Ex-smoker starting a running routine - anyone else in this boat? (Read 1304 times)

I feel quite silly writing about the fact that I just quit smoking and now I'm making every effort to begin running. It seems like a bit of a joke and I hope I do not offend anyone. I guess I'm wondering if anyone else quit smoking and began a successful running routine? I'd like to do a half marathon in six months. Is this realistic? Despite smoking I have remained prettty active through yoga and weight training. I tend to get really bored with cardio of any kind but like setting a route and attempting to walk/run my way through it. Does anyone have any tips of tricks I can follow? Thanks

I should have thought of this in the first place. Check out the ex-smokers group at http://www.runningahead.com/groups/exsmokersupport John

I put my Marlboro Reds down on November 12, 1975 after around 12 yrs of smoking. I replaced that very negative habit with running. It is now over 31 yrs later and my running habit--positive addiction-- has resulted in me running more than 65,000 miles. I am greatful--for sure. Every time I see someone with a cigarette I thank the Great Runner that I was able to put them down. I wish you well. When I was smoking probably more than 70% of folks smoked. Now it is down to around 20%--still too high. Walk--slog (slow jog) skip, do pushups when you have a craving. Be careful--running can become habit forming. Nick

Congrats! I'm almost at the end of my first year of running after kicking a 28 year smoking habit. Welcome to running! Like some others said, start easy and have fun!

I quit smoking when my wife got pregnant. I always told her that was when I'd quit. I ran about 10 yrs prior, and smoked during this more sedentary period. Started running again because I'm vain, and didn't want to gain any weight. My daughter is now six months old and I havent smoked since she was a plus sign on the bathroom counter, and I weigh less now than I did then. Ran 1000k last year, and hope for 1000miles this year. Also hope to try tri's this year.

Don't feel silly. I have had a much easier time getting into a good running routine than I am having quiting smoking- in fact I have been running regularly for about 6 months and I finally got zyban a couple of weeks ago and my official quit date is tomorrow. It isn't silly to quit smoking and start running, it is however ridiculous to do a 6 mile run and have a cigarette after............ The couch to 5K plan is an awesome plan to get you started running. There is a podcast for it too so you don't have to time yourself- it just tells you when to run and when to walk. If you follow this plan you will be able to run 30 min straight by the end of 9 weeks. Good luck!

I smoked for about 15 years, maybe longer. I run now. Running is like crack. I just replaced one habit with another.

I smoked for about 15 years, maybe longer. I run now. Running is like crack. I just replaced one habit with another.

LOL.....!! " Running is the NEW Crack" would get my vote for a billboard. Smokefree since 1992 from a 1.5 pack a day habit. Couldn't afford it then at $1.85 a pack, could not even imagine it now. I quit cold turkey after a night of partying and knew that the first puff would send me to the toilet to unleash the beast from the night before. I remember saying to myself " I really don't want to see how much I drank and ate last night in the toilet, so I think I will NOT smoke today to save myself a ride on the porcelain bus" and never smoked another cigarette. Aside from the day that I started Couch to 5K, it was the best day of my life.