Something positive for a change - well sort of...

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   Mark Knowlesposted 13 years ago

   What with all the deaths in the family (hubpages family) positive proof that atheists burn for eternity and joy at Mr Obama's shocking inability (sarcasm - he is a politician so I was not expecting much) to change so much as a light bulb in the White house, I wanted to share something positive for a change.
   
   After 36 years, I have manage to quit smoking. I am now 10 weeks nicotine free. Sadly, I am also 25 pounds heavier.
   
   Still - I am satisfied and had expected to put some weight on. Maybe not that much, but - I am now going to work on getting rid of that. So - new toy !!!
   
   A mountain bike. A Merida TFS XC 700. I am a bit out of touch with bikes so do not know if they are cool or boring, but I don't care. Here she is:
   
   

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      LiamBeanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      They are cool. With the economy in a shambles more people are riding. I hope you do a hub on your experiences in the saddle. By the way, that looks like the ideal bike.

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         Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks. It is last years model - but I am looking forward to getting back in the saddle. I used to be obsessed with cycling - now I am old and fat.

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            LiamBeanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Get back on that puppy and you won't feel like either for long.

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      marinealways24posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The hell with a bike, do a cage fight! It will get you in shape!

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      sandra rinckposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Cool.  I wouldn't know if it a good bike or not either then again I was super happy to cruz around on my hot pink huffy! Congrats on the 10 weeks. 

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   Chloe Comfortposted 13 years ago

   Congratulations on being able to quit smoking! Don't worry about the weight. Obviously when you set your mind on something, you do it. I have no doubt that the weight will start melting off soon. Congrats again :-)

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   Justine76posted 13 years ago

   man, thats good news!!! congrats, keep it up.

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   TMinutposted 13 years ago

   Definitely Congratulations!!
   
   Bikes are so much fun - I'm considering trying to ride in the snow, I hear it's not as stupid as it sounds. The only bad thing about riding a bike is when you have to stop - it's addictive! And without smoker's lungs, you'll even be able to make it up a hill or two.

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   tantrumposted 13 years ago

   Good for you !!
   Smoking is no good.
   And it stinks !

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   sannyasinmanposted 13 years ago

   I gave up 10 years ago, after smoking 20-30 a day since I was 18 years old. Based on my experience in giving up, the first 10 years are the most difficult
   
   But seriously, congratulations and keep going! The weight will come off again once your metabolism readjusts. Mine did.

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   Mark Knowlesposted 13 years ago

   Thanks guys.
   
   I started when I was 12 and smoked for 36 years. It feels good to be free. But I need something to replace it and a mountain bike was voted it.
   
   Not going to try riding in deep snow though.

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      Zsuzsy Beeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Deep snow, where in the south of France? at the beach?
      Congrats Mark good for you, 10 weeks without is great. I'm rooting for you.

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         Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks.
         
         The snow:
         
         
         
         Should start snowing any day now.

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            rebekahELLEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            beautiful photo~~
            see mark, you inspired me. I read your thread and hopped on the treadmill. although it's balmy, 81 degrees here.
            
            keep up the great work! your wife must be thrilled for you!

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               Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Awesome - and she is.

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   CMHypnoposted 13 years ago

   Congratulations!  It's a very difficult thing to do. Think of all that money you will save and all the health benefits of being a non-smoker!

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   Crazdwriterposted 13 years ago

   Good for you Mark, quitting your smoking like that. So proud of ya! And dang boy you better be riding that bike everywhere and stylin' it. That bike is hot!

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    rebekahELLEposted 13 years ago

    congrats! that has to feel good. the bike looks awesome~~
    keep up the good work!  nice to see a worthy thread here in the forums.

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    Poppa Bluesposted 13 years ago

    Congratulations! I gave up smoking a long, long time ago! I just replaced one bad habit with another! LOL!
    
    Enjoy the bike, I know I like mine. I just wish there was less traffic to ride it in!

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    Tesa Adamsposted 13 years ago

    I am 3 years a non smoker and am very thankful that I was able to quit for good this time.  It will get easier and you feel so much better with every passing week and yes, the weight will come off especially with a cool looking mountain bike to ride.  Don't forget your helmet.

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    Mark Knowlesposted 13 years ago

    LOL Thanks guys.
    
    @ Marine - a cage fight? Not a chance - last time I got in a ring was the last time I wanted to. You need to be already in shape for that stuff.
    
    I will stick with the bike thanks.

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       marinealways24posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Very true, it's hard to fight when smoking! It is a hell of a rush though, unlike any other. Closest I have came to it was skydiving. Maybe you will inspire me to stop smoking. lol

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          Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          Wasn't hooked on skydiving. But I hope I can inspire you to quit as well. This has been 10 weeks of hell, but as soon as I knew I wanted a bike, I knew I was over the worst.

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    waynetposted 13 years ago

    Great stuff well done, I quite smoking over 9 years ago and have never smoked since, although I have replaced it with drink it just goes to show that addiction is rife!!

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    lynnechandlerposted 13 years ago

    Awesomeness Mark!

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    Madame Xposted 13 years ago

    Congrats Mark! I know how hard it is. One thing that may help is to drink lots of water when you feel the pull to go back. Smoking can be very dehydrating and hydration helps you lose weight. Good luck with it

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    Crazdwriterposted 13 years ago

    Hey Mark so how did you quit smoking? the patch? the gum? cold turkey? just wondering...you should know that about me lol

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       Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Cold turkey. I looked into those patches and what not - they do not work. After 6 months when you come off the patches - the statistics show exactly the same success rates as people who quit cold turkey.
       
       F******* government and pharmacy companies!!
       
       You try finding any statistics for longer than 6 months.

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          Crazdwriterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          lol very cool. My brother did it the same way and he has been clean now for I think it's been 3 years! So if he can do it I know that a kick arse strong dude like you can keep off the cigs.

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    Jeffrey Nealposted 13 years ago

    Mark, congrats on quitting.  It's been 6 weeks for me...about the same time I joined HubPages.
    
    The wife and I have also been thinking about getting bikes, so I think your plan is great!  Be ever vigilant on the smoking, as I've found out the hard way it's too easy to start back.  Quit for three years once, and started again.

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       Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks. Same to you. Figured I was spending about E200 a month on smoking - so the bike represents 4 months of not smoking.
       
       I am over halfway there. Yes - I have had to keep away from bars for the duration. Only just starting to feel OK in a bar again.

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    Revive@OwnRiskposted 13 years ago

    Congrats, Mr. Knowles!! I watched a couple of family members quit smoking and watched how difficult that process is. You are a determined sort, and I'm very happy for your success.
    
    So what did you name her? (The bike.)
    
    Yes, pharma companies run a terrible money racquet. I've been through some pretty heavy meds myself, which put me in a similar position as anyone quitting smoking, and it's pure, unadulterated hell.
    
    Hoping you have innumerable pleasant vistas and outings on the new girl. [snicker.]
    

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       Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       LOL
       
       Thanks. Yes = big pharma/government inc got you by the balls every way you look.
       
       No name as yet - we are not well enough acquainted. I will take her for a ride tomorrow and see how she treats me. I suspect it will be "that F****** B*****" until I lose some of the weight.

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          Revive@OwnRiskposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          That's hilarious!!
          Hate Bi*** is a pet name I use for people and things. I add other suffixes and prefixes which help clarify which is which.
          
          Hope she's gentle on you. Make sure you have a wide seat. Those banana seats kill your blood flow between the legs. Not something new you need in your life!

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    deartfuldodgerposted 13 years ago

    congrats on quitting smoking - looks like the next step is finding healthier snacking alternatives?
    
    sweet bike though, im jealous

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       Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       The snacks went out the window when the bike arrived.
       
       She is pretty though.......

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    TMinutposted 13 years ago

    It looks like an awfully hard, flat seat, that's just the metal part right? You still need the seat cover?

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    Lady_Eposted 13 years ago

    That's lovely. Well Done.
    
    Would have liked to see you on her.
    
    Keep it up. 

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    Mark Knowlesposted 13 years ago

    Thanks all.
    
    @ TMinut - That is the entire seat. They are more comfortable than they look. I hope. It has been a while....

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       LiamBeanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Hmm...get some body lotion. Maybe some padded bike shorts. Getting chapped down there is a pain in the...

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          Crazdwriterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

          There's a lovely thought lol thanks for that Liam

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             LiamBeanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             As a bike rider who went through an "indoctrination" period I'm simply speaking from experience.

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                Crazdwriterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                ooo ouchie! glad that is over for you LiamBean

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    RedElfposted 13 years ago

    Padded bike shorts are a great idea! Congratulations on quitting smoking - I quit over 10 years ago and it was one of the best things I ever did for myself.
    Go Mark!!

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    Mark Knowlesposted 13 years ago

    Trust me. Padded bike shorts and a decent saddle (fi'z:ik arione) were the only extras I was willing to pay for.
    
    Worth every penny..........

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    Crazdwriterposted 13 years ago

    I need to get my bike from my parents and get new tires. I haven't ridden my bike in years! I miss it

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    blue dogposted 13 years ago

    good job, mark!
    
    don't forget a helmet -  heads on concrete have the same effect as does a watermelon.  nasty.

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    prettydarkhorseposted 13 years ago

    Wow, congrats and the new bicycle will surely be a good company for you to keep healthy and stay fit!

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    mayhmongposted 13 years ago

    I love to hear good news for once! Sick of hearing sooo many bad news lately.

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    Mrvoodooposted 13 years ago

    Congrats on quitting after so long as a smoker (not easy).
    
    And if that bike doesn't work out for you, you'd look 'the man' on something like this.
    
    

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    Ivorwenposted 13 years ago

    Congratulations Mark!  That bike looks nice, enjoy your ride.

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    The Ropeposted 13 years ago

    Congratulations Mark!  Are you working on the coffee habit next?  I'm working on the cola habit now and next comes the smoking.  Had to do it this way, cola's are the bigger addiction for me. Been looking at bikes a lot lately, want to get back into it.  Yours is an inspiration!

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    Lisa HWposted 13 years ago

    Quitting smoking - Congratulations.
    
    The bike - Congratulations (It's always nice to get back doing what we once loved)
    
    The weight gain - Oh well  (I've known several people who quit smoking, gain weight, and then get themselves thinner than before when they do lose it.)

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    Mark Knowlesposted 13 years ago

    LOL
    
    Thanks everyone.
    
    Seriously - it is really nice to think about something positive for a change.
    
    Obama anti-christ/government bailouts/end times a comin.....
    
    F*** that s***
    
    I quit smoking and bought a new bike. What coffee habit?
    
    Happy days
    
    That trike looks good though.........

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