Want to be a runner, but need to quit smoking first- please help

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ashleyrunnergirl

1 posts since
Oct 12, 2008

Oct 12, 2008 3:16 PM

Want to be a runner, but need to quit smoking first- please help

Hi- this seems to be a great message board and I hope I'm welcome. I wanted to see if there are smokers or non smokers who had and wanted to quit to reach their fitness/running goals. This seems to be my biggest hurdle to increasing my speed and duration. Thank you in advance!

BEP1

5 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

1. Oct 12, 2008 8:06 PM

in response to: ashleyrunnergirl

Hi, the best way to get off the smokes is to run your *** off. When you're running think about a cigarette; think about how much it hurts. Then, when you want a cigarette and you can run, immediately change your clothes and go. If you cant run and have that craving, then think about running. You CAN quit smoking if you obsess about running. Sign up for a 5K and set a goal. Be hard on yourself and you'll quit. Something else that helps is to really be honest about why you smoke. Is it a habit, cravings, or from bored, stress. If you find that the oral fixation is the tough part, then eat more. Just eat healthy and always make sure you run.

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice your gift." - Steve Prefontaine

btraber

52 posts since
Oct 1, 2008

2. Oct 15, 2008 7:49 AM

in response to: ashleyrunnergirl

I too smoked when I first started running. I smoked through my training for my first and second half marathon. Two days before my second half, I had one cigarette in the pack and decided to smoke it, but not buy any more until after the race. I've always been a slow runner, but my time improved by so much and I felt so good, I decided right then and there to quit. In all honesty, I did have a slip-up a couple of weeks later, but thanks to a nasty sore throat, I stopped smoking for the few days it took for my throat to feel better. When I lit my next cigarette, it was so stale and nasty I gagged. That did it for me and I haven't smoked since. I still have the rest of that pack in my car in case I ever have the urge to smoke again. After three years, I'm sure they're real tasty now!

From friends and family that have quit or tried quitting, most everyone had agreed that quitting cold turkey has been the best for them. My sister-in-law said when she tried the step down method, she went through withdrawals each step down. Quitting all at once meant withdrawals once and then she was fine.

If you can try not smoking for a couple of days and then go for a run. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel. That should help you get through it after that. If not, post. There is a lot of support in this community and I'm sure everyone would be willing to show you the support you need.

Oh, be prepared for the clearing up of some of your senses. Taste and smell being the big two. The smell of cigarette smoke now is horrible and I can smell it on anyone who smokes.

BEP1

5 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

3. Oct 15, 2008 8:05 AM

in response to: btraber

Your story is a lot like mine. Interesting how smokers turned runners all have the similar experience. Its almost like there is a class of somkers out there who arent really sure why they started to begin with, you know? I agree too that when you can manage to get over the first couple of humps then its easier to put them down. Then, the smell is somethign that alone will keep you from wanting another one ever again. Good call on the stop a few days before and then starting running- that worked for me too. So, yeah, spot on

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice your gift." - Steve Prefontaine

marti91257

1 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Oct 15, 2008 8:11 AM

in response to: btraber

I quit two years ago and started here at C25K that same week. Every time I got the urge to smoke, I jumped on my treadmill -- nothing like having your lungs full of clean air to chase away the cravings. Also, read the book "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking" by Alan Carr (http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Stop-Smoking-Non-Smokers/dp/1402718616) - I'm not kidding, by the time I got to the end of the book, I no longer wanted to smoke and, like I said, it's been two years.

For what it's worth - I've recently been diagnosed with COPD (wish I'd quit smoking sooner) which brought me back here to this site; I need to build my lungs up and get the most out of them for as long as possible, so I'm back in training!

And yeah, NOTHING smells worse than cigarette smoke on someone who's been smoking... ugh, enough to make you gag!!

Choice, not Chance, determines Destiny

Urbster

558 posts since
May 27, 2008

5. Oct 15, 2008 10:28 AM

in response to: marti91257

I smoked for 30 years. I started running and continued to smoke. I worked up to 4 miles but was always out breath, my face was red, I felt like dying. I wondered why my time wasn't improving, (self denial or what) I couldn't run faster then an 11 minute mile. Sometimes my husband would smoke on the porch after my run , I would have to stay outside for a while I could not breath around it. I did that for a year, then my Dr. mentioned he ran, we talked about it, he said once I stopped smoking my time would improve. (ya think??) I had that seed planted in my head. Breakthrough point...May 18th 2008. I ran my first 5k. I never smoked another ciggerette after that. They are still in the car, I still have an ashtray in the car. I have not touched on nor had a cheater butt since. After that race something clicked. I think I decided I wanted to be a runner that day. I'm sidelined with an injury at the moment but I increased my mileage to 20 miles a week and smoking is the furthest thing from my mind.

If you run enough miles, there is no way you can continue to smoke.

Carole

btraber

52 posts since
Oct 1, 2008

6. Oct 15, 2008 11:21 AM

in response to: Urbster

OMG!!! I thought I was th eonly one who kept their old pack! Everyone looks at me like I"m insane whe I tell them I still have. I did, however, get rid of the ashtray. I stunk something awful.

gratefulbruce

17 posts since
Sep 5, 2008

7. Oct 16, 2008 1:27 PM

in response to: btraber

I quit on August 12th ... started running a couple months before that. Go ahead and run, try to increase your mileage, and when you are ready to quit it will make it easier. I also used accupuncture, and a partial perscription of chantix, that was left over from the last time I tried to quit. I did this before, and quit for 10 years, began running after I quit to get my weight back down where I wanted it. After about ten years, a combination of events and I began smoking again (bad choice). I've tried running and smoking, but never stayed with the running. I had been smoking again for about ten years when I finally quit for the second time on August 12th. Now all I need to do is be patient, and settle for biking while I let my plantar fasciaitis heels. Good luck with the quitting ... I still think about smoking from time to time, but these thoughts are short lived, and lack the strength they had early on. Whatever happens keep on quitting.

Bruce

BEP1

5 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

8. Oct 16, 2008 1:46 PM

in response to: gratefulbruce

I totally agree. Sometimes people do have a really hard time quitting because it because a way to appease being anxcious (sp?). Smoking provides an escape. So, that is where the regimented short or long run daily helps. Even if you just get out and go for a brisk fast-paced walk, you'll be able to maintain fresh lungs and tighter gut. Whole-heartedly, though, quitting for a day is better than not quitting at all. Running is by far a better release of stress and one **** of a good buzz when you're out there clomping along as fast and as hard as you can for as long as you can possibly do it. That buzz is what made me quit and made me want to run more. The energy I got in the transitional stage also motivated me. When you run your motivation increases, your energy levels are higher, and you find yourself wanting to push farther and harder. Three good months of routine jogging/running will transform your body. Stretching in every way you can also revitalizes.

Stay with it.

BTW, great post Bruce !!!!

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice your gift." - Steve Prefontaine

Urbster

558 posts since
May 27, 2008

9. Oct 16, 2008 1:46 PM

in response to: btraber

HA! The ashtray is empty! That would be gross. I don't know why I kept the ciggerettes, other times when I tried to quit I would throw the pack out the car window then the next day buy more. I get the same look when I tell people I have them. I do not want to get rid of them though. I think maybe it's like having a trophey.

Anyway run run run and soon or later you won't smoke, it's like magic.

MikeDaMarine08

2,161 posts since
Aug 14, 2008

10. Nov 5, 2008 5:03 AM

in response to: Urbster

I have quit a number of times, and for whatever reason started again. This year I have quit for the last time. You have to really want to quit. I read somewhere that the urge to smoke only lasts 15 seconds. When that urge hits grab a book, go for a run, drink some water, try not to eat as your primary method of coping. Another helpful thing would be to avoid those situations where you would be prone to smoke.

LASTLY..................ALWAYS REMEMBER WHY YOU QUIT!

My Mom was a lifelong smoker whom I lost to cancer in 2006. Do it for yourself first.

Mike

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