Reply by crank49

I smoked cigarettes for ~20 years, then a pipe for ~20 more.
Started riding a bicycle for fun and exercise about 5 years ago.
I remember one day on a 30 mile ride, climbing a rough hill, I was nearly burned out about 3/4 the way up.
I pulled over and started to walk, pushing my bike.

A friends wife came back down to see if I was ok. Then some kids that were riding with us came down and checked on me, then scooted back up to the top. As I finally struggled to the crest and started down the other side I remember feeling like such a wuss. A wuss with no breath and a busting headache.

I decided right then and there that I had smoked for my last time just before that ride.
I quit and stayed quit.
When ever I think I want a smoke, I just think about that humiliating bike ride and how much I hurt that day.
The craving usually goes away.

I always drank a lot of coffee, and probably drink more than I used to since I quit tobacco.
But I try to not let anything be a crutch or reward. Instead, remembering pain and misery and associating that with smoking works for me.

-- Michael :-{| Diapers and politicians both need to be changed often; and for the same reason.