I am a moderate to severe asthmatic that has struggled, sometimes dangerously with the chronic disease since childhood. I am also an endurance athlete. In my twenties my asthma seemed under control and was less of a challenge. I was able to run track and race marathons.
In the early eighties I was ranked in the top 8 in North America at the marathon distance. Mountain biking became my new passion in my thirties and I raced when I wasn't busy raising a family. In my forties, asthma came back with a vengeance and although I have continued to train and race, it has been an ongoing struggle.
I take medication 3 times a day and must check my peak flows twice a day. Asthma is a chronic disease. There is no cure. But that doesn't mean that it has to control your life. I work hard to control my asthma so that I might enjoy the active life I do. In 2003, I competed and barely finished the TransRockies Challenge mountain bike race (www.transrockies.com). It is said to be "the hardest bike race in the world" but I thrive in such challenges. In the following four years, my asthma has not been in control enough to ride again in races. I have worked very hard with the help of health professionals to change that. Education is so important.
Now it is 2008 and I am ready to race and or ride in the TransRockies Challenge again. This time however, my competitive times and placing are not the objective. This year I am racing to support all people with asthma. My partner, Dr. Shayne Soetaert and I are riding for The Asthma Society of Canada. We are riding to raise money and awareness about asthma. Many people don't understand the disease. For this reason, as a physical education teacher I have put together a team to present educational seminars to talk to children about asthma and athletics. Too many people are still dying each year. Too many people are not able to function successfully, let alone compete in athletic events. Fitness is one of the keys for asthmatics to lead a normal life.
I am an asthmatic, and I believe that everyone has the right to enjoy fitness at any age and breathe easy.
Thank-you for supporting us.
 | Pepper Couelle-Sterling |
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