Has anyone quit and ran? - Smoking Cessation Message Board

GriffinS09 · 08-09-2003, 10:21 AM

Has anyone quit smoking and then took up running with the ability to push hard and not feel out of breath?

I've been smoking for the past 3 years. I have always averaged about 1 pack every 2 day's. To date, I can run a straight mile non-stop if I jog. But if I sprint, there is no way. I finally have my motivation to quit smoking. I'm going to be playing lacrosse for my college come Spring. So I have from untill college starts untill that time to get my lungs in shape. Otherwise, I won't be able to play due the lack of running ability. It will kill me.

So I'm curious if anyone has actually quit and got their lungs back into shape.

lidia09 · 08-10-2003, 01:04 PM

Hi Griffin
I never quit & ran but I quit & swam! Boy did I see my lungs get back in shape! My first try I did 13 lengths of the pool & nearly expired! My legs were like jelly when I got out of that pool. Not only was I a smoker but also asthmatic.

In a matter of weeks I could swim a mile & still talk at the end of it! Even the asthma nurse said she would die after swimming a mile. Quitting smoking was one of my better decisions in life!

Lidia

shamsung · 08-20-2003, 10:36 AM

Hey, I'm in the same boat as you. I've smoked for 3 years and I played varsity sports in high school. Right now, after a whole summer of smoking lots of cigs, I'm starting to realize I'd rather quit and play soccer again at the top of my game. It's hard, and doing running to get back in shape. From what I've heard, quitting smoking is a lot easier if you're physically active doing things. My mom smoked for ten years and quit for several, and then she started running. Now she can do the four and five miler runs.