Cycling and smoking
11-08-18, 05:50 AM
#26
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I smoked all through my teen years.(It was cool in the 60s) I quit at age 23. Took up cycling in my 30s.
Will turn 65 this weekend.
So thankful I found the power to quit when I did.
Will turn 65 this weekend.
So thankful I found the power to quit when I did.
11-08-18, 12:59 PM
#27
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I do remember that I was expecting to start feeling better immediately and it didn't happen. Especially while riding, and especially while climbing, I coughed up years' worth of crud. I suppose that without any new smoke and tar pushing it back down into my lungs, any exercise and heavy breathing helped my lungs expel what I'd been pumping into them for years. It took a month or two before I actually started feeling better, but it did happen
11-08-18, 02:02 PM
#28
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I do smoke, have been doing it more or less regularly for 20 years. Never been a real hardcore smoker - during the years I smoked on a daily basis, I usually averaged 1/2 pack (10 cigs) for a day. For the last ~4 years I don't smoke on a daily basis anymore, just on social occasions when having a beer with friends. That happens quite a lot though, so it's safe to say I still smoke no less than a pack a week. I haven't yet noticed any significant impact on my health, although there was some improvement in endurance when I dropped the daily smoking, which also coincided with riding more (and it looked like it had more to do wit the latter than the former). I know I should quit for good, but haven't yet found the motivation to to do it.
11-08-18, 02:44 PM
#29
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A former boss of mine was a regular toker. In the morning, at noon, and after work he smoked a joint. At age 35 he developed a hack. At age 50 he quit smoking dope because the hack was coming up every minute or two. To this day he has the hack, fortunately it occurs about twice an hour. For the rest of his days he will hack. Inhaling smoke into the lungs is not a good idea. Keep on quitting!
11-08-18, 03:35 PM
#30
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Cigars and weed are two of life's excellent vices. Nothing like a tasty stogie with a nice NEIPA after a satisfying ride, hike, or day skiing in the back-country.
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Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
11-08-18, 06:11 PM
#32
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Thank goodness I live in Southern California where I can ride all year, more or less. On the East Coast, when I would always stop cycling around October, I would start smoking again. Then I'd stop in spring, and start riding again. Kind of got tired of that cycle.
11-08-18, 10:04 PM
#34
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I smoked for about 12 years, aged 17-29. When I finally was able to quit (cold turkey, no aids) I felt miserable. Slept a lot for weeks. Felt like there was little reason to live! Yes, the addiction really does stuff to your brain.
Once I made it through the worst I decided I needed something else physical to do, so I took up martial arts. (I was already cycling)
That was almost 30 years ago. I shudder to think of what my cardio vascular health and cycling performance would be like now had I not quit... And all the money I would have wasted on smokes!
Occasionally, even after 30 years smoke free, I still fantasize about enjoying a cig, (unfiltered, Lucky Strike for me!) but then the reality of all the drawbacks quickly makes the fantasy disappear.
Once I made it through the worst I decided I needed something else physical to do, so I took up martial arts. (I was already cycling)
That was almost 30 years ago. I shudder to think of what my cardio vascular health and cycling performance would be like now had I not quit... And all the money I would have wasted on smokes!
Occasionally, even after 30 years smoke free, I still fantasize about enjoying a cig, (unfiltered, Lucky Strike for me!) but then the reality of all the drawbacks quickly makes the fantasy disappear.
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11-09-18, 10:46 PM
#35
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Jesus! Good for you! it's the wake up call of all wake up calls! even if it wasn't smoking related, but nothing like coming face to face with your own mortality to force you into making other choices. Congrats!
11-10-18, 12:11 PM
#38
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It is easier to talk about serious matters like this after many years have past but at that time seeing a chest x-ray like this is traumatic. We don`t think of the consequences of our bad habits until it actually happens...and then it is usually too late. We should do more to promote a non-smoking healthy living culture. Raising the price on cigarettes isn`t enough.
11-10-18, 12:14 PM
#39
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I smoked for about 12 years, aged 17-29. When I finally was able to quit (cold turkey, no aids) I felt miserable. Slept a lot for weeks. Felt like there was little reason to live! Yes, the addiction really does stuff to your brain.
Once I made it through the worst I decided I needed something else physical to do, so I took up martial arts. (I was already cycling)
That was almost 30 years ago. I shudder to think of what my cardio vascular health and cycling performance would be like now had I not quit... And all the money I would have wasted on smokes!
Occasionally, even after 30 years smoke free, I still fantasize about enjoying a cig, (unfiltered, Lucky Strike for me!) but then the reality of all the drawbacks quickly makes the fantasy disappear.
Once I made it through the worst I decided I needed something else physical to do, so I took up martial arts. (I was already cycling)
That was almost 30 years ago. I shudder to think of what my cardio vascular health and cycling performance would be like now had I not quit... And all the money I would have wasted on smokes!
Occasionally, even after 30 years smoke free, I still fantasize about enjoying a cig, (unfiltered, Lucky Strike for me!) but then the reality of all the drawbacks quickly makes the fantasy disappear.
11-10-18, 12:23 PM
#40
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With the wildfires all around us in LA today, I could get the same effect by going out for a ride. Being a lifelong non-smoker, I think I'll pass. Good luck with quitting. We all have vices, but the dreaded tobacco is not one of mine.
Yesterday around noon. From Northridge, just below where the big natural gas leak was a few years ago. Less fire and wind today, but with the lack of wind, the smoke is spreading our way. Yuck. Last night we saw flames coming over to "our" side of the ridgeline.
Yesterday around noon. From Northridge, just below where the big natural gas leak was a few years ago. Less fire and wind today, but with the lack of wind, the smoke is spreading our way. Yuck. Last night we saw flames coming over to "our" side of the ridgeline.
Last edited by Slightspeed; 11-10-18 at 12:31 PM.
11-10-18, 01:13 PM
#41
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- I ride just as much (studs and winter gear)
- Smoke fewer cigars (too cold to sit outside for long)
__________________
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
Last edited by Archwhorides; 11-11-18 at 07:09 PM.
11-10-18, 01:41 PM
#42
Banned
First Fire, then Mud.
Now that it's on fire in So Cal, & Nor Cal, again,
you don't even have to smoke anything, yourself..
you don't even have to smoke anything, yourself..
11-10-18, 01:47 PM
#43
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Always wondered who the first human was who thought "hey, let me put some smoke into my lungs and see what happens". That crap killed my grandad, a marine fighter pilot in WW2. He survived a day floating in the pacific with a gunshot wound after getting shot down, but the cigarettes got him. He would literally light one with the one he just finished.
11-10-18, 03:35 PM
#44
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Always wondered who the first human was who thought "hey, let me put some smoke into my lungs and see what happens". That crap killed my grandad, a marine fighter pilot in WW2. He survived a day floating in the pacific with a gunshot wound after getting shot down, but the cigarettes got him. He would literally light one with the one he just finished.
Not word for word, but you get the idea. You younger guys can Google it😄.
And to think I still ride one of his bikes.
11-10-18, 10:40 PM
#45
Bicyclerider4life
I managed to quit smoking after 35 years (2 - 3 packs a day) almost 12 years ago.
I tried the gum and patches ... No good.
I finally quit by switching to Skoal Berry, Cherry, Peach, Apple, and Citrus.
After 6 or so years of Skoal, I quit that by vaping.
I've no desire to start smoking again.
I tried the gum and patches ... No good.
I finally quit by switching to Skoal Berry, Cherry, Peach, Apple, and Citrus.
After 6 or so years of Skoal, I quit that by vaping.
I've no desire to start smoking again.
11-11-18, 04:47 AM
#47
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10-18-19, 10:47 AM
#49
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I knew a guy that ended up smoking a lot over the past couple of years. His performance was noticeable as he would get winded much easier. I hope you overcame your addiction.
10-18-19, 11:01 AM
#50
Senior Member
My father quit when I was seven years old, and I was never so happy because I didn't have to hold my breath in the car anymore. Given that, I've never had any desire to pick up the habit myself. Congrats on your healthier lifestyle.