Did you smoke and stop and notice any difference cycling.

[clid61]

Stopped smoking aged 37 , 17 years ago.Feel miles better but drink far more now , compensation me thinks , lungs or liver ?

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Remind me to let you know next summer, last roll-up Sat night, I haven't ridden much this year, but I took up cycling whilst smoking, my lung capacity improved greatly, better than many non-smokers in the house, I have quite before, some 25 years ago for 5 years or so, but wasn't riding.
I catch myself sometimes going to want to make a roll-up then I check myself, I can't say I have noticed any pangs and I should be passed the worst of any cravings.
I had a dependency on drink not so very long ago well 5 years, or so, quitting that was hard, in fact pretty brutal to be honest (the first 2-3 days being far worse than anything I have experienced from smoking) so much so it was easier to stay kettled, but I beat that (so far).
I haven't done much cycling these last six months so we will see what the new year brings.

 

[123456789]

I can't really answer that question in the true sense of the word as I quit smoking about 12-18 months prior to starting cycling. In fact the reason I started cycling was to lose some of the weight I had gained after stopping.
I did have a smoking relapse for about a month or two and the damage it did to my cycling was quite frankly astounding. I still distinctly remember one particular hill that coincidentally I rode just before my relapse and then again about a month or two after my relapse and I wheezed and struggled up it like a beginner again. The rest of the ride did not go too well either

That was my epiphany moment and I have not craved a cigarette since (approx 5 years now)

You may not notice the change as fitness improves gradually but trust it you riding will be very different

 

[Absinthe Minded]

I stopped two years ago and I don't feel any different apart from the fact that I am delighted that I don't smoke anymore.

Another victory for Allen Carr's book.

 

[Nomadski]

I started cycling when I was an unfit smoker who hadn't done regular exercise in, well, ever.

I gave up pretty soon after starting more because I felt like a right tit lighting up around sportsy type folks while dressed in full MAMIL gear.

Have no context to whether not smoking helps me to plod thru the miles any easier, just doing exercise is a benefit in of itself.

Having said that, 3 years and counting, I won't go back to the sticks of doom.

 

[Stevec047]

I gave up smoking rolies Feb last year and switched to vaping.

Yes I know it's still damaging but the difference it has made is amazing. Before I would get out of breath just walking up some stairs at work now I can happily scoot up them no issues.

My biggest thing holding me back is my overall weight and lack of fitness but over the past few months minus the fags eating better and the cycling my jeans are looser shirts fit better and I have so much more energy. Long way to go but it's enjoyable and worth it.

 

[Tanis8472]

How's the no smoking going?

I am so close myself. I want to stop and will. Hopefully the missus will help by not smoking in the house anymore!
I did stop for several years and noticed a huge difference when at Cadwell Park Circuit after starting again.
I could walk around and up the hilly slopes with ease before starting again when walking up the hills puffed me out

 

[bozmandb9]

When I used to smoke, I always noticed it was a bugger to light the ciggie when cycling! Either you need a Zippo, or ride no handed and do that trick with the match box where you use the end to shelter the lit match! When I stopped I found it easy to light the cigarette!

But seriously, didn't smoke recently enough to notice, however I got a spirometry test recently, and my lung function was at 113% of what it should be for my age. Apparently it could be a lot better if I'd never smoked.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I was a heavy smoker (roll-ups) and cyclist, I gave up cycling years ago and feel much better for it.