‘When I was first diagnosed at 12 I really struggled and was convinced I could never make it to an elite level,’ the St James local said.
‘Asthma is a very hard thing to live with, but over the years I’ve been able to control it and not let it control me.’
On March 24, Karri will join her Hockeyroo teammates in swapping hockey sticks for handlebars to ride in the RAC Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma.
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READ NOWAs the largest cycling community event in WA, the bike hike will raise funds and awareness for the Asthma Foundation of WA.
Karri said the ride was something exciting and different, and the whole team was looking forward to supporting the cause and branching out to compete in a different form of exercise.
‘We’ve been doing bike conditioning sessions every weekend in preparation,’ she said.
‘It was a shock to the system at first, but I’m getting used to it.’
She said dealing with asthma was a matter of being prepared and knowing your body.
‘Whether I’m going for a walk or fast run, I make sure I carry a puffer with me all the time.
‘Having asthma can make life hard.
‘But as long as you consult your doctor and recognise the warning signs it is much easier to manage.’
RAC Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma riders can choose from the Full Hike starting from Mandurah, the Jetts Fitness Mid Hike from Kwinana or Currambine and the Mini Hike from Bull Creek or Stirling.
To register or donate, visit www.racfreewaybikehike.com.au.