Newbie alert

[Branners12]

Evening all. This is my first post (been stalking the group for a week or so) you folks are great. Just finished week three of giving up smoking and week two of C25K! Feeling great. Nervous about week three though.

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

Don't be nervous - you can do it! There were weeks where I chose to repeat a week rather than move on to the next - you can do that if you want to but my advice is to give it a go and see how you get on. There is no such thing as a fail on this forum - only practice runs - and no run is a wasted run! The programme is tough - if it wasn't then everyone would be doing it - but it is also achievable. I couldn't even run for a minute when I started and here I am, now running 5k! I never ever thought I'd be able to run 5k! Just believe in yourself!

[Branners12 Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

Thank you so much! If I can quit the cigarettes I can do this. Gulp

[Hidden in reply to Branners12]

Pretty sure you can do it even if you don't, but there are so many reasons to quit smoking anyway.

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to Branners12]

Yes you can because everyone on here will support you. True story. I'm a Practice Manager for a medical practice. We see a lot of people who are, to put it tactfully, slowly killing themselves with their lifestyle choices - and I was one of those people. As I get older the pounds pile on much easier than they drop off. I was eating too much rubbish, drinking too much booze and did absolutely no exercise. When patients decide to do something to improve their health - like giving up smoking and starting to exercise, my GPs are soooooo happy. It's not easy to do and they know that - it's far easier to sit on the couch and do nothing. But my GPs come to our daily coffee break happy and motivated when people like you and me decide we will change. so, well done, don't underestimate your achievements and when you have tough runs - which you will because every single one of us do - remember what you've achieved so far and post on here - because we'll all encourage you and support you when you need it xx

[Hidden in reply to RebeccaSK]

Rebecca won't say it but I will... she is one of the most inspiring runners on this forum. Gutsy, supportive and really really committed. She is a superhero in Lycra! Use her as your running role model and you won't go wrong. Good luck for W3, nice you've kept going please let us know how you get on.

[Branners12 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You are all amazing! Will certainly keep you informed. Start week 3 on Monday

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You are too kind Hidden and I don't feel at all deserving of such words. I just share my struggles rather than keeping them to myself <3

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

That is so true...my cholesterol high so dr said would give me 3 months to try and bring it down. She suggested C25K...I said are you having a laugh I've just turned 50!! But I went home and thought about it...downloaded the app and went out on the Sunday...she phoned on the Monday and was delighted when I told her. She said "I love it when my patients listen to me!! Not sure the weight is shifting as yet but will be interesting to see what effect it may have had on cholesterol. May still have to go on tablets, but if I do it won't be because I haven't bothered!!

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to Polly2810]

It's really hard for GPs - all too often patients don't listen to them and just want a pill prescribed. There are times when that is appropriate and, as you say, if you try other ways but you still need medication then that's one of those things and maybe you're just one of those people who has naturally high cholesterol and does need medication. But nowadays people don't want to address the cause of their medical problems - it's easier just to take medication to solve the problem. My BP was high when I started C25K and my GP was talking about medication. I took my BP the other day and it wasn't just in range it was optimum. Running has done so much for me. I'm less stressed, I sleep better and have way more energy, my skin is better than it's been in all my life and I don't make those getting old groaning noises when I get out of my chair every time! I was very much in denial and told anyone who would listen that running is bad for you and not natural - and I remain to be convinced that marathons and ultra marathons are good for you - but running a gentle 5k a couple of times a week has done wonders for me!

[Polly2810 Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

Spot on...if I still have to then fair enough. At least I am trying.

[Branners12 Graduate]

Thank you

[Branners12 Graduate]

I will keep you all posted

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just run... each week makes you stronger, each week gives you confidence.... forget fear.... waste of time... just know that the programme, if you follow it, will get you to Week 9!

[Irish-John Graduate]

Quit a heavy nicotine addiction of almost 40 years nearly about three years ago. It isn't easy - but the trick is to realise that the actual mental factor of the addiction lasts three minutes at a time ( I won't say 'only' last three minutes because in the first few weeks that is a LONG time when you are trying to quit the demon weed )

After three minutes, its a case of 'muscle memory' ( missing cigarette in hand) Lack of conviction/confidence 'I tried before and this time won't work either' and a - yes - sense of loss. Cigarette's were our toxic best friends for quite a while - always on hand, always ready to distract us from the moment, always - thanks to the insidious advertising - there to give us that sense that WE are in control of SOME part of our life at least

Get a small digital timer. Set it for four minutes on countdown. Carry it everywhere. Every time you want to smoke, hit the start button. If you still want to smoke after four minutes - REALLY want to smoke - go for it. Yes - you are only quitting four minutes into the future, not 'forever'. At four minutes think of how much fun you will have running without feeling your lungs are trying to blow out through your nose or rear end, and I would really also urge you to stash the money you would have spent on cigs in a 'Not to be opened/counted for one year from quit date' VERY SECURE cash box.

The combination of the four minutes to get over the chemical addiction, the lure of wondering how much cash you will have in that box after a year was enough to do the job for me - did not start running untill almost two years or something later...but I absolutely guarantee you that if I had still been smoking I would probably have had the heart attack that was about to slam me that first day. I was literally going blue in the face Day One.

However - that coronary and a lot of other things are no longer the risk factor they were ( plus I have not needed to use the Asthma Inhalers that were a part of my life forever in over a year now ) thanks to running.

And I am enjoying not only the running but the new found and amazingly life affirming social aspect - on here and with a few others that run, heck even just a wave and smile to and from total strangers out running sets me up for the rest of the day - and this last year and a bit has been one of the most satisfying in many ways in my life

Wishing you many smoke free and happy miles in your future And yes - you can have them