What does it look like to train for ultramarathons while living with a chronic inflammatory disease that affects your spine, joints, recovery, and daily life?
In this episode of Runnah, I sit down with Lewis Askew, an ultramarathon runner based in Hong Kong who was originally raised in the United Kingdom and is also living with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
As two runners navigating the realities of AS, we have an honest conversation about diagnosis, treatment, setbacks, training adaptations, and the extra work required to pursue big endurance goals while managing a chronic illness.
We discuss:
- What Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) actually is
- The diagnosis journey and challenges of getting answers
- Treatment options and managing symptoms
- Training for ultramarathons with AS
- Recovery, mobility, and strength work
- Common misconceptions about athletes with chronic illness
- The mental side of endurance sports and chronic disease
- Why living with AS has ultimately made us stronger, more resilient runners
Whether you're living with Ankylosing Spondylitis, another chronic illness, or simply love hearing stories of perseverance and endurance, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and encouragement.
Because sometimes the strongest runners aren't the ones with the easiest path. They're the ones who keep showing up anyway.
Follow Lewis Askew
Instagram: @the_as_athlete
The AS Athlete Instagram
Connect with Runnah
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @runnahpod
