SMOKE FREE for 14 years today!!!

[Nanbo]

Fourteen years ago today I started a new life as an ex-smoker! I used the patch and NEVER had cravings or any desire to suck on a cancer stick again! I smoked almost 3 packs per day. I smoked DURING workouts (I had an ashtray clamped to my Nordic Track!)! I smoked in the shower! I NEEDED a cigarette every 20 minutes. I didn't eat much. I was thin and muscular, but NOT healthy! (Although my lung capacity outdid track athletes 1/2 my age! Probably because I was training in such demanding conditions!). When I started getting up in the middle of the night to smoke, I knew I had to quit. Plus, I noticed that older women who smoked looked awful and were in terrible health. So I set my goal to be smoke-free before my 35th birthday.

I weighed 103 pounds the day I quit and gained 25 pounds over the next 6 weeks! At 5'5" I was just a little over a normal weight for my frame. I had increased my exercise prior to quitting and revved it up even more after I quit. I've managed to keep my weight around 127 for the past 14 years in spite of the slower metabolism that comes with aging. I'd rather have fluffy spots on my body than fluffy spots on my lungs!!!

Today I will celebrate with a good HiiT workout: DWP and some ab work from Ab Circuits. And since it will be in the lower 50s and sunny, I'll take a walk in the sunshine and BREATHE DEEP!
Nancy

[JennieR]

Wow. Very impressive. Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment.

[pjlippert]

CONGRATS Nancy!! That is an awesome accomplishment. I sent you a PM.

Pam

[Traildoggie]

Congratulations! I quit so long ago I don't even remember when but it is probably the most important decision of your life. It's a gift to yourself that will keep on giving.

[SteppingFool]

Yay!!! Good for you...

[FourAM]

Wow Nancy I am impressed. Going from three packs a day to none is a great feat!
I too don't remember the date I quit but do know the age I started...13 I am not sure what possesses a 13 yr old to start smoking or how I afforded the habit in the first place. I am pretty sure I quit in my late 20's , not sure of the exact time, but I too think it is the best thing I ever did for myself too. This morning I was talking to my mom who is in her sixties and still smokes and she was wheezing and coughing and smoking all at the same time. It infuriates me to no end but as all smokers know, she has to make the decision for herself or else it won't stick.

Your Awesome Nancy!

Thanks for reminding me how important that fresh air is.
Rachel

[DirtDiva]

Any words I can come up with are inane compared to this accomplishment! Good on you!

[steppin out]

Congratulations!! I love to read/hear stories like these - my mom died from lung cancer at the age of 57.

[kathryn]

As others have said: that is a great accomplishment. You are right to be proud of it.

[Fit_mommy]

Congrats! That's awesome!