The run

Cue the music.

Another One Bites The Dust.

My legs stretched and limber.

I adjust my headphones, make sure they're snugly in place.

A nice, cool night for a jog.

I have one of those microscopically small iPods. I ordered it online Feb. 14, Day One of my quit. I had it inscribed with the date.

Feeling good, and looking good if I don't say so my own damn self, not like some fool run-clubber, I ease into it and trot down my hilly street.

The beat prods me on, keeps me at a respectable pace.

Ain't no sound but the sound of his feet,
Machine guns ready to go
Are you ready, are you ready for this
Are you hanging on the edge of your seat
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat

I arranged the playlist so that increasingly energetic songs follow, to get me through the awkward first phase of the jog.

Two residential blocks later, which is like a span of 30 homes, my eyes cloud with tears.

My side balls up. It feels like someone is staple-gunning my midsection.

The first song of my playlist is not even halfway done, and I am a sputtering mess.

I try to launch some spit onto the street, to clear my drying and closing throat.

Without the wind to do it properly, most of the spit ends up on my jogging pants.

The headphones dislodge, and I fumble with the wires while trying not to break stride.

For pride, I push it maybe five more blocks, until I feel like I am on the verge of multiple organ failure.

By the time I come to a gasping halt, I am midway through song two of my 20-song playlist.

Comments

[Ruth]

Hey. No worries. Slow down. Intersperse a few walks with a slower run. You'll get through your play list. Well done!

[Holly Kramer]

Well, I quit smoking about 5 months ago and I still crave a cigarette every waking minute. This includes most of the night, too, since I have not slept more than 2 hours in a row since I quit. I didn't gain any weight until about 3 weeks ago, because I don't eat more than I did before; however, suddenly, without warning, I've gained 5...7...10 pounds. I do all the things one is counselled to do (walk, exercise, drink water blah blah) but it looks like if I am going to stay quit I am one of the lucky ones who'll just have to quit every single day. I haven't relapsed yet, but that is sheer determination. I quit for the money, which is a good thing, because so far I haven't realized a single health benefit yet either.
If the government is serious about getting people to quit, they ought to put some research money into guaranteeing some benefit to quitters.

[Maggie]

I've been without a puff for over a year (1 year anniversary was April 9). 20 lbs heavier - I think cycling like a maniac last summer only stopped me from gaining an additional 20.

Cigarettes were my reward for everything, so of course I replaced them with:

Really nice red wines & instead of cigs some fine goats cheese and buttery crackers. After a Saturday night feast there was Baskin Robbins and coffee instead of a smoke. Smarties after lunch, cookies on coffee breaks, etc. etc. I think the treats were the only thing that kept me sane.

I can now say that the weight gain has leveled off as have the intense cravings for sweets and other rich food. I still crave the sweets but I have more control.

This winter I took up swimming when I couldn't bike anymore and now I'm back on the bike again I've never been happier in my life that I left that nasty habit behind. Your fitness will build, take the runs gradually, like the Ruth said. If your joints complain get yourself a good bike and explore the city.

[jjt]

try this to begin with, as not to become discouraged. running/walking with friends also helps. it's another achievement you will be proud of.

http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/Your-First-Run-Starting-Slowly-but-Surely.id-1713.html

[Hank Kong]

David,
This piece is hysterical.
I've laughed so much, my eyes teared up.
Thanks for brightening my day.
I think I'll have a smoke to settle down.
Your pal,
Hank

[Melissa]

I read your blog because someone close to me is quitting smoking, and your perspective is helpful. But this entry spoke to my own life ... wow, I have SO been where you were on that run. That said, I'll try again if you will. Keep it up, you're doing great!

[Linda]

I smoked one and a half large packs of the extra long cigarettes for almost 40 years!! They were my constant companion and best friend during all of life's horrible lows and wonderful highs.I have not smoked for 10 years and really appreciate the absence of those uncontrollable urges to smoke. I am free of the addiction, however my belly has much additional poundage. I resent those horrid do-gooders who want to legislate peronal change. Perhaps we will become like East Germany and Russia when Communism reigned and neighbours and friends betrayed one another in the name of Communism. Will our government reward the children of smokers for notifying the smoke police when their parents break the law? Will child welfare swoop in and remove children from their parents and put them into "safe houses" where no smoking is ever present?

[Amanda]

Way to go on your attempt to jog! I know it seems hopeless but keep at it. I didn't start out with jogging to lose the "quit weight" as I call it. I started with a gym membership and an elliptical and went from there. I have however managed to lose the weight I have gained over the last 2 months. I don't crave smokes as much anymore tho, there are times...many many difficult times. Anyway, the best thing I have found as a replacement has been food, oddly enough.

Since I have been spending my entire work day at my desk to avoid the temptation to go outside and smoke, I surf the net a lot and inevitably lead to info about exercising... healthy eating, etc. Apparently my calorie intact goal for one day should be 1800. So, that works out to 6 meals a day, each at 300 calories. GLORIOUS! I now spend the money I would have spent on smokes on food - although, I spend a lot more on food now which I am not particularly happy about - BUT more importantly...I get to EAT every 2.5 hours! Just a suggestion cause it's working really well for me.