Week 2 finished! 3 days smoke free! Woohoo!

[Illtryanythingonce]

Well, that's week 2 done and dusted 👍😁

Being a smoker when I started this programme, I also haven't smoked for 3 days now.

I have to say, I've surprised myself with what I've achieved so far with both the running and the smoking... I'm proud of myself and I'm absolutely loving it.

I felt that having started running, stopping smoking now will not only improve the benefits the running brings but will also make the running much easier when the real work starts.

I'm trying to count breathing as I go, but I've not quite got that off to a fine art yet 🙄 I'll keep going with it though!

Thankful that the weather is helping, I've managed to do each of my runs when it's dry, chilly but dry, probably a good combination!

Looking at my workload for the next week, fitting my runs in will take some planning, but I'm adamant I'll get them in somewhere. The way I'm starting to look at things, it's a case of if I can't fit 3 half hour slots of 'me time' into my working week, then maybe work will have to give a bit!

The new me!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Well done with your progress !And smoke free.

I am also an ex smoker .

I was 25 years smoke free on 1st January this year , you can do it .

If you can do one day you can do 2 and 3 then a week , then the next week will just be the same as you've done it before !

And what better time to start the running , you will certainly benefit from doing both .

Don't worry too much about counting breaths, just breathe naturally,

Keep your runs at a slow conversational pace and enjoy the journey 😁👍

[Illtryanythingonce Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you 😊 and wow 25 years... what an amazing achievement!

I've smoked for longer than I care to admit, and have tried to stop before, but having started running makes this time feel different. The two go kind of hand in hand I guess. I know I can do it this time! 💪 😁 and I can't wait to reap the benefits of both.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Illtryanythingonce]

Yes I smoked 20 a day for far too many years , I stopped when I was 40 and started running when 63.Just wish I'd never started smoking and started running sooner 😁

[Illtryanythingonce Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

I'm absolutely with you on that! 😁

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Flipping fantastic on bot running and no smoking, both huge achievements, I’m almost 3 years running and today marks 2 years smoke free

[Illtryanythingonce Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you 😊 it's early days but I look forward to being able to encourage others with similar words one day 🙂

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Illtryanythingonce]

Pop over to Quit Support there’s loads of encouragement there

[Me_time Graduate]

Awesome! 👏

[Illtryanythingonce Graduate in reply to Me_time]

Thank you 😊

[Frenc Graduate]

Well done on both counts. They are 2 of the best decisions you could ever make! 😊

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate]

Well done! The first couple of days of not smoking are the worst so if you've done 3 days things will get easier. Ex smoker here too, over 30 years. The running gets better and better as you progress through c25k as well. So congratulations on starting 2022 on such a positive note, by the end of the year you'll be a different and much fitter person 🏃

[Illtryanythingonce Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Well done you too, an amazing achievement 👏

I can't wait feel the benefits! I'm sure a lot of them will be gradual, but it won't be long before I can look back and realise at least some difference!

[Jell6 Graduate]

Imagine the running gear you can buy with the money you save 💷💰. I haven't smoked for about 22 years now, I occasionally still miss it, and occasionally still dream I've had one🙄🤣🤣. The improvement in your breathing happens very quickly, and running will make it even better. Well done new you 👏

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Oh, that smoking dream. When I wasn't drinking I'd occasionally dream that I'd somehow accidentally drunk about three pints of lager and I'd get very confused by that one 😂

[Illtryanythingonce Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Hahaha, I haven't had any dreams about it yet 😅

But yes, running gear is all that's on the list of stuff to buy 😁 I'm determined to do something good/for myself with the savings.

I'm hoping the improved breathing will help me through week 3 😁