Sarah Hodges

Training for the London Marathon: My Journey with Asthma

As you all know, I’m gearing up to run the 2026 London Marathon for Asthma + Lung UK! I wanted to share a little bit about my training journey so far and how I’m managing it with asthma.

Starting training was both exciting and a little scary. I knew that pushing myself too hard could trigger my asthma, but I also wanted to challenge myself and build endurance. Thankfully, the resources on Asthma + Lung UK’s website have been an absolute lifesaver. They’ve helped me answer questions I didn’t even know I had about exercising safely and managing asthma during intense training sessions.

Here’s a snapshot of what I’ve learned and applied:

• Smart warm-ups and pacing – I start slowly, allowing my lungs to adjust and reducing the risk of asthma flare-ups.

• Inhaler prep – Using my inhaler at the right time before a run has made a huge difference.

• Breathing techniques – Learning how to breathe efficiently during longer runs keeps me going further without overexerting.

• Listening to my body – One of the biggest lessons has been knowing when to push and when to ease off.

Every week, I see progress, small victories like completing a longer run without wheezing or finishing a session feeling strong and motivated. These wins remind me why I’m doing this: not just for myself, but for everyone living with lung conditions. Asthma + Lung UK does incredible work supporting people like me, and my fundraising is my way of giving back.

If you have asthma or another lung condition, I can’t recommend Asthma + Lung UK enough; their advice and resources are practical, clear, and reassuring, making it possible to take on a challenge like marathon training safely.

I’d love your support as I train for London 2026. Every donation helps fund research and support for people living with lung conditions. You can follow my journey and donate here:
👉 https://join.aluk.org.uk/s/7358/7635

Thanks so much for reading, cheering me on, and helping make a difference for people with asthma and lung disease!