Running With Asthma | Why I Refuse to Let It Stop Me

Ravi Deol
Oct 26
2 min read

Updated: 8 hours ago

Most people see asthma as an excuse not to train, not me. It drives my hunger to train even more.

People see it as something that holds you back.

A reason to slow down or not try exercising at all

I don’t see it that way as if you want to improve your asthma. You should improve your lung capacity by utilizing steady state cardio, hill sprints, interval cardio.

I see it as another obstacle to overcome.

Another challenge to grow through.

Another test of discipline and mindset.

Champion’s aren’t built when everything is easy.

They’re shaped by the things that try to break them.

The Truth About Running With Asthma

I’ve recently added roadwork into my weekly training 2-3 runs a week and I cough more. My chest gets tight. Breathing can make difficult but my mindset and determination get me through my runs.

Is it uncomfortable?

Absolutely.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Warm Ups Matter

With asthma, you can’t go from your heart rate being low to sprint. Your lungs need time to open up. A proper warmup reduces that early coughing phase and prepares your breathing rhythm.

Breathing Is a Skill

Running teaches you how to 👇🏾

Control your exhale
Stay relaxed in the shoulders
Find a rhythm
Mix nose and mouth breathing when needed

When your lungs give you trouble to breathe it makes you learn to fight smarter and control your breathing.

Asthma Doesn’t Define You

Asthma doesn’t define who you are. It doesn’t decide how far you can go. It doesn’t choose your limit you what you can do. With patience, consistency and the right approach, you can build lung capacity, endurance and confidence on the road or in the gym.

Most people avoid what challenges them. I choose to face it head on.

Because running with asthma builds: