gravel is run on wide dirt forest roads. It has the beauty of the woods from mountain biking with all the technical challenges.

Gravel still requires good bike handling skills. There are discipline-specific gravel bikes, but I use my mountain bike. I already had a mountain bike. Since I have 6 bikes I did not want to buy yet another bike. I lined up in the very pack of the pack lined up at the start.

I found lots of loose gravel and washboard sections as I rode.. It's been dry in the Midwest so the roads were also dusty. There were a few soft sections of sand. I had to be constantly aware to pick the best spots to ride.  Being on a mountain bike, I am a bit slower, bur my mountain bike rolls over most hazards and soft spots.

The course was fun with constant rolling hills. I was able to get good momentum on the downhills to get me over the next hill. The race was big enough I also always seemed to have company around me.

I pushed my pace a bit because the awards were in 10 year age groups. I had passed at least two women in my age group early in the race. I thought there were five of us and hoped to sneak into a podium spot. But there were 9 and I finished in 6th place with a time of 49:20. Not bad for riding a mountain bike.  I felt good the entire way. It was a good start to the weekend.

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

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 in 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon Open Division Champion.

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

 

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a Para triathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  

 

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

 

She has won state championships as an age-group athlete in cycling and triathlon. She has represented America as an age group athlete at world championships in Chicago, Denmark, Cozumel, and Norway. She earned a bronze medal at the Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 in Norway.

 

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. We currently have 257 athletes in 43 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 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, Para triathlon, 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, #kneedeepinwo

 

 

 

Superfood Saturday- Cheddar Chive Keto Muffins

 

Cheddar Chive Keto Muffins.

I made these on a Sunday morning before church. They looked so good when they came out of the oven,  Since I fast in the morning I had to wait until lunch to have one.  I had a bowl of homemade chicken soup and a green salad to make my meal.

Ingredients
2 large eggs at room temperature
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup avocado oil
1 ½ cup blanched almond flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoons chopped chives
1 tablespoon garlic powder
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Mix together the eggs, yogurt and oil in a bowl. Set aside.  In a separate bowl combine the dry ingredients.  Fold the egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fill a greased muffin tin with the batter. There will be enough for 8 muffins.  Bake at 400 F for 10 minutes

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

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 in 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon Open Division Champion.

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

 

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a Para triathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  

 

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

 

She has won state championships as an age-group athlete in cycling and triathlon. She has represented America as an age group athlete at world championships in Chicago, Denmark, Cozumel, and Norway. She earned a bronze medal at the Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 in Norway.

 

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. We currently have 257 athletes in 43 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 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, Para triathlon, 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, #kneedeepinwo

 

 

 

Super Food Saturday -Pumpkin Walnut Cookies

 

Pumpkin Walnut Cookies

I have been trying to eat a healthier diet. That has meant cutting sugar. But sometimes I just need a sweet treat. This recipe has just a tiny bit of honey and sugar-free chocolate chips.  I store them in the refrigerator.

Ingredients
¾ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup coconut oil melted
5 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup coconut flour
1 ½ cup almond flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup sugar free chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  In a large bowl combine the pumpkin, oil, eggs, vanilla and honey.

In a separate bowl mix the flours, walnuts, chocolate chips, baking powder, and spices.

Add the wet ingredients to the wet ingredients.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop a 2 tablespoon size drop of dough onto the sheet.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until no longer wet and are starting to turn brown.

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

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 in 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon Open Division Champion.

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

 

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a Para triathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  

 

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

 

She has won state championships as an age-group athlete in cycling and triathlon. She has represented America as an age group athlete at world championships in Chicago, Denmark, Cozumel, and Norway. She earned a bronze medal at the Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 in Norway.

 

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. We currently have 257 athletes in 43 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 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, Para triathlon, 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, #kneedeepinwo

 

 

 

 

 

Soup Sunday -Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

 

This recipe is fresh from the garden. I had an abundance of peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini in my garden, so I developed this recipe to take advantage of all that bounty. I topped the soup with freshly grated parmesan cheese, but bacon would be great as well.

Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup

Ingredients

·         For the roasted tomatoes

·         3 pounds Roma or plum tomatoes, cut in half

·         1 ½ red bell pepper, seeded and cut in half.

·         4 cloves garlic, peeled

·         3 tablespoons olive oil

·         Freshly ground salt and pepper

For the caramelized onions

·         2½ tablespoon olive oil

·         2 yellow onions, thinly sliced

Additions to the soup:

·         ½ cup packed basil leaves

·         1 cup of half and half

·         Grated Parmesan cheese

·         ½ teaspoon dried oregano

·         1-2 cups water or vegetarian broth, depending on how thick you want the soup

·         1 ground zucchini ( 1 small zucchini added to 2 cups of water in a blender)

·         Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

 

Directions

Preheat an oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add olive oil.  Place the tomatoes, garlic and the peppers. Drizzle with olive oil Season with salt and pepper. Roast until the vegetables are soft which takes about 45 to 50 minutes.  Cool for 10 minutes once removed from the oven.

While the vegetables are roasting, add the olive oil and onions to a sauté pan.  Cook over medium heat stirring often until the onions are caramelized or a deep brown. This will take about 20 minutes. Set aside until the vegetables are roasted and cooled.

Put the ground zucchini into a soup pot or Dutch oven.  Heat using low eat. 

Add the roasted vegetables including all the juices to a blender and blend. Add the caramelized onions and blend. Add the basil leaves if using. Add the mixture to the ground zucchini.  Simmer over low heat until the entire mixture is heated.  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 in 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon Open Division Champion.

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

 

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a Para triathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  

 

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

 

She has won state championships as an age-group athlete in cycling and triathlon. She has represented America as an age group athlete at world championships in Chicago, Denmark, Cozumel, and Norway. She earned a bronze medal at the Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 in Norway.

 

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. We currently have 257 athletes in 43 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 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, Para triathlon, 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, #kneedeepinwo

 

 

 

Chicken and Cabbage Salad with Fresh Mint

 

Chicken and Cabbage Salad with Fresh Mint

1 cup shredded chicken
4 cups shredded Napa Cabbage
1 carrot shredded
¼  cup chopped fresh mint
1 bunch green onions thinly sliced
1 (15 ounces) can of mandarin oranges
½ cup almonds chopped

Dressing
4 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey

 

Combine all the salad ingredients except the almonds.  Combine the dressing ingredients. Pour over the salad. Top with the chopped almonds.  Chill the salad and serve. 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 in 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon Open Division Champion.

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

 

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a Para triathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  

 

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

 

She has won state championships as an age-group athlete in cycling and triathlon. She has represented America as an age group athlete at world championships in Chicago, Denmark, Cozumel, and Norway. She earned a bronze medal at the Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 in Norway.

 

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. We currently have 257 athletes in 43 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 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, Para triathlon, 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, #kneedeepinwo

 

I thought I would start up my healthy eating posts again.  In April I changed my diet, cutting back on dairy, refined grains, and sugar. I wanted to be healthier and I have also dropped about 10 pounds. I also had extra zucchini in my garden, so this recipe came in handy.

Keto Zucchini Bread

2 cups grated zucchini
2 cups almond flour
½ cup coconut flour
½ cup Stevia
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts
½ cup melted butter
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 F
In a large mixing bowl mix the flours stevia, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nuts, and spices. Set aside
Drain any excess liquid from the zucchini.  Add the zucchini to a mixing bowl with the eggs, vanilla, and melted butter.  Add the wet mixture to the flour mixture.  Mix until just blended. Do not over mix. Top with additional chopped walnuts
Pour the batter into a parchment lined loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.  This bread makes a large loaf and freezes well.

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

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 in 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 Para triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon Open Division Champion.

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

 

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a Para triathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  

 

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

 

She has won state championships as an age-group athlete in cycling and triathlon. She has represented America as an age group athlete at world championships in Chicago, Denmark, Cozumel, and Norway. She earned a bronze medal at the Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 in Norway.

 

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. We currently have 257 athletes in 43 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 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, Para triathlon, 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, #kneedeepinwo

Ugly Dog Gravel Triathlon- Practice Run

 

                                                    Ugly Dog Gravel Triathlon, Grass Lake Michigan 2024

"The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success, but on significance and then the small steps ANd little victories along your path will have greater meaning."-Oprah Winfrey

The Ugly Dog race was the first gravel race I did. I remember being nervous about the bike portion on gravel roads. I really had nothing to worry about since gravel is much less technical than doing a mountain bike race. 

For the first two years, I did the aqua bike. This year I would be racing as a para-triathlete in the sprint triathlon.  I signed up for the triathlon for two reasons. I need a timed triathlon race to qualify for next year's National Senior Games in Des Moines.  Since it is driving distance I want to participate.

Second I wanted some experience running on trails. I am registered for the Gravel Triathlon National Championship race in September in Michigan.  Doing this race would be a great practice run. I can take what I learn to improve for that race.

The weather this summer has not cooperated with doing trail runs. It seems like it has rained 4 to 5 times per week keeping the trails ready.  House project kept me from the gravel trails.

My training this summer has been rather relaxed. I have drastically reduced the number of races. My training has been for an hour or two each day doing whatever I feel like doing.  I have not been following a training plan.  I had not been to the pool for two weeks due to family visiting.

My teammate Cheryl Kearney's brother lives on the lake where the race is held. So it has become a family and friend weekend. She was just out of a cast for a wrist break and would be doing the duathlon.  We both looked at this as a training race.

I lined up for the swim feeling totally relaxed. I chatted with the other women around me. They asked about the roads and I told them not to worry because they were great.  The start was a time trial, with swimmers in the water every 3 seconds.  I remember a time when the swim really stressed me. Not anymore.

The swim buoys looked longer than the reported 750 m distance.  The water temp was reported to be 76F but felt colder. I wore a sleeveless wetsuit.  To help me concentrate I swam 50 easy strokes and then 50 hard. I passed quite a few swimmers and soon I was out of the water.

Next was the bike portion on gravel forest roads. I got on the course and reached down for my water bottle. I had forgotten to load it on my bike. The same mistake I made last year. At the turn around I begged half a bottle of water off of a volunteer.  The road was really sandy.  Much different from the last two years. I had to walk up one hill due to sand.  The course conditions really slowed me down. It was however a beautiful ride in the shady woods that was welcome on a hot day. So much better than riding on a hot road.

Next was a 5K trail run.  Trail runs have lots of roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces. With my foot drop and weak ankles, I was worried about falls. I fell twice last year on the run during the National Championship in Arkansas. I tried hard to pay attention.  I had a couple of trips from roots. I had a sudden fall where I was face down in the dirt.  I saved several other runners stumble and Cheryl said she had a fall. I finished in one piece at time of 2:45 I missed a turn on the bike so I hope to do better in my next race.  I was the only adaptive athlete so I took first place.

I made a few mistakes I need to fix for the National Championship race in September.  Hopefully, the weather cooperates and I get in some quality training on the trails.

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

                                 1st Mobility Impaired Division Boston Marathon 2012

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 in 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 Para Triathlon National Triathlon Sprint Championship. She was the 2012 and 2014 National Champion Para triathlon Open Division Champion.

She has won national championships as a physically challenged athlete in Aqualon, Duathlon, Aqua Bike, and Winter Triathlon. She was the national champion in her age group in 2023 for gravel duathlon.

 

 In 2014 she represented the U.S. as a Para triathlete at the Pan-American Triathlon Championship in Dallas, Texas.  

 

She was the 2023 Gravel Duathlon National Champion in the 65-69 age group.

 

She has won state championships as an age-group athlete in cycling and triathlon. She has represented America as an age group athlete at world championships in Chicago, Denmark, Cozumel, and Norway. She earned a bronze medal at the Winter Duathlon World Championship in 2023 in Norway.

 

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. We currently have 257 athletes in 43 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 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, Para triathlon, 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, #kneedeepinwo