W2R1 - Currently at this stage. My question is, I'm a smoker, will I be able to get to W9R3 or am I kidding myself?

[Dansmum]

[Jenbie Graduate]

Have you considered stopping smoking? I'm pretty sure that would improve your lung capacity and improve your chances of completing the programme. I know you could do it if you quit smoking, as my father-in-law smoked for about 20 years and then quit and took up running, and had since done marathons and all sorts. I'm afraid I have no idea otherwise though. Hopefully someone else can help. I would have thought it might depend partly on how much you smoke, how long you have been smoking and your age and general health?

[Dansmum Graduate in reply to Jenbie]

Thank you for answering. Yes, giving up is the right answer but at the moment that seems harder than doing the c25k, hopefully the joy of running will become more important than the nasty weed!

[Rose885 Graduate]

I know of one graduate (Bxster) who was a smoker when she started the programme, not sure if she has given up but she was cutting down the amount last I heard. I guess it depends on how heavy a smoker you are and how much it effects your breathing. Obviously it would be best to quit but I would probably try to cut down as much as possible and continue the programme and see how you feel. You defiantly shouldn't use it as an excuse not to try, you're already on week 2!

I'm guessing if you're taking up running then you are taking an interest in your health so you might find you have a desire to cut down or quit the fags the further your get in the programme.

Good luck!

[Dansmum Graduate in reply to Rose885]

Thank you for that, you have given me encouragement to continue and I'm hoping that what you suggest may happen in your last paragraph, does.

[Hidden]

I smoked 10 cigarettes a day and I completed the programme in 9 weeks. It all depends onn your lung capacity. I have swum all my life and do 60 lengths 3 times a week, so I knew I could run. I now smoke less and will soon be giving up. Good luck.

[Dansmum Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, it is so good to hear from people who have been successful, it does give one hope that they can join the ranks of Graduate. Thanks, again.

[Bxster Graduate]

Hi, Rose is right I am indeed a smoker, I haven't quite managed to give up, good days and not so good, but have cut down a lot, (4 today) I have a challenge going on with myself to not smoke on run days and it really does make running easier to deal with. I have managed the 9 weeks, well 12 now, I run around 4k in 30 mins and also know that it would be better without the smokes - I'll get there

[Dansmum Graduate in reply to Bxster]

Thanks Bxster, you and everyone else who answered my question have been very encouraging and really helped my mindset. That's, a good tip about not smoking on run days so I'm going to try it today for my W2R2 later. I'm sure you will get there Bxster, judging by your achievements so far.

[KathrynB]

Hi Dansmum, I've been smoking 20 a day for nearly 20 years now (that looks terrible written down!) and I've just reached the end of the 7th week of the programme with no real problems. Having said that, the increased energy and stamina I've got from the running has given me the confidence and motivation to give up smoking this week. Good luck to you.

[debbzi Graduate]

I smoked 40 a day until just over three months ago. I got as far as week 3 while still smoking but didn't progress beyond that until I quit (with the aid of Champix). I'm now happily running 5k two or three times a week, as well as doing lots of other exercise which would have been beyond me. I couldn't have graduated while still smoking but I'm over 50 and was a very heavy smoker. As you can see, others have managed it.

Good luck to you - and to all those commenting who are planning to give up. I wish I'd done it (and the C25K) years ago xxx