Just curious are there any ex-smokers who quit couple of years ago?
Hate to say it, but ya.
Define “couple of years ago”. I smoked, ahem, herbs of a *natural *variety pretty regularly from 1985-1989. Haven’t touched the stuff since.
I did work at a pro shop when I was in college and was surprised at how many of the wrenches were VERY proficient mountain bike racers even though they smoked (cigarettes and other things) daily.
Yep. Here’s the thing. I smoked about 2 packs a day from age 14 until age 18. I’m 28 now. I smoked socially for the 9 years after I officially quit. Now, I haven’t had a single puff since Juanuary 4th, 2006 and I’ll probably never have another puff again.
Unfortunately it is (or was) true. I did mountainbike racing, short course xc and later on downhill and during those times I was (and lots of others) were smoking. I smoked 16 years and been smoke free for almost 7 years now. On my last years I was smoking more than a pack. I don’t think I’ll ever go back, it was a whole life style change for me but being smoking for 16 years and not doing any kind of active sports until age 32 has done some permanent damage.
My reason for asking was, does anyone feel the signs of smoking even after you quit?
Define “couple of years ago”. I smoked, ahem, herbs of a *natural *variety pretty regularyly from 1985-1989. Haven’t touched the stuff since.
I did work at a pro shop when I was in college and was surprised at how many of the wrenches were VERY proficient mountain bike racers even though they smoked (cigarettes and other things) daily.
I definitely have some minor lung issues. Now, whether it’s because I smoked or because my parents smoked around me while I was growing up or because my mom smoked while I was in the womb is still to be determined. However, I have some exercise induced asthma now. Also, I just feel like I can’t breathe sometimes. I can tell my lungs are expanding, but it doesn’t feel like I’m getting any oxygen.
Yes, and I have the asthma (and associated medical & Rx bills) to prove it.
Quit in 2000. Had a HORRIBLE time the first few years after that.
However, even though I’m now in the 45-49 AG, I’m faster & stronger than ever. I completed my first 70.3 Ironman last year, first full marathon this year, as well as set a new 5K PR a few weeks ago. The other day I went riding with 3 friends who are training for IMOO (2 of which are significantly better cyclists than me), and at the end of 3.5 hours of solid hill work, I was dropping them all. And this was the day after I swam 4 miles OW.
I say this not to toot my own horn, but to indicate that having smoked need not be a “performance limiter” for the rest of your life. The longer you’re away from the sticks, the better your lungs will be. For the AVERAGE (non-athletic) person, lungs will return to normal after 15 years without smoking. I’m thinking that my participation in endurance sports has significantly accelerated the return to health for my lungs.
But I still have asthma, and always will. That sucks, but will proper meds, it’s manageable.
Hope this helps!
Brian
I was a pack/day smoker for four years in college. Quit in May of 2001 and was running and cycling the following summer.
For me, it was harder to get through the effects of a poor lifestyle than it was to get through the effects of smoking. I’m sure my lung capacity isn’t quite 100%, but it’s good enough for me.
the only thing i feel after quitting over 10 years ago is the infrequent desire to smoke on cold mornings while having a cup of coffee.
i was never a heavy smoker on a consistent basis though, and it was basically during college (random smoking for a couple of years after college).
it amazes me that after these years of not smoking, every now and then i want to. nicotine is a hell of a drug.
I smoked for about 10 years & I stopped 6 years ago…
Fred.
can’t say it was a couple years ago.
however…i was a very heavy smoker as in up to 3 packs a day for many years.
in an unrelated situation i lost about 3/4’s of the right lung. it was a good time to quit.
haven’t touched anything tobacco or otherwise related since '89.
did my first tri in '91 and haven’t stopped since.
Smoked for 30years, quit 3 years ago. My metabolism went through a massive change when I quit and ultimately led to triathlon. I have found endorphins a suitable substitute for the nicotine.
I seem to take longer than most to adapt to training but that may be my age/genetics more than the smoking.
My last smoke was New Years Eve, 2002.
Yep, never been a heavy smoker, quit 4 years ago, but still have a few when pissed. stangely, I often ride better after a night out…how does that work???
Smoked a pack a day for four years in college. Then quit…in 1972.
Pack a day for 10 years all in my 20’s. What a waste. And I have some lung issues as well.
I still miss the smell and taste sometimes.
I was nearly pack/day in from when I was 19 and 20. Now, I’m 22, and in good tri shape. Man, that seems like a long time ago now…
-Brian
Yes I started smoking when I was 12. I smoked until I was 24 about a pack/day. That was about 13 years ago. I am in great shape now. Keep it up!
3 packs a day. Satrted at 14 and quit cold turkey at age 42. Lots of nervous energy led to: Walks at lunch, short runs, 5K, 10K, 1/2 Mary, Marathon, Sprint Tri, Olympic Tri, 1/2 Im. Up next IM Kentucky, oddly enough the home of Tobbaco!
Smoked for 10 years. Like most of you I assume, I failed several times at quitting. The one thing that helped me quit and still not be a smoker is tri. Besides how gross I think it is now, I know I won’t be able to perform. I’m no podium finisher but I still want to be my best.
I took a life insurance exam recently and got the cheapest, non-published rate due to excellent health.