Exercise and Pipe Smoking
I know that this post will most likely generate some sarcasm. However, I do have a genuine question. Are there any pipe/cigar smokers out there who are serious about exercise. About 4 years ago, I was in the best shape of my life. I was able to running marathons and had an extreme about of energy. Over the last two years I have really let myself go physically. I have gain 65 lbs and can barely run for a solid minute. Just over one year ago, I started smoking cigars and then pipes. I told myself it was to help deal with the stress and depression I was going through. I am now at the point in my life, where I feel I need to get back into shape. I am planning on resuming exercise and hope to be able to run a marathon again. On the other hand, I have really enjoyed the new hobby of pipe and cigar smoking. I am not really interested in giving it up. Therefore, the question is "Are there in pipe and cigar smokers out there who also enjoy exercise? If so, what advice would you give me?"
Comments
I'm sure smoking probably doesn't help your overall time, but you shouldn't let that bother you unless you were preparing for a marathon. If that's the case, you might want to take a break for about two weeks before the big event. I once listened to a pipe podcast with a magician that smokes a pipe. He does this trick where he has to stay under water while working on freeing himself from a contraption of some sort (can't recall off the top of my head exactly what). He said he'll take a break from his pipes for about two weeks before performing the stunt to make sure his lungs are at top shape.
Right now, I'm just swimming for about half an hour a day a few times a week. I don't notice my pipe smoking getting in the way of holding my breath underwater, but the water puts my pipe out and fills the water with tobacco ash. Once empty though, the pipe does help me breathe underwater if I'm swimming on my back.
When I retired from the Coast Guard, I weighed 213 lbs. Once retired I started drinking more and eating more and exercising less, I gained weight. It got worse after a car accident (not my fault) and it messed up my back. My weight climbed to about 254 and I developed Type II Diabeties. I've taken off the pounds by cutting back on soft drinks (diet drinks can be worse than regular ones), cut back on drinking alcohol (don't drink everyday) and watching what I eat. I am now down to 194 lbs. Didn't cut back on my pipes and cigars. Still can't run, but I do walk a lot.
We have 4 rescue Kitty Cats.....does that count?
@pwkarch That's a great line about your index finger. I have to remember that one. Just don't ask me to pull it!...:)
Seriously though, I go to the Y and hit the machines 3 times a week. Helps keep me somewhat toned and makes me a little sharper on my golf game. And with golf I need all the help I can get!
@mseddon, have the SYSK guys gotten worse. To be honest they are the ones that brought me into the podcast world, but now I listen to them on 2.5 speed and I'm still aggravated with the rambling. I know it's their schtick but there comes a point when it's too much, right? Thanks for the suggestions on some new ones though! Check out Radical Personal Finance and the Pipes Magazine Radio Show.
Another option would be to bury your pipes somewhere a good distance away each evening before you retire. Digging the hole would be great exercise, and the next morning you would have to walk to the burial site, dig up a pipe, fill in the hole, and walk back to your house to have a smoke.
I get up from my office chair and walk to the kitchen and get a cup of coffee. Unfortunately I can no longer do too much with severe spinal stenosis. I am avoiding my 4th back surgery. I used to put the old running shoes on and do 3 miles most evenings. I used to lift weights.....I used to do a lot of physical work. I can't do a whole lot anymore. BUT, I can still smoke the hell out of my pipes. Enjoy your younger years my friend, enjoy every one of them..