Getting uphill?

[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.