There are some bad influences on here. You know who you are. [/quote]

Now who would they be......perhaps some TV character is the prime suspect?

I know how you feel. Its great isnt it.

If you read back to my first post i've given up the booze, takeaways and more importantly.. the smokes.

Its been months now and ive kicked the habit good and proper - i feel FANTASTIC! I dont know why i started smoking in the first instance.

Good for you!
Do you feel fitter and do you run faster?

I certainly do Steve. I can run not only faster, but a hell of a lot farther than i could do, and for longer periods of time. My lungs are better (i can now swim 2 whole lengths under water without taking a breath) where as before i couldnt do one!

And i feel just so much fitter, got colour in my cheeks, feel like ive more energy... recommend it to any smoker... QUIT NOW!

Are you still dry? If so are you looking forward to being the nominated driver at Christmas?!

Fantastic achievements.What a great turnaround for you.
I've never smoked and still can't do 1 length underwater!

Well done Steepler and Joselifeyork - I quit smoking just over a year ago, I never thought I would be able to do it, but it was really getting in the way of my running, I could see that I would do so much better if I didn't smoke, and I found it surprisingly easy to stop and do not miss it at all, not to sure about the drinking though, I am quite partial to a glass of red...

Stopping smoking in March last year was the thing that got me started running.

I`d smoked for 27 years and thought I would never be able to give up,but with the help of patches and the fact that I was running easier and getting fitter week on week I did it and cannot imagine myself smoking again.

As for drinking,like you Twinkle toes I`m a bit to partial to the wine & beer.

When I first started running I never realised how progressive it would be and how quickly you gain results, and even when you have a break it really does not take long to get back to where you left off... I think it is good to keep at least one vice, what ever it might be...

hear, hear !!!!!!

I smoked for 17 years until last year, took up running in March '05 for the glasgow half in sep and stopped at the same time. I've had a few relapses, but only when I have been drinking, but haven't had another relapse since July this year. My first half last year I did in 1:27, this year I was 11 minutes quicker for the same race. Giving up smoking is the best thing I have ever done. My determination to continue running, is my biggest incentive to stay smoke free!
Well done to everyone who has given up, it is the hardest thing to do.