From hard core smoker to competitive road running. Is this possible?

Question

I was a long distance runner during my college days and then later drifted away, immersed in studies and work I had started to consume alcohol and smoke heavily for the past 10 years. I am 31 years old and 70kg. I feel that I had lost so many golden years. While watching the recent olympic games I started to realize my mistake and want to start all over again. I want to actively return back to competitive long distance running, maybe a half marathon. It has been 2 weeks now, I had cut down the intake of cigarettes and yesterday I did jog and completed 3km in 30 minutes

The goal I had set is 4 years for me to return back to competition. Is this possible? I need some kind of constant encouragement, where and how do I get it?

Answer 1

Well, if you give up smoking completly than that would make it easier, but I understand that it is hard to do that, because I don't smoke and never have I have not had any experience but i am good at this type of stuff.....maybe if you practice more, reduce the alchohole a bit more and the smoking (unless this has already been done) and run a bit more each day, and i believe that you can do it!! Good luck

Answer 2

You have taken the first step, congrats. Don't rely on others for motivation, your health is the greatest motivator, you have a realistic goal, and yes it can be done smoker or not, just sensibly, too many have tried and failed, only because of unreal expectations, Set attainable goals when you reach them, then set a new one, and before you know it, u will be competing. Give up the cancer sticks, you will feel soooo much better. good luck.

Answer 3

yeah its possible.

Answer 4

everything is possible :) x just beleive in yourself

go down to your local running club and get help and advice. you could also join training with them x

hope this helps