Started incredibly good on the swim, relaxed, happy. Halfway through, I noticed that I couldn't seem to inhale fully. I wasn't anxious or going to fast, then I began to hear myself wheezing. I slowed down, laid on my back, but the wheezing got worse and so did the loss of breath. I didn't panic, i just kept swimming different strokes then would switch back to freestyle. Well, it just got worse, on the home stretch I literally had no air to draw in, so I held onto the kayak for what seemed like an eternity. I was eventually able to let go and head in. But by then I was in a full blown asthma attack. I got to T1 and hopped on my bike. Passed Sarah on her way in from the bike and asked her to leave her inhaler for me.

Get an inhaler and use it prior to starting any triathlon!!

Transition was good despite my horrendous asthma attack throwing me off. I didn't hit my watch button so I don't know what the exact time in T1 was.

nothing except suck on an inhaler!

I was grateful to be on the bike after the horrible swim, allowed me to get my breathing somewhat relaxed. Although I continued to wheeze the entire time. Just took it easy and went slower than usual.

Inhaler, again

Fast transition, again didn't time it cause it was the least of my worries at this point.

once again, inhaler

Used Sarah's inhaler 4 times prior to the run, which caused me to see stars, but eventually my airways opened up alittle. although the damage was done and by then my voice was hoarse as hell. Walked alot of the course. It was a somewhat brutal run for me; hot, dusty; and hilly.

can someone say inhaler?

walked around, chatted with the group, ate alittle pasta and drank cytomax.


having straws for bronchi!


It's important to note that I DO NOT HAVE ASTHMA. So, the asthma attack in the water was a complete shock for me. It is likely exercise induced. However on all my swims I've never experienced this. Now I know what my patients feel when they have an asthma attack! It was an eye opener to say the least. I am still hoarse as I write this report. It was a good race despite this incident since I actually finished it. I don't know my actual time, I think I crossed the finish line at 2:22 but I'm not sure. Again I didn't hit the damn watch button.