5 Lessons I Learned Training with Asthma

I’m sharing the 5 most powerful lessons I’ve learned from training with asthma. I’m Jonny Havey—an elite ultra runner, endurance athlete, and someone who’s lived with asthma since childhood. From a soccer-loving kid who struggled to breathe, to finishing grueling 100K races, I’ve transformed my biggest challenge into my greatest strength. In this episode, I open up about the key mindset shifts and training techniques that helped me overcome limitations—including the role of progressive overload, audible exhales, and managing my diet to reduce inflammation and asthma symptoms. If you’ve ever wondered whether running with asthma is even possible, this podcast is proof that you can do more than just manage—it’s possible to thrive.  

Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or aiming for your next race, you’ll walk away from this episode with tools to breathe better, train smarter, and feel stronger. I’ll show you how consistency in movement, breathwork, and nutrition can help you unlock more energy and control over your condition. These aren’t just tips—they’re lived experiences from years of testing what works. If you're looking for exercise asthma tips or trying to understand how to build an asthma-friendly training routine, this episode is for you. And don’t forget to grab my free Healthy Living Guide—it’s helped me and countless others live leaner, healthier, and more empowered lives.

 ►► Download FREE Guide → How I lost 2 lbs a week as an athlete with asthma: https://www.athletewithasthma.com/healthy-living-guide

00:00 My personal journey with asthma

02:09 Lesson 1: Exercise is my superpower

03:53 Lesson 2: The power of Progressive Overload

09:18 Lesson 3: Loud, Audible Exhales are a superpower

11:33 Lesson 4: Food has a strong impact on my asthma

14:02 Lesson 5: Consistency is key to success

15:30 Final Thoughts and Healthy Living Guide

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS MY OPINION AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER. PLEASE CONSULT A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE.