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Posts created by Ellie

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12

Just quit 3 days ago...

after 30 years of moderate (and sometimes heavy) smoking. I am a runner...I know...it doesn't make any sense. I can run half marathons, 5ks and 10ks and am even training for a marathon. I know I will be able to run much faster without the cigs. So far, so good. I've had some cravings, mostly in the evening after dinner. I find myself, however, looking forward to future cigarettes (like on the way home, on the morning commute, after dinner, etc.), and then I remember that I don't smoke and that there will not be a cigarette in the future. Sort of depressing, but my lungs feel so good after only 3 days that I just want to stay off them.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12

This is why you think about smoking...

This is a great post for keeping me motivated. Thanks.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12

Just quit 3 days ago...

Hi, Everyone,

It has taken me a while to get back in here and I was really amazed at your supportive responses. Thank you, every single one of you. I really appreciate it, and it was nice to see other runners here. I'm not the only person crazy enough to run and smoke. Anyway, my introduction was slightly depressing with my thinking of future cigarettes that were not to be, but I can tell you, now, that I'm OK.

I have not slipped since I quit on November 14, and I'm able to breathe again. I have survived a holiday without them and a long drive without them. I have even survived a glass of wine with them! It feels great. I had gotten to a point where I felt like my lungs just weren't up to the challenge of smoking anymore, and I feel like they are beginning to heal.

I turned 50 a few days ago, and I'm glad to have stopped before that birthday. Although all birthdays are significant, I can't, personally, imagine continuing to smoke from here on out. Both of my parents quit around age 50 and they are both alive today. Dad just turned 81 and mom is 76.

Good luck to all here. Even though we tend to personalize our smoking lives, we really all are in the same boat. Thanks for your love and encouragement. Hope I can do the same for you.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12

Just quit 3 days ago...

Yes, I would love to be non-smoking buddies. Sorry it took me so long to get back. First the holidays, then I couldn't figure out how to find this thread again and respond.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12

Just quit 3 days ago...

Thanks for the encouragement. I really have not had too many cravings in the last couple weeks, but last night I was truly jonesing for a smoke. I did not give in, however, and am still clean this morning. Whew.

When my parents stopped smoking, my mother's cough cleared up. She told me she coughed up blood one morning, and that scared the crap out of her. She never touched a cigarette after that day, and she had smoked from age 18 to 50 over a pack a day. Dad's health improved also. He was constantly clearing his throat, but that went away also. I visited them over Thanksgiving. Although he has not smoked for over 25 years, he still instinctively reaches for the breast pocket on his shirts (where he kept his cigs for years). I think that's interesting. Even though there have not been cigs and lighter in that pocket for so long, he still has the arm action. My parents have saved tens of thousands of dollars since then.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12

Just quit 3 days ago...

Hey, Natalie,

Yes, it is awesome that we both have made this commitment. I bough a new car over the Thanksgiving holiday, and the thought of getting it all smoked up makes me sick to my stomach. Yet another reason to stay off them. I have not had any intense cravings since I quit, but last night I wanted a smoke very badly. I didn't cave, though, so I was very happy this morning. One of the things I have not liked for years is the taste of smoke in my lungs and mouth upon waking in the morning. Brushing does not get rid of it. It's nasty and deep down. My body tried so hard to clean all that crap out every nigh while I slept, and then I just bombarded it again every day.

I have a 5K tomorrow morning, and I can't wait to see how I'll do compared to last year's time on the same course. I'm a year older, but I've also quit smoking.

You're right about the wine, the drives, etc. I can learn to love them each without smoking. It's just a matter of re-wiring the brain. I love driving my new car, so the next long trip (Christmas) will be a lot of fun.

You sound just as psyched as me about quitting. How is it going for you? I hope the rewards outweigh any fleeting desires.

Ellie

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12

Just quit 3 days ago...

Hey, how do I upload a picture on my profile. I can't seem to figure out how to go back to "profile" and update it. Thanks.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12

Just quit 3 days ago...

I ran a 5K this morning in 25:17. That beat my last year's time (same race) by 1 minute and 3 seconds. I was ecstatic. I have not improved a running time in about three years, maybe longer! It REALLY does make a difference even with just 17 days? of not smoking.

How have you been doing? Hope you're well and staying focused and busy. Good thoughts.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12

Favorite Stop Smoking Quote

I really like this one:

I would rather be thinking about smoking some of the time than thinking about quitting all of the time.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 12

Monday Morning Stats Parade

Tomorrow will be a big milestone for me...one month without smoking. It has not been hard to quit this time, because I was getting to where I couldn't breathe. I am very aware of my improved breathing, now, and I take the opportunity a couple times a day to close my eyes, breathe very deeply, exhale and really enjoy this new freedom.

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