A man from Cochrane who has severe asthma is about to compete in an ironman triathlon in Hawaii.
Shawn Strachan was diagnosed with asthma when he was a child after a bout of pneumonia and has only 52% lung capacity.
He has avoided participating in physical activities because of his condition but now he is pushing himself to show others that the disease can be managed.
Strachan started training for the race months ago and says even though he is a little apprehensive, he is still confident that he will be able to complete the race.
"Very nervous, very nervous, I mean I did 7 half distance ironman's and was only able to complete five, two of those I had to stop because of my lungs," said Shawn.
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways and can be triggered by smoke, dust, mould and other outside stimuli.
There is no cure for the disease but it can be managed with medication.
Strachan leaves for Hawaii on Monday and competes in the ironman on October 10th.
For more information on asthma visit the the Lung Association Alberta & NWT Website.
