Perspective

We all juggle a lot to manage our lives. 

Families, jobs, training, school ... the list goes on and on ...

When I get wrapped around the axle about fitting in my training around my busy work travel schedule or our crazy weekend family obligations it is easy to forget that there are people in our tri and running community that are doing all of the above while overcoming cancer or a degenerative disease.

Through my relationship with Team Rev3 Tri, I have had the amazing opportunity to meet and support the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults through the Run Across America last Spring and again at the Half Full Tri next week. 

Most recently, I had the opportunity to virtually meet Donna and learn about Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease.  Named after those who clinically described it (so not dental related), CMT is the most common neuromuscular disorder impacting 1 in 2500 people. In general, CMT impacts the way the nerves transmit signals to muscles, leading to muscle atrophy, reduced sensation, and muscular imbalance. CMT patients slowly lose normal use of their extremities as nerves degenerate and muscles weaken because the affected nerves no longer stimulate the muscles. Many patients also have some loss of sensory nerve functions.

Wait, what?  CMT is the most common neuromuscular disorder and I have never heard of it?I bet you hadn't heard of it either ... but you have likely heard of Muscular Sclerosis (MS) and Muscular Dystrophy. 

September was CMT awareness month and since my training this month was so inspired by Donna and her spirit of beating limitations, I wanted to share her story with you. Donna's outlook on life and dedication to raising awareness and funds for CMT is remarkable! 

As I struggle through my next interval workout or hill repeat, I will think of all of those who are fighting much more difficult fights!