Breathing Past Barriers: Asthma, Ambition, and Triumph on the Trails with Jessper Maquindang

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Running Strong Mind-Body Connection! Today, host Karen Bonnett-Natraj sits down with Jessper Maqyindang, an accomplished runner from Los Angeles whose journey began with a childhood diagnosis of asthma.

Instead of letting this challenge hold him back, Jessper Maqyindang transformed adversity into passion—sharing how he built up from short training runs to 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and ultimately, marathon and ultramarathon distances. In this conversation, you'll hear personal stories of perseverance, a mindset focused on growth, and the importance of community in the running world. Karen Bonnett-Natraj and Jessper Maqyindang explore what it means to push past physical and mental barriers, stay present in nature, and inspire others by taking action on big goals.

Whether you're a runner, athlete, or just someone curious about how passion can change your life, this episode will motivate you to listen to your heart and find strength in every step—no matter where you start. Tune in to discover how challenges can turn into triumphs, and what's next for a runner whose curiosity knows no bounds.