My apology if this has been repeated by others but I was hoping to start an introduction sticky so we could all "get to know each other"; if it's possible. As for me, I'm Robert from Poplar Bluff, Mo and after 20 yrs of smoking I quit FOR GOOD on 19 MAY 2007! I have been a runner...maybe more of a jogger...since I joined the Army in 1992. I never stay consistent with it and really stop and go all the time. I am trying to get back into shape after being really lazy for the last year after returning from Afghanistan. I started running again March 16th and love the feeling all over again! My goal this year is to keep running, dropping some weight and doing the 5K's I'm registered for and hopefully participate in the St. Judes Marathon as I love to support that organization! Good luck to all the Non-Smokers and those of you that are Quitting finally! I know how difficult it is and only wish you the best! For me it was purely mental and I had to make that decision. Good Luck! Rob

Hi Rob, I quit smoking Aug.20th,2007 and started running. since that time I have run in many events ranging from 5k's to a full marathon, and triathlons from sprints to 1/2 ironmans.

Just quitting smoking is amazing enough but seriously, Triathlons, marathons...DANG! I can only hope to get to do a 1/2 mary...I don't know if I'll ever be able to complete an entire Marathon much less a traithlon! AWESOME!

Hi,

My name's Patrick, I have been running and smoking on and off for many years. I stopped smoking a year ago but kept running and biking. There are still some temptations but as I make better times on my runs (from 9 ish minutes/mile to sub 8min/mile) I find it easier to justify the healthy habits. I have not stopped wine, cheese and beer and do not intend to .

Good luck to everyone.

Thanks for the past and future support.

Patrick

Hi Jay! Welcome to the club! Congratulations on quitting, I'm sure it was one of the toughest things you've had to do, ( maybe not ) it was for most of us. Running is a great side effect of quitting, keep it up.

Hey all, I go by Clay, I am a 42 y/o Air Force Retiree, I quit smoking about 1 yr 2 months ago on September 17, 2008 after smoking since the age of 17. Gave it up cold turkey this time without patches, gum or candy ( think the family was ready to kill me) and have been really successful this time around. I have tried through the years and often used running as my coping method. This time I waited until I was over the crave and then started running again. My ultimate goal is to hit a Marathon before the end of this year.

Welcome Clay and congratulations. Great job quitting cold turkey, I couldn't do that. This forum seems to have slowed a bit but I always try to keep tabs on it. I'd like to see it pick up again. Any marathons in particular you're looking at? I just got back from the P.F. Chang Rock nRoll marathon in AZ. It was a blast, though I really wasn't quite ready for that distance...again.

 

Again, welcome.

 

 

Gotta do my homework real soon and start planning for a marathon. I have ran off and on all through the years but never those distances...8-10  miles max. I have always wanted to run one though,not looking to place, completion would make me happy!

Hi folks,

 

I'm Tom.  I'm 38 and have smoked since I was 18.  I have probably smoked around 20/day for the last 20 years.

 

I started running again (after a 20 year gap) about 2 years ago.  I have done ok.  Last year I was ranked No 1 in the UK and No14 in the world for the 12hr ultra and completed several other ultras, including a 24hr race.  I also compete over shorter distances and in March this year I ran a 10 mi in 59:30.   The rest of my PRs are very out of date.

 

I know that I could be a much better runner if I didn't smoke.

 

Yesterday I smoked 30 cigarettes.  I also ran 30 miles.  I am stupid.

 

5 minutes ago I finished a pack and threw my lighter away.

 

Please help me not to light up another.

 

every time you smoke god kills a kitten.

 

I hate cats.