Is training for a marathon useless if you smoke?

Are you talking about smoking while running the marathon, or just being a smoker and trying to run it? I have a friend who smokes and runs the marathon, but he's a freak endurance athlete that can pull it off.

Now if you're talking about smoking while running the marathon that's a whole other thing. This would be something I could get behind and the thought of a marathon runner crossing the finish line with a cig in his mouth would bring a tear to my eye.

 

I've known people to smoke regularly and run marathons...but never at the same time.

Why, you might ask? Because that would be f***ing stupid.

 

Put it this way: I'm a non-smoker that ran Division I college track and i've been trying to get up to marathon level for close to three years since my official "retirement". Still can't seem to be able to do it.

I can't imagine how a smoker with depleted lung capacity could pull that off in a respectable manner. If you can, more power to ya! I wouldn't recommend it -- or hell, smoking at all. Good luck with all of this regardless of what you choose.

 

Yeah I have a question regarding running long distance sorry,



I've started running at memorial park the past 2 weeks, but when I get near the half way point maybe 15mins into my running .... I feel pain in my right lower back .... my legs are feeling good, and my lungs are good .... but the pain in my lower right back makes me stop my running and I'll walk for a couple of mins and then restart ... but it'll hurt again. I'm trying to go the whole run without stopping but cant seem too.


Is there something wrong wit my back? shoes? running wrong?

 

You get that if you have not been running for awhile, you'll be fine by next week or so, don't do too much running till then, also, you should switch out new shoes every 3 months by the way

 

Are you sure the pain/discomfort is in your back? There's a condition called a "side stich" which is extremely common among runners. It's a pain that occurs on the right side right below the ribcage.

That would be my bet unless you are entirely positive the pain is in your back.

 

Maybe you can get a cigarette company to sponsor you.

You can be the new Marlboro man!

 

yeaaah that mite be it. it just feels like is from the right back ... what's the cause of that? or anyway to stop it?

 

Asian?

 

Could you do it? Probably
Should you do it? Probably not.

 

Basically, the problem is that you are exhaling as your right foot hits the ground. Rather than try to combine my first-hand knowledge with an official diagnosis, I'll just provide a link for you to read:

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/injuries/a/aa053100a.htm

 

You should do shots of tequila, too. Maybe Sammy Hagar would sponsor you.

 

Of course it's possible though certainly not the best idea.

I really really dislike cigarettes but I got a kick out of the idea of a cigarette company running an ad based on you doing it. It'd be awesome if you pulled it off.

 

My uncle runs marathons in Denver. On some of them, you run up mountains. They have patrols on these said routes due to people dying up there while running.

Just FYI.

 

YES, jc15, you can be a life long smoker and still complete a marathon. And if anybody says you can't or shouldn't had never run a marathon or had a smoking habit.

When I was 36 I had been smoking for almost 18 years. On a dare, well not actually a dare, more like "no you can't. yes I can. no you can't. yes I can." kind of thing, I started running. This was in the Spring.

By the middle of that summer I did my first triathlon. On December 1 of that year I did my first marathon.

I did this ALL as a pack a day smoker.

Now, I'll be the first to admit I didn't win any races, but damn, man, I sure as hell finished them.

And trust me, the last thing you'll be thinking about during the marathon is a smoke. Just leave them in the car...you're really not that addicted to them enough to have a smoke while racing. In all my race competitions I have never had the urge to smoke. Neither will you. (if anything, the last thing you want to do is light up while 300 other runners are downing bananas after a race...I'm just saying that the spirit of the other runners will affect you)

So enjoy yourself. Stay focus. Train hard. And drink beer (good source of carbs )

 

I am running the Houston marathon this year, and if you also plan to run - I would appreciate not having to inhale your second hand smoke should we be side-by-side at one point.

 

You should quit regardless of whether you're running a marathon or not.