Is it worth trying if I have Asthma?

I have recently been struggling with asthmatic symptoms and beginning to take proventol prior to all of my cycling (usually when the symptoms show up because of the intensity I ride) and races.  I would say absolutely it is worth it!

It you enjoy a competitive sport than give triathlon a shot.  There is no reason you can't work around asthma and this sport.  I am sure there will be many, others who have asthma comment later that will tell you the same.

Good luck!

I've had asthma for 25 years, and I absolutely think it's doable as long as your asthma symptoms are controlled.  For me, that means seeing my pulmonologist on a regular basis.  I also have allergies and hayfever, which cause my asthma to flare up, so I have to control those as well.  I take Advair 2 x per day, and I carry a rescue inhaler with me when I run.  

Are you on any preventative meds like Advair?

I was diagnosed with excercise and allergy induced asthma about 3 years ago and it hasn't stopped me from doing triathlons. In fact, my pulmolnologist strongly recommends excercise. When I start feeling the symptoms I use my inhaler + allergy meds. And, if necessary, I bring the inhaler along.

My running and swimming coaches are aware and adapt my workouts accordingly in the winter or on days the pollen counts are really high.

Believe me, it's worth it. I came in second in my last triathlon (OK, not a big playing field - 11 women - but I was 2nd) !!

Absolutely worth it! Like the others I have asthma since I was a child.  The key is getting it under control through a qualified doctor.  I know the more I run and bike the better my asthma. 

See a pulmonologist, makes sure it is under control and have fun!

totally do it. I have mild to moderate reactive airways. When in training I am on symbicort and pre exercise albuterol. when I get sick I add pulmicort in.

just make sure you are optimized in your treatment and you will be fine

Thank you everyone this is such a great response, luckily my asthma is very mild and most of the time I can go for a run and nothing happens.

I am going to see my doctor to see what I can do to make sure that my Asthma doesn't become a problem when I start to train properly for a triathlon.

Again thank you all for your great responses.

David

Yup, absolutely worth it!  I've beeen asthmatic since I was a teenager (a very very long time ago) and I've found that the training has really helped reduce the symptoms of my asthma, so I no longer have to take those nasty steroids any more (I danced around the doctors office with happiness that day, much to the amusement of the nurses).  My doctors are very much in support of my training and racing, but I do get checked regularly.

I still occasionally need my rescue inhaler, but I always carry it with me on my bike and runs, and during races (you can buy good race belts with holders for inhalers).  It's also taught me what my limits are in terms of pushing my pace with respect to my asthma, but I've been able to do far more than I thought was possible.  That's the beauty of triathlons, you go at your own pace, and it's so much fun.  So yes, it's worth it!

HUGE respect!!!!

 That's amazing

The woman in this video would certainly tell you "yes".  She comes in at about the 4:15 mark, and her reasons are at the 5:50 mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndY9xptZI9w