I have to quit!!

[guitarsark]

smoking cigarettes that is...
my ass is getting kicked on the trails! Any ex-smokers out there??
karen

[Mt.A TODD]

An EVIL self destructive habit! Screw it, I like those death sticks! I have tried to quit, but cutting back seems to work better than cold turkey. Huge difference in "Lung Power" when not smoking. Switched to rolling drum, but too harsh and messy. American Spirits "MED" are way less addictive, you will crave them less, and lungs feel less used. I go though spurts of quitting, I tend to smoke less during Summer & Winter. One good trick is to plan a big epic ride or race in advance, get your lungs in shape for the event, it's no Lance Armstrong training, just quit! At least cut your intake in half, you will see improvement in "Lung Power" very quickly. You must use the Force and resist the Dark Side!

[Ginger]

HI Karen: I hope you are successful in quitting. I have not smoked in over 21 years. However, my husband does. Every time we go out on the trail, bike paths, he seems to get the urge to have a "Quick" smoke and pulls over & lights one! I am so embarrassed. Anyway, the funny thing is, after he is finished, he always BLOWS me away!!!!!!! What shame I feel! LOL. Have you tried the patch? My girlfriend came over the other day for a birthday party. She was a heavy smoker for many years. She did not light up once. When asked how she quit she proudly told us that she went to a hypnotist! She has been smoke free for over one year now! I am trying to get my husband to stop smoking as well! Good Luck! ;D 8)

[Endocalrisien]

IT CAN BE DONE!!!!

I quit exactly one year ago tomorrow. MTBing saved my life . . .

Well, that's when I got really into it anyway. It takes my mind off smoking, expands my lungs, etc. My endurance has tripled. I feel better in general. I can SMELL things again.

I smoked 2 packs a day for 12 years.

Of course, I spend WAY more on MTB than on the butts.

Don't be afraid to use something to help. Zyban works well for some people. The patch works well for others. Do what you need to to get over it.

Best of luck to you!

[guitarsark]

Thanks to all who replied...
I will keep trying. MTB is my main motivation.
karen

[johnbryanpeters]

Yes, it is possible to quit, it took several attempts, but I kicked it in 1968 and don't miss it...

J

[fatire]

So that's why I blew by you on the final climb last night!
Those damn coffin nails you're puffin!

Here's a cool ani-gif as a consolation prize.

Cole

This is a kick-ass board, btw it's the same one (YABB) as I had ready to go for our site

And I don't wanna see nobody swiping my ani-cycle and using it as their handle image ya hear!

Screw it, I just made the animcycle as my handle image.
Better then the baby pic.!

[Big Game]

Wow. I thought I was the only evil moron who rode a lot and enjoyed the ocassional smoke. God bless you guys! Hopefully your candid admissions haven't enabled me.

My strategy:

1. Race. I really don't like x-c races but the training involved forces me to live a relatively clean lifestyle. (i've even gone two months without smoking at all). As an added benefit, there's nothing like lighting up after three-hour or mostly anaerobic punishment. Talk about a headrush.

2. If you're going to smoke, smoke. Don't try fooling yourself by smoking light or filter cigs. All smokes a really bad for you. Smoke like you mean it. Either roll your own (Samson is a good Drum substitute) or go filterless. I think you wind up smoking less because your body gets the nicotine it craves from just 1 Lucky that would take you 5 Marlboro lights. Plus there's no wrong end to an unfiltered cig. Definately helps in the dark.

QUIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My father is currently suffering from lung cancer because he smoked for over 30 years. Smoking also keeps you from keeping up with friends and you'll smell even worse after a long hard ride!!!