I have been an athlete my entire life. About four years ago, this 30-something mother of two signed up to run my first 5K. During training, I was very discouraged when I started having trouble breathing after running just a quarter mile. I felt out of shape, even though I knew I wasn’t. I was frustrated and discouraged. I brought up my struggles with breathing while exercising during my next doctor’s visit. I was diagnosed with EIB and given a rescue inhaler to use prior to exercise.  After starting treatment, I was thrilled that I could run without gasping for air and feeling as though I couldn’t get a deep breath into my lungs.  My training took off and I completed my first 5K, which led me to complete many more and to grow competitive as a runner. I decided to attempt my first half marathon in September of 2010.  The training was going well until a month before the race, when I came down with a head cold and experienced an asthma attack. I was put on steroids and some other medications and told I needed to see an asthma and allergy doctor right away.  This asthma attack forced me to take three weeks off of training, but I still completed my first half marathon!  It may have been slow, but it was steady, and my rescue inhaler was attached to my hip. My allergy and asthma doctor works with me to keep me active and doesn’t let EIB stop me from exercising. Exercising isn’t an option for me, it’s a lifestyle.

My most prized goal that EIB didn’t stop me from accomplishing? That’s easy…..my first marathon!  I ran a full marathon in Columbus, OH, on October 16, 2011 as a birthday gift to myself! I carried my inhaler with me and crossed the finish line with tears and a smile!  I am proud to say that I am a part of the small group of people who have finished a marathon and I feel like a good role model for my kids. Although that marathon was the most difficult journey of my life in regards to the wear and tear on my body, training time and mental toughness, it also taught my children that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I know the symptoms of EIB can be exacerbated through many triggers, and for me, a head cold is one of them. Leading up to the marathon, I caught another cold. I took very good care of my body that week, which included lots of fluids, breathing treatments and rest. I also spent a lot of quiet time envisioning the race and my plan of attack.  With one of my running partners at my side, we crossed the finish line.  My running and fitness journey has continued to progress in many ways.  I even started my own online business a couple years ago as a way to teach others about their bodies & educate them on safe & effective weight loss strategies along with proper exercise techniques.

(Us crossing the finish line.  I am on the left)

Lisa’s message about taking control:

Why are you going to allow a treatable diagnosis to stop you from living a full life or accomplishing personal goals and dreams?  Why allow symptoms to control how you live your life?  As a physical therapist assistant & fitness coach, I understand the importance of exercise. I encourage people to go to the doctor, get the tests, and work with their doctor to manage their EIB.  Decide. Commit. Succeed.