How do you train for an Ironman with Asthma? How much is it a factor? These are a couple of the questions that I have been asked a lot lately by friends, training partners, and those around me that may catch a glimpse of me sucking on my inhaler.

Training for Ironman Florida with exercise induced asthma is not unlike going for a walk, doing a 5k, tennis, bike ride, playing soccer, or any other physical activity. It comes down to being able to know the signs and symptoms that are triggers for an asthma attack. These triggers can be vastly different from person to person. After learning individual triggers, then it's learning how to manage them. Developing a asthma management system with your Asthma Doctor is key. I use a daily maintenance inhaler twice a day, as well as a rescue inhaler that I use as needed.

Finding the right daily management system and quantity has made a world of difference in how I feel on a daily basis when not training, and especially before/during/after training session. That feeling of an elephant standing on my chest 24hrs a day no longer exists.

Now, during a fast hard climb or at the end of a race when I'm sprinting as hard as I can - you will probably hear me before you see me. Yes, I will be wheezing and coughing as I cross the finish line reaching for my rescue inhaler. Race officials at the finish line usually want to get me a medic - after taking hits off my inhale - all is well again.

Exercise-induced asthma symptoms can include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Fatigue during exercise
• Poor athletic performance

Check out the Mayo Clinics website for more information on Excise Induced Asthma. Asthma certainly can be frustrating to deal with during any physical activity, but it doesn't need to be an excuse for not living an active lifestyle.