Topic I've Avoided

[backinthesaddle]

I have been a member for a few weeks now, and have received some awesome advice about which bikes to consider and what to look out for. I think I have almost settled on a bike. Thanks so much.

I have avoided discussing a topic mainly because i didn't want to be judged. I figured honestly however, that I may not be alone in this, or at the very least this could be an area where a few of you might be able to offer up additional advice, (i hope not criticisms)

I am a smoker (there i said it)

I have smoked for over 25 years, more than half my life. I have tried quitting so many times, but I think honestly I just like smoking cause i can't figure any other reason why i haven't released this nasty habit. I have all the good reasons to quit, mostly i want to live, I have 3 beautiful children, a husband, a father and other relatives who have died of cancer, smelly clothes, yellow teeth, bad breath, on and on and on.

I think getting into cycling will have 1 of 2 effects, I will be able to ride, but it will be sorely compromised, or i won't be able to breathe or get up a hill, and i will be forced to quit. I hope the latter. I am honestly sick of it. The cost alone is enough to quit, but I haven't. I set a new quit date of April 15, and I plan to give it an all out try.

[salsabike]

Good for you for posting this.

I smoked for many years before I quit. The most helpful thing I found was not just being physically active--I smoked during 12 years of being a dancer, as lots of other dancers did. It was years later on, when I made a training commitment to goals that required lots of regular, strenuous activity, like a long bike ride or a triathlon, that it got easier to quit. I would find myself thinking, "Do you really want to have diminished breathing capacity tomorrow, when you have to do X activity on your training schedule?" And often the answer was, "No, not worth it; I'd rather feel good when I do this activity." And eventually I didn't need to smoke anymore.

Smoking is a very public habit and it's easy to judge smokers. I have often wondered what private, not-good habits those judgers have, that are just less visible. Anyone trying to quit smoking deserves support. It is not an easy addiction to conquer. Good for you for continuing to try.

[OakLeaf]

Good luck BitS. My DH and my father are both ex-smokers and I know from watching them how difficult it is to quit. It's not just lab rats who find tobacco more addictive than cocaine.

Most of all, I hope and pray that your next attempt to quit is successful, but if you relapse, don't beat yourself up. Keep trying.

[lph]

I count myself lucky that of my many strong habits, none are harmful, and that by chance I never started smoking as a teenager. My brother did, and most likely it killed him, he had a sudden heart attack and died young.

Just to say that I know very well how hard it can be to kick a habit, even more an addiction, and how much chance can play a role in who starts smoking and who doesn't. I've also seen many people with very good reasons to quit smoking who still haven't managed to do so, while others quit without much trouble, so I'm convinced that some people have much stronger addictions than others. So I certainly won't judge you! But I do wish you the best of luck finally kicking that habit out of your life, at some point.

[skhill]

You're not the only smoker hanging around here (alas).... I'm just 2 weeks from running my first half-marathon, and I'm still smoking a pack a day. Last Sat., the first thing I did after my 13.5 mile run was light up. This morning, I competed in a 3k run (and did pretty damn well) and was wishing I'd brought a cig with me, because it's awfully hard to find someone to bum one from at the finish line of a race...

But this is going to be my last pack. If I quit now, my lungs will have 2 weeks to clear out before the big race. And maybe I'll be able to hit the high notes come Easter a little easier....

Good luck, backinthesaddle! And remember, you're not alone.

[shootingstar]

For now, instead of focusing so much on quitting, try cycling the new bike when you get it.

Hope you fall in love with cycling so much, that the love will overtake the need to smoke as often or hopefully not all later.

As a side story, my partner's daughter smokes. And has for past decade. At this time in life, she walks and takes transit. That's exercise so far.

Strangely she looks at her father and myself as cycling fanatics, and thinks we're on a "drug" and that it's unhealthy to be addictd to cycling.

Ok. I wonder if that opinion will hold 10-15 yrs. from now, when her metabolism won't be as high to maintain her good weight.

May you swap 1 addiction for another addiction, but healthier.

[Selkie]

No one will judge you. My mom smoked all of her adult life (died of a sudden heart attack at age 75---no indication she had heart issues). She was a chain smoker. Heart disease is in our family, so I'm not sure how much the smoking contributed because of the genetic factor. Anyway, I digress.

Quitting is your decision. Obviously, it's the best thing for your health but you know all this already. Just wanted to wish you good luck, lots of strength/will power/courage. I remember when my dad quit cold turkey after years of smoking---it was horrible for him but he did it.

[Zen]

It did take a lot of courage to post that.
To paraphrase Dave Chappelle as Rick James, nicotine is a helluva drug.
But so is Chantix. I highly recommend it.

[newtobikesmama]

bits-I am in the same boat, although I haven't been smoking as long. I am waiting for the weather to get nice enough to ride every day. I quit smoking for four days last week and started up again when I was bored. How lame is that?? Good luck to you!!!

[LizzyBee]

Wow, that takes some courage to admit that, thank you for posting it and sharing it with us. I can't relate to the smoking but I struggle with my own demons as everyone does. Be patient with yourself and if you are ready to make changes, you do it on your timetable.

Take care!
Liz

[SadieKate]

I have often wondered what private, not-good habits those judgers have, that are just less visible.

Thin Mints. There. I said it.

backinthesaddle - we're cheering for you!

[marni]

white rice with loads of butter and salt especially when I have just finished cooking, followed by graham crackers slathered with peanut butter. all fat, salt and nothing healthy.
Down from two or more per week to possibly two (if that) a year.

good luck with your riding, and your quitting and bravo to you for letting us know to send you positive thoughts and support on all fronts.

marni

[violetpurl]

I smoked for more than 21 years, but quit last June. I can't say enough good things about Chantix. I had good luck with it and it caused just enough nausea (the tiniest bit) that I didn't gain weight. I bought my first bike as a treat to myself for quiting (and now have 3 ).

[Lemongrass]

I really admire your courage admitting to your addiction.

Salsabike pointed out the obvious - smokers have a very visible habit.

If anyone was to see me in the kitchen at 6am they'd see me having a cup of espresso (flat white for the Australians and Kiwis) and - chocolate. Or chocolate biscuits. The other day it was chocolate cake.

But because no-one sees me, no-one can judge me. But everyone can judge smokers.

I do hope you enjoy your riding, and that it gives you the confidence to make any decision you're comfortable with. Good luck!

(And now I'm off to have my second flat white of the day, and some Tim Tams!)

[Tuckervill]

I know three people who were hypnotized, put their cigarettes down that day and have never smoked since. No Chantix no patch no nothing. I went to the same hypnotist, and there was a giant pile of cigarette packs in a box by the door. I think it's worth a shot.

Karen