A stupid combination I know! Although I don't actually smoke while I run!
I have been running for a year or two know and have just joined a running club, which I am really enjoying, but its nearly killing me!
I intend to give up smoking, as I know this will help, but I am just getting myself motivated at the moment. I know a lot of people give up smoking and then start running but I wondered if anyone else out there had given up while they were running, how much of a difference it made and when they started noticing the difference?
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Frankly someone can run 3 min miles for all it worries me - the simple truth is you are 2 x more likely to die if you continue to smoke than you would be if you stop! That was good enough odds to convince me. Do I miss it - not any more! Have I saved any money - NO, I've spent it all on new shoes, a garmin, a polar, a variety of running tops/bottoms/socks/belts/books!!!! Am I happy - you bet your boots I'm happy!!
Go on - give em up - you know you want to!
Thanks for the support guys. I'll let you know how I get on.
Easiest way to stop? Just stop, chuck fags, stay out of einvironments that will encourage you to smoke. Oh and people that encourage you, they are the worst. For me it was always the pub especially after a couple of pints. I still struggle now. Good luck and just think about your running.
in fact i THINK that i've only smoked two fags this year, both times when completely legless, and both provided by bouncing barlist if my memory serves me right.
This time I know that I can smoke if I want to, but I choose not to. As opposed to previous quits where my mental attitude was that I wasn't allowed to smoke.
For what it's worth I used the patch for the first three weeks, then stopped using it as I felt (correctly) that I just didn't need it.
Having been a non-exercising 15-20 a day man for over 30 years even I can now take exercise: running (well, run-walking at the mo) three times a week and swimming on Tuesdays -- 48 lengths last night. Couldn't have dreamt of that 12 weeks ago.
Don't be discouraged if you don't immediately feel the benefits. They come slowly and imperceptibly. What you would notice is how crap you feel if you start smoking again.
Good luck!
Once it is banded in the summer I will never smoke again! It can't happen soon enough for me!
Annaspanna, the answer to your question is YES! I can only speak for myself but I definately find it easier not too when I am not given the opportunity to drink and smoke.
I now absolutely detest even the slightest whiff of cigarrette smoke. Ive become the kind of person I hated when I smoked :O)
I can remember heading to races having the odd cigarrette which I think is ridiculous now but didnt even consider it at the time.
The biggest difference is prob a greater sense of health and well being, healthier skin and hair (if you smoke a lot). You do feel better about yourself knowing you're not dependent on anything.
It wouldn't have so much of an impact on LD aerobic events as much as sprints to middle distance where you are crossing over your LT threshold and greater emphasis is placed on good lung function.
I think Ive improved a little more having given up smoking than if Id continued. Funnily enough the biggest difference has been my weight (specfically fat%), but I can train harder and longer now. Swimming is obv a little easier!
I dont like seeign people smoking at running events
Elite Ironman, Ultra Trail Runner
Elite Ironman, Ultra Trail Runner
Elite Ironman, Ultra Trail Runner
Let the gods of poker be with me.
Used to be a bit of a social smoker, and because I never did it much I *loved* the headrush it gave me. I do find it hard not to want to light up if those around me are smoking, especially if I'm drinking. Was even more of a nightmare when I was injured because I stopped thinking of myself as a runner and just thought 'what the hell?'
Am fortunate in that I don't seem to have an addictive personality and I can't actually stand the smell of cigarette smoke.
Just hope I can make it through Christmas and new year.
I have to say if I had to give up smoking and running I would a nightmare to live with!
Don't worry too much about Christmas and New Year, although having coping strategies planned is a good idea.
I hit 3 months next Saturday and already I'm thinking about smoking less and less. If I can do it, anybody can.
i gave up smoking back in march and started again a fortnight ago when i got fed up of not being able to run due to a back injury- back running now and dont want to not be able to run because i cant breathe- plus i need the money for a pair of gloves and nice warm hat.
You'll soon have enough for gloves and hat. I've saved £344 in 12 and a bit weeks.