Asthma: a breathtaking foe

Just hours to go until Ramadhan begins. As I've previously discussed, this surely presents the biggest (and most exciting challenge) to my training yet. At least that's what I assumed, until my nemesis of old reappeared about a week ago. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 10 (I think) and have contended with it ever since. Most of the time, it's mild enough to be of scarce relevance, although I've fallen victim to flu season several times. I use a preventer every morning and evening and a reliever when needed. For training, 2 puffs immediately before a workout seem to help by expanding the lungs.

However there are times when I need the reliever several times a day, usually due to a chest infection. My last such episode was years ago and I dared to believe I'd seen the last of them, but back it comes, more vigorous than ever. Training seems to be unaffected for now, as the normal 2 puffs offers relief for around 4-5 hours; more than adequate for even my longer runs. My concern is more with fasting; can I really go 16 hours a day without a dose? Of particular worry is mornings, as symptoms are at their worst when I've just woken up. I'll play it by ear; I'm not going to play the hero and risk my health, since that would just contradict the purpose of fasting. But I'll see how it goes to begin with and take it from there. I'm optimistic it is just a mild and temporary chest problem rather than all out flu (and I certainly won't be calling the swine flu hotline just yet), since it is the only symptom I've experienced. Still, it is an important reminder that, despite my fantastic progress over the last few months, I have my limits - and then some. I've no doubt that asthma is a barrier to my aspirations of long distance running and that it warrants a certain degree of respect. Indeed, my relative lack of speed and inability to sprint well are surely down in part to my compromised immune system. Still, it's a barrier I'm ready for. Bring it on.