The Journey from Avid Smoker to 100-Mile Runner

I know how hard it used to be for me to keep my New Year's resolutions. I smoked for almost 10 years, I had tried to quit so many times that I stopped counting. At some point, I was sure I would smoke until the end of my life. I also had never run in my life! I remember my friends always laughed at me, because I even didn't want to make the effort to catch a bus.

4 years ago, during a rough time in my life, I came across my friend's book Eat & Run, written by Scott Jurek. I remember being incredibly amazed by this book; by the author's life story and his experience racing the Western States 100-mile race. To me it sounded like a fairytale / joke / impossible thing. But inspired by this book I made my typical New Year's resolution: “I will quit smoking and I will get fit.” I also just added the small “...and I will run the Western States 100-mile race within 10 years”.

Everybody thought I was crazy and nobody believed that I would start running, let alone complete the challenge. But I bought a pair of running shoes and I went for a run around a park near my house. Oh my god, that was the longest, the most horrible 1-mile run I've ever had so far in my life. I couldn't breathe, I was sweating and red, I was so aware of other people on the street, I thought everybody was looking at me and laughing.

Afterwards I went home and guess what? I smoked a cigarette. Yup, that was the beginning of my journey. New Year's resolution mode ON. But that very first, horrible run gave me a bit of motivation and confidence. I thought, “Wow, I did it! I actually did it!” I survived, I didn't die, no one attacked me, my body was able to do it.

So I kept at it, each time trying to extend my distance a bit more. I was getting a little hooked on running: I started to read about training plans, heart rate zones, how to build up mileage, what to wear, what to eat... and I was running more and more each week. Finally I decided to run to work – the whole 11 km. That for me was absolutely unbelievable! (I remember I had a great party afterwards to celebrate).

Okay, yes, I was still smoking, but... I realised that running kept my mind busy and I didn't think about cigarettes so much anymore. I also smoked much less, because after my runs I was so pumped up by my heart beat and fresh air that I was losing the taste for cigarettes. In the meantime I ran my first half marathon, and went to – guess where – Run and Become to buy my first pair of running shoes.

Here I also discovered the Chi Running technique. A few sessions with Chi Running coach Balavan Thomas helped me improve my running technique and increase my distance, because do not forget – I gave myself 10 years to run the Western States 100-mile race! Yes, it was still in my head – I never, ever forgot about my commitment to myself in December 2013.

I was getting more passionate about my running, so I decided to change my career path to get closer to my goals. I handed my notice in at my managerial post, to start working in the best running shop I've ever come across – Run and Become! With running I discovered other activities; yoga, pilates, climbing, weightlifting, crossfit, cycling.

Oh, and in the meantime – 100% true story – smoking gave up on me. I can't say that I quit smoking, because it happened without me paying attention. At some point I just realised that I hadn't smoked for many days. I didn't quit, I just FORGOT to smoke.

Also I got much, much fitter than I used to be. I started running longer distances; ultra marathons – 50 km, 50 mile races – and I found myself totally suited to it. I was strong, I was confident, I was experienced from my training and all the books I'd read and the people I'd come across.

This year, a few months ago, I ran my first 100-mile race, which gave me a ticket to put my name into ballot for the Western States 100-mile race in the USA. The ballot was a few days ago, and I didn't get in, but don't worry – I have still 6 years left to get there!

4 years after my New Year's resolution I found myself touching the biggest dream I ever could imagine. Since December 2013 every decision I've made has had to pass the main question: “Will THAT help me get to the Western States 100?” I made a commitment to myself and I didn't want to disappoint myself.

I used to be unhappy, tired, overworked, over-stressed, smoking a pack a day, unfit, with a horrible diet: a young woman without a dream or prospects. I had nothing to lose, but a lot to gain. I am very happy that I am finally, after 4 years, getting close to running my big dream race, but the race itself is not the best part of it anymore.

The people I've met – such amazing, inspiring, kind people – this is the best thing that's happened to me during my journey. Because of my New Year's resolution my whole life changed – I am fit and I stopped smoking!

That was the resolution... but I also changed my diet, I love my work, I'm studying part-time at University, I am surrounded by amazing people, I am active, energetic, happy and on the path that is right for me. And all of this happened to me because I made a New Year's resolution – Stop smoking and get fit.

This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Any exercises are ones we've found very useful and want to share with our customers. But we're not certified instructors. Always consult your specialist before beginning any exercise programme. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises or advice, stop and consult your healthcare provider.