*nervously* Anyone else smoke? *ducks below parapet*

[RachFlynn]

Just wondered is anyone else is a runner AND a smoker?

I understand that's a bit of a contradiction in terms but wondered if it was just me?

[Amethyst_isis]

Hey Rach!

I too am a smoker... I have managed to cut down to 2-3 a day from 10-15 a day by using an E-cig but for some reason I just can't survive without the first thing in the morning, the after work and the before bed ciggie...

I have only just started the C25K this week, I wanted to cut down on my smoking for a couple of weeks before I started to make sure I didn't cause myself to have a heart attack...

Hoping to be able to kick the habit fully and just stick to the electronic one soon though.

[tantrumbean Graduate]

I did till February this year, so completed C25K while being quite a heavy smoker. I know it is totally not good for you, but strangely enough it didn't seem to affect my running too much, although my times have improved slightly since giving up.

[Hidden]

Gave up in October after 42 years. Now I can run better and for longer.I graduated in April last year.

[outofbreathatlot]

i gave up when I started a beginners running course...I am now on week 7 but I have had slip ups on a couple of weekends but find the running is a good incentive not to in the week...before my slip ups I did notice my lungs were beginning to clear and my body could not seem to get enough oxygen...I think you will just give up when ready as I have heard people smoke but run marathons...don't imagine I could and I do think I can run better when I don't have the slip ups....must admit I found it hard to find a forum about running for ex-smokers so thanks for asking the question!

[MumOnTheRun Graduate]

I do :/ Due to graduate from C25K on Sunday and my breathing is 10 times better than my non-smoking running buddy! Can't say it's caused much of a problem up until now. For Week 8 I decided to NOT have that coffee and smoke first thing in the morning before running, but have it when I got back from my run instead. It didn't make a blind bit of difference.

Having said that, I am planning to give up sometime in the next few months but I'll be giving up because I really want to rather than because I have to in order to run.

[RachFlynn Graduate]

Thanks for answering everyone - I know smoking is a bit of a 'dirty' word in the running community so thanks for your honesty - seems it's not just me then!

I find myself cutting back on the day of my runs but still have one when I get in and have done my cool down - it doesn't seem to have affected me much *touches wood*

I was smoking heavily when I did C25k; I'm currently running 10k and have cut down a little bit but I'm doing okay (better than my non-smoking friends!) but I have a half marathon looming in September so that may be the push I've been looking for to give up!

Good luck with your running guys and thanks for sharing! x

[fightingfit Graduate]

Hey Rach ! I smoke like 2 a day and don't find it affects my running. My cousin has just completed 2 Marathons in the space of 2weeks ( she is a machine! lol ) and she smokes ALOT , she smokes roll ups ? Don't know if that makes any difference though. X

[mark909 Graduate]

Running and smoking is better than just smoking

[outofbreathatlot]

I really like that reply that running and smoking is better than just smoking....I am having a constant battle with trying to give up but it is affecting my running now I am doing 3 x mile runs but I figure just keep trying...

[pompelipom]

Oh, I thought it was just me I'm always looking forward to my reward/smoke after a run. I actually quit smoking for three months and used electronic vaporizers instead, but started smoking again a couple of weeks ago. I am noticing that the running is harder now, but that could be due to other things as well, so I dont know. Anyway, will try to quit the coming week (after my exams).

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I gave up rather publicly here a while ago, I stopped for about 3 months, but didn't feel the slightest bit different, so oops, I started again! I'm not a heavy smoker, 6 - 8 a day, and the one after running is the best of the lot! Yes, better to run and smoke than just smoke...I drink way too much too!

[simonwilliamstutor Graduate]

I had to run past a smoker this morning. I held my breath as I passed him!

[davidy233]

Yes I smoke - about 20 a day - which is ridiculous considering I can go on holiday for a couple of weeks and don't smoke at all (or even think about it) then. 

In the last month I've lost half a stone, pretty much stopped drinking and started running - none of them have been particularly difficult (except when Laura says 'You're halfway through' - it can't be that hard to bin the smoking as well.

And the monetary benefits of that would be massive - two and a half grand to spend on myself if I can stop for a year.

Just ran out of fags and I'm going to give this a go.