Quitting smoking and it's impact on the body

[pero21221]

Hi guys,

I'm 23 years old and i started smoking when i was 19. I live in Croatia where a lot of people smoke and it is considered normal. Nearly every second teenager here is a smoker, so i did it just to fit in. I was very dissatisfied with myself so i quit smoking and joined a local triathlon club last year. I had to wake up every morning at 5:00 am to swim and it was very hard to get used to my new lifestyle. I progressed so quickly and within a few months i became a really skilled swimmer. Our swim coach told me i have some talent and it really inspired me. I really fell in love with training and now I'm even aspiring of becoming a professional triathlete.

Do you think that three years of occasional smoking is a lot and can it impact my journey in triathlon?

To achieve something extraordinary, one must have an extraordinary dream.

[Yimpa]

If your goal is to be a professional triathlete, then you've gotta drop the weed, full stop.

[Sugarcoat]

Just now, Yimpa said:

If your goal is to be a professional triathlete, then you've gotta drop the weed, full stop.

I think he means normal cigarette

[pero21221]

Just now, Sugarcoat said:

I think he means normal cigarette

Yes, i mean cigarettes and i know they are like 20x times more harmful than weed, that is why i'm asking. 

 

[Sugarcoat]

3 minutes ago, pero21221 said:

Yes, i mean cigarettes and i know they are like 20x times more harmful than weed, that is why i'm asking. 

 

It’s good to quit them no matter what 

[Yimpa]

 

I've seen this sign at an American 7/11 recently. It's about time.

[pero21221]

6 minutes ago, Yimpa said:

If your goal is to be a professional triathlete, then you've gotta drop the weed, full stop.

I don't even think about smoking anymore, i don't need it at all.

[Buck Edwards]

At least you can minimize the impact by dropping  your addiction now. Don't be stuck in the past, you have a great goal, focus on that. 

[Yimpa]

Just now, Buck Edwards said:

Don't be stuck in the past, you have a great goal, focus on that. 

It's also good to reflect back on what led up to you starting cigarettes in the first place.

[Buck Edwards]

Just now, Yimpa said:

It's also good to reflect back on what led up to you starting cigarettes in the first place.

Yea you could do that as shadow work. Sometimes there are deeper reasons. But it's always best to put one foot forward and focus ahead. 

[pero21221]

4 minutes ago, Buck Edwards said:

At least you can minimize the impact by dropping  your addiction now. Don't be stuck in the past, you have a great goal, focus on that. 

best video on youtube, after actualized.org

[Buck Edwards]

@pero21221 nice video. 

[pero21221]

this is it guys, i am so enthusiastic, you will see me there in a few years 100%

[Buck Edwards]

Just now, pero21221 said:

this is it guys, i am so enthusiastic, you will see me there in a few years 100%

You could post a vlog or something. Will be nice. 

[Yimpa]

[pero21221]

i don't think there is anyone as inspired as me on the planet right now. It feels so surreal

this is the only way to describe you how I feel.

[Alex4]

There are many athletes who drink and smoke frequently. So yes, it's possible. However, it's better for your health if you avoid these habits. There is a well-documented case in my country of an athlete who won two Olympic gold medals and was a recognized alcoholic, in addition to smoking marijuana and using cocaine when going out to parties. In fact, in an interview, he admitted that the night before winning a gold medal, he went out partying and got drunk. This was in artistic gymnastics. He also said that almost all his colleagues did the same, reason being they are under so much pressure that when no one is watching, they need an outlet. 

[Schizophonia]

13 hours ago, pero21221 said:

Croatia

Another one!

[Schizophonia]

13 hours ago, pero21221 said:

Yes, i mean cigarettes and i know they are like 20x times more harmful than weed, that is why i'm asking. 

 

No. 

 

Edited September 3 by Schizophonia

[Ero]

Smoking in the Balkans is really something else, I think it's close to 40% of us. Most of my friends smoke, I have been on and off since the age of 18. Stopping entirely is always the best idea, but when you are surrounded by it, it's a bitch. I am powerlifting, so I have dialed it back significantly, lighting a few only on social occasions. The good thing is I study in the US and here the packs are mad expensive and no one really smokes so I go for 8-9 months without. 

To answer your question, you are definitely all good if you stop now. I have also smoked for about 4 years on and off and have no issues with climbing, running and exercising at high intensity. It will start getting bad if it's a daily habit. 

Edited September 3 by Ero