Getting uphill?

[Moongidget]

Got it. So spinning on the flats won't necessarily help my climb. It'll just frustrate me. I'm going to keep trying baby nemesis hill and work my way to it's counterpart, front side devil nemesis hill!

Thanks all!

[leah]

Another thing that helps me with hills is to take long slow breaths, in through my nose and out my mouth. That also seems to help me to remember to relax my upper body.

[Breella]

I'm glad that my question has helped so many and that there is so much positive advice!

Yesterday I rode to my new job for the first time, It's a nice 4 mile trek that takes me through the nature trail I like to ride (except it's an area I never rode till yesterday) and while I wasn't able to get up the gigantic hill, I tried but my asthma was not letting me have it, I did make it up a smaller hill without getting off!

[emily_in_nc]

Yesterday I rode to my new job for the first time, It's a nice 4 mile trek that takes me through the nature trail I like to ride (except it's an area I never rode till yesterday) and while I wasn't able to get up the gigantic hill, I tried but my asthma was not letting me have it, I did make it up a smaller hill without getting off!

Do you use an inhaler and/or control meds for your asthma? If not, no wonder you are having problems with the hills. Please make sure your asthma is well-controlled -- it is best for your health and will make cycling so much more pleasant!

[Breella]

I have a daily medicine as well as a rescue inhaler for problem times.

[ny biker]

I've learned (the hard way) that the best way to control the asthma and minimize the chance of an attack is to ride at a low cadence. On flat roads I will ride at 90+ rpm, but on steep hills I'll drop to 50 rpm or lower if necessary. And always in an easy gear.

Training also helps a lot. Right now there are some steep hills around here that I know will make me wheeze, but as my condition improves through the spring and summer I'll be able to ride up them without needing an inhaler.

If I know a hill will cause me problems, I'll use the albuterol (one puff) before I tackle it, because it's harder to do at the top after the symptoms have kicked in -- it's hard to hold your breath for 10 seconds when your heartrate is high.

Another important thing -- stay calm if you start to experience asthma symptoms. Panic just makes things worse. And keep your inhaler someplace that's easy and quick to access if you need it.