15 a day smoker's 1st 10 miler

[Twigman]

Dropped the kids back at their Mum's this evening and was itching to get the bike out.

I managed a 10 miler - Dunstable > Totternhoe > round Eaton Bray > Tottenhoe > Dunstable
at an average of 15.7 mph according to my new Cateye Strada Wireless gizmo.
Route involved what is (for me) a tough hill (Totternhoe > Dunstable) so am well pleased with myself.


Only managed to get out on the bike 3 times so far having not cycled for 30 years ( I used to do 40 milers when i was a teen) and having smoked 15-20 a day for as long!

I'm afraid I'm still on the fags - am trying to quit - honest!

While in the saddle I felt like I could've gone on for a fair while longer. Then I got home and got off.
My legs have tightened up ( I am so unfit)...and I coughed my guts up for ages and when I looked in the mirror I thought I was gonna bust a blood vessel.

I suppose we (you?) all started somewhere.....I feel myself getting fitter each time I ride!

Love it

 

[NormanD]

Well done

The miles will soon add up to 50 plus in no time

 

[terry_gardener]

well done, did 20 miler not long ago and it felt good.

you will soon build up the mileage

 

[Cubist]

Good luck with giving up the fags. I quit two years ago now, but being weak willed I needed some help in the form of Champix. If you're really serious don't try and go cold turkey..... get some help, it really worked for me.

 

[Saluki]

Well done. That's a great average speed too.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Cycling, and its thirst for oxygen, is way more addivtive than nicotine.

Soon you will be diverting smoking funds to lighter tyres and bib shorts.

EDIT: Well done!

 

[fenfirsttimer]

Well done you.

Just keep on doing as much as you can - us older novices all have to start somewhere. I am only just doing 10/12 miles on the flat and trying to push my speed up a bit.

Sure when the time is right for you, you will find the strength to give up the fags but don't do it alone - try and find a local quit smoking group to also help you with support & advice if that's your sort of thing - your local Doctors surgery should be able to point you in the right direction.

Keep thinking of the positives of what you are already doing - It's so much better than flaking out on the sofa just thinking about doing it......

 

[roadrash]

i know where your coming from ive just returned to cycling three weeks ago after a 20 year rest finding it more rewarding with each ride though keep at it it will all come good in the end

 

[jackm]

Well done on the rides....

Best advice for dumping the fags, find the book by Alan Carr, its very inspirational, you'll WANT to be a non smoker!! It is by far, the best support for becoming a non smoker, much better than gum, patches, etc

Jack
6 years a reformed smoker

 

[Nordog]

well done mate. And when you on one fag a day you will be doing 70 miles a day plus be able to smell the muck spreading and the bluebells in the spring time. Then you will young again.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Good luck with giving up the fags. I quit two years ago now, but being weak willed I needed some help in the form of Champix. If you're really serious don't try and go cold turkey..... get some help, it really worked for me.

+1 even if it is patches or gum (worked for me and I was 40+ a day)

 

[limerick man]

hi all, new member

I echo what was said. smoker myself and have cut down, cycling 10 miles either way to work for the last year. I realise though that while I continue to smoke I wont really get fit beyond a certain point. I am trying hard and I love being on my hybrid and I also bring my two kids for a 10k cycle most evenings , but the fags are just a waste. I made a promise to my young son(12 and he hates the smell of cigarettes) that I would quit by the time he goes back to school in two weeks, so I have to keep it.


I have gone to the doc and gota bit of support. I cycled a lot in my teens, so am thinking of getting a road bike to do the longer distance at the weekends. Vitus Venium as an entry bike?, I know I will pay for it in 3/4 months from savings on fags.

Its a weed and its very difficult and I do like them but when you hit 40 and kids are at you, its time to quit.

Anyway, sorry for going on, great site and some great posts

Regards

 

[Oxo]

When I gave up smoking many years ago I put my ciggie money in a jar every morning before I set off to work. Just seeing how quickly it buit up and how much extra I could spend on 'boys toys' was a real incentive.

 

[bikergrove]

Good job, wish I could do that, I don't even smoke!

 

[Bungleaio]

Top work, its a great sense of achievement.

I highly recommend giving up the fags, it's been 2 months since my last one, not an easy time but definitely worth it!